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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.

Last updated/Feb 15, 2026, 03:55 PM

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

Recommended plans

Plan

18-week marathon plan

Open the full plan, then keep variations and adaptation rules in one place instead of juggling tabs.

Plan

24-week marathon plan

Open the full plan, then keep variations and adaptation rules in one place instead of juggling tabs.

Recommended tools

Tool

Running pace calculator

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Marathon fueling planner

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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

Do this, not that

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

18-Week Marathon Training Plan

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

24-Week Marathon Training Plan

A 24-week marathon training plan with week-by-week structure, workouts, adaptation rules, and built-in pace + fueling tools. Variations are included on one page.

Adaptive Training Plan: Adjust Running Without Overtraining

A practical framework for adaptive training plans: what should change when life happens, what should stay fixed, and the simplest rules that protect recovery.

Best Running Workouts (The 8 Types That Actually Matter)

A practical guide to the best running workouts: which workout types matter, when to use them, and how to build a week that improves fitness without burning out.

Best Running Apps for Marathon Training (And What to Avoid)

A no-hype guide to the best running apps for marathon training: what features actually matter, common failure patterns, and how to choose based on your schedule.

Sources