As we get close to the new year, it’s the perfect time to start up a training journal of some sort. There are many online FREE training logs that allow you keep track of workouts, and plan ahead for new ones. If you prefer not to get online you could also set something up in a good old spreadsheet.
If you’re diligent about keeping track of your workouts you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how this simple tool not only helps keep your motivation high (by allowing you to set weekly goals, and trying to out-do last month), but it will also allow you to train more effectively in future months and years. The magic really starts to happen once you’ve got a full year’s worth of data.
It’s more than likely that you have a vague recollection of what you did last January, but imagine if you knew exactly what you did – it would be so simple to improve on that program and make the upcoming year even more succesful. This works on a month-to-month basis as well. Keeping track of progressing run volume is one of the best ways to avoid getting injured while pushing yourself to make gains. “Ok, you ran 200km in January, can you get to 220km in February?”
If you’re a social person, most of the online training logs also allow you to share your workouts with the training community. Some like this option, some don’t…you can always turn the privacy settings on.
So get logging!!
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[...] nutrition plan for race day. After the race keep track of what you consumed, write it down in your training log. This will allow you to modify appropriately for future races. Here’s a tried and true [...]
We're not sure why the comments are pulling in old blog posts. Sorry about that. In any case, here's a couple triathlon logs for you to check out.
http://triblogs.com
http://beginnertriathlete.com
http://training.slowtwitch.com/
http://workoutlog.com (not free, I believe)
http://trainingpeaks.com (not free, I believe)
Add more if you know some others!!
Any of those in particular that you guys prefer?
Hi Colin,
We’ve used a few of them: WorkoutLog, Beginnertriathlete, and now we’re on Triblogs. We prefer the layout and usability of Triblogs, great charting features, an area to keep track of physical tests, it also has a back end for a coach(they can look at all their athletes with one login). Beginnertriathlete has some cool GPS features where you can upload your garmin files. WorkoutLog has a good reputation, but there’s nothing special there – and it’s not free like BT and Triblog.
Hope that helps.
Thanks, that does help. I've hired a coach to help me train for an IM in the fall and I wanted something we could use in collaboration. Keep up the great work on the site; I'll be looking for as many tips as I can get!