Track Your Running Improvements With A Running Journal

One way to stay motivated with running, track progress, and learn your tendencies is to track your mileage in a running log.  All you need to do is get a notebook and start logging your mileage each time you run.  I suggest laying out the log by writing the date first, then the miles ran, followed by the time, route, and any notes that you want to include.  You can include a place for other things such as pace, heart rate, and your weight.  Really you can put anything you want.  But, try not to get to fancy, else you may not be able to keep up with it.

Below, you will find a sample Running Log that you may find useful.  I have included about two weeks of my personal running mileage from February.  I filled this out in a spreadsheet that actually allowed me to automatically calculate the pace. So, filling it out on the computer could be useful as well.

A Sample Running Journal:

I like to add a note or comment about the run.  You could indicate how hard or easy the run is, make a comment about how you felt, or any other note that you wish.

Your running journal is a valuable resource that will help you to see your progress.  Use it as a tool to decide how to adjust your mileage after a period of time.

What do You Think?

Do you use a running journal?

What is the biggest benefit of having a running journal?

Take Action!

Go out and get a running journal today, and start filling it out each time you run!