Running used to be the simplest form of workout. It is something, that you can do almost anywhere and anytime. No entrance or membership fees. No special gear needed. These things represent a freedom - and in this sense Parkour is freedom par excellence.

I'm still not doing parkour, but I became a jogging nerd instead. With the help of Nike+iPod Sport Kit, which I'm rebelliously using with Adidas shoes. Basically it's just an accelerometer chip and a wireless receiver that connects to an iPod nano, and Nano only. So if you've got one already, this chip is a reasonable accessory.

As you plug the iPod to your computer after the run, iTunes sends your workout data over to Nike website, where you can follow your progress. Unfortunately they missed a great opportunity to build a social network around their product. Nike+ website is a pretty but slow heap of Flash bling-bling and very limited functionality.

Justdoing.it is one example of an attempt to circumvent the system. At the moment, they can produce RSS feeds from your data and offer this kind of web badges:

Another notion is mapping. I've been plotting my runs on Google Earth. Its ruler tool does paths too and is great at measuring distances. At MapMyRun.com people can share their routes worldwide. I've also been doing some aerial reconnaissance to find new or better routes.

Proper spying is not based on satellite imagery though. The Nike chip uses active RFID transmission while on the move. Researchers of the University of Washington were able to monitor joggers from the distance of 20 metres. According to RFID Gazette blog, this is "possibly encouraging borderline personalities into surveillance activities that they might not otherwise bother with".