Running Buddy – Notion Running Tracker,…: is this $5 stack worth it for Fitness & Health?

If you’ve ever finished a run and forgotten to log it because your tracking app was buried under three other tabs, you know the real cost of scattered data. You lose the rhythm. You stop knowing if your mileage is trending up or down. You buy a new pair of shoes and then forget how many kilometers are on the old ones until the midsole collapses on a hill. (Running Buddy – Notion)

Running Buddy – Notion Running Tracker, Shoe Log & Race Planner is the fix for that specific kind of runner’s chaos. It’s not a fitness app that tracks your heart rate or syncs with your watch. It’s a structured Notion workspace that turns your running life into a clear, visual dashboard. For $5, you get a lifetime-access template that handles the three things runners actually care about: the runs themselves, the gear that supports them, and the races that give the whole thing purpose. If you’re the type who likes to see your progress in a clean grid rather than a pie chart, Running Buddy’s structured log is worth a look.

Quick answer

What you’re actually buying

At $5, you’re not just buying a blank page. You’re getting a pre-built system with four distinct databases that talk to each other. The core of the template is the Runs database, which isn’t just a list. It’s set up with specific views: a “Next runs” view for your upcoming schedule, a calendar view for visual pacing, a weekly kilometers summary so you can spot overtraining at a glance, and a goals tracker to keep your long-term targets in sight. You log distance, time, pace, and run type (easy, tempo, intervals, long run) in about 30 seconds after you finish, which is the sweet spot for consistency. (Running Buddy – Notion)

Then there’s the Shoes database, a gallery view that tracks brand, total kilometers, and a “Retired” status. This is the feature that saves you money. You stop guessing when a shoe is dead; you just look at the mileage count. It’s a small detail, but it’s the kind of thing that makes a tracking tool feel like a real tool rather than a diary. (Running Buddy – Notion)

The Races database is where the motivation lives. It’s split into “Next races,” “Bucket list,” and “Past races,” and it includes a gallery for your Bibs and Medals. That last part is a nice touch. Running is as much about the finish line as it is about the training, and having a visual shelf for your medals makes the workspace feel like a trophy case rather than a spreadsheet. All of this is linked on a central Datas page, which acts as your dashboard. You open one page, and you see your recent runs, your next race, and your shoe status. It’s a complete picture of your running life, and you can duplicate the Running Buddy template into your own workspace in a click.

Why it’s on our radar

Most running apps are subscription services that want to own your data. Running Buddy is the opposite: it’s a one-time purchase that lives in your own Notion workspace. That means you own the data, you can customize it however you want, and it works on the free Notion plan. The specificity of the deliverables is what makes it interesting. It’s not a vague “fitness tracker.” It’s a shoe log, a race planner, and a mileage dashboard, all built for the specific workflow of a runner who logs manually. If you’re the type who likes to plan your training block on a Sunday and then just execute it during the week, this structured running log fits that rhythm perfectly.

What actually matters

Before you buy, check these three things to make sure it’s the right fit for your running style: (Running Buddy – Notion)

• You log manually. This template does not sync with Strava, Garmin, or Apple Watch. You have to type in your distance and pace after each run. If you’re okay with that 30-second manual entry, you’ll appreciate the simplicity. If you need automatic sync, look for a dedicated app instead. (Running Buddy – Notion)
• You use Notion. You don’t need a paid Notion plan, but you do need to be comfortable with Notion’s interface. If you’ve never used Notion, the first 10 minutes will be a learning curve. Once you duplicate the Running Buddy workspace, it’s intuitive, but it’s not a drag-and-drop app.
• You run for races or have goals. The template is designed for runners who have a destination. If you’re just jogging for fun and don’t care about mileage or race planning, the structure might be more than you need. But if you’re training for a 10K, a half, or an ultra, the race database and goals tracker will keep you focused. (Running Buddy – Notion)

Mid-check

If you’re ready to get your running data out of your head and into a structured workspace, this is a low-risk way to do it. The $5 price point means you can try it for a month and see if the manual logging habit sticks. (Running Buddy – Notion)

See current options

FAQ

Do I need a paid Notion plan to use Running Buddy? No. The template is designed to work on the free Notion plan. You just need a free Notion account and a browser or the mobile app.

Can I use this for cycling or hiking? Yes. The properties and tags are editable. You can rename “Runs” to “Rides” or “Hikes” and adjust the distance units to fit any endurance sport. The Running Buddy framework is flexible enough to adapt to other activities.

Is it mobile-friendly? Yes. Notion works on iOS and Android, and the template is designed for quick mobile entries. You can log a run right after you finish, even if you’re on the trail. (Running Buddy – Notion)

Bottom line

Running Buddy is not a magic app that tracks your heart rate or tells you when to rest. It’s a clean, organized way to keep your running data in one place. For $5, you get a lifetime-access template that handles the three things runners actually care about: the runs, the shoes, and the races. If you’re the type who likes to see your progress in a clear, visual dashboard, this is a solid pick. It’s simple, it’s yours, and it works on the free plan.

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