Keeping a Running Log: Why and What to Include

One of the best things you can do to get the most from your running can be done while sitting on a

couch and only takes five minutes, keeping a running log. While it’s often thought that keeping a running log is only for elite runners beginners can reap the same benefits.

Reasons why you would want to keep a running log:

• Provide motivation. It can be extremely motivating and rewarding to look back at weeks/months of hard work you've completed.

• Ability to diagnose potential setbacks such as injuries and over-training and know how to avoid them in the future.

• Gauge fitness level. Having the ability to look back at prior seasons/years to compare workouts and races. Trust me this is invaluable.

• Increase effectiveness of your online running coach.

Starting off all you need to capture is time and distance and as time goes by you can expand to include other key data.

Key data to capture:

• Total Daily Mileage (It will automatically populate weekly mileage)

• Time

• Workout Details (i.e. 4 x 1 Mile w/ 2 min rest or RACE)

• Location (i.e. Belmont Plateau, Valley Green, etc)

• Intensity - How did the run feel? Easy, Moderate, Hard

• Additional Comments (i.e. Any pains or aches, sleep quality, place in race, etc)

• Temperature

Click Here to download a free running log.

#training