Does Your Run Count if You Don't Track It?

Find out how I built my training logs + get one for yourself

Dec 22, 2023

I’m taking a quick break from writing over the holidays, but I’ll be back in 2024 with more. Have something you want me to explore? Leave a comment.

Why Keep a Training Log

There’s a lot to be said about knowing what you’ve done with your training. You can see the positives - but also where things didn’t go well. I’ve written a lot about how keeping a training log allows me to see what has worked and what I can do again with my training that I might have forgotten about, like how much speed work I needed to run a 4:33 mile as an adult.

For me, a training log serves as a motivator: knowing I ran over 100 miles in a month or I was able to run 4 miles of threshold at 6-minute pace, for example, reminds me that I’m equipped to accomplish my goals.

Or maybe, it’s a reminder that I need to get my butt back in gear. Either way, a training log helps me stay the course and keep working toward my goals.

person holding ballpoint pen writing on notebook — Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Training Log Options

I don’t think it’s fair to say that everyone should keep the same kind of training log. Everyone has a different approach to training. I know that for year - from my first days running in high school through grad school - I used paper and pencil for my training logs. I still have the marble notebooks with all of my scribbles, goals, and mileage!

These days, a marble notebook may not be for everyone. The options are limitless. I know people who don’t track their mileage at all and some who rely on services like Strava, Garmin, or Runkeeper.

To each their own, right?

Built for Runners by a Runner

Back in 2010/2011 when I started TrainwithMarc, I needed something that was low-cost for both me and the runners I was working with. I had an idea to build a training log that kept the data I wanted to keep and thus the Google Sheet training log was designed.

Over the years, more and more has been added, like a pace calculator for workouts, but the idea is still the same: collect data and track mileage.

Data, Data, Data

What’s in my 2024 training log?

I think one of hte most important aspects of tracking mileage is knowing how many miles your shoes have. After 300-400 miles, your shoes break down and that’s when injuries pop up. So if you aren’t tracking that number, you ought to moving forward.

My log also keeps data on your average training pace per run and average distance per run. These numbers are useful, but often overlooked. I like knowing both of these because, well, quite frankly, I don’t like outliers. What I mean by that is this: if my training pace for all of my runs is 7:58 and I go out and run a few days where I’m cranking 6:00s, then yeah, I’m heading for a visit to the training room.

The same is true about average run distance. I know that consistent increases will lead to improvement, but a big jump in mileage is gonna cost me dearly.

To me, these two data points are important for those reasons: injury prevention!

And the last data point that we track is mileage based on the type of run. If we are heavy on recovery runs or light on long runs, that’s a telling picture that needs to be addressed. Knowing that our training should be balanced is helpful when creating training plans, but also in how your training and racing forecasts out.

Additional Features

What I like about my training log is that I can add anything I want to it at any point I like! For example, I have a page full of resources that I can (and do) update weekly. I can push out notifications, articles, workouts, and anything else that’s relevant to anyone who has a training log.

I already mentioned it, but 2023 brought about the addition of the pace calculator. Its function is to help you determine your workout paces based on race results as well as predict race times based on goal pace.

These are both helpful in directing training and also helping you plan out your race goals.

Are you ready to take your fitness journey to the next level? Do you want a copy of the 2024 training log? Get Your Copy Now!

🌟 Limited-time offer: Use code Pelly24 for an exclusive $15 training log.

📩 Still have questions or are ready for your training log? Reply to this email, and I'll be happy to assist you.

What I’m Exploring

What’s next for TrainwithMarc? Hopefully global domination. But if not, then I’ll “settle” for coaching more runners.

With the help of Bridget, she told me about Garmin Clipboard. This arm of Garmin allows me to create (running) workouts and sync them to your watch for you to do the workout. Workouts can be simple (tempo run) or elaborate (mixing paces and recoveries). I’ve pushed this out to a few of my runners already and as we move into 2024, I’m hopeful that I’ll add it as a service that I offer.

Want to try it out? Send me a message or email and I will get you started.

Share the post with your friends and family and comment below with any tips that have helped you keep a training log.

Thank you for reading and sharing. It’s great to hear the feedback from so many people - keep it coming!