Performance measurement is used to determine improvements in performance for athletes. Most people often use time trials to see if they have improved, but this is not the only method used to determine your fitness level especially if you are planning to peak for a race that is a few weeks away.

Lactate testing is one such performance measuring tool where subjects have their blood lactate levels taken at different workloads. By measuring the accumulation of lactic acid in the blood, we can determine your level of fitness at that point of time. With proper training, this will improve with less lactic acid being produced and accumulated at a higher workload and this means faster race times.

The Nike+ sportband is also another useful tool when used for performance measurement. While we recommend training using duration as opposed to distance, the Nike+ sportband is a great way to gauge fitness improvements. If you can run 5km in 30 minutes at a steady pace and 2 weeks later you can run 5.5km in 30 minutes at a steady pace you know you are on the right track and improving.

Performance markers are variables measured in your training. These variables are running pace, heart rates and time trials. These serve as an indication of improvements in your fitness level. All these forms of measurements are essential to motivating you to keep on training hard and to monitor your progress towards your race.
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Article by:
Racers’ Toolbox www.racers-toolbox.com