#19 If you can't measure it you can't manage itThis is a featured page


The statement “If you can’t measure it … you can’t manage it” is as true in fitness as it is in business. For this weeks tip I look at how you can measure your outdoor training so you can make sure you are improving over time. Please note for this tip you can replace “run”, with “walk” or “ride” if you want to

Using a watch to measure how long you have run for is only half of the equation, you also need to know how far (in kilometres) you have gone in order to track any improvements.

For example, if you ran 5km in say 30mins, you were running at an average speed of 6 minutes per kilometre. There are now two ways you can improve your fitness
  1. Maintaining the same speed but increase the total distance of the run (thereby increasing the total time for the run)
  2. Maintaining the same distance but increase your speed (thereby reducing the total time for the run but increasing intensity)
If you just aimed to increase the total time of your run and measured it with your watch, there is no easy way of knowing if you slowed down your speed (intensity) to reach your time goal.

Fortunately, there is a website that can help with measuring distance. Map my run is a mash up with Google Earth (you gotta love Google’s open source policy!) that allows you to map and plan your runs, calculating distance and calories for you…for free!

It also has a section where you can search runs in your local area that others have saved. I used this on the weekend and discovered a scenic run which was an inspiring change to my regular tracks.

You can also use the site to log your training which is a great way to keep your fitness regime on track.

And for those who are more interested in cycling there is also map my ride

Til next month,

Chris

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malonchr
malonchr 		Latest page update: made by malonchr , Nov 5 2008, 2:47 AM EST (about this update About This Update malonchr Edited by malonchr

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