Which of the following is NOT considered an intensity benchmark?

Total distance run is not considered an intensity benchmark because it primarily reflects volume rather than the intensity of the exercise. Intensity benchmarks are tools used to gauge how hard a runner is working during a training session, while distance alone does not provide insight into the effort or energy exerted within that distance.

Heart rate, GPS pace, and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), on the other hand, directly relate to the physiological and psychological effort levels experienced during running. Heart rate offers a measurable indicator of cardiovascular strain, GPS pace indicates speed and, therefore, can reflect effort relative to the runner's capabilities, and RPE allows the runner to self-assess how difficult the exercise feels on a subjective scale. These three factors are essential for tailoring training programs and ensuring athletes engage with exercise at appropriate intensity levels for their goals.