6 Ways To Track Your Progress As A Runner
Tracking your progress is one of the best ways to stay motivated about running. Whether it’s running longer distances, clocking faster times, or sticking to a consistent routine, monitoring your running progress helps you see your improvement over time.
But what are the most useful metrics to track? And how can you track them effectively?
Here are six ways to track your progress as a runner – to help you see clearly how far you’ve come.
Set clear goals
The first step is to set clear goals so that you know what you’re working towards. These goals give you direction, motivation, and a way to measure progress over time.
Start by thinking about what you want to achieve and when you want to achieve it. For example:
- Running 5k in less than 30 minutes in the next eight weeks
- Running three times a week for the next month
These goals are great because they’re specific, actionable, and have a clear deadline. They make it easy to track progress and see how far you’ve come.
It’s important to be realistic with your goals too – anything too ambitious can feel overwhelming, so break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if the end goal is to run 10k, start by aiming for 2k, then 5k, then 7k. That way, you can track your progress step by step in a clear and motivating way.
For more tips, check out our guide on how to set realistic running goals.
Track your distance
One of the simplest and most effective ways to measure your running progress is by tracking your distance. Whether you’re aiming to run your first 5k or working towards marathon training, distance is a key metric to monitor over time.
Start by recording how far you run in each session. Over time, you’ll be able to see yourself running farther than before, which shows your stamina and endurance are improving – a great boost to keep you motivated and excited about your progress.
Tools like running apps and GPS watches make it easy to track your distance – more on these in step five.
Monitor your pace
Another key metric for tracking your running progress is pace – how fast you run per mile or kilometer. Monitoring your pace helps you measure improvements in your speed and endurance, and it’s particularly useful if you’re training for a race or aiming to hit a specific time goal.
Start by recording your average pace for each run. Tools like GPS watches and running apps can calculate this automatically, making it easy to spot trends. Over time, you might notice you’re running faster over the same distance – a clear sign of progress!
For deeper insights, track your pace for each kilometer or mile. This can help you spot patterns in your running, such as starting your run too quickly and needing to slow down later. By tracking this, you’ll learn how to improve your pacing and make your runs feel smoother and more comfortable.
Keep an eye on heart rate
Tracking your heart rate is an effective way to measure how hard your body is working during a run. It can help you train smarter, and it can help you see improvements in your fitness levels over time too.
A heart rate monitor – usually built into a smartwatch or a chest strap – shows your beats per minute (BPM) as you run. Keeping an eye on this helps you stay in the right effort level for your goals. For example:
- Easy runs: Aim for a steady, comfortable effort – about 60-70% of your max heart rate.
- Speed sessions: Push harder to reach 80-90% of your max heart rate.
Over time, a lower resting heart rate or being able to run at the same speed with less effort are signs your fitness is improving, so it’s a good one to track!
Use a running app
Running tracker apps make it easier than ever to track your running progress, with many offering everything from basic metrics like distance, pace, and time to advanced features like heart rate monitoring and route mapping. Apps like Strava, Garmin Connect, and Nike Run Club make it easy to log each run, spot trends, and set goals. Many also sync with GPS watches to give you real-time data and deeper insights into your performance.
For something a little different, FunRun brings a fresh and fun take to tracking your running progress. Alongside conventional metrics like distance and best time, FunRun also tracks creative ones like CalCost – which shows how cost-effective your calorie burn is compared to expensive gym memberships or personal trainers – and Power Bank – which converts the calories you've burned into potential energy.
These unique metrics make tracking not just functional but fun – perfect for keeping motivation high and celebrating every step of your journey.
Look beyond the numbers
While tracking metrics like distance, pace, and heart rate is important, running progress isn’t just about the numbers. Sometimes the most meaningful improvements are the ones you feel.
For example, you might notice that a route that once felt difficult is now manageable, or that you’re recovering faster after runs. Maybe you’re enjoying running, feeling less stressed, sleeping better, or finding new motivation to get out the door. These non-measurable wins are just as important and can often be the best indicators of long-term progress.
Celebrate every small win – whether it’s finishing a tough run, discovering a new favorite route, or sticking to a consistent routine. Taking regular moments to reflect and praise yourself reminds you why you started – and keeps you connected to the joy of running!
Ready to track your running progress?
Tracking your progress as a runner is a great way to notice improvements, stay motivated, and keep pushing towards your goals. Whether you focus on conventional metrics or explore fresh approaches like FunRun’s creative tracking tools, progress is personal, and every step counts.
Ready to track your progress and make running fun and rewarding? Download the FunRun app today and start celebrating your journey in a way that’s uniquely yours.
