How to Keep a Training Diary for Your Running

Keeping a diary can be a valuable training aid. It helps you analyze your running and discover what works best for you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Running Clothes
• Running Shoes
• Running Socks
• Running Sunglasses
• Running Books
• Training Diaries
• Running Watches

1. Record basic information. This includes the date, day of the week, distance or time of run, level of effort, course or place where you ran, and the weather conditions.

2. Include your heart rate. Record both resting pulse (taken in the morning while still in bed) and training pulse to best monitor your fitness.

3. Put down your weight, measured before you run, if tracking this information would be of interest to you.

4. Write a list of planned upcoming races, if you intend to participate in any.

5. Add your goals to your diary. Seeing your long-range and short-term goals written down will help you keep track of where you want to go and how you want to improve.

6. Note with whom you ran if you ran with a partner or group.

7. Evaluate your diary week by week, month by month or even year by year. Use it to shape your future running.

Tips & Warnings

• Explore running diaries in computer programs.
• Read running books, which include suggestions and samples of various running diaries.
• Speak to an experienced runner or coach for suggestions on keeping a diary. Ask them whether you may see a sample, if possible.
• Avoid becoming a slave to your diary. It should be a motivator, not something to push you to do more and more just to be able to write it down.
• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[cmoon]

on 7/1/2009 Definitely a great idea. I've been looking for anything that can get (and keep) me in a running habit. Hopefully this works!

on 8/8/2006 Be sure to document any pain or discomfort experienced during a run. This can be used over time to diagnose the cause of an injury.