Rule #4: Keep Time and a Runner’s Log

When I first started I didn’t bother to keep time. I figured I was going slow enough, I didn’t need to keep track of that. I could not have been more wrong! It is greatly benefical to track your progess from the get go, not only for motivational issues but for future goal setting.

Sport Watches:
In the beginning feel free to use any current digital watch you may already have. It might not have all fuctions or display that you’ll need later on but in the first couple of weeks to months they can work just fine. Down the road you most likely want to upgrade to a true runner sports watch with bigger back light display, lap/split time and water resistant.

After time I personally upgraded to a Garmin Forerunner 201 GPS watch.

Over the last few years this type of technology is becoming more and more common and easy to use. Luckly it’s no longer reserved for just the serious runners or the tech geeks out there.

Here is the new Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Personal Training Device which has all the functionality of the 201 but more compact with better display.

Product Features

• Sleek wrist-mounted sports performance monitor with high-sensitivity GPS receiver and training software
• Monitors speed, distance, pace, and calories burned for smarter, more effective conditioning
• Powerful GPS navigator provides faster acquisition times and improves tracking under trees and near buildings
• Delivers detailed post-workout analysis on bundled Training Center PC software (connects to PC via USB)
• Includes rechargeable lithium-ion battery; measures 2.1 x 0.7 x 2.7 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

Running Log Book

I recieved a copy of this log book years ago as a gift. I continue to find it very satisfying to document my progress day to day.

• Space for tracking daily and weekly mileage, as well as time, body weight, route, temperature, and improvements
• A race record, with room to write dates, places, distances, times, your pace, and “comments and excuses”
• A quick reference chart for split times, from one mile to the marathon
• Training tips and monthly essays by Marty Jerome on such topics as speed training, trail running, interval workouts, and injury prevention
• Photographs of runners from all around the world

Of course there are a few online running log versions that might be helpful:

• www.runnerslog.com
• www.therunninglog.com
• www.marathonguide.com

Shoes & Gear 101, (Part 2), (Part 3)