Fitness by the Numbers

Whether you like math or not, fitness is a numbers game. From the bathroom scale to the nutritional data on the food we eat, our fitness plan can be viewed as a series of math problems. If you’re starting a running program or already a seasoned marathon runner, you’ll likely be looking at finish times, pace times, and mile-marker splits. And while we shouldn’t get hung up on the numbers, these figures can be used to motivate us & propel us to new goals. Whether your goal is a weight, a race time, or a waist measurement, below are some ways to succeed in your quest:

1. If you take weight or body measurements daily, look for improvements weekly or even monthly. Daily fluctuations in hydration and other factors can cloud our actual progress. Monthly comparisons are clear and evident and will motivate you to keep going for the long haul!



2. Running race times can be hard to predict, making realistic goal-setting a challenge. Use some race prediction tools to refine your goal, and always give yourself room for a Plan ‘B’ or ‘C’ (Example: "If I feel good in the last mile, I’ll give it my all"; or "If my legs feel like lead by the 3rd water stop, I’ll walk for 2 minutes").



3. Remember 1 pound of fat = 3500 calories. Calculate your: BMR, calories burned by activities, and your daily intake (food log). After awhile, you may choose to stop the food log – that’s OK. Set a threshold weight or body measurement that, if exceeded, will trigger the daily food log again. Eventually the good habits will stick and you’ll not only reach your goal, but you’ll stay or improve from there.



4. Some goals may seem like far-off apparitions. Set up some interim milestones and rewards to keep your focus. For example, training to do your first marathon may take you 6-8 months of hard work. That’s a long time to stay focused and motivated. Signing up for a half marathon or 10k in the middle may be all the motivation you need. While the training itself is really the true accomplishment – races validate our goals and can significantly boost our confidence ("I can do it…and I have the T-shirt / medal to prove it").


Tracking fitness by the numbers can really energize your program and motivate you to keep going. Afraid this will extinguish your spontaneity? Put the food log away at a party…run without a watch once a week…and don’t be afraid to skip a workout to make a dinner-date with friends…but stay on the long-term plan. By measuring that which you want to improve, you’ll truly be able to see your progress…by the numbers.