Nike+ and Runner+ : Better Analytics for your run
Entering my second week of using the Nike+ system for tracking my progress on my “Walk to Run” schedule. Its been great so far since the system tracks the distance and pace quite accurately. Having music while jogging definitely also makes it a lot easier to enjoy the run 
Once the data is uploaded to Nike+’s website, you’ll see your last run featured on the home page. There isn’t much you can see or analyze more from the animated flash chart even though it looks pretty fancy. Also, it lacks the community aspect that Nike+ seems to want to promote since discussions are mainly in forums instead of on individual runs. A nice touch however is the ability to include goals for yourself to achieve. I set myself a goal of running 10 times in 4 weeks. Other goals include to run faster, burn more calories or even run further.
http://www.nike.com/europerunning/#train|train_tool
Coupled with Nike Europe Running’s training schedule, the system makes for a pretty effective way to track and schedule runs. I chose the “Walk to Run” schedule since I don’t think I can go flat out to 5km immediately so better to go slow and build up my fitness. The best part? The system automatically syncs the data from Nike+ to the schedule so I can see runs as part of my schedule too. The only missing link would be for the training schedule to be played to my iPod since some of the instructions like “(Walk 5 min, Run 3 min) x2. Walk 5 min.” makes for a lot of pressing the centre button to track progress.
In my quest to figure out what could be done with the data, I stumbled upon a great site created by Chris Duke at Runner+. When I first got my kit, Runner+ was still in beta and registrations were by invite only. Not expecting an immediate reply, I tried my luck and was surprised to find an invite just moments later.
After about a week of running and keeping track of the runs, the most obvious difference that you’ll seeing in Runner+ is the amount of effort put into creating a social aspect to running. The site isn’t done in a fancy flash user interface but yet offers more to the user. From seeing who has viewed your runs to adding notes to runs, it makes it a more interesting experience to use the Nike+ system.
Managed to get in contact with Chris since I also manage SportsKaki’s web programming that primarily focuses on finding friends for sports. Its good to know he also has similar ideas for a Friend Finder function in Runner+.
The good news? Runner+ is now in Open Beta so all users can start joining and sharing their runs. Have fun on your next run