Wired magazine's July edition had a large section devoted to the emergence of data in all aspect of our life. More posts to follow on this.

One of the areas was discussed was fitness and the success of Nike+ (Nike and Apples) running system. Essentially Nike's shoes are embedded with a chip that shares data with your ipod and allows you to record your training data.

As I wear Asics this wasn't an option for me! So I have downloaded an iPhone Application called Runkeeper (runkeeper.com) that essentially does the same thing. The only downside is that I have to take my iPhone running with me. The GPS in the phone keeps a track of the area I cover (and records in Google Maps), it tells me how fast I am running (not fast enough!) and the time and distance covered. Once I have completed my run I can save the session and upload it to www.runkeeper.com from where I can track my training progress.
The basic application is free with an upgrade available to runkeeper pro which provides training guidance.

I'v yet to see how much my iPhone download usage increases by but I'll keep readers posted. is anyone else using data like this in their personal or  health and fitness life?

Google Maps Applications continue to improve and better and better uses are being found for them:

http://mytracks.appspot.com/ - this is one which allows runners for example to map their tracks and show others using street view what they have seen

http://google-au.blogspot.com/2009/02/mapping-victorian-fires.html - Google Maps has helped people with the Victorian Bushfires

To view other useful Google Maps Application visit http://googlemapsmania.blogspot.com/