When you take on a different sport, task, or pastime, there are certain terms you need to know, and running is no exception.
The language used in running circles ranges from expressions used to explain different types of training to jocular phrases used to express the sensations of being a runner.
For instance, the language of running may involve technical concepts such as threshold intervals and VO2 max, as well as slang abbreviations like DNF and phrases such as bonking.
The language used by runners to describe their activity is so vast that a dictionary of running terminology could easily span several pages. This article provides a brief overview of the terms and phrases utilized in the sport of running, which all runners should be familiar with.
Common Running Terms And Terminology
1. Aqua jogging
This type of exercise, known as pool running or deep water running, is popular among runners as a form of cross-training. It consists of running in a deep body of water, such as a pool or lake, where the feet do not touch the bottom and the runner must push against the water’s resistance.
A flotation belt is typically used although not always.
2. Base Mileage
The typical amount of miles (or kilometers) that you would run in one week prior to commencing a targeted training program or initiating speed drills.
3. Body Glide
In this instance, the name of the brand associated with a particular product has been used to refer to the generic item, similar to how ‘Kleenex’ is used to describe facial tissues.
A stick of anti-chafing lubricant, known as Body Glide or lube, can be used to protect skin in areas that are prone to chafing, blisters, such as nipples, inner thighs, under arms, and toes.
4: Cadence
The rate of your strides per minute while running is known as cadence, which is calculated in steps per minute. It is commonly accepted that the best rate of strides when running is between 170 and 180 each minute.
The rate of one’s steps while running is sometimes referred to as turnover or cadence.
5. Cool Down
A cool down is the low-intensity activity that is done after the main portion of your exercise session has been completed.
The cool down assists in gradually reducing your heart rate to a resting state and helps eliminate metabolic waste products in your muscle tissue from strenuous activity.
6. Cross Training
Incorporating any form of physical activity into your training regime other than running.
Cross training is a beneficial practice for those wishing to improve their fitness without risking injury, as it utilizes different muscles and movements than running and is usually less strenuous.
Runners can benefit from engaging in cross-training physical activities such as biking, swimming, aqua jogging, yoga, and strength conditioning.
7. Dreadmill
A whimsical way of referring to the treadmill, which is said to capture the complex feelings people have about this type of workout equipment. Most runners prefer to jog outdoors rather than use a treadmill.
8. Form
The way your body moves when running is known as your running technique.
Good running form consists of an upright posture with your head and spine in a neutral position, a slight forward inclination of your torso, your core muscles engaged, arms swinging back and forth with a 90-degree bend in the elbows, your foot striking the ground at the middle, and an even stride length.
9. Fartlek
You might find it amusing initially, but ‘Fartlek’ is a Swedish word meaning “speed play.”
A Fartlek workout consists of alternating between slow and fast running during the same session without taking a break between the “on” intervals.
For instance, you could do a 5 mile fartlek run that includes 10 intervals of 90 seconds running at 5k speed. Between each of the bursts of speed, you should go back to your typical rate of exercise or slow down a bit.
10. Foot Strike
The place on your foot that initially touches the ground when you are running is called the foot strike. The back of the foot, or heel, is the area that initially touches the ground when heel striking.
When midfoot striking, your foot lands in the middle, and with forefoot striking, it is the front part of the foot that touches the ground.
11. Gels
Energy gels, also referred to as gels, are a type of sports nutrition product that is thick and contains a high amount of carbohydrates. Runners use them to maintain their glycogen levels during long runs and endurance races in order to avoid exhaustion.
12. Glycogen
The storage form of carbohydrates in the body. Vigorous running primarily utilizes muscle and liver glycogen as energy sources.
13. Hitting the Wall
“Experiencing a ‘wall’ is another way to describe the phenomenon of ‘bonking’ – both of these terms are used to describe the sudden depletion of energy encountered during a race or run.”
Bonking or hitting the wall often takes place when the body has fully used up all of its glycogen (as in the last few miles of a marathon if someone didn’t eat enough energy-providing foods) or if someone starts a race at too high of a speed.
