Why Keep a Running Log?

Most people who run regularly want to improve their finish times at racing events. But what makes some people faster than others? Becoming a better runner involves a lot of factors such as strength, weight, stamina, training and lifestyle. When people first start out as runners they usually don't concern themselves with how fast they can run, but rather how far. However, after a while runners usually want to increase their run time as well. To improve both your distance and time it's best to follow a training program and that is why keeping a running log can help you to achieve your goals.

If you are going to participate in any road races, especially the longer distances like a marathon, then a logbook is essential to aid you in planning and following your training schedule. It really helps to look back and see the improvements in your running. A running log is also necessary if you want see how you are progressing with regard to your goals.

A running log is a place where you record your runs. It could be a notebook, spreadsheet or even a weblog. The details included in the logbook are individual choices, but most people enter the date, place, distance, time and general feelings about the run. If you want to be more thorough you can also record details on weather and terrain. The running log will help you keep all the information about your runs in one place. The most important information about each run is the date, mileage and the amount of time the run took. Additional information like how the run felt and any pain you may have experienced will allow you to track your progress and keep track of running related injuries and when you are over stressing your body.

There are various benefits that you can gain from your training log. Some of these can be given below:

• Setting goals: There is great power in a plan, even if you don't fulfill every aspect of it. A plan gives you something to reach for; however close you come is still more progress than if you are aiming for nothing. By making you aware of your progress as a runner, a logbook becomes the perfect tool for setting goals. You can project your past progress into the future and create your own training plan, which you can then tweak along the way.

• Motivational tool: It is simply a fact that as we develop a plan, whether very precise with a marathon in mind, or more laid back, when we commit to a course of action we're more likely to follow through. When you start adding up all the kilometers you've run, you get a feeling of achievement which will help build your confidence as a runner.

• Managing injuries: A logbook can also help you manage injuries and learn what recovery plan works best for you. By tracking the development of an injury from its beginning right through to healing, you may apply the same rehabilitation in the future, or alter it for a better result. A running log preserves the pattern of your running routines. By recording your mileage, your shoe mileage, etc. you can prevent injuries by making sure your runs do not exceed the 10% rule (i.e., you never exceed the previous week's total running by more than 10%).

• Tool for evaluating tactics: Lacking a record of how you trained for a particular event or race, it becomes very difficult to make any decisions about how you might do it differently or better the next time. Keeping a record of what you did on the way to the actual event, gives you valuable data for making smart decisions the next time around.

• Aids in being committed: Whether you are training for shorter distance events or a marathon, it's vital to work your training program in order to achieve your goals. Working your training runs into your daily schedule must be treated as a priority just like any other important commitment you make. Keeping a running log is a great way to stay on track with your training commitment.

• Helps in thinking positive: It's important to think positive throughout your training especially if you are planning to do the longer distance events like a half or full marathon. If you want to be among the first runners in your age group you'll need to think positive. One of the best ways to remain positive in your thinking is to be prepared. By putting your training miles ‘in the bank' so to speak it will help you think positive about achieving your running goals.

• Your personal running history: Ultimately, a logbook helps you to learn about yourself as a runner and allows you to be in control of your running. You build a personal running history, which you can look back on and learn from. As you realise what training style brought the biggest rewards, you can plan for even more success based on your own empirical evidence.

What information should I put in a Running log?

You can use a running journal/running log to record virtually anything you find important about your run. You would usually, as a bare minimum, use it to record each of your runs or workouts. In your entries, you should definitely record distance, length of the run, where you ran (e.g. the actual route) and how you felt the run went. Apart from that you can also record whether it was a morning, afternoon or night run and which food you ate before or after your run. If you are a professional then you can also record your heart rate, altitude gained, pre-run and post-run stretches in your running journal/running log.

Accomplishing any assignment requires the use of good tools to get the best results. If you are serious about achieving better running times and doing longer distance events then you'll benefit from a good training program and using a running log to record your progress. It is advisable to keep an electronic record of your runs as you will have the runs logged forever, you can analyse your runs better and you can share your runs with others. We recomend using LifeMojo.com to record your Runs and share it with others.