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Maybe you’ve heard some of your runner friends talk about keeping a running log or running journal. Are you curious as to how they do this?
Well, just like with so many other things in life, there’s more than one way to crack an egg. The same can be said for the running journal or log.
In this post, I’m going to lay out 5 different ways you can start your own running journal.
What on earth is a running journal and why should you keep one? Check out this post to learn more! The Running Journal: What is it and What Should it Include?
1. Digital Running Log
With so much technology at our fingertips, it’s pretty easy to find a digital option for recording your runs and other workouts. As they say, “there’s an app for that.”
Yep. Plenty of apps, actually. Just a quick search of “running log” in Apple’s App Store yields a plethora of results. A few of the more widely known and used apps include Strava, Garmin Connect, Map My Run, Runkeeper, Runtastic, and Nike Run Club.
While none of these apps are perfect, they each have their own advantages. Some may have more desirable (to you) features than others. In common though, they all share the ability to keep track of the miles you log, including distance, time, and pace stats.
Is a digital running log the way to go for you? Have a look at some of the pros and cons of using this method and decide for yourself.
Pros of digital running logs and apps
- Easy to take with you wherever you go (since you usually keep track on your phone)
- Ability to automatically record your workouts
- Most apps are able to record more than just running workouts (think cycling, swimming, strength work, hiking, and more)
- Most apps automatically tally up your weekly/monthly/yearly mileage
- Fairly easy to go in and make “edits” to any workout
- Easy to add photos to any recorded activity (fun to look back on)
- Some apps make it easy to automatically keep track of the mileage you have on any pair(s) of shoes
- Free apps available
- “Social sharing” aspect on many apps (especially Strava)
Cons of digital running logs and apps
- Social sharing aspect may be a deterrent for some users (although you have the ability to keep your account or certain details private if you so choose)
- Some of the popular apps cost money to get useful extra features
- Not always as quick and easy as pen and paper to jot down some brief notes (unless you have rapid-thumbs 😜)
- Connectivity issues can affect usage
2. Spreadsheet
Are you engineer-minded? If you’re anything like my husband, maybe a spreadsheet is the way to go for you.
Excel (Microsoft), Numbers (macOS), Google Sheets, etc…pick your poison.
You can set up your spreadsheet with dates and categories and leave the rest blank to be filled in by hand. Categories might include distance, time, pace, heart rate, weather, felt effort, or whatever else your heart desires.
Or, you can create more of a “running plan” spreadsheet by entering in the specifics of each planned worksheet on your computer (or tablet), while giving yourself enough space to jot down notes about time, pace, and anything else you might want to keep track of. Print it out and you’re ready to go!
Pros of using a spreadsheet to track mileage
- Easy to visualize multiple runs/workouts and their corresponding data all at once
- You can customize the data fields to suit your needs
- You can have all of your workouts pre-recorded for quick reference whenever you need it (simply cross out and make changes as needed after you print)
- Free!
Cons of using a spreadsheet to track mileage
- Requires some knowledge of spreadsheet software to create and customize
- Limited space for journaling or documenting detailed information
3. Plain Ol’ Notebook
Probably the most basic of all the methods I’ve mentioned, a blank notebook is a low-cost, simple way to keep track of your running workouts and mileage. You’ll have plenty of space to add as many details and metrics as you want. And, if you like to journal, you won’t run out of room for that.
Since studies have shown the benefits of physically writing things down, a blank notebook is a great place – not only to record your runs – but also to write out your goals.
Pros of using a notebook to record and track runs
- Abundant space to record plenty of details about workouts (journal ’til your heart’s content)
- Ability to be creative and customize method in which you record/document information about your runs/workouts
- No internet connection required
- You’re likely to retain more of what you write by hand
- Less distractions than when using digital log/journaling method
Cons of using a notebook to record and track runs
- Could be time-consuming, depending on how much information you want to include for each workout
- Probably too open-ended for left-brained folks
- Don’t necessarily have it (or a pen/pencil) with you at all times (limited access)
- Can be lost or damaged
4. Bullet Journal
Another very customizable option for keeping track of your #runlife is the increasingly popular Bullet Journal method. If you’re the artsy type who loves to hand-letter or draw, you might just love tracking your fitness using this system. Similar to a blank notebook, you can include pages with all kinds of data, goals, graphics, and more.
Check out this article from Runners World for more #BuJo inspiration.
Pros of using the Bullet Journaling system as a running log
- Abundant space to record plenty of details about workouts (journal ’til your heart’s content)
- Ability to be creative and customize method in which you record/document information about your runs/workouts
- Lends itself to personal artistic expression
- No internet connection required
- You’re likely to retain more of what you write by hand
- Less distractions than when using digital log/journaling method
Cons of using the Bullet Journaling system as a running log
- Could be very time consuming, depending on how much information you want to include for each workout, and how creative you get with the design elements
- Don’t necessarily have it (or a pen/pencil) with you at all times (limited access)
- Can be lost or damaged
5. Running or Fitness-Specific Journal
Last but not least, and probably my favorite method for keeping track of my own run journey, is a running-specific journal. There are several on the market to choose from, each offering slightly different data fields and prompts. Some journals, like the Believe Training Journal, are more like a book – full of informative articles, images, quotes, worksheets, and more.
My current favorite running-specific journal is my own Weekly Running Log. I created it with data fields that I wanted to keep a record of – in the same spot for each run. It allows you to capture a variety of details, including planned and actual workout, time, weather, pace, terrain, perceived effort, weekly goals, total weekly mileage and has extra space for whatever other notes you’d like to jot down. I prefer to see the whole week at a glance, which is why everything is a bit “squeezed” onto the page. If you write large, this may not be the best option for you. But, it’s easy to download, print, and test out to see if it works for you!
Pros of running-specific journals or logs
- Usually runner-specific (has designated areas to record running-specific data)
- Ability to see running metrics and journaling in the same area
- No internet connection required
- You’re likely to retain more of what you write by hand
- Less distractions than when using digital log/journaling method
Cons of running-specific journals or logs
- Can be limited space to record data or journaling
- Limited to specific prompts, dependent on which journal you’re using
- Requires some type of book, notebook, or binder to carry around
Do you keep a running journal? If so, what type do you use? If you don’t, which one of these appeals to you the most?
Disclaimer: You should understand that when participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in exercise or training I recommend, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge Running With Roots from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of Running With Roots. Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your diet or exercise. I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. The views expressed are based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical, nutrition or training advice.
