A distance runner's goal to reduce her 5000-meter time by two seconds represents which type of goal?

This scenario describes a performance goal because it specifically focuses on improving a measurable aspect of the runner's performance—in this case, reducing her 5000-meter time by two seconds. Performance goals are aimed at enhancing specific performance metrics, such as times, scores, or personal bests, rather than focusing broadly on outcomes or fitness levels.

Unlike outcome goals, which are centered on the results of a competition (for example, winning a race), or process goals, which emphasize the steps or behaviors that contribute to performance (like maintaining proper form during the race), the goal here is explicitly tied to quantifiable performance enhancement. Fitness goals would pertain more broadly to physical conditioning improvements, such as increasing endurance or strength, rather than honing in on a precise time reduction. Thus, the runner's objective of trimming two seconds from her race time clearly aligns with performance goal characteristics.