14. Junk Miles
Some runners regard running miles with no particular goal apart from increasing their overall training total to be unhelpful. Many running coaches advocate being methodical with their training instead of just accumulating running miles for its own sake.
15. Marathon
A marathon is a competition that requires participants to run a distance of 26.2 miles (or 42.195 kilometers) without stopping.
16. Out-and-Back Route
A run with an out-and-back route involves beginning at a starting location, journeying along a path, and then turning around at a designated point, which is the midpoint of the run.
17. Overtraining
Overtraining syndrome is when you are pushing your body harder in training than it can handle and hence not allowing it enough time to recover. The amount and intensity of your exercise can lead to too much stress on your body considering all of the other things that are causing stress in your life.
Signs of depression may involve both physical and mental features, such as fatigue, decreased vitality, alterations in eating habits, hormonal fluctuations, sleeping troubles, quick-temperedness or other changes in attitude, weakened immunity, and impaired athletic ability.
18. Pace
The speed of your running is indicated by how much time it would take you to run a single mile or kilometer.
For instance, if you are keeping a 9-minute time frame, then you are finishing one mile every 9 minutes.
19. Recovery Run
A recovery run is a gentle jog that is done at a slow, manageable speed or around 60 to 75% of the highest heart rate you can reach.
20. Runner’s High
A phrase used to explain a feeling of extreme happiness generated by running.
21. Splits
How long it takes you to cover a certain portion of the total distance you are running. If you are taking part in a marathon, you could keep a record of your times for each mile. If you are running 1,000 meters on the track, it might be beneficial to keep an eye on your 200-meter intervals.
Your splits help you keep track of your pacing.
22. Warm-Up
Prior to beginning any kind of jog, it is essential to stretch and loosen your muscles to reduce the chance of tearing or harm. A good warm-up should involve some walking or jogging for five to 15 minutes, which will help to get your heart rate up and your muscles ready by increasing the blood flow.
23. Strides
Sometimes, the term strides is used to mean any step taken as one runs, but technically, strides are quick sprints of 25 to 30 seconds at around 90% of one’s maximum running speed.
Running at full speed, often referred to as sprinting, can lead to injury if you do not sufficiently stretch or warm up beforehand.
24. BQ: Boston Qualify
When runners say they “BQd,” it implies that they achieved a mark that is eligible for the Boston Marathon. The Boston Marathon has the longest history of being held on an uninterrupted basis and has stringent qualifying time criteria.
In order to be eligible to enter the Boston Marathon, a runner must complete a qualifying marathon in a time that meets the standard for their age and gender.
Completing a BQ means that a runner achieved the required time standard. Having the ambition to take part in the race is an admirable goal in itself, even if you don’t manage to secure one of the limited spots available.
25. DNF: Did Not Finish
When a participant begins a race but does not reach the end, their result is noted as DNF in the standings. If you have engaged in long distance running, it is likely that you have experienced at least one occasion in which you did not finish a race. It is comforting to know that it is quite common to experience a “Did Not Finish,” which is why it has an abbreviation.
26. DNS: Did Not Start
When a competitor was entered in a competition but did not actually participate, the abbreviation DNS (Did Not Start) may be displayed in the race results. This differentiates between those who did not participate in the race and those who tried but were not able to complete it.
27. LSD: Long Slow Distance
No, not the hallucinogen—a long, slow distance run.
Frequently included in workout regimens, Long Slow Distance runs are a key component of preparing for a race, particularly for a half-marathon or marathon. Many runners prefer to perform their long-distance runs on the weekends as they usually have more hours available to commit to a lengthy jog.
28. PB: Personal Best (or PR: Personal Record)
When someone mentions their Personal Best or Personal Record, they are referring to the quickest time they have achieved in a certain race. For example: “My PB in the 5K is 19:26.”
In the United States, PR is the more widespread acronym; however, Canadian athletes tend to favor PB. Public Relations can be employed as a verb in addition to a noun, which is not the case for Public Broadcasting.
