Thank you for sharing Ruth's book. I loved this passage:
All that writing “can have a particularly meaningful purpose,” Ruth adds: “it is a chrysalis from which the creative self emerges.” And this passage really struck me: “The very act of taking up the pen and writing down thoughts is an assertion of value.”
I don't keep a fitness journal, but do maintain an excel spreadsheet for when I'm really serious. I don't think that simply logging the "data" is very helpful--there are apps that do that...I wonder what it would feel like to add a couple of comments to talk about the experience--as in--this was a hard day, but...or this felt like I turned the corner....etc...
Yes. I keep a journal, and since running is such an important part of my life, my running is often written down, but it’s not an exclusive running journal. And I agree, journaling helps us understand ourselves much better
I’ve kept a running journal for the last 20 years - all on paper with a pen. Some entries are more detailed than others, and unfortunately the misread detailed ones tend to be the runs whereI felt I had failed or didn’t perform. But I can look back at each year and see tangible evidence of accomplishment.
I have not been keeping a journal … outside of tracking my 13.1s on Half Fanatics. I have my wife to remind me of our past adventures, whether the half was a three-hour drive from home or across the country. Might a journal entry include one about being in a porta-potty when the National Anthem is played?
I have a journal that I write in most days of the week. My entries are usually simple phrases of things that bring me joy. I have used "The Complete Runner's Day-to-Day Log 2025 Calendar" by Matt Fitzgerald journals for years now. They are fun to look back on. Before each month, he has a page of all things running. I use it to keep track of my miles; the weather; pace; etc and all other activities I do such as yoga, swimming, cycling, rowing, and walking. There is also a TIP with a picture at the end of each week's entries. In the back I like graphing my weekly mileage (love the visual) and a chart for my races including the date; place; distance; time; pace and comments/excuses.
I've kept a journal before things turned upside down and we moved to Oregon. It was an every night thing in North Dakota. . .lots of new experiences. Then I wrote down my runs every day when we lived in Redmond, WA, especially after reading "Strong" which you recommended. I really tried where we now live, but I must admit I failed. . . just not conducive to writing nor are my "roommates" who use a computer and game until all hours. I'm on the rower regularly, but Concept 2 keeps track on the rowing. . .so many figures, I'd never remember them!
It's a good idea, takes real discipline, but REALLY hard when living in this digital age. . . BTW, I finish my January challenge today! 30 hours of rowing for the month. . . only 3.5 hours to go. Seems small, but it was a lot of work!
Raining today. . . first in a long time, but the cold and frost seem to be gone! Take care! :)
Better get going. and hour is a Long time! My daughter told me no more Challenges and I agreed. . . and told her "until the next one!" ;) (almost to the million meter point!)
Terrell! Thank you so much for your kind words about my book - and for making this interesting connection. I’ve always kept more of a running log than a running journal - just keeping track of mileage, pace, etc. So interesting to see everyone’s remarks!
I bought a pdf journal on Etsy last year, then I made my own lol. I have 2 pages. One to just track miles by day, week etc. The other page tracks my weekly long run. I put more info on that one: goal mile, actual mile, pace, and blank box to write weather, how I felt, etc. I have track for an entire year and it is helpful to see trends and how much I actually run.
From a technical standpoint, I use Strava. I first joined in October 2015, and since then I've cataloged 2,562 runs (20,921 miles, 1,712,472 feet gained). As for my personal journey, I usually share my reflections on Instagram. Not every run is remarkable (actually, only a few are); however, every now and then I'll have an insight, so I'll document my thoughts there.
Now that I hadn't thought of... you're right, there's a huge community of people on Instagram, sharing their runs in the same way we once wrote in running journals. (How could I forget that?!) Your Strava stats are amazing, btw!
Writing with pen and paper can be meditative. Making time to sit down and reflect upon the run has helped me to become more mindful and attentive to the inner journey that running can be.
This year I bought Blackwing pencils, a canvas pencil case, and a nice sturdy pencil sharpener. I love them! It makes a difference to have a really good pencil and makes me want to write even more.
I bought a running journal and then never wrote in it. (Not uncommon for me and journals.) I did read through the journal though as it has thoughts and quotes from the authors on running interspersed with blank pages and lines. This post is inspiring me to dig it out and try again.
I've been using a digital version of a journal in a untracked I use. I don't do it consistently, but I have been more consistent now than I was at the beginning. I didn't really have a goal for tracking my feelings, etc. during running, but I can see where, for me anyway, I may have reoccurring injuries or issues that can be linked to weather, or foods consumed.
Thank you for sharing Ruth's book. I loved this passage:
All that writing “can have a particularly meaningful purpose,” Ruth adds: “it is a chrysalis from which the creative self emerges.” And this passage really struck me: “The very act of taking up the pen and writing down thoughts is an assertion of value.”
I don't keep a fitness journal, but do maintain an excel spreadsheet for when I'm really serious. I don't think that simply logging the "data" is very helpful--there are apps that do that...I wonder what it would feel like to add a couple of comments to talk about the experience--as in--this was a hard day, but...or this felt like I turned the corner....etc...
