There are many ways technology can help make us better runners. From Fitbits, to Bluetooth headphones, to heart rate monitors, there really has never been more technology and data available to us than there is right now.
That's great, right? It is...but only if you're using that data to your advantage. While real-time results are great for singular workouts, your devices really pay off when you're able to analyze your workouts over time, allowing you to gauge real progress (or regress when life gets in the way). The lesson being, take advantage of your data by recording each workout. Or put another way: if you have all the gear, make sure you have an "idear" of what those (often) expensive devices are doing for you.
That's great, right? It is...but only if you're using that data to your advantage. While real-time results are great for singular workouts, your devices really pay off when you're able to analyze your workouts over time, allowing you to gauge real progress (or regress when life gets in the way). The lesson being, take advantage of your data by recording each workout. Or put another way: if you have all the gear, make sure you have an "idear" of what those (often) expensive devices are doing for you.
Get In the Habit of Logging Your Workouts
If you're like me, you love all things tech. I am a Garmin watch owner, a heavy user of the Nike+ app (now with Spotify integration!), and integrate everything to apps on my phone. After I purchased each item, I loved seeing the data, but until I began logging what was being recorded over time, I truly wasn't seeing the efficacy of what I was wearing (beyond telling my non-runner friends what my mile pace was on the way to brunch).
That changed when I began logging all of my workouts. By using a simple Excel spreadsheet, I've been able to see how my performance has peaked, dipped and at times, flattened out. But perhaps most importantly, tracking my workouts showed how different training methods and mileages yielded good or bad performances, allowing me to refine how I prepped for races based on past training. This is key as it shows what works for me (running 30 mile weeks at averages of 7:15 mile pace) and what doesn't (running 50 mile weeks at 7:45s). Ultimately, the amalgamation of the data from each device, yielded the true benefit. And thanks to the simple habit of recording my workouts, I've become a smarter, more informed runner...which is what these "smart devices" are meant to be doing.
Because Windsor Running plans come with individualized workouts, it is essential that you keep track of what is working and what might need improvement. This allows our coaches to amend workouts down the road because there is no such thing as a training program that works for everyone.
Here Are Some of our Favorite Ways to Track Workouts:
Excel spreadsheet: The favorite of the office worker. If you know how to use Excel to its full potential, tracking your workouts here can be a real game changer. Excel can provide long term statistics so you can see trends in your training.
Garmin Connect: This platform is great if you have a Garmin watch and want to instantly upload data. I use the Garmin on my bike and the one on my wrist to track long-term fitness goals. The included heart rate monitor is great for specialized workouts. If you have a heart rate monitor, let us know so that we can integrate it into your training plan.
Journal: There's nothing wrong with pen and paper. In fact, Coach Jesse does most of his tracking by hand in Moleskine journals. Professional runner Lauren Fleshman also has a great notebook called the Believe Journal which includes inspirational quotes for each week.
What You Should Include in Your Training Journal:
Distance: It's important to track how many miles or kilometers you're running. Increase too fast and you'll get hurt. Run too little and you won't see maximum gains. That being said, don't get too caught up in how many miles you're running. Time on your feet is the important metric. Five easy miles for one person is a long run for another!
Time: Make sure you know how much time you're spending working out. It will keep you honest and allow the Windsor Running coaches to track progress.
Weather: This has a big affect on how you run! If it's 90 degrees with 95% humidity, you're not going to be able to put forth the same effort that you would on a 50-degree cloudy day.
How You Felt: Just a sentence or two can remind you why you're doing this in the first place. Sometimes, after tough training sessions, I'll go back and look at my best workouts so I know there are great days!
Start recording now, and you won't regret it. AND you can honestly say for the first time that buying that new wearable will truly pay off....beyond just looking sweet.
If you're like me, you love all things tech. I am a Garmin watch owner, a heavy user of the Nike+ app (now with Spotify integration!), and integrate everything to apps on my phone. After I purchased each item, I loved seeing the data, but until I began logging what was being recorded over time, I truly wasn't seeing the efficacy of what I was wearing (beyond telling my non-runner friends what my mile pace was on the way to brunch).
That changed when I began logging all of my workouts. By using a simple Excel spreadsheet, I've been able to see how my performance has peaked, dipped and at times, flattened out. But perhaps most importantly, tracking my workouts showed how different training methods and mileages yielded good or bad performances, allowing me to refine how I prepped for races based on past training. This is key as it shows what works for me (running 30 mile weeks at averages of 7:15 mile pace) and what doesn't (running 50 mile weeks at 7:45s). Ultimately, the amalgamation of the data from each device, yielded the true benefit. And thanks to the simple habit of recording my workouts, I've become a smarter, more informed runner...which is what these "smart devices" are meant to be doing.
Because Windsor Running plans come with individualized workouts, it is essential that you keep track of what is working and what might need improvement. This allows our coaches to amend workouts down the road because there is no such thing as a training program that works for everyone.
Here Are Some of our Favorite Ways to Track Workouts:
Excel spreadsheet: The favorite of the office worker. If you know how to use Excel to its full potential, tracking your workouts here can be a real game changer. Excel can provide long term statistics so you can see trends in your training.
Garmin Connect: This platform is great if you have a Garmin watch and want to instantly upload data. I use the Garmin on my bike and the one on my wrist to track long-term fitness goals. The included heart rate monitor is great for specialized workouts. If you have a heart rate monitor, let us know so that we can integrate it into your training plan.
Journal: There's nothing wrong with pen and paper. In fact, Coach Jesse does most of his tracking by hand in Moleskine journals. Professional runner Lauren Fleshman also has a great notebook called the Believe Journal which includes inspirational quotes for each week.
What You Should Include in Your Training Journal:
Distance: It's important to track how many miles or kilometers you're running. Increase too fast and you'll get hurt. Run too little and you won't see maximum gains. That being said, don't get too caught up in how many miles you're running. Time on your feet is the important metric. Five easy miles for one person is a long run for another!
Time: Make sure you know how much time you're spending working out. It will keep you honest and allow the Windsor Running coaches to track progress.
Weather: This has a big affect on how you run! If it's 90 degrees with 95% humidity, you're not going to be able to put forth the same effort that you would on a 50-degree cloudy day.
How You Felt: Just a sentence or two can remind you why you're doing this in the first place. Sometimes, after tough training sessions, I'll go back and look at my best workouts so I know there are great days!
Start recording now, and you won't regret it. AND you can honestly say for the first time that buying that new wearable will truly pay off....beyond just looking sweet.
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