How to Keep a Training Log

Keep accurate notes to record your training progress.

Not everyone likes to take notes, but when it comes to exercise programs, keeping notes in a log book can help you keep track of your progress. Seeing what you've done and how well you've done it can help you stay on track or determine if changes to your training program are needed.

Things You'll Need

• Hardcover log book
• Pen
• Stopwatch
• Pedometer
• Highlighters

Instructions

1. 

   Record the distance each time you jog.

   Start on the left side of the first page in your log book, at the top, and create headings for the columns across the page. List the month, date and year in the first column. Include other information that is important to you, such as distance, duration, intensity and the route you took on your workout in the other columns to the right. Include a heading for your weight if that is important to you.

2. Use the stopwatch to record your pace from the start of your run to the finish. Use the pedometer to record the distance of your run. Record your information immediately after you are done jogging so you will not forget. Fill in all the boxes under the headings each time you jog. Make a commitment to recording all of your information every time you run.

3. Take a moment before your next jogging session to study the information you have recorded in your log book. Compare the information you have recorded and use a green highlighter to highlight record times. Use a yellow highlighter to highlight record distances. Use different colored highlighters to highlight other important information, such as lowest overall body weights during the month and most intense runs. Use this information to plan your upcoming jogging sessions to keep your routines balanced, improve performance and prevent burnout. Study your log book frequently to review your progress and note the changes that improved your performance in the margin of the log book.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a good hardcover log book. The book should be sturdy enough to withstand a year’s worth of use and travel. Spending a little extra money on a good quality log book can also help motivate you to use it because you will want to make good use of your purchase.

• Keep your log book where it is easy to find in your home, or place the logbook in your car or your gym bag if you go somewhere other than home to run.

• Transfer the information in your log book, at the end of each week, onto your computer so you can make charts and graphs to use as visual aids regarding your training results.

References

• Body Building.com: Keeping a Training Journal
• Bloom Bike Shop: Why You Should Be Using Food and Training Logs
• Fit2Tri Multisport: Keep a Training Log