I think I’ve said my piece about the implications of spending for “equipment” when it comes to a person’s fitness. What I didn’t realize when I purchased my Nikeplus sensor about a month ago, was how exceptional Nike’s marketing ploy was. Not only did they succeed in upselling themselves (to me at least), they managed to create a well supported social media effort with their gear.

With Nike+ running shoes and a Nike+ iPod Sport Kit or Sensor, your iPod nano, iPod touch, or iPhone 3GS will motivate you mile after mile.

The following are some of the things I like about the Apple-Nike partnership.

1. They’ve encourage more people to run – Both Apple and Nike have succeeded in tapping the gadget freak (in other words, those who didn’t run but now do because of Nikeplus)
2. They’ve learned from the mistakes of others – Nike has learned a lot from Adidas’ mistake with the Adidas One. You don’t need a piece of overpriced (and useless) technology to reel in the consumer.
3. They make people feel good about their purchase – Though I got my 2nd gen Ipod touch as a gift, I was glad to see that it already supported Nike+. No need for that bulging transmitter. Same goes for the Nike+ ready shoes.

The convenience of tracking your runs online and sharing with the world? Pure genius.

Case in point — the Nike + Human Race

On 24.10.09, join runners from around the world and run a 10k from anywhere and any time using Nike+. Get registered, grab your Nike+ gear and start training.

I don’t know what you’ll get out of it other than idea of running with people around the globe, but what the hell, it’s one of the best worldwide marketing gimmicks I’ve ever seen been a part of (if that’s what you want to call it). Offline support, in-store merchandising, online buzz, you name it, it has been done. The idea of personalizing your avatar on Nikeplus and being able to accessorize depending on the kilometers you’ve accumulated is a cool touch. Now if only they can fit a hear rate monitor into their equation…

Now to log on those kilometers so I can proudly put my profile on my Facebook account.

*I’m going to earn my 10k during Adidas’ King of the Road next weekend. How ironic is that?