Nike + iPod = A Match Made In Heaven...Or Hell

It's time to lace up your Nikes and sync up your iPod because a new marriage between Apple and Nike will have your iPod barking out orders to your feet! That will then trigger your unmotivated ass into whipping the rest of your body into shape. Sounds fun, right? Apple is teaming up with Nike to cross-promote sneakers and iPods. The footwear and earwear giants are soon launching a new line of iPod-compatible sneakers, plus a wireless pedometer-cum-connection-kit that pumps exercise feedback into runners' ears. In non-tech terms, your sneakers are finally going to talk to you! Your Nike Airs will now be coaching you! If it's anything like the uplifting and inspirational words my 7th grade football coach spewed, my shoes will say something like "You stink" or "Faster fat ass!" (Note: I did stink in 7th grade football, but I wasn't a fat ass. Just a FYI, not that anyone asked or cared to know.)

The Nike+iPod cross promotion encourages runners to buy a new pair of Nike+ sneakers, which have a little pocket for a wireless sensor. The wireless sensor is part of a $30 Nike+iPod Sport Kit from Apple, which is expected to ship within 60 days. The Nike+iPod Sport Kit also includes a small receiver that plugs into the dock connector on the bottom of the iPod. Out on the road, the sensor sends data about time, distance and pace to the iPod. This then provides unspecified "workout-based voice feedback" while you run. Presumably, it's encouraging...or so we can only hope.

Back at home, the iPod uploads the exercise data to your Mac or PC. It then syncs with iTunes and the NikePlus website which records runs and sets goals. In addition, sporty iMixes, chosen and introduced by top athletes, will be available for download. The site will also allow runners to challenge each other to "virtual races" and download time or distance-based workout routines. Ah yes, competition...NOW you have my interest, considering the fact that I'm a competitive freak!

According to Apple's website (www.apple.com/ipod/nike), you don’t just take iPod on your run. You let it take you. Music is your motivation. Nike+iPod becomes your coach. Your personal trainer. Your favorite workout companion. Until this product hits store shelves, I think I will continue to reminisce about cruel Coach K cussing in my ear at the tender age of 12. He had such a way with words. It truly warmed the heart - sigh.