Online Training Logs – Track Your Runs

Training logs can help you keep track of your running. Over months and years, they can help you identify how much have you improved. In case of injuries, training logs can help identify the reasons which may have caused it. Was it over-training, was it more of pace runs. Maintaining a training log is an essential requirement for every potential runner.

After I got hold of my Garmin Forerunner 305, I tried to check out the best training logs to retrieve and analyze all that recorded data. There are tons of websites and standalone tools for creating/importing your training logs. Every tool has a few plus and minus points. Some of the tools have great support for some of the popular devices out there for importing training data – like the Garmin or Polar watches, as well as the iPhones.

I am listing some of the popular tools/websites below using which you can maintain your training logs and track your progress:

1. DailyMile
   Nice clean look. Connect with friends and read their updates Facebook style. Nike+ integration, but no Garmin support. Send workout notes to twitter.
2. RunningAhead
   Nice, simple interface, great integration with Garmin. Weekly/monthly stats, log shoe mileage, etc. Great google map integration for routes. Highly recommended in the running community. Trying it out currently.
3. MotionBased
   Garmin integration, has free and paid memberships. Integrates weather data along with other run metrics. Since Garmin acquired MotionBased, they are migrating the technology to a new platform – Garmin Connect. So, will soon be phased out (Garmin uploads stop June 30, 2009).
4. SportTracks
   Standalone tool – highly recommended by runners. Garmin support. Has interesting plugins for things like elevation correction, etc. Equipment tracking. Yet to try.
5. MapMyRun
   good with maps, not the greatest with exercise logs. Interface bit cluttered with ads. Has Garmin integration, GPS data import, etc.
6. Garmin Training Center
   Standalone tool, for Garmin users. Not very impressed using it. Has Mac support too. Seems to be slow as well updating screens. Has to core stuff though, distance, pace, HR, elevation, splits, etc.
7. Garmin Connect
   Garmin’s website based tool, derived from MotionBased. Interesting features include a ‘Replay Activity’ using which you can play back your run. Has also got ‘goal tracking’ and report generation.

All these tools and websites provide training logs which can be used for recording your exercise data, either directly, or from a supported device, so even if you do not have a Polar or aGarmin, it makes great sense to put the data there. Do you use any of the tools to store your training logs? What’s your favorite, and what makes it stand out? I think we can all learn from our experiences here, do share.

You can check out a bigger list of tools at larry’s blog, maybe your favorite one is hiding there.