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Practical guide

Running training log: simple template

A simple running training log template for marathon training: what to track, what to ignore, and the few signals that actually predict whether your plan is working.

Updated Mar 20, 2026

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You don’t need more data — you need better signals

A training log is useful when it answers:

  • Am I recovering?
  • Is my long run progressing?
  • Are workouts repeatable?

What to track (the short list)

  • Weekly running minutes (or km) + long run
  • 1–2 key workout notes (RPE + how it felt)
  • Sleep (simple: good / ok / bad)
  • Pain signals (0–10)
  • Fueling practice on long runs (yes/no + what)

What to ignore

  • Day-to-day pace drift on easy runs (weather/hills)
  • Chasing “perfect” splits
  • Vanity metrics that don’t change decisions

Start with anchors:

Put this into action

Open the plan and tool that match this guide

Worksheet

Use this before you choose

One-week log template

  • • Total minutes (or km): ____
  • • Long run: ____ (time + feel)
  • • Key workout: ____ (what + RPE + note)
  • • Sleep: ____ (good/ok/bad)
  • • Pain signals: ____ (0–10 + location)
  • • Fueling practice: ____ (carbs/h + timing + tolerance)

Checklist

Check your choice

Training log checklist

  • • I track weekly volume + long run (not just daily streaks).
  • • I record RPE and recovery notes for key sessions.
  • • I track sleep in a simple way (good/ok/bad).
  • • I track pain signals early (0–10).
  • • I log fueling practice on long runs.

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FAQs

Do I need a running training log?

You need a way to spot patterns. A simple log helps you adjust before small issues become injuries or burnout.

What’s the most important metric?

Consistency plus long-run progression — with stable recovery. If easy runs aren’t easy and sleep is collapsing, the plan isn’t working.

Should I track heart rate?

Optional. It can help, but only if it changes decisions. Many runners do well tracking RPE, sleep, and pain signals first.

Keep going

Running Pace Calculator (with Splits)

Convert distance and time into pace per kilometre or mile and generate a splits table for workouts and race planning.

Marathon Fueling Planner (Carbs Schedule)

Turn a carbs-per-hour target into a simple fueling schedule you can practice in training and execute on race day.

18-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 18-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace and fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

Sources