Training Tips for the New Year
This year has almost come and gone. Soon it will be New Year’s Day and the start of a new training calendar. Speaking of which, do you have one to log your workouts on?
Logs for tracking/planning 2007
I did a Google search and got a list of over 40,000 some odd logs for tracking training. Here’s a few to chose from. If you have one you would like to suggest, leave a comment with the details.
- Excel Spreadsheets to download, designed by me, the Pink Chick. Details on my blog.
- BreakingTheTape. We featured this site at the beginning of December. You can read more about it here.
- Dolphinstreet Running Log. It is free, quick and simple to fill out and it gives you instant reports and statistics.
- Cool Running Log. A free online running journal that makes it easy to keep tabs on your progress.
- Road Trip. With this site you log your distances as if traveling somewhere.
Races & Other Events
Of course your plan will include the races and such that you decide to challenge. Not sure what you want to tackle or when it is happening. Here’s a few Web sites that list that information.
- Marathon Guide. Lists Canada/U.S.A. marathons for the upcoming year.
- Calgary Roadrunners. Lists local and nearby events as well as some further away.
- Events OnLine. Lists a variety of events for athletes.
Training Plans
Now that you have your log and your races you need to plan what training is required. For that you might want to a number of sites that offer training plans for various distances. Some of these are listed below.
- Cool Running. Offers a number of plans from 5k to marathon
- Hal Higdon. Has training plans from the beginner to the ultramarathoner.
- Jeff Galloway. Promises that you can “run injury free.”
- Beginning Triathlete. Training and tips for the new triathlete.
How Far Did I Run
Not sure how far you ran or cycled? Don’t have a fancy GPS tool to help you? Then check out these links.
- GMaps Pedometer. Map where you ran or cycled and see your mileage.
Remember when planning your training calender to always allow for flexibility. Pick what works for you, your family and your lifestyle. If you’re new to any of these activities, please consult your family doctor.
Sometimes what we plan for doesn’t always happen. Don’t beat up on yourself—just be prepared to change things as necessary. No matter what you decide or plan for in 2007, have a great year and remember the Complete Running Network gang will be here with great articles to help you along the way.
Got more you would like to suggest for planning, logging or training in 2007? Leave a comment with the details.
All the best in 2007.
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By the way I found a bug in my Column Log and have revised it. So if you downloaded it prior to lunch today you may want to grab the new version. Sorry bout that gang. But looks like I’m human after all.
RunningAhead (www.runningahead.com) seems to be a nice site to track your workouts as well. I have not used it yet but heard good things about it so far.
The Fastrunning Blog (http://fastrunningblog.com) is also a very good web-based running log that tracks miles, exports reports, and other things. It has blogging capabilities, so other people can comment on your training, encourage you, and give tips (and vice versa). I’ve been using it for the last year, and there’s a really nice online community there now, with a variety of runners who range from aspiring to qualify for Olympic Trails to simply wanting to get in shape again. Highly recommended.
Great post Dawn!
I second Running Ahead, it’s a great training log (with graphing) and run mapper. They have a thriving forum and have recently added a feature to locate other users runs to their mapping tool. There’s also a host of performance calculators.
Re: Training programmes – I’m going to try the FIRST training programme, I’m time poor so have three focussed runs (speed, tempo and long) a week suits me great. http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/.....=3&SP=