Thought One:
It is a written contract with you and your training.
Thought Two:
Gives you clear vision of your objective within a given time frame.
Thought Three:
It is a record of comparison from the beginning to end.
(Is your training effective? Or is it garbage?) Your journal is your friend. It won’t lie to you. Even if it hurts your feelings.
Thought Four:
Training journals don’t have to be your life story. They can be very basic. Note my training journal for March in the picture. As long as you understand it…..its effective.
Thought Five:
Allows you to set up a reward system.
“If I follow the journal and complete ALL the training this month, I’ll treat myself to an upgrade in equipment or maybe some footwear.” Probably not a new chainsaw or $1500.00 ski rig. Keep the rewards small and associated with training.
Thought Six:
Details are good, but don’t make it complicated. We are not all aspiring writers. Knowing what you did 2 months ago and how you felt at the time can be helpful.
Thought Seven:
Writing your training out, up to 60 days in advance builds “training awareness”. You can make adjustments along the way but the idea is to have clear objectives.
Thought Eight:
Treat it as a contract! If you miss a day put a fat “F” in that box. For clarification, that means you failed, you breached contract. You are a failure…….for that day. Remember your journal doesn’t care why. It just reports the matter of your ability to get the job
done.
Thought Nine:
Remember, professionals use journals.
Thought Ten:
Journals are not just for strength training. They are awesome tools for your running practice as well. In matter of fact, a journal is good for any worthwhile endeavor.
Last Thought:
Teach your children to use journals!
