The ecosystem surrounding Apple’s now-ubiquitous iPod continues to expand at a breakneck pace. New uses for and add-ons to what was once considered “just another MP3 player” arrive on what seems to be an hourly basis. “iPhone” rumors circulate faster than Lance Armstrong’s blood at the top of some hill in France.

This week Apple and Nike announced a partnership to turn the iPod (specifically, the iPod nano) into the serious runner’s virtual personal trainer and cheerleader. Before we go any further, and to save you from wasting beautiful summer days inside writing me or the paper, decrying Nike’s global manufacturing practices and Apple’s stranglehold on your constitutional right to own an iPod AND buy music from “Fred’s On-Line Music Store and Bake Shop”, neither I nor the paper is endorsing either Nike or Apple. Well, actually, I am endorsing Apple, but you knew that going in.

Anyway, here’s how Nike+iPod will work. On your computer (through iTunes, of course) you plan the details of your workout: how long/how far/how fast you want to run, specific music you want to listen to, and even a “power song” of your choosing to give you that extra speed boost (perhaps “Who Let the Dogs Out” would be appropriate). You then attach your nano to the computer and transfer this information and music to it.

Next, you insert the Nike+iPod sensor and transmitter (about the size of a larger kidney bean) into the built-in pocket in the sole of one of your new Nike+ running shoes. You attach a small receiver to your iPod nano, put on your headphones, and you’re ready to run. It goes without saying that Nike is also gearing up a line of gear to make this process even more stylish and expensive.

While you run, your iPod talks to you, giving you time/mileage progress reports along the way, as well as “Hey, the Rottweiler’s gaining on you”.

While you’re cooling off at the end of the run, you connect your iPod to the computer, where your workout information can be downloaded into iTunes (tracking your goals and performance) or onto a website (nikeplus.com) where you can communicate, challenge, and hold virtual races with runners from around the globe.

iTunes will, of course, offer special Nike sport music and workout mixes. The transmitter/receiver is $30, and will be available late next month.

© 2006 Peter F. Zimowski