Write It Down!

We all run for different reasons...

It could be to lose weight. It could be to get faster. It could be to run longer. It could just be for sanity’s sake. But whatever the reason, we all need to keep a record of our runs.

We all need to Write It Down!

 

Though I used Runkeeper and now Nike Plus and a notebook on my iPad — a plain old notebook will do. Use a website or a paper logbook. But use whatever works for you.

 

But why should I keep a log?

Here are some reasons:

 

Number One reason you should write your runs down is: Goals

Having a target means you have something to work for so your running has a purpose. And there’s nothing sweeter than reaching that goal. Well, ok, making a new goal further out is sweeter still. But you get it by writing it down.

 

Second is: Milestones

Once you have your goals, formulate a plan to get there. Writing something down is much more powerful than keeping it to yourself. Break your goal down into manageable steps and you’re more likely to stay on track and achieve it. As you strike those milestones along the way, it's important to take note of them. Write them down. (One thing I love about Nike Plus is that they record all my personal bests and allow me to set milestones for every month.)

 

Third is: Evaluation

A running log helps you not only see where you’re going, but also to see where you’ve been. If you put a lot of details into your log, you should be able to see what has worked for you and what hasn’t. I routinely weite down my game plan for the day and week' and then followup with how it worked out. And perhaps how I plan on altering my training. Evaluation, and the tweaking of your training, will also help boost your confidence: you get a feeling even more control and experience. This all will keep your running interesting.

Fourth is: Injuries

No one wants an injury. But when you write down any pain you have, you might be able to prevent serious problems. It will give you a needed pause and time to examine your body and its reaction to the run. You can look back over the last few days and see where the pain started, and that will let you plan for the future. You’ll see when you should take it easy or take time off altogether.

 

What to write down? Well if your website or software doesn't include these, here:

 

The date and time

 

Your running goal

 

Weather

 

Route

 

Food

 

Actual length and time

 

How you feel

 

 

 

Finally, as all runners know, and have heard repeatedly, and I will be repeating it...

Be sure to add up your weekly mileage. So that this will help ensure you’re not increasing your distance by more than 10% each week. Secondly, remember to circle or highlight the day you got new running shoes and calculate the miles or kilometers in those shoes. Remember you want to change out your shoes often so that you avoid injuries.

 

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad