A guest post from my running buddy
I’ve mentioned a few times that one of the great things about running in 2010 was that I got a running buddy. He asked me to mention the importance of data on my blog so I did the next best thing and gave him the opportunity to do a guest post:
One of the things that has changed/improved my running (aside from hitting the road with Andrew) is tracking my performance. In other words, the use of data/information.
It was ‘simply’ by tracking how much I was eating (calories) and my weight that I managed to lose 28Kg. In tracking calories and weight, I began to make decisions that were better informed. I didn’t deliberately set goals, I just made informed decisions about what I choose to eat. In case your interested what I did was based on the “Hackers Diet“.
Running has been like that for me too. I track my performance and that allows me to make informed decisions. Knowing what I actually can do, and how much I’m doing helps me make informed decisions. That’s how I came to try running with a 5:15 pack at the YMCA … the data suggested that it was a real possibility. That’s how I went and broke my PBs for the 5k and 10k yesterday … the data suggested it was a real possibility. That’s how I know when I can (and cannot) do a 30k run (without injury); because I have the evidence about how I’ve been responding to longer distances.
I think many guides to running suggest keeping a running log, as it provides essential and concrete feedback on how things are going. A that allows realistic decisions to be made.
For me, I track my running using an iPhone app. I’ve a lot of them, and the best I’ve found is RunMeter. It’s outstandingly reliable, and that’s important to me. I hate doing a run and not having any data at the end of it. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Of course I ‘advertise’ my running date through some of the social websites (e.g., DailyMile) but that is primarily for my social network (and the great support one gets from such networks). But my primary log is RunMeter.
You can follow Peter on DailyMile or at his personal blog.
Comments
11 Responses to “A guest post from my running buddy”
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by FitnessDoc, Andrew Eberhard. Andrew Eberhard said: A guest post from my running buddy http://goo.gl/fb/DvOD9 [...]
Thanks for sharing your story. I do agree that keeping a running log is something you should do. You can always look back when you are not feeling well or being injured and how your running (schedule) may have affected you.
About iPhone adds, they are great to use. I have tested several of them but not yet RunMeter. Will check it out!
Good luck with your new challenges!
Paul Koks´s last [type] ..Feb 9- Training For Your First Marathon
Twitter: marathon_tips
Of course, one can take the data collection too far:
http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centers/cybercrime_studies/instrumented_life_GregConti_v19.pdf
So there is always that need for balance and/or awareness.
Anyway, having tried most of the running apps, I keep coming back to RunMeter.
Twitter: JustAnotherCog
I can’t set foot outside w/o my Garmin.
Joe´s last [type] ..My Strangest Run Ever
Twitter: seejoerun
Very informative and good articles on your blog, love it, and keep up the good work
I’ve got every run (and swim and bike) I have done since 2004 logged in a series of spreadsheets. For me, having that data, seeing how far I have come (and how far I have fallen back when I am slack) is vital. My Garmin Forerunner is my best running friend!
Andrew your running buddy seems to be a great person to have along. I haven’t been running long distances that much lately but I know that keeping a journal and tracking sure makes things easier and more efficient. I always tell people if you don’t know what you were doing how can you tell if you are improving or not.
Nice post!
It must be interesting to go back and see how your performance has changed over the years.
Twitter: JustAnotherCog
Yes, I agree with the sentiment … if you don’t know how you are doing, it’s hard to know if you’re improving (or getting worse).
Twitter: JustAnotherCog
I’ve always wished I could be more disciplined about documenting my workouts. It’s strange because I’m a pretty anal person, but for some reason I just can’t get myself to be religious about this. Bravo for you though!
Greg´s last [type] ..3 Top Core Strengthening Exercises
Twitter: livefitblog
Good article. I’m always surprised at how many people don’t keep a journal or notebook when training. How can they possibly know if they are improving?!
Paul @Fat Burners Review´s last [type] ..Top Five Tips to Boost Your Metabolism
Twitter: nvonline2010