Running Log Tips - How to keep track of your workouts.Do you keep a running log? You should. It is hard to improve, or see what helps you improve the most without keeping track of what you have done. Running well involves looking at what you have done in the past. That way, you can see what works, and what doesn't.
There are more options than ever now to keep track of your workouts. A big tool for keeping an accurate running log involves having a quality running watch. Many of the watches today track your runs and can calculate much more than the time. GPS Watches monitor the time, distance, and exactly where you ran. Heart Rate Monitor watches track your time and how hard your heart is beating. Nike has a system where there is a jump drive in your foot that is linked up to your iPod or a Nike watch. This system records how far your ran as well as keeps track of your pace every step of the way. Here is a list of the different ways you can record your runs. 1. Paper and pencil. Want some details on the advantages and the disadvantages of each? Well, then keep on reading. 1. First, the old school method of tracking your runs on paper. I did it this way in college. It is a great way to record anything you can think of about your workouts. Write down how far you went, how fast. Keep track of how you felt each day and even write down how much you slept or what you ate. The options are limitless. The disadvantage is you have to total your runs and calculate your pace manually. 2. Next up is using a program like Microsoft Excel. If you are proficient at using a program like this you can generate your own stats and records according to what you deem valuable. The advantages include you can customize the log any way you want. The disadvantages include you have to know how to use a program like this to take advantage of all the computing power. 3. On the web there are several great online running logs. They can take information from an Excel program or specific watch types and can record your workouts. Some of the best online running logs include RunningAHEAD, dailymile, Runner's World Log, and Map My Run. In addition to being able to track your running, you can have participate in running forums, look at other runner's logs, and create running routes using their map systems. The choice is yours. Good luck running and don't forget to log those miles. - Written by David Tiefenthaler Related Articles Exercise Journal Return from Running Log to the tips4running homepage.
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