First, it’s not an asinine question. Finding a measuring stick is always a good thing (IMO).

Second, I’m not aware of any such standard other than the fitness tests in TftNA.

Third, and most important, make your own and only measure your performance against your own progress. People get too caught up measuring themselves against professionals and then attach a value judgment to it. If you can do the former without the latter, I think you’ll find your progress very rewarding.

For example, when I started skimo racing in Canada, in my first race I finished with a time that was ~65% of the winner’s. (If he won in two, then it took me three.) After a year or so of proper training and practice, I was finishing in the mid-70s. (If a race was won in two hours, I would finish in ~2.5h.) After six years of training, I was able to get into the mid-80s. (2h vs 2.3h)

A couple of things should jump out:

* I was never going to win, but I was able to make a lot of progress; and
* More and more training leads to less and less improvement as you approach your absolute potential.

Progress is relative and should be measured as such. Enjoy the process!

Oh…to address your question about weekly goals…no simple answer. Newbies…6-8 hours a week. Veteran, experienced athletes…9-12 and up. Good guidance in the books.

Think in terms of hours, not miles and Vert. The latter numbers are driven by your fitness/speed and the terrain you’re on.