This a huge topic, but with lots of clever people around, I thought I would bring it up here.

Apple has now launched an iPod sport kit with Nike. You can run, and then sync your data back to Nike's website.

Garmin has their Forerunner GPS line. You run/bicycle/walk and sync your data with Garmin's website.

Ditto with Polar: You run and sync your data with Polar's website.

Then you go to the gym. Lots of gyms have exercise machines (treadmills etc) with computer software on them. Technogym is one example. So you lift, run, pull or row. And your data is in there, but you can't take it with you.

And finally: Great sites like Traineo. Where you can add your data manually, but not import it from the iPod, Forerunner, Polar or other gadgets and equipment.

You can't move your training data. Isn't that stupid?

Yes it is. =)

I wish there was a common data format for all exercise, a format that stored what kind of exercise you did, with what pulse, with what strength, where you did it (GPS data) and when (date and time).

This data format should be used by all gadgets that collect data about your training, and by all websites that collects data.

I've written about it quite a few times on my site, so have a look and see what you think:

http://brilliantdays.com/training-microformat/

I guess it was wrong calling it a microformat, as they have certain criteria that need to be met. But a training data format anyway.

And if all gadgets used the same format, then you start using the data to manipulate other things: Like having your Xbox or Playstation displaying roads and scenery when you jog on the treadmill. Or compete with friends at Traineo online. Live. Or even not live. I jog in Norway when I'm awake. You jog in Atlanta when you're awake. And the one who who first runs from Paris to Milano wins.

=) Oyvind

Hi Oyvind,

Unfortunately there is precious little in the way of a standards compliant format - various gadgets can dump data in various formats, all of which seem to be variations on themes. We are aiming to integrate with lots of gadgets, including various GPS trackers (garmin forerunners etc. - I have a 205, it's a great piece of kit).

If anyone would like to see something specific integrated, please do let us know, and we'll add it to our list of things to look at.

Maxwell

Yes, I know Maxwell. So if you and other tech-savvy people would like to sketch and think how a training data format should be, that would be great. I don't think any of the big companies would make it unless forced to do it. So it must come from the users...

Oyvind, I think you are onto somethng here, I was thinking exactly the same thing whilst in the gym this morning. We're generating huge amounts of data but it's all in different places.

I love the idea of a virtual race!

Maxwell, as you're asking... I'd love it it if I could import data from my Suunto T6 :)

Hmmmm - where to start lobbying for this? CES? IEEE?

I love your idea. The Training Data Microformat data could be used for things like "You can't play your Xbox until you accrue 90 TDM's for the day."

I guess start nagging the vendors. E-mailing Apple, Nike, Polar, Suunto, Technogym. A new e-mail every 14th day. Tell them why. Tell them how cooperation always make everybody win. Imagine if all Word processors used a different file format and couldn't import each others files? And what would synths be without MIDI?

LOL, Colin! Xbox: "No Colin, you can only play Dancing Stage Unleashed until you have burned 900 more calories."