Why Should I Test My Race Fitness?

Incorporating in a training plan

All this analysis may sound mind-boggling, but anyone can record and analyse basic information without a team of experts. The truth is, if you can’t achieve certain benchmarks in training, you’re unlikely to surpass them in a race. Either way, it’s good to know where you stand. In my range of triathlon training plans, I typically set them two weeks of solid training followed by a third week which I call “rest and test”.  In rest and test week the training volume is halved and I include two or three performance tests.  At this stage of the season that involves a 400m swim test, a one-mile run test and a five-minute bike power test. It’s not necessary to highlight improvements in fitness, as the path to improvement isn’t always straightforward. Testing gives you a realistic set of benchmarks, helps gauge race pacing and indicates when a certain type of training has stopped or started having a beneficial effect.

Aside from fitness, you can also test other things such as the drag on your bike (here’s how). The moral of the story is that you shouldn’t leave things to chance, because everything is measurable.  If you get to your first race knowing what you’re capable of, you’ll have more chance of racing to your full potential. You’ll pace it right, and your mind will be stronger for having realistic expectations. That’s when all the hard work becomes worthwhile.