Utilizing a Training Log to Maximize Performance

Almost all elite and professional athletes maintain a training log. On many professional athletic teams keeping a training log is a mandated requirement. During my career, I consistently maintained a daily training log. While I cannot tell you every detail of a day during the 2015 season, I could certainly tell you what physical and mental training I completed that day and how I felt doing it.

As an athlete on the US National Team, I can recall one three-year period where the program had three different head coaches. The fact that I could send each incoming coach my previous years' training log was crucial to them quickly getting an idea of my athletic background. This transfer of data not only helped me work better with each coach, it helped me reflect on how each coach's training plan affected my performance.

Examples of Training Logs

So what is a training log? At its core, a training log allows you to record (1) what activity you completed as well as (2) a subjective reflection on how your body and mind was performing on that day. It can be kept in a physical book, on a spreadsheet, or on a phone. How you keep your training log is not important; That you consistently keep a training log is.

Important metrics to record in your log include:

- Amount of time you spent doing a training activity

- The type of training activity that you did

- Your subjective impression of how you felt and what goals you have for the next session

- Pertinent details (i.e. - Was it unusually hot? Did you try a new pre-race meal?)

Goals for a Successful Training Log

- Consistency is key. Be sure to fill out your log daily. Immediately after a training session is absolutely the best time to reflect on how you felt mentally and physically.

- If you can utilize a logging method that allows you to total your work each week, month, and year do so. This will help you gain a better understanding of your long-term training trends.

- Many log types exist - simply choose the one that works best for you. This will help you remain adherent to your logging routine.

Takeaways

• Keeping a training log is a crucial aspect of elite athletics.

• A well-maintained training log allows you to reflect on your past performances. It also allows you to efficiently communicate your athletic background to a new coach or mentor.

• Use whatever logging method works best for you - the most important thing is to log consistently.