Whether you are a new runner or have been doing this for a while, a neat thing to do is to track your running. Aside from being able to see your accomplishments, you’ll also be able to analyze your running to improve performance, and to understand and heal injuries. You can use the old fashioned paper method or you could use a program. There are online programs and stand-alone programs. I will review few for you here.
Running Tracking Programs
There are several different kinds of programs and to determine which will work best for you, you should consider your needs. If you simply want to be able to track your miles you might want to try an Excel based template. I’ll have some recommendations for these type of programs at the end of this article.
If you want to be able to log your run online from any computer or from your smartphone, then you’ll want to check out some online programs. Most are free with a cost for companion smartphone apps. Most of these programs also have a “pro” version which will have more features. You can usually get all you need from the free version.
Online Running Training Logs
LogYourRun
LogYourRun.com – This is my favorite online running log. For me it is the simplest to use, very intuitive, easy to read screen, and not a lot of ads. It allows you to track your runs and routes. A very neat feature is the customizable training programs for getting ready for any length race from beginner to experienced runners. You can import running data from 18 different training logs including Garmin Connect for your Garmin Forerunner. Also included are local clubs, local routes, forum, and blogs.
Here is the LogYourRun companion iphone app. You have full access to your music while using the app. Log your run via GPS, send it back to the website, view your training program and much more.
Running Ahead
RunningAhead.com is an awesome online tracking program for logging your runs and creating training programs. Actually this program is tied as my favorite. It’s totally free and very easy to use. You can download your Garmin Forerunner data right into this online site. Also you can import from excel and other popular logging programs such as Runners World and Polar. You can create your own training program. The only downside is they don’t have any premade training plans. Lastly there is a great forum and the ability to communicate with other users. If you use Garmin Forerunner this is one you should definitely check out.
Garmin Forerunner
Garmin Forerunner is a powerful training watch with a companion program to which you can upload all the data that your watch records about your workouts. Will track speed, distance, heartrate, route via GPS, pace data, lap info and much much more. All of this data can be uploaded and then analyzed in their companion Training Center software which is compatible with both PC and Mac. Or you can upload it to Garmin Connect, their online tracking application. Click through to see full description, other styles, and demo video. As mentioned above, you can also import your Garmin data into the online logging program RunningAhead.com.
MapMyRun
MapMyRun.com is another online running tracking program similar to LogYourRun. The difference is that this online program has additional feature such as logging your food for the day. You can also share with friends, find groups, and share photos. You can also join “challenges” to win prizes, and search for events. Training programs are offered (for both running and cycling), but you must upgrade to their premium level to enroll in the training programs.
Here is iPhone app for MapMyRun. You have full use of your music while using this app that allows you to track your run via GPS. All the online features are available with the iPhone app.
RunKeeper
RunKeeper.com is another online running log. You can sign up using your Facebook login or simply as a new user. This app is big on integrating with social media. You can track many different types of activities: running, cycling, x-c skiing, swimming, rowing, elliptical, and more. I wanted to like this one, as it has a very nice clean look. There were some errors trying to edit a workout and the map routing feature wasn’t as robust as LogYourRun and G-Maps Pedometer (below). As far as I can see there are no companion smartphone apps to go with this
G-Maps Pedometer
gmap-pedometer.com is a very basic online tracking program that allows you to log your runs and routes. You can also use it to simply map out routes for running, cycling, or walking. I like this program for it’s simplicity, but it can be a little buggy sometimes where it gives error messages for no reason. So that probably sounds bad, but I still recommend checking it out if you’re looking for a basic online running tracking program. There is no iphone app for this program at this time.
Running Training Tracking Programs – Standalone
I tried to find stand-alone programs that allow you to track your running, but I didn’t find any. I didn’t search that hard, but I think most people will want to use online programs these days that tie into their smart phones and their computer. If anyone knows of good stand-alone programs, please share that info in the comments and I’ll add it to this post.
Running Training Tracking Programs – Excel Based
Running Log
Running Log by David Hays is a free excel tracking template that you can download to track your running. I used this and like it very much. It is basic, but has many built in tracking features that are great to have such as logging miles on each pair of sneakers, weekly, monthly and yearly totals, breakdown by type of run, and much more. It’s free so check it out.
iPhone Apps for Tracking Running Logs and Training
Here are iPhone apps you can use to track your run and often you can also track other types of workouts.
Please Share
What is your favorite running tracking program? Do you have any opinions on the programs featured above? We’d love to hear from you! Also, if you found this valuable, please share it via email or your favorite social network below. Thank you!
8 comments
Probably good resources for walkers too! Going to share! Great resource!
Ann recently posted..Finch Follow-up
You are right Ann! Most of these can be used to track walking and biking too. Some allow for tracking other exercises as well. Kinda cool to see the miles accumulate!
[…] Track your mileage online: Review of Online Running Logs […]
What about Nike +? I like the Nike Running website and have used the “shoe pod” sensor and my IPOD (which is great for outdoors or treadmill running) and recently bought a Nike GPS Sportswatch. The sportwatch is cool, because in addition to tracking my mileage, pace, calories and such it also allows me to look at a map track, showing me where along my route I was running fast and slow – which is great for me as I have trouble keeping a consistent pace.
I have found I don’t really care for Nike shoes, but the whole Nike + system is pretty cool!
Nick recently posted..USM Gateway Run
Hi Nick, Nike+ is an option too. Thanks for pointing that out and for sharing your experience with that!
the david hays excel sheet is designed for the year 2004.
does anyone know how to change it to 2013? i cant seem to be able to change it.
Hi Rimi, When you first open the excel document you will be on the “setup page.” In the upper left hand corner you will replace and type in the date on which you would like to start your log. You’ll also change the year for which you will be logging. Hope that helps!
Those are great resources, thanks! Another great running app (in my opinion) is iSmoothRun.
This is a little off topic but if you want to analyze your GPS running data (as opposed to just tracking it) I wrote a free website called http://www.GraphMyRun.com. It does things like show you how your cadence changes when you run up hills and can figure out your threshold heart rate when you feel forced to switch from running to walking. It’s free and secure. All your data stays on your computer. I wrote an article in the Nov/Dec 2015 issue of Marathon & Beyond that lists 5 ways to analyze your running data to help you run faster. Best! Phil