Runners have a penchant for data. Tracking running progress is crucial for improvement, motivation, and achieving goals—and it’s quite fascinating. I discovered StrideSync, a third-party tool connecting your Strava account to Google Sheets. It offers a seamless way for your running metrics to be automatically updated, allowing deep data analysis. However, a Reddit post about StrideSync was removed by r/Strava moderators over data privacy concerns. So, I’ll share a manual method for achieving similar results without automatic syncing.
Though it lacks the ease of live data transfer, this method is still beneficial. I’ve laid the groundwork with formulas, formatting, and organization—just add your data.
Why create your own spreadsheet? Fitness apps abound, but personal spreadsheets offer custom solutions tailored to specific training needs, personalized charts and graphs, and freedom from subscription costs. I have shared many spreadsheets with the Lifehacker community, and this is a standout. Check it out here. If creating your own tracker appeals to you, let’s explore how to perfect it.
Creating a Running Tracker Spreadsheet: Basics
– Basic Run Data
– Performance Metrics
– Training Specifics: run type (easy, tempo, intervals, long), training week number, weekly mileage, notes/feelings
– Equipment Tracking: shoes and mileage
More Metrics to Track:
– Goal Tracking: monthly, weekly, and annual mileage goals with conditional formatting
– Personal Records: columns for best times (5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon)
– Injury Prevention: pre- and post-run feelings, discomfort notes
Must-have Formulas and Functions:
– Calculate totals: Use SUM for weekly/monthly mileage
– Average Pace: Use AVERAGE for time periods
– Progress Indicators: Conditional formatting for pace, distance, effort
– Goal Tracking: Percentage completion formulas
Visualizing Data:
– Line Charts: Mileage progression over time
– Column Charts: Monthly totals comparison
– Scatter Plots: Pace vs. distance
– Pie Charts: Run type distribution
These representations help identify trends, spot improvements, and maintain motivation during training.
Conclusion: Check out my template again here. If you have time to enhance this spreadsheet, I’d love to see your results. Tracking via Google Sheets offers deeper insights than basic apps, starting simple and evolving with your needs.