The Benefits of a Training Log

In addition to writing all my workouts down I log them into Training Peaks.  Training Peaks is a free online program where you can register and log everything.  I love keeping track of my mileage.  It helps keep me motivated.  I’ve tracked my mileage since 2010.

I can also go back and see how my current training compares to what I was doing last year.  For example, I can compare my average run pace and my average bike power from year to year.  When I’m sore, tired, and discouraged I can look back and see that I’m faster and stronger.  This means my hard work is paying off!

My First Month of Ironman Training

My IM goals for this year are:  Train harder and eat better (eat more).

I’m definitely training harder, especially on the bike and swim.  I have been looking back at my training log from last year and my average power on the bike has increased.  I’m also swimming longer and I feel more comfortable in the water. This year I have also continued strength training four days a week.

I started logging my food intake and cardio exercise in My Fitness Pal because I really had no clue how much I should eat.  Right now, on the days I train I usually need 2500-3300 calories per day.  To me, that’s a lot of food especially when I eat mostly healthy foods.  So, I have really increased my caloric intake.

I believe that the increase in my caloric intake has helped me stay strong so that I can train harder.  So far, training and eating has been good!