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Training Log Comparison

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I have attempted to catalog a number of the options for training logs. Below There are some a vast number of the one's I've looked atsolutions available, and runners look for many different things. (This article is being recreated, along with some that I need other user's input onso feedback is valued.) == Recommended =What to look for in a Training Log=Here's a summary of the attributes of a training log that this evaluation considers. My focus is on running, though I use [[SportTracks]] and export workouts will try to [[Dailymile]] for others capture some of the features that are of interest to see. The combination works greatmultisport athletes.  * [[SportTracks]] - The best training log, with extensible functionality via plugins'''Basic'''. This is my top recommendation for serious These are the basic features that I think most runnerswill be interested in. * [[Dailymile]] - This * '''Sports'''. How good is my top pick the support for social logging. Casual runners can use this site other sports such as cycling and swimming, as well as possibly other things such as their only strength training log, or combine it with [[SportTracks]] fir more sophisticated analyticsyoga, etc.** '''Usability'''.How easy is the app to use?* [[Fitocracy]] - Not a true training log* '''Devices'''. What's the support for smart phones, tablets, Windows PCs, but and Mac?** '''Export'''. How easy is it to export and backup your data? This may not seem like a great site core feature until your chosen solution goes off-line. (Google "code spaces" for a more rounded athlete with a vibrant social communitywhy this can be important. )* '''Integration'''. How well does the solution integrate with various devices?== Good Logging, Poor Social ==If you use these options, I would recommend double entering ** '''Garmin Upload'''. How easy is it to record a workout on your workouts with [[Dailymile]].comcommon device and upload it to the solution?* [[* '''Polar ProTrainer]] - The best software Upload'''. As above, but for Polar users.** '''Suunto Upload'''. As above, and some of the best reporting and analytics I have foundbut for Suunto.  == Looks Good == * [[RunningAHEAD]] - A nice site with lots of reporting options and support for Garmin GPS* '''Workout App'''. It has Is there a Facebook application and built in forumsworkout app to record directly? This is typically smart phone based, but could be smart watch, or rarely desktop PC.* [[Garmin Connect]] - Easy to use and reasonable functionality'''Analytics'''. Went you have the data, but there how good are probably better options out there.the analytics?* * '''Effectiveness'''. How effective is your training? This could be estimates of [[AthleticoreVO2max|V̇O<sub>2</sub>max]] - A very minimalist site, focused on running groups, either eductional or other organizationsmetrics.* * '''Recovery'''. Analysis of the balance between training stress and recovery, or some other measure of recovery such as [[RunkeeperTraining Monotony]] - Similar to [[Dailymile]] but nowhere near as good from a social perspective. It does have much ** '''Relative strengths. '''Are you relatively better privacy controls, so this is worth considering if you are concerned about who sees your dataat long distances or shorter? This can provide insight into possible areas of training focus. ** '''Prediction'''. How fast could you run a given distance? == Two Thumbs Down ==Things I** '''Statistics'''ve used . This covers all the slicing and dislikeddicing of data you might want to do. For instance, how many marathons did you run last year, or what % of time was spent above a given heart rate. * [[Mapmyrun]] - a very clutered site with lots of adverts (premium membership available)* [[Garmin Training Center]] - Very crappy desktop software '''Search'''. Search for Garmin GPSworkouts by distance, location, elevation change, etc. * [[PolarPersonalTrainer]] - No '''Social'''. The social networking support, which is unforgivable in side of a web based training logcan be a huge motivator for many people. * [[Fleetly]] - This seems to * '''Privacy'''. Can you control who sees what from your workouts? You might be a poor imitation of [[Fitocracy]]okay with sharing your overall statistics, such as distance and time, but not the GPS track. ** '''Friends/Followers'''. Is the model like Facebook where you are symmetric friends, or more like twitter where you follow others?== Alternatives ==** '''Challenges'''. Are there challenges, such as "run 100 miles this month"?** '''Segments'''. Is there a list of best performances for specific parts of a route? This can be a big motivator for some folks. * [[Excel Training Log]] - Create your own training log * '''Virtual reality'''. Is there a shared workout visualization? This is a big area in cycling, and reportsgrowing for runners.* [[Pen and Paper Training Log]] - If '''Tracking'''. Can you prefer track things beyond the workouts? ** '''Body composition'''. Tracking body composition in the idea form of pen weight and paper, this may work for youbody fat has obvious value given the number of people who are running to maintain body weight.* [[Athlinks]] - Great site for finding your race results* '''Blood Glucose'''. For diabetics, but not really a being able to track blood glucose and analyze changes against other training logmetrics is extremely valuable.** '''Injuries'''. Tracking injuries and recovery is useful both the time and for later analysis.== Need More Information ==If you are a user ** '''Equipment'''. Keeping track of any of theseequipment, please let me especially shoes to know and I will add when they are in the extra detailsneed of replacement, or to see how often you use specific equipment.* '''Advanced'''. These features may not be needed by most runners, but they can be critical for some of us. * * '''Running power'''. The running power estimates can be far more valuable than pace alone. While [[TrainingPeaksStryd]] - Popular site 's running power estimate is not on par with triathletes and supports logging of nutrition as well as cycling power, it's still a big step forward. ** '''Training plans'''. This can be either established training. I received one comment plans that the premium version of Training Peaks is too expensive and Sport Tracks solution provides or the ability to create your own training plan. Ideally these will integrate with a few plugins analytics to understand probable future changes. ** '''HRV features'''. Heart Rate Variability can be during exercise, point in time recovery, or continuous monitoring. It can do a similar jobprovide insight into training stress and recovery. * * '''Running Sensors'''. The area of [[WKO PlusRunning Sensors]] - Desktop software has exploded recently, from [[TrainingPeaksMuscle Oxygen Saturation]]to accelerometer data, there's a lot of new data. Without support from the running log, this data tends to be hard to use.com* [[Nike Plus]] - I* '''Weather'''. Automatic import of relevant weather data can help with analysis. ** '''Altitude correction'''. GPS is notoriously bad at altitude, and even barometric tends to have problems, so automated altitude correction can be handy. ** '''Footpod'''ve not used . Because a footpod can be more accurate than GPS, a running log should honor the use of that data. Having the training log override the footpod pace/distance with recalculated values from GPS degrades this. ** '''Extensibility'''. The ability to extend the core functionality, but seems very populareither by third parties or by a lone developer allows for a much richer experience.