Which of the following is a key factor when plotting goals in a training program?

When plotting goals in a training program, one of the most critical factors is your previous best performances. This approach is essential because it provides a benchmark for assessing your current abilities and setting realistic, achievable targets. By analyzing past performances, you can identify areas of strength and weakness, allowing you to craft a tailored training plan that builds on your established baseline.

Additionally, leveraging historical data helps in recognizing patterns in your training response and performance outcomes, which further aids in making informed adjustments. Understanding where you have previously excelled or struggled allows for a more personalized training experience, ultimately promoting better progress and goal attainment.

In contrast, while current trends in running, peer competition levels, and public interest in running can have their significance, they do not offer the personalized insight needed for goal setting in an individual training program as effectively as a runner's historical data does.