01.07.08
Jamie
Nike Plus API
I recently purchased a pair of Nike+ running shoes. I had been eager to track my running data (distance, duration, calories) for some time, and after a couple of runs, I have been very impressed with the data, presentation, and sharing capability provided by Nike. If you aren’t familiar with Nike+, it’s a pretty simple process… A sensor in your left shoe transmits data to a receiver. There are two types of receiver:
I have the iPod Nano receiver, which plays workout-based voice feedback and motivational music while i’m running. After my run, I plug the iPod into my computer and the data is automatically sent to the Nike+ web site.
Viewing run data
Picture credit: Nike+
The data is well presented in flash with graphs showing run performance. The flash interface also allows you to set goals, receive training tips and map routes. You can share this data via a public link or by embedding a flash widget into a web site. If you would like to view raw run data, Nike provides you with access to their public API. This will enable you to retrieve an XML feed of your data, all you need to do is append your Nike ID to a URL (example detailed below). Once you have the data in XML format you could use a scripting language to parse the data and present it in HTML for your web site.
My Nike+ XML feed:
http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/v1/services/widget/get_public_run_list.jsp?userID=751872695
This is a great way to keep motivated. Performance data helps me set personal goals and makes each run a little more interesting. You can also join teams and compete against people all over the world. The question is – who will be the first member of Dusted to join me on Nike+?
02.07.08
David
I’d love to join you Jamie but I’m very busy configuring My Greggs Pastry+ API!
04.07.08
Vil
What does it actually do if you try to ‘moonwalking’ with Nike+, maybe the system is going to add on calories instead??
18.08.08
Sune "Danish" Broström
Jamie,
Is the distance calculated in miles? Otherwise you should consider to run a bit longer… That marathon doesn’t run itself you know :-)
I was very impressed with the Nike+ myself but have chose the Garmin forerunner 405 with true GPS mapping instead. Would love to have Nike’s GUI and ability to work with the XML though… Garmins look like something from the early 90’s…
Keep running mate!
04.09.08
Matt
I wondered, with the release of the iPhone 3G with it’s built in GPS, how long it would be before some applications appeared that would compete with the Nike+ system. Well The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) has a nice comparative study of 4 apps that do just that.
The advantage of using the GPS receiver is these are not limited to just running.
09.09.08
Matt
The new iPod Touch was announced today. One of the new features of this updated player is built-in Nike+. You simply need to get the Nike+ transmitter for your trainer. No iPod dongle is required.
21.10.08
Johan
nice post, i managed to get my data out of nikeplus. do you know if there also is an extensive api published, it seems that a site like http://slowgeek.com/ simply grabs all data from the nikeplus sytems
29.11.09
Mace
I played around with the Nike+ api in c# to download the data to my training log.
Now I use this training log to import Nike+ runs and for other sports I import from my Garmin Forerunner.