Running Logs for Beginners

A running log is your own record of your running.

What to record in a running log

In a running log, you might record:

  • how far you ran
  • the time you ran for
  • the time of day you ran
  • how you felt
  • which shoes you were wearing
  • your average and peak heart rate
  • any other special factors

Some people also record the weather conditions, their weight, pulse weight, how much sleep they had, who they ran with, where they ran, their menstrual cycle, and so on.

Why have a log?

A running log will help you to track your progress, and keep you to your training programme. Over time, it will be a useful source of information to trace the origins of a period of good running, or of injury and boredom. For many runners, keeping a running log is a very important part of their motivation. Keeping a running log will also give you information about how often you need to change your running shoes, early warning of over-training, the relationship between your performance and your menstrual cycle and so on.

Ways to record the information

Lots of people keep their running log in a notebook, or in their diary. Some use an electronic diary (personal digital assistant) and others rely on their GPS watches to record their runs with date, distance and pace. Some use a spreadsheet on their PC (there are 2 versions of Excel spreadsheet templates here on this website.) There is also a wide range of bespoke software available on the internet designed for athletes to track their running. See our training log page for a comprehensive list of available software.