Trying to Find the Best Running Log
Yesterday I started checking out different types of running logs.
I currently track my workouts in a special calendar that my coach provides. In it she posts my runs for the week and then I post the details.
Usually I just post the distance and my pace per mile, but sometimes I include a paragraph or two about how I felt if it was a particularly good/bad day.
I spoke with someone yesterday though who mentioned a few cool types of training logs that have more features than the calendar that I currently use with my coach.
These include the cool stats and charts that Garmin Connect provides, but can also accommodate treadmill runs (which I have been doing more of lately).
I’m currently checking out Training Peaks and the Runner’s World logs. I like both and am trying to decide which one I want to use long-term.
The cool thing about both is that they include specific areas to log your duration, distance and pace unlike my current calendar (they’re both also free).
Here’s a peak at the log activity screen for Training Peaks:
I love that you can connect your Garmin to this too and not have to manually enter all the data by hand. Convenient for the days that I actually go run outdoors in this heat!
That’s the only thing that I noticed that TP does that the Runner’s World log doesn’t do.
What I really like about the RW log is the area where you can quickly rate a run.
That Additional Info section seems like it would be really helpful when working with a coach.
Both include a dashboard/summary view where you can easily see your stats all totaled up. That’s also something that my current log doesn’t do (although I manually track the numbers anyway).
Overall, I guess I am leaning towards using the RW log going forward…. BUT of course there are ads all over the place and that kind of annoys me. I get that the product is free so it makes sense that they need to recoup money in some way, but that doesn’t stop the blinking banner ads from driving me a little crazy though : )
How do you log your runs? Any recommendations?
I feel so behind…I don’t keep a journal or calendar. I try to jot down what kind of workout I did in my weekly planner, but other than the Nike+ website and Daily Mile, I don’t really do a lot of detail/analysis of my runs. I do love DailyMile though because it emails you a weekly total and you can leave encouragement for people on there. But it doesn’t have a calender/log type layout!
Ali K. @ Hit the Ground Running recently posted…Two Great Runs
Given that my work is so driven by analytics I’m a little crazy about numbers and being able to create charts out of them haha. I write my miles down on my normal wall calendar and then I log them online too. I actually used to log them in my calendar, in RunKeeper, in Garmin Connect and in my coach’s log. I’m trying to calm down and start using only one log 🙂
Kristina @ Blog About Running recently posted…Trying to Find the Best Running Log
That RW application looks pretty awesome. I have used RunKeeper, Nike+, and now I’m using Garmin Connect. Garmin Connect is my favorite so far but I am starting to do more runs on the treadmill and my Garmin doesnt have a foot pod. So at this point ALL my data is kept on a simple excel spreadsheet lol. I consider that oldschool these days with so many applications out there.
The Running Schlub recently posted…Starting To See the Light
Garmin Connect is definitely favorite too, but I don’t have the foot pod either so I’m looking for something else… esp. since I have been doing so many treadmill runs lately!
Kristina @ Blog About Running recently posted…Trying to Find the Best Running Log
I used to use the runners world one, bit switched to runningahead…its really similar to RW but the ads dont seem to be all over the place.
Jennifer recently posted…Weekly Workout Recap
I just checked out RunningAhead and I really like it! (Awesome that they have such an easy demo account to play around with!). Thank you!
I have used Endomondo for a few years. There is nothing particularly special about it, except that if I track my run on my phone, I automatically gets logged. Other than that, I am not all that impressed by it. But I can’t give it up since I have used it for so long!
Amy recently posted…My Backyard Garden
I know that feeling, I used to use RunKeeper for everything until I got my Garmin. Then I started using Garmin Connect + RunKeeper just so I could keep building on my history in RunKeeper!
Kristina @ Blog About Running recently posted…Trying to Find the Best Running Log
I love the old-fasioned pen and paper route hey (although will check out that RW log, maybe I’ll upgrade my ‘technology’ hey). I like to write my plans down in my trusty diary and I LOVE ticking it off when it’s done, and/or adding any changes that I made to the original plan. Haha, sometimes to rate how I feel, there is the highly technical smiley or sad face.
Lou @ Running Through China recently posted…Our Puppy The Guard Dog
Ohhh yes I LOVE ticking things off of a to do list! I write one every morning for all the things I need to do that day 🙂
Hahaha the highly technical smiley or sad face – love it! 🙂
Kristina @ Blog About Running recently posted…Trying to Find the Best Running Log