Yes. I keep a journal, and since running is such an important part of my life, my running is often written down, but it’s not an exclusive running journal. And I agree, journaling helps us understand ourselves much better
Long and detailed early career and short and simple late career to match time and distance.
I’ve kept a running journal for the last 20 years - all on paper with a pen. Some entries are more detailed than others, and unfortunately the misread detailed ones tend to be the runs whereI felt I had failed or didn’t perform. But I can look back at each year and see tangible evidence of accomplishment.
I have not been keeping a journal … outside of tracking my 13.1s on Half Fanatics. I have my wife to remind me of our past adventures, whether the half was a three-hour drive from home or across the country. Might a journal entry include one about being in a porta-potty when the National Anthem is played?
I have a journal that I write in most days of the week. My entries are usually simple phrases of things that bring me joy. I have used "The Complete Runner's Day-to-Day Log 2025 Calendar" by Matt Fitzgerald journals for years now. They are fun to look back on. Before each month, he has a page of all things running. I use it to keep track of my miles; the weather; pace; etc and all other activities I do such as yoga, swimming, cycling, rowing, and walking. There is also a TIP with a picture at the end of each week's entries. In the back I like graphing my weekly mileage (love the visual) and a chart for my races including the date; place; distance; time; pace and comments/excuses.
I started writing in The Five Minute Journal daily since first of the year. Grateful for the ability to still run at age 69.
I also keep a simple exercise journal.
I've kept a journal before things turned upside down and we moved to Oregon. It was an every night thing in North Dakota. . .lots of new experiences. Then I wrote down my runs every day when we lived in Redmond, WA, especially after reading "Strong" which you recommended. I really tried where we now live, but I must admit I failed. . . just not conducive to writing nor are my "roommates" who use a computer and game until all hours. I'm on the rower regularly, but Concept 2 keeps track on the rowing. . .so many figures, I'd never remember them!
It's a good idea, takes real discipline, but REALLY hard when living in this digital age. . . BTW, I finish my January challenge today! 30 hours of rowing for the month. . . only 3.5 hours to go. Seems small, but it was a lot of work!
Raining today. . . first in a long time, but the cold and frost seem to be gone! Take care! :)
Love that you're going to reach your January goal, Nilima!!!
Better get going. and hour is a Long time! My daughter told me no more Challenges and I agreed. . . and told her "until the next one!" ;) (almost to the million meter point!)
WOW!! 🙌
Terrell! Thank you so much for your kind words about my book - and for making this interesting connection. I’ve always kept more of a running log than a running journal - just keeping track of mileage, pace, etc. So interesting to see everyone’s remarks!
You are welcome! I'm still going to reach out for an interview with you -- how might next week work?
I've never used a running journal. As my 59th bday approaches making the next a mile stone bday, maybe this would be good year to start.
I bought a pdf journal on Etsy last year, then I made my own lol. I have 2 pages. One to just track miles by day, week etc. The other page tracks my weekly long run. I put more info on that one: goal mile, actual mile, pace, and blank box to write weather, how I felt, etc. I have track for an entire year and it is helpful to see trends and how much I actually run.
Nice!
From a technical standpoint, I use Strava. I first joined in October 2015, and since then I've cataloged 2,562 runs (20,921 miles, 1,712,472 feet gained). As for my personal journey, I usually share my reflections on Instagram. Not every run is remarkable (actually, only a few are); however, every now and then I'll have an insight, so I'll document my thoughts there.
Now that I hadn't thought of... you're right, there's a huge community of people on Instagram, sharing their runs in the same way we once wrote in running journals. (How could I forget that?!) Your Strava stats are amazing, btw!
Writing with pen and paper can be meditative. Making time to sit down and reflect upon the run has helped me to become more mindful and attentive to the inner journey that running can be.
Same for me -- just that feeling of guiding a pen across a page, it's something I rarely do (and used to do all day, back when I was in school!)
This year I bought Blackwing pencils, a canvas pencil case, and a nice sturdy pencil sharpener. I love them! It makes a difference to have a really good pencil and makes me want to write even more.
Good morning,
I think it's a great idea, both for hold ing yourself accountable and motivitation but I can barel correspond here so...
Totally get it, Stan! 😀
I bought a running journal and then never wrote in it. (Not uncommon for me and journals.) I did read through the journal though as it has thoughts and quotes from the authors on running interspersed with blank pages and lines. This post is inspiring me to dig it out and try again.
(https://bookshop.org/p/books/chasing-twilight-a-joy-journal-for-runners-jim-o-brien/17349729?ean=9781610660969&next=t&next=t
Thanks for sharing this, Erin!
I've been using a digital version of a journal in a untracked I use. I don't do it consistently, but I have been more consistent now than I was at the beginning. I didn't really have a goal for tracking my feelings, etc. during running, but I can see where, for me anyway, I may have reoccurring injuries or issues that can be linked to weather, or foods consumed.