I always wonder whether the training I do is helping me to achieve my overall goals. Lately in my running journal, I’ve noticed that my notes can sometimes explain why I see a certain pattern in my workouts and have helped me make adjustments along the way.
In February 2010, I was getting ready for my favorite spring road races that start in April. However, I came down with a bad cold and took several days off from running.
After my recovery, I became concerned that I may have jumped to quickly into my normal routine. I’ve learned that by taking it easy during an illness, I can help my chances to recover more quickly.
Fast forward to early June, I found myself injured and could not remember if anything significant has changed over the last couple of months. I decided to take a closer look at my more recent workouts.
I had a sudden downward trend when I started to note my symptoms. I decided to go back in time to examine some of my previous notes and found something that could have caused my problem. In April, I decided to increase my mileage without following the 10 percent rule.
I do remember this note after reviewing my journal. It certainly is plausible to have caused my injury. However, I have consulted with my doctor to diagnose the problem and help me to my road of recovery.
I ignored my better judgement and found myself injured. In time I will run again and hopefully learn from my experience.
Keeping a journal and detailed notes can help you make informed decisions about your training. It can help you determine what is effective for you. Listening to your body and observing how it reacts is one of the key components to succeed in your training.