For example, “I achieved a Personal Record in my half marathon last weekend.” If you have only participated in one race, you have already established your PR. You are not required to include a date with your PR.
29. PW: Personal Worst
Even though some runners aren’t keen on noting them, PW stands for Personal Worst, which is the slowest time a runner has achieved at a certain distance. Completing that half-marathon was my Personal Best (PB). It’s much better than Did Not Finish (DNF), which is better than Did Not Start (DNS).
30. XT: Cross-Training or X-Training
Cross-training involves any type of exercise that is not running and is part of your training routine, such as cycling, swimming, yoga, weightlifting, or any other activity. Cross-training can be highly beneficial in terms of improving your overall fitness and also upgrading your running performance.
31. Trail Run
It is evident that this activity involves jogging on a path in an outdoor environment. Running on trails can be a fun and enjoyable way to vary your runs, but the uneven terrain can also test and strengthen muscles that would not normally be used during a regular run on a treadmill, track, or road.
You should think about using running shoes that have been specially made for better grip and stability while doing this kind of run.
32. Distance Run
This is your most extended jog of the week while you are getting ready. It is also referred to as long-distance running. Running regularly can increase your body’s ability to take in oxygen and help you to tolerate longer periods of exercise.
33. Easy Run
This type of run is exactly as it sounds—easy! It is possible to converse with a running companion at this sluggish rate. Such runs are great for recovery days.
34. Speedwork
You must train yourself to run at a rapid rate if you wish to increase your swiftness. Doing fast-paced exercises with breaks in-between. Speedtraining can include different exercises such as tempo jogs, cycles of running, and timed sprints.
35. Interval Training
Increasing your rate of movement and aerobic fitness typically necessitates alternating between short, intense exercises and longer, less strenuous rest times. Interval training can help you reach full speed, build up more strength, and enhance your overall fitness.
36. Hill Repeats
Hills can be a great way to practice running faster and to use muscles that you don’t usually use when running on flat ground.
A hill repeat consists of running up a hill with vigor, then doing a more relaxed jog on the descent. These exercises can be challenging, but they are an unbeatable way to improve your speed and strength.
37. Tempo Runs
A tempo run is a type of workout run that is slightly slower than the speed you would usually race at, and is also referred to as an anaerobic threshold run. This is an approach to increasing velocity that involves sustaining a challenging tempo for approximately 20 minutes that you can sustain.
Rather than running as fast as possible and becoming quickly exhausted, tempo running permits you to sustain a demanding rate for a greater amount of time.
38. Minimalist Shoes
These shoes are made to imitate going barefoot, but still give some support and defense. Runners can get a better sense of the terrain they are running on while their feet are still shielded from dangerous debris and pebbles.
These shoes can be anywhere from having almost no presence (intended to give the same feeling as running with no shoes on) to a more minimalistic running shoe that provides some cushioning but not much or any arch support.
39. Running Tights
These leggings, capris, or shorts that fit snugly are created to help keep you warm when you are running in the cold outdoors. Find an item of clothing that is comfortable to wear, has enough elasticity to make it easy to move in, and does not inhibit your movement.
40. Moisture-Wicking Clothes
Clothing items such as t-shirts, shorts, skirts, trousers and even sports bras are usually crafted from a fabric that is tailored to draw sweat away from the body. This can help keep you cool and prevent chafing.
41. Sports Watch
A GPS-equipped watch can be useful for plotting your course, measuring how quickly you are going, and monitoring the distance you have traveled. Watches tailored for physical activities can be very helpful in tracking your exercise and health, giving insight into your distance traveled, as well as your pulse.
42. Fuel Belt
A fuel belt, which is also referred to as a hydration belt, is a small, lightweight belt or pocket that is designed to carry all the necessities for a run.
The items you bring along with you on your jogging session will be contingent on the length of the route and the destination, but they regularly include water, a few snacks to replenish energy, your keys, and your phone. Your pack provides a convenient way to keep your essentials close while your arms and hands remain unencumbered.
