I kept a paper log for about 20 years (the old Runner's World spiral-bound annual log) but got hooked on Training Peaks around 2017. I really like Training Peaks for its Metrics and Notes tools in addition to all the workout logging and data capture. I use the Notes as a mini-journal, and the searchable function allows me to look back if I want go compare a certain day or season with past ones. That said, I also keep a handwritten journal for true journaling. Thanks for your thoughtful essay as always!
My running log migrated from Google Sheets to an Apple Note this year. I find that with Apple Notes, I can more quickly record workouts on the go, which suits my current phase of life with my two toddlers and the mini workout “snacks” I incorporate throughout the day.
I appreciate the analog nature of your log and the beauty it offers. It seems appealing to have a tangible record that you can hold and sift through.
Apple Notes appears to be a somewhat in-between solution, lacking the frills of an app like Strava (you still face a blank page), but offering the convenience of easy access to my log anytime and the ability to backup or copy/paste the data.
I decided to go back to a paper planner and paper log for all my workouts. Why? It wasn’t out of fear it would vanish, it was because it would be logged and forgotten about. I would never review digital running logs and I also didn’t care as much.
I still use my phone calendar for super important can’t miss events but my weekly planning is on paper now. I find it more soothing and I also don’t have notifications and an overly ambitious calendar to ignore.
Planning to me always feels more real when it’s done on paper.
Great piece. I'm pretty sure my mom got me the exact same running log when I was in high school!
Amazing! The red-covered one? I maybe remember it being in the big box book stores of the 1990s and 2000s. 🙂
Thank you for this. :) May more people see the value and joy of documenting their runs. My running logs are some of my most treasured possessions.
Same. Well said, Alice!
I kept a paper log for about 20 years (the old Runner's World spiral-bound annual log) but got hooked on Training Peaks around 2017. I really like Training Peaks for its Metrics and Notes tools in addition to all the workout logging and data capture. I use the Notes as a mini-journal, and the searchable function allows me to look back if I want go compare a certain day or season with past ones. That said, I also keep a handwritten journal for true journaling. Thanks for your thoughtful essay as always!
Thanks, Sarah! Kinda interesting you keep the log and the journal separate. I do the same!
My running log migrated from Google Sheets to an Apple Note this year. I find that with Apple Notes, I can more quickly record workouts on the go, which suits my current phase of life with my two toddlers and the mini workout “snacks” I incorporate throughout the day.
I appreciate the analog nature of your log and the beauty it offers. It seems appealing to have a tangible record that you can hold and sift through.
Apple Notes appears to be a somewhat in-between solution, lacking the frills of an app like Strava (you still face a blank page), but offering the convenience of easy access to my log anytime and the ability to backup or copy/paste the data.
Notes has also been pretty resilient across OS updates, likely because it is so lofi!
I decided to go back to a paper planner and paper log for all my workouts. Why? It wasn’t out of fear it would vanish, it was because it would be logged and forgotten about. I would never review digital running logs and I also didn’t care as much.
I still use my phone calendar for super important can’t miss events but my weekly planning is on paper now. I find it more soothing and I also don’t have notifications and an overly ambitious calendar to ignore.
Planning to me always feels more real when it’s done on paper.