Ever stylish, part personal journal, part social networking app Path has just implemented a major, fitness focused update.

Now including Nike+ GPS support, users can now connect their Nike+ GPS device to the app, thus sharing their runs in real time with friends and family. The app then creates a Running Story (or map of th route) including other information such as the user’s best pace, time, distance and even pictures of the route. It’s something that’s been used elsewhere before but not in such a journal focused way.

Future updates will include Nike+ FuelBand connectivity for further tracking capabilities.

Elsewhere in the app, Music Match functionality has been included so that users can listen to a brief piece of music and have it identified, before sharing with friends. Extra photography functions are also included.

Path is fast becoming an ideal one stop shop type app for those who want to share their life with those close to them, as well as use a variety of useful tools.

Path is available now and it’s free to download.

FREE!

Path

+ Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad
Released: 2010-11-15 :: Category: Social Networking

The Nike+ GPS app is not only one of my favorite running partners, but its predecessor Nike+ was crucial in getting me across the finish line of my first marathon. For first-time and veteran runners, Nike+ GPS is a great addition to their workout as it features a simple interface, tracks all the good stuff such as calories, distance and pace as well as includes various half and full marathon training guides on its companion site.

As for my first 26.2 mile adventure, I finished the 2007 Chicago Marathon with a heat index of 92 degrees and the only thing that got me through to the finish line was my playlist and my running tracker, the original Nike+ that had the sensor in the shoe and one connected to my now old school iPod Nano.

These days, I use the Nike+ GPS app and if I pull the app dashboard up it has a total of 801.2 miles, 9’43″ average pace, 129:43:19 duration, 110,245 calories burned in a total of 226 runs. That doesn’t include a lot of the other runs I have on other apps or 2007-2008, but still shows how much I’ve used it. I also finished the Phoenix Marathon in 2010.

Why I choose to use the Nike+ GPS app is mainly due to being able to get slaps on the back by famous athletes such as Lance Armstrong and others via the in-app feedback function. I remember way back in the day when I ran my fastest mile and Lance came over my headphones and said congratulations. I was hooked.

A few updates later and now it features a slew of other voices as well as one of the coolest features I’ve seen in an app: the ability to challenge friends. My nephew (who is in the Air Force) and I use it quite a bit. Even better, it offers a blind challenge option where the challenger can create the challenge with or without the other person being able to see how far or fast the other person ran.

The reason why Nike+ GPS is a great marathon training partner is that it is very easy to track weekly runs, check that my pace was on track during and after my runs as well as set goals for myself be it running farther, longer or fast. And again, the elite athletes giving a verbal pat on the back is pretty sweet. Pair the app with its companion site Nike+ and the runner can also take advantage of training programs for 5K, half marathon and full marathon among others.

The app and the site are an essential part of my running training schedule. I give all credit to it for the two marathons and half marathons I’ve run and continue to use it to challenge my nephew on a regular basis. I highly recommend it as a running partner and or coach.

FREE!

Nike+ Running

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2010-09-06 :: Category: Healthcare & Fitness

Inside Nike Labs – Beaverton, OR. A man, dark-suit, gym-bred toned muscle, speaks softly,

“Now that we have covered the vast majority of the traditional workout app categories: running, strength training, various sports, I think it’s time to bring it all together.”

After voracious applause, he goes on. “What we need is a way to pump music into athletes ears. Loud music. We’ll let them choose playlists and songs, and if they are good we’ll even let them hit the random button!”

After a bit of rumbling amongst the crowd, a brave administrative assistant clears his throat. “Uh, boss, doesn’t the iPhone do that already?”

After a momentary pause in thought he counters with, “No, you imbecile, not like we’ll do it! We’ll have professional male athletes give 10 second motivational speeches to really get their hearts racing. Would Adrian Peterson quit on a race? Hell no!” The boss then pushes his “deploy” button, sending a reluctant Tiger Woods out to hit the interrupting assistant with a failed prototype club.

With a spark of motivation and an ounce of fear, the app team at Nike then gets to work, creating the slickest workout music platform that they could come up with. Using the playlists that are built into iTunes, the Nike BOOM app launches nuclear songs at you with such speed that you’ll have to catch your breath… that is if you were breathing (you’re training so hard that you are unconscious, right?). At the beginning of your workout, and intermittently throughout, you’ll also get a little motivational speech by seemingly interested athletes telling you to “pick up the pace” and that “the season is on the line.”

If little sprinkles of motivation get you though, there’s nothing out there better than Nike BOOM. Now get off your butt and go train! It’s a real shame Rex Ryan doesn’t dish out the in-app motivation.

“Let’s go get a g- d- snack!”

FREE!

NPT BOOM

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2010-07-15 :: Category: Healthcare & Fitness