Fitness buffs for whom their iPod is an essential workout companion are in luck.

Nike+iPod Sports Kit

Shoe and athletic gear maker Nike said today that it has teamed up with Apple to create a $29 kit that turns the iPod Nano into a fitness computer of sorts, churning out workout data such as distance traveled, speed, pace, and calories burned.

The Nike+iPod Sports Kit uses a wireless sensor inserted into Nike Shoes--the Nike+ Air Zoom Moire is the first shoe compatible with the kit--and an antenna that plugs into the Nano.

The partnership was announced in New York during an event attended by Apple chief Steve Jobs, Nike CEO Mark Parker, Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, and marathon record-holder Paula Radcliffe.

The kit will include software that will let customers designate a "power song" that they can play at the touch of a button during workouts, and to set up customized song playlists for use with particular workout routines.

As part of the deal, Apple is adding a sports music section to its iTunes Music store. On its Web site, Nike has a section dedicated to the "power songs" of prominent athletes that endorse Nike, each with a clip of the athlete talking about the song.

For instance, Armstrong picked "Dani California," the new single from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, while Steve Nash of the NBA's Phoenix Suns picked "Rebel, Rebel" by David Bowie.