Why Keep A Running Log?

By Kevin Doyle

 

There are many answers to this question, and varying schools of thought.  The general consensus is that keeping a running log is good, but very few aside from the collegiate and professional ranks actually take the time to document their training.

 

I personally never kept a running log until my college coach forced me to during summer training.  At first I only logged the essential information: name of the run or workout, distance, time, recovery, etc., but before I knew it, this thing had evolved into my complete training log, physical therapy documentation, and personal journal all wrapped into one.

 

As stated above there are many reasons, but here are three good ones that apply to runners (and joggers) of all ability levels.  The first and most common reason that people keep a running log is for trend analysis.  This is important because everyone reacts differently to different types of training.  By looking back at your running, you can see the big picture, and eventually patterns emerge.  You can see cycles of good and bad performances, injuries, sickness, and just about anything else.  The more variables that you keep track of, the more accurate these trends are.  Eventually you can get a grasp on how your body reacts to different things, for example more volume, more speed workouts, more strength workouts, shorter recovery between intervals, new diet, different hydration, etc.  Once you understand these factors, you can develop and fine-tune a training program that works best for you.

 

The next reason is that this is one way of knowing exactly how many miles are on your shoes.  Since a typical running shoe will get 300-500 miles before breaking down, it is good to know when your shoes have run their course (no pun intended).

 

The last reason for keeping a training log is personal accountability.  When you are actively keeping track of your running, it holds you accountable for your mileage.  Once this becomes second nature, it is agonizing to log zeros (or slashes or X’s if you prefer) on days that were originally slated for a run or workout.  Because I log my mileage, it gives me a reason to go the extra mile, extra five minutes, or take the extra hilly route.

 

A running log can simply be a notepad, or it can be a spreadsheet or computer program.  Some running logs contain motivational stories, quotes, and anecdotes, while others simply offer a place to document the relevant variables in training.  Although January is a great time to start logging your miles, Up-N-Running carries a 365 day training log which does not adhere to a calendar year, so you can start it whenever.  There is also a graph feature to log mileage over time, so you can better see the big picture in your running year.