Training Log Improvement Tips

If you want to improve as an athlete and as a person, you need a daily training log. It’s not optional—it’s a mission-critical tool. A training log helps you sharpen your workouts, set new personal records, and track your progress over time. Top athletes like Patrick Mahomes, Simone Biles, and Mat Fraser all keep detailed logs. It’s as vital as your running shoes or gym gear. Without it, you’re guessing. With it, you’re building.

How to Start
Starting is simple. You don’t need fancy tools—just something you’ll use daily. Grab a $2 notebook, or go digital with apps like Strava, Garmin Connect, or MyFitnessPal. I personally use a mix of both: a handwritten journal for my thoughts and an app for tracking my workouts. Some athletes prefer spreadsheets; others post on training platforms like Teambuildr. It doesn’t matter how you do it—just pick a system that works and stick to it.

What Goes in the Log
Your training log should cover everything that affects your performance. Here’s the blueprint:

Goals: Write clear, measurable goals with a deadline. For example, “Run a sub-8-minute mile by March 1” or “Deadlift 300 pounds by May 15.”

Daily Entries: Log every day, even rest days. Record how you feel, any soreness, injuries, or energy levels.

Diet and Sleep: Track what you eat and how you sleep. Was your sleep solid or broken? Did you fuel properly for your workout? Write it all down.

Did you eat a clean nutrition meal today or was it a cheat meal. Did you drink a soda or a half gallon of water? What you track (or focus on) is what you can improve.

You may be getting sleep data from your Apple watch or Whoop strap. If so – that can tell you a lot about your training strain and sleep.

Rest and Recovery: Know your recovery needs. Track what helps you recharge, like stretching, yoga, or ice baths. Everyone’s body is different, so learn what works for you.

Workload: Record how much physical or mental strain you’re under outside training. Standing all day at work or heavy manual labor will affect your performance—log it.

Why Your Log Matters
A training log isn’t just about writing stuff down. It’s a map of where you’ve been and a guide to where you’re going. Reviewing your log regularly shows you patterns. You’ll notice what leads to your best performances, like how much rest you need before a PR or what foods fuel your best workouts.

I’ve been logging since 2015, using Strava to track weights, reps, and notes on performance. It’s helped me crush new milestones. I have been using the Whoop strap since 2020 during Covid. The more details you include, the better insights you’ll get.

Accountability Is Key
A lot of people ask me this:

Question: “Coach Brad, I don’t want to post on Facebook. What should I do?”

Answer: Dont worry about Facebook if you don’t like it. The key is accountability. If you prefer old-school, use a notebook. Snap a photo of your daily entry and share it with your coach or accountability buddy. For SGPT members, we use Facebook because it’s a central hub where I and your teammates can review your progress. When others are watching, you step up. Plus, it shows your coach you’re coachable, which is crucial for any elite athlete.

Final Word

Your training log is more than just a notebook or app—it’s your weapon for progress. It gives you clarity, direction, and motivation. So, start today. Write down your goals, log your workouts, and track your journey.

Every great athlete started with a single entry. Make yours today. Your next PR is waiting.