How to Track Your Yearly Running Progress
Learn how to compare your running volume across multiple years and identify training trends
What is Yearly Progress Tracking?
Yearly Progress is one of Runlab's most powerful features for long-term training analysis. It displays cumulative distance for multiple years on a single chart, allowing you to see day-by-day how your current year compares to previous seasons. This visualization makes it instantly clear whether you're ahead or behind your best years at any point in the season.
Why Track Yearly Progress?
- Goal Monitoring: See if you're on track to meet or exceed your annual mileage goals
- Training Comparison: Compare current marathon training to previous successful build-ups
- Pattern Recognition: Identify when you typically ramp up or taper down volume
- Motivation: Visual proof of consistency and progress over the years
Step-by-Step Guide
1Connect Your Strava Account
First, sign in to Runlab at runlab.app and connect your Strava account. Runlab will import your complete running history automatically. This process typically takes less than a minute, even for runners with years of data.
2Navigate to Yearly Progress
Once your data is synced, go to your dashboard. The Yearly Progress chart is typically displayed prominently in the main analytics area. You'll see it as a line graph with multiple curves representing different years.
The chart automatically loads all years from your running history, so you don't need to select specific years initially.
3Understand the Visualization
The chart shows cumulative distance on the Y-axis and days of the year on the X-axis. Here's how to read it:
- Current year: Highlighted with a bold line and gradient, typically ends at today's date
- Previous years: Shown as muted or dashed lines for easy comparison
- Steeper slopes: Indicate periods of higher training volume
- Flat sections: Show rest periods, injuries, or breaks from running
4Analyze Your Trends
Look for patterns and insights:
- Compare your current position to the same date in previous years
- Identify your best year by finding the highest curve
- Note when you typically build up for races (spring marathon prep, fall training, etc.)
- See if you're maintaining consistency or have periods of volatility
Pro Tips
Use percentage comparisons: Runlab shows percentage differences between years. A "-15% YTD" means you're 15% behind your best year at this point.
Plan around patterns: If you notice you always taper in December, plan accordingly for next year's goals.
Set realistic goals: Use your best year as a benchmark rather than setting arbitrary distance targets.
Common Use Cases
Marathon Training
Compare your current 16-week build-up to previous successful marathon training cycles to ensure you're on track.
Injury Recovery
After time off, see how your comeback volume compares to your pre-injury baseline to avoid ramping up too quickly.
Annual Goals
Track progress toward a specific yearly mileage goal (e.g., 2,000km) by comparing against the pace needed.
Next Steps
Now that you understand yearly progress tracking, explore other Runlab features: