Running Logs

[mooning]

Does anyone keep a running log? If so, what does it look like and what does it include?

I've recently started and have found that it has helped me quite a bit. Would like to know the experiences of others.

[MrsLis Graduate10]

I do, its a very simple excel spreadsheet and most of the information comes from my Garmin but it does also include a brief weather report and a note of what I've worn and what I've eaten or drunk before I've gone out. It also notes whether or not I'm 'empty' if you know what I mean!

I've highlighted the runs that are longest in time, the furthest and the fastest so that I can see how I'm progressing.

Maybe it should include where I've run but Strava keeps that for me so I don't bother.

What does yours include?

[mooning in reply to MrsLis]

Ah, some good suggestions there.

As soon as I get a good watch I'll be using Garmin data too no doubt. Currently my excel spreadsheet includes the following: Date; Exercise type (type of run or gym); Time of day; Feel (tired, etc.); Weather; Sleep (enough? hours, etc); Injuries (hopefully keep this empty); shoes (helps keep track of the mileage Ive done); Effort level (scale of 1-5); Distance; Duration

[davelinks Graduate10]

All my run info data goes on Garmin connect..

[useitorloseit]

I do. I have kept a C25K diary on my computer ever since I started in 2014. I also have my Garmin stats with a few comments about each run. It helps sometimes to look back to when things were going well or badly and see how I coped and/or how well I got back to it. I have had to take some breaks due to ill health and injury and I find it motivational to read over past entries in the diary. I used to be faster and go further, but after having to take a few months off over the summer I am so happy to be actually able to run at the moment that I'm prepared to let it be just now.

[mooning in reply to useitorloseit]

This is certainly a big thing I've found. I can look at the log and see that I ran even when I was really tired and the weather was bad (it stops me from making it an excuse to go out). I can also contextualise a bad run. Glad you're back up and running at the moment.

[JoolieB1 Graduate10]

At the beginning of the year, I set myself a goal to run, walk or cycle 1500 kms and also my App - Map My Run is a perfect record of my running because it gives dates, time and distance. So far, I have managed 1373 km, I run 20 km per week, the rest is walking the dog or cycling! It has been a brilliant motivator, surprised I kept it going

[mooning in reply to JoolieB1]

That's fantastic. You're certainly on course to get that 1500

[skysue16 Graduate10]

Well compared to others I seem to be a bit old-fashioned - I prefer good old paper and pen! I use Runkeeper to track my runs so the basic information is recorded there but I am using the free version so not sure how long I can keep data on it, so in addition I keep a diary. A basic week to view A5 diary. In it I make a note of route, time, distance, min/km plus how I felt about the run and additional info e.g. weather, feeling tired etc. I also number my post-grad runs. On the non-run days I hoped to add core exercises and cross training at gym but unfortunately neither happen very often!! I also add a note at the top of the page if significant life things have happened, which affect time available for runs e.g. worked 40 hours, holiday, feeling unwell, injury (not necessarily running related!). I found it very interesting counting how many runs I have managed each month since graduation and discovered a big variation (hence my difficulty in maintaining form/fitness). I found it interesting that others include time of last food/drink because I do find this can affect my performance, in fact I prefer to run on an empty stomach (probably not good as I do longer distances). Sorry for long reply.....but your question made me think!

[mooning in reply to skysue16]

An interesting reply. What number 'post-grad' run are you now on?

[Anniemurph Graduate10 in reply to mooning]

Sorry to jump in here, mooning , but I do number all my runs and my last one was #409. This was from Week 1 Run 1 of C25K. I know there are people with many more runs under their belt (feet) than that, but it keeps me happy to see them clocking up

Good idea to keep a running log. I use Garmin but it doesn't tell me how I felt. There is space to add notes - perhaps I should start doing that. Thank you.

[mooning in reply to Anniemurph]

Tripple digits. I'll certainly start counting mine now

[skysue16 Graduate10 in reply to mooning]

Well unlike Anniemurph (who has clocked up an amazing number of runs!) I have only managed 67 since graduating in April. I aim for three runs a week (clearly not achieving this!) But life seems to get in the way. However, I feel pleased with my steady progress from 5k to 10k and even did 13k the other day!

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to skysue16]

I would write hand write mine, but my handwriting is appalling...

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

I keep a diary/ record, .like useitorloseit on my computer.. and all my posts are in a folder too There are a lot of them... I love reading them and remaindering how slow I was, or what days or runs were like

[Net68 Graduate10]

Hi, like Skyesue16 I use pen and paper, actually pencil! When I get to the end of each page I add up how far I have done, take it from my year target. I then start a new page with how far I've come how far left to go to reach target at the top. I also write a small description of the run, how long it took, where I ran and if anyone was with me.

Someone, can't remember who, posted a shoe on here once to clock off the miles/km. I might try that next year but think I will also keep my written log as it tells me so much more than just km covered.

Happy running 👟