How to Create a Mileage Log

You don't need to be training for a race or even traveling by foot to benefit from a mileage log. Mileage logs can help you cater your training to a specific adventure whether you are a hiker, bicyclist or kayaker. Simply keeping a log of your routine can get you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime trek to the Inca Trail or the annual six-day hike with friends. If you noted soreness or injuries on any of your treks, consulting your mileage log can help you better prepare for next year.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Notebook Calendar
Notebook
Calendar

Step 1

Find a place to record your entries. If you don't like journals, log your daily mileage on a wall calendar. If you are a natural list-maker or diary-keeper, consider using a notebook instead so you will have more room to write detailed information. There are also several websites that act as mileage logs, including Runner's World, which automatically graphs your progress. In addition to running, the site also allows you to log biking, swimming and more.

Step 2

Mark an end date. Decide when you need to be in shape and ready for your mileage goals.

Step 3

Consider your current physical condition. Find a training plan that increases your mileage safely from a set date until your target date. This depends on your physical condition, and you may need to consult a trainer or physician for assistance.

Step 4

If you are apt to stop writing, don't take on too many variables, but you should at least record mileage, terrain and how you felt. For even more detail, write down what you ate the morning or evening before and the weather conditions. The best log will have enough detail for you to track your progress and avoid injury, but will not be a burden to write every day.

Step 5

Look for patterns week-to-week and year-to-year. Pay close attention to the workouts, meals and weather around the times that you were feeling worst, then make adjustments to your routine to avoid injury.

Step 6

To use the information you recorded to evaluate your training for an annual trip, you'll need to keep writing in your log throughout your adventure. If you felt great the entire time, you know you did something right. If your friends were carrying you on day four, maybe you should start training earlier next year.

Step 7

Logging food intake is great for people looking to slim down while they are shaping up. Writing down what you are eating helps you stick to a diet. If you are not dieting, logging your food intake can help you decide what to eat before a difficult workout. Adjust your meals and use your log to track the differences you felt or saw.

Tips & Warnings

Make recording mileage part of your routine. Forgetting to track mileage immediately can lead to inaccuracies.

Consult a physician or trainer before starting or changing a workout program.

Article Written By Jessica Powers

Jessica Powers has been writing online professionally since 2009. Her articles have focused on travel, law and general knowledge. Currently, she is working on a creative project about the art of beer tourism. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Minnesota.

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