what makes for a good training log

theboyblunder

Much an all as i enjoy the efforts of the olympic trolls (and the faux-outraged protaganists) the part of the art forum i enjoy most is the logs.

So, thought it would be interesting to know what other people think makes for an interesting log?

Why do you log - what do you get out of it?

If you used to log and stopped, why?

How can logs be improved? Should readers give more/less advice/support?

What makes you click the unfollow button?



No comments on individual logs please. No names or clues either.

RacoonQueen

theboyblunder wrote: »

Why do you log - what do you get out of it?

No one else will listen to me bitch and moan. At least people on here pretend to care.

ecoli

theboyblunder wrote: »

Why do you log - what do you get out of it?

Keeps me honest. Coaching myself I have no accountability to anyone. The fact that I know people follow it a missed day here and there will be noticed coupled with the questioning of training makes you evaluate what you do.

Also suppose its a good ego stroker when you have a good session to have some people see your hard work:D

theboyblunder wrote: »

what other people think makes for an interesting log?

Personally I like seeing peoples logs and different approaches to training. The old saying there is more than one way to skin a cat comes to mind. Also great to see the level of improvement from people beyond the usual improvements you see in the initial say 6 months when you start training and to see people actually loving what they are doing and being able to relate to them regardless of what level

theboyblunder

Suppose I should answer my own questions

theboyblunder wrote: »

So, thought it would be interesting to know what other people think makes for an interesting log?

For me it has little to do with pace, PBs or ability. The other peoples logs I find the most interesting are the brutally honest ones. I like following the ups and downs of them, and watching people (usually) get better.

That being said - its also great when somone has a similar current fitness level to yourself too, and people who are faster than you leave a record of how to train for when you reach the level that they currently log at.

Logs written with a bit of humour with the honest are also great IMO

theboyblunder wrote: »

Why do you log - what do you get out of it?

Keeps me honest. Small amount of motivation too - who likes logging that they gave up or skipped a load of training to watch TV? We all do it, but a log keeps you on the level. it also allows people to tell you when you are being an idiot by running too fast on easy days You get to share your little successes with people who know how great a 5 min marathon PB feels. I like the sense of community that having a log brings.

theboyblunder wrote: »

If you used to log and stopped, why?

havent done this

theboyblunder wrote: »

How can logs be improved? Should readers give more/less advice/support?

I think we could perhaps offer each other more advice. Not be afraid to sound critical now and again (as long as its constructive of course). A few times ive seen that people were aiming too high and havent said anything in case I was being over-negative. Then when they went too hard and had a bad race I felt a little guilty afterwards. People want to be supportive - but sometimes its a good idea perhaps to tell someone when they are overreaching (in your view of course).

Maybe a better way is for all of us to chip in, leaving the person writing the log with lots of advice (and possibly a quorum) to act on. Nobody pretends to know it all, but weve all picked up bits and pieces along the way on what not to do.[/QUOTE]

theboyblunder wrote: »

What makes you click the unfollow button?

1. paces in min/km
2. the phrase 'listening to my body'
3. logs infrequently updated

pconn062

Why do you log - what do you get out of it?

My log is relatively new compared to some peoples and I set it up this year to see what I could do if I concentrate and keep tabs on myself for a while (turns out what I can do and am really good at is talking shit! :pac:) Also being able to track mileage and sessions is handy.

If you used to log and stopped, why?

N/A

How can logs be improved? Should readers give more/less advice/support?

I love getting advice and support from people who are good enough to take the time to read my log, there are a lot of better runners than me who no more about this stuff than me so I agree with tBB, more advice (and criticism, suggestions) would be cool.

What makes you click the unfollow button?

Mainly just logs that give the bare details ie Tuesday: 6 miles, 7.09 pace and that's it. I prefer longer posts that give a bit of detail, mainly caus I'm a nosey bastard!

tHE vAGGABOND

I like it for keeping myself honest, and the process of listing what your doing and indeed planning what is to come. TBH Im too lazy to compare what Im doing with people at a similar level to me, but maybe I should

For example before running the Paris Marathon, I read my log the night before and that showed me I could do it, that I had done the work and it was all sorted

They can often be a bit of a love in at times, with nothing but positive comments [or gossip!] on folks logs, so the odd bit of constructive advice would be good?