Benchmarking your fitness

On a recent exam in my competitive strategy class, there was a question about benchmarking and the importance of it in business. Benchmarking has a place in fitness, too. It can be used for different variables such as weight loss, inches lost, race times, how a pair of jeans fit, how easy a hard work out has become and the list could go on and on. It is a method to ensure you are improving your fitness and provides motivation to keep you on track.


Think about how you can benchmark you fitness. Set a strategy around how you want to achieve those benchmarks. The strategy should be realistic and attainable. (not like my pie in the sky desire to have a body like Gisele's for my wedding)  There should also be a date or timeframe in which you want to achieve these goals.


Take a moment and think about what you want to achieve within the next year. Write them down and come back to them in three months to see if you are on track.
Or share them with a friend or coach and have them help you stay motivated and keep on your fitness track.


Following are some benchmarks I have in place for the next year: (post back injury!)


1.  Improve overall Nautica Tri time: swim time beat it by a minute, improve bike by three minutes and run by two minutes
2.  Not get dropped by Zac and Ross on hills while biking this summer-incorporate more hill repeats in workouts
3.  Goal for Myrtle beach marathon is to run under 3:40-PR by 3 minutes or run the half (if I have to because of injury) under 1:41
4.  Try to run under seven minute miles in a 5K
5. Try to swim a 1.2 mile race in 37 minutes
6.  Improve core strength to help back strength and achieve a flatter stomach for wedding dress, do core work 2-3 times per week
7. Work on improving flexibility and being able to touch toes without bending knees