Previously in this series, we’ve discussed the top three triathlon metrics most triathletes are ignoring but really shouldn’t. So far we’ve covered Functional Threshold and Bike-to-Run Factor.
Lastly, we’ll analyze your Race Execution Percentage (or under the TriDot System the RaceX %) by learning what this is and why it’s so important.
Race execution as a triathlon metric may sound strange, but it’s more obvious than you might think. After all, executing on race day is what this is all about!
TriDot uses predictive analytics to improve and predict your performance. For this reason, our proprietary tool, RaceX, is highly instrumental in projecting performance so you can intelligently achieve what you didn’t think was possible.
I’m often surprised how many athletes put more stock in their training than their actual racing. It’s as if they value their training data more than their actual race results. We need to be viewing race execution as a metric. How closely does your performance compare to your predicted potential?
Because TriDot’s RaceX tool gives you a clear prediction of your racing potential, you have an accurate comparative quota from which to differentiate. Did your actual race time equal your RaceX predicted time for the given course? If not, where were the deficiencies? What discipline was lacking? Were the deficiencies strength related, nutrition related, or weather related? What areas did you excel in and why?
The percentage difference between your potential and your actual performance can be extremely telling. Never before have you had such a clear picture of where the specific focus for improvement needs to be. The RaceX tool illustrates that picture for you like nothing else.
Let’s be clear. Recording data will not predict future training. Most coaching programs use recorded metrics through a “trial and error” method of training. You can look at your history of data points, see where improvements were made, and guess that the training you did leading up to any historical improvements might offer more in the future.
Ultimately, however, the reasoning behind this method is flawed because your benchmarks are not accounting for all of the variables. The beauty of the TriDot system is that all the variables are accounted for. The composition of your body, the conditions of the environment, the terrain you’re up against, etc. TriDot’s training and RaceX programs account for all of it.
By having a clearer picture of capabilities and environmental challenge, predicting your race ability becomes considerably more accurate. Thus, the RaceX % makes it abundantly evident as to why you executed (or didn’t) on race day. No guessing. No trial and error through months of training and racing. This is brilliant harmony between predicting future performance and analyzing the work once it’s past.
TRIDOT TAKEAWAY:
TriDot’s predictive analytics approach ensures you account for race performance against potential, one of three key triathlon metrics often ignored by triathletes, to ensure the next race is the best performance possible.
TRIDOT TALK:
Do you have the ability to accurately compare predicted race performance with your actual results? How do you handle this metric?
JARED MILAM is a professional triathlete, TriDot coach, and member of the Tri4Him Pro Team. He has 16 years of competitive running experience and 11 years of competitive triathlon experience with a half Iron PR of 3:59 and a full Iron PR of 8:30. Coaching under the TriDot system since 2011, Jared loves working with aspiring triathletes of all ages and performance levels.
