One of the best ways to stick to a fitness routine is to keep a training log. By recording details about your rides, you will have a better chance of achieving your goals. A training log gives you a place to record details about what you did and how you felt, which will serve as an excellent reference tool when planning future workouts.

Choosing a training log
Training logs vary from person to person. Believe it or not, they are really a reflection of each individual athlete. Some may choose to be very detailed about the information they record, while others only jot down a few basic thoughts each day. Some people need a full-blown software application, and others will amass spiral notebooks by the truckload. Basically, pick whichever format you will best be able to keep up with.

Two free online training logs worth checking out are Bike Pro Log and WinningStats.com. Bike Pro Log is a full-featured online training log, complete with a calorie counter and event planner. The best part of this site is that you are really joining community of cyclists and can see how many miles you are logging compared to others. WinningStats.com is a multi-sport training log that allows you to store information for running, cycling, swimming, and even inline skating. You can also create a team at WinningStats so that you can share information among people in your regular riding group.

What types of information to record
As a cyclist, you will probably want to record at least a few basic details about each ride, such as location, distance and pace. I recommend also writing down comments about how you felt during and after the ride, and also any details that may have affected your performance, such as weather or how much sleep you got the night before. Not only will these comments give you clues about what types of factors affect your performance, they will probably also make for interesting reading down the road.

If you flip through your training log and notice a lull, or a period of little to no progress, you have likely hit a plateau. At this point, it is best to take a look at your workout and see what's missing. Look for clues in your training guide to help you spot areas that need work. Most of the time, a little cross-training is the sure-fire cure to get you out of the slumps. Take a break from your bike and try inline skating, or taking a yoga class. Sometimes you need a break from the daily grind, and a little variety will get you back on track toward achieving cycling success.