Buzz
Relying on workout apps for an extended period reveals their unreliability. They may become obsolete, or you might pause your fitness journey and forget crucial details like passwords. Additionally, if your phone fails, your data could be lost. Even when functioning properly, these apps often miss tracking vital metrics you truly need to monitor.
This is why taking ownership of your training data is crucial. Avoid entrusting it to apps or cloud services; instead, document your running distances or weightlifting routines on paper or maintain a digital file you can manage and back up. Here’s the reasoning behind this approach.
You’re likely to lose track of where you stored all your information
Sure, apps might seem convenient now, while you’re actively using them. However, as someone who has been running for years, I can attest that my fitness history is littered with abandoned platforms and forgotten login details. For instance, where did I record my training data for the half-marathon I completed five years ago? I have no clue. Or my very first marathon back in 2012? I stumbled upon the website where I believe I logged my progress, but it no longer recognizes my password or any of my current email addresses.
While we often focus on our present fitness routines, it’s equally important to preserve data for your future self. Years from now, you might find yourself asking, “How did I train in 2019?” To answer that, you’ll need to have left behind the necessary records.
Luckily, I do have some of my old training data, thanks to my habit of writing it down on paper. When I was preparing for that 2012 marathon, I printed out my training schedule and pinned it to the wall. I marked completed workouts in green, missed ones in red, and rest days in gray. That calendar still sits in a folder in my office. I also have a couple of years’ worth of workout logs on this type of paper log, and my only regret is that I ever stopped consistently using this low-tech method.
Apps only track what they’re programmed to track
The most basic metric a running app can provide is your average pace: total workout time divided by distance covered. Ironically, this is one of the least useful statistics you could rely on.
Different types of workouts require varying paces. For instance, a long, steady run should naturally have a slower average pace. However, if I start with a slow warm-up mile, follow it with three miles of fast tempo running, and end with a slow cooldown, the overall pace becomes meaningless. Similarly, during track intervals, the total pace is irrelevant—no one cares about that number.
I still rely on apps during my runs and gym sessions, but I make it a point to transfer key data to a notebook afterward. For each workout, I record the duration and my experience, using either a smiley face system or a numerical scale to rate intensity. (A 10 signifies an exhausting effort, while a 6 feels like a leisurely stroll.)
Consider this: why are you tracking your data in the first place? Whether it’s to analyze it immediately or revisit it later, the goal is the same. You should document the metrics and emotions that matter most to you, ensuring you capture what’s truly important.
Using both methods is perfectly fine
I’m not suggesting you abandon apps if they work for you. I personally love the Strong app for weightlifting because it handles calculations, tracks essentials like weights, reps, and perceived effort, and reminds me of my previous sessions. However, as soon as I return home, I open my training notebook and jot down the exercises, sets, and weights I used.
The same applies to running: I allow Nike to track my distance and generate shareable visuals with my stats, but I always record the day’s mileage in my notebook. I also include notes on my pace, how I felt, and other observations that could be useful in the future.
If you prefer to ditch the apps and bring your notebook to the gym, that’s perfectly fine. (I might even envy your ability to work out without letting companies monitor your location and personal information.) Whatever method you choose, ensure it’s a system that suits you and one that can’t be disrupted by a forgotten password.
