If you are keeping a log but it isn’t doing too much for you in the motivation department, then consider a chart.
I am a visual person and like to see things laid out for me. So if I want to see progress in my running or increases in mileage it is tough to look at a page of words and numbers and be motivated by it all. Instead I like to chart it so I have an instant visual representation of what I’m doing. So if I see I am 10 miles behind last months mileage I immediately get in gear and see if I can beat it.
Basically I keep a bar graph of each week’s and month’s mileage. I also use colors to include intensity. So, each day I fill in a little bar for each mile run with the color corresponding to the intensity I ran it in. Intensity matters because if you push yourself to do 8 minute miles for only 2 or 3 miles but the next day you run 3 miles at 9 minute miles you will feel the difference.
I also include warm ups and cool downs if I am doing a tempo or fartlek run.
So if you find a written log or diary isn’t motivating you enough try to chart it!
Day 1: Introduction – You are here 🙂
Day 2: Start Small, Build Slow
Day 3: It Doesn’t Have To Be Boring
Day 4: Stitches
Day 5: Keep a Diary
Day 6: Dangerous Thoughts
Day 7: Week 1 Done – Some Suggestions
Day 8: Treadmill Training – Baby it’s cold (or raining) outside
Day 9: A Motivational Quote for You
Day 10: Distractions
Day 11: Partner Up!
Day 12: Another Motivational Quote to Ponder
Day 13: A Word on Dehydration and Motivation
Day 14: Week 2 Flew! Check in
Day 15: Mornings
Day 16: Visual Motivators
Day 17: Knees
Day 18: Another Motivational Quote
Day 19: Don’t Forget
Day 20: The Coach
Day 21: Week 3 – Almost There!
Day 22: Give Yourself a Break
Day 23: Lower Legs and Feet
Day 24: Control
Day 25: Another Motivational Quote
Day 26: Keeping a Log?
Day 27: Test Yourself
Day 28: Week 4 – This is it!
Day 29: Goal Time
Day 30: Chart It Out
Day 31: What Is Your Incentive?
Also, if you want more motivation, you might want to follow my Pin Board ‘Run’!