So I ordered the Sports Kit and received the package below. The contents are pretty straight forward - its small red senor that is slightly bigger and heavier than a quarter, an adapter that goes under the iPod Nano, and some software. Before you can use the Nike + iPod, you must download the newest version of the iPod software (v1.2) and restart your computer. That’s it. Plug the adapter into your Nano and you can start running.

If you’ve read my work before, you no doubt know that I am two things: 1) a huge fan of Nike, and 2) a huge sports fan. So when Nike announced the Nike + iPod Sports Kit , I rushed to get one.

Now let me preface by saying that this is not as biased as my introduction will lead you to believe… why? Well, I was very skeptical of the Nike + Ipod kit because I figured it wouldn’t be very innovative, useful, accurate etc - I thought it was purely a marketing ploy by two major companies with hot products - Apple and Nike.

So I ordered the Sports Kit and received the package below. The contents are pretty straight forward - its small red senor that is slightly bigger and heavier than a quarter, an adapter that goes under the iPod Nano, and some software. Before you can use the Nike + iPod, you must download the newest version of the iPod software (v1.2) and restart your computer. That’s it. Plug the adapter into your Nano and you can start running.

As an avid sneaker collector (I have over 20 pairs of Nikes) - I wanted to use the Sport Kit on my current shoes… I run in the Nike Frees and didn’t want to buy a new pair of Nikes for running (the standard Nike + shoe is shown below - its a mixture of Air Tuned and Nike Free ‘technologies’). The adapter is intended to rest in a ‘pouch’ created specifically for the Nike + Technology and is found in the sole of all Nike + sneakers. While there are several Nike + shoes on the market - and many more on the way apparently - the Nike Free shoes with Nike + technology are not yet available… Nike says they will be available in Q3 2006 (?).

Getting started with the Nike + iPod - Setting Up the Sensor

So what was I supposed to do? After reading a very popular Digg article - the answer was pretty simple. I visited my local crafts store and purchased velcro. I put some velcro on my Nike Free’s tounge and some on the back on the sensor. It took 2 minutes to do - and it works perfectly. For those who will surely ask - it is very sturdy and you can further secure the sensor by placing it under a cross lace. Very easy.

Testing & Using the Nike + iPod

My first Nike + iPod test was a two mile run on the treadmill. The distance was exactly the same as the treadmill - within a 0.01 miles. Perfect. The sensor never budged. So I was thrilled with those results.

Now that my Nike + iPod was all set up - I excitedly fidgeted with the options. On the press of a button, you can:

* prompt the woman or male (you choose) to tell you your distance, time, speed, etc
* trigger a pysch up song (ie anything from Rocky IV soundtrack )
* assess your current position vs. your goal

The best part is that, after your workout, your data easily transfers via iTunes and is saved for your personal logs, averages, etc. Say you are training for a marathon or a triathlon, you can log all of your progress or share it with a training partner across the web. You can also monitor your progress against your training partners. The possibilities are endless.

Conclusion… Buy!

The Nike + iPod Sports Pack retails for $29.00 and is a must own for any music or running buff. It will be interesting to see if Nike + iPod can release a similar product for biking and bikers. Being able to transfer from a run to a bike would do wonders for any triathlete.

Also of note:
* There is a line of Nike + clothing developed specifically for these products - making it very easy to hold your Nano and track progress
* Nike claims that by year’s end, over 100 styles of shoes and Nike + clothing will be available
* the Nike + iPod does NOT work on elliptical machines or bikes
* You can use the Nike + iPod without using the headphones and without playing music

Overall - this really is a must own product and I am delighted to see some true innovation!

As far as World Cup history goes… this Zidane head butt will live in infamy and is a poor way for the retiring star to go out. I can’t wait for the explanation of what exactly was said in the verbal exchange leading up to the head butt.

In honor of the World Cup Final - here is the wildly popular Ronaldinho (famous Brazilian player) video that shows the power of a good pair of shoes.

ESPN has reported that OJ Mayo - the top high school basketball player and likely #1 NBA draft pick should he have entered this year - has verbally committed to play for USC. OJ Mayo has been called ‘The Next Lebron’ by Dime magazine - watch the video to see why…

Sitting in the stands at Santa Clara Invitational, we were treated to a phenomenal performance by Michael Phelps in the 400IM - going a 4:11.40 - a time only two other swimmers have gone faster than… considering this is an in-season meet, thats pretty amazing. Below is his performance from the Athens when he won Olympic Gold - you’ll notice its only two seconds faster!

From SwimInfo.com - “One event later, Michael Phelps unleashed a 4:11.40 effort en route to victory in the 400 individual medley. Phelps led from the start and posted a time that suggests the eight-time Olympic medalist could match the form he possessed in 2003 and 2004. Phelps was followed in second place by his Club Wolverine teammate, Erik Vendt. The Olympic silver medalist in the event, behind Phelps, Vendt was timed in 4:18.66, an encouraging performance considering he’s just a few months into his return from retirement.”

Move over Vince Carter…
Move over Tracy McGrady…
If you’re a basketball fan - or perhaps an acrobratics fan? - you should enjoy this clip of an in-game AND1 720 degree slam dunk.