Achilles Tendonitis
An injury to the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
Arch
The object that marks the start and end of a race, usually in the form of an inflated structure.
Bandit
An unauthorized runner who participates in a race without officially registering or paying the entry fee.
Bib
A numbered paper worn on the front of a runner’s shirt during a race for identification and timing purposes. It’s usually attached with safety pins.
Bonk
A sudden feeling of exhaustion and fatigue during a run, caused by a depletion of glycogen stores in the muscles.
Carb Loading
A strategy used to maximize the body’s glycogen stores before a race by consuming a high-carbohydrate diet.
Chafing
Skin irritation and inflammation caused by friction between body parts or clothing.
Compression Socks
Tight-fitting socks that promote circulation and can reduce swelling and fatigue in the legs during running.
Corral
A designated area at the start of a race where runners are placed based on their expected pace.
Cross Country Running
Running on unpaved surfaces like trails, hills, and fields.
Cross-Training
Participating in non-running activities like swimming, cycling, or weightlifting to supplement running training.
DOMS
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, soreness and stiffness in muscles that occurs 24-72 hours after a workout.
Drafting
A technique used in running where an athlete runs closely behind another athlete in order to reduce air resistance and improve their own speed and performance.
Fartlek
A form of interval training where the runner varies their speed and intensity throughout the run.
Flat
A type of lightweight and low-profile running shoe that is designed for racing or speed work on the track.
Foot Strike
The way in which a runner’s foot makes contact with the ground, such as heel strike, midfoot strike, or forefoot strike.
Galloway Method
A training method developed by Jeff Galloway that involves alternating running and walking intervals to improve endurance and reduce injury risk.
Gait
The pattern of movement in which a runner walks or runs.
Gait Analysis
An assessment of a runner’s gait to identify any potential issues or imbalances. This is often done at running shoe stores to determine the proper shoe.
Gels
A carbohydrate-rich gel that is used as a source of energy during long runs or races.
Glycogen
The body’s primary source of energy during exercise, stored in the muscles and liver.
Golden Hour
The period of time immediately after a workout when the body is most receptive to recovery and nutrient absorption.
Heart Rate Training
Training based on a runner’s heart rate to optimize fitness and performance.
Hill Repeats
A type of running workout where a runner repeatedly runs up a hill at a high intensity, then jogs or walks back down to the starting point to repeat the process.
Interval Training
Alternating periods of high-intensity running with periods of rest or lower intensity running.
LSD
Long Slow Distance is a type of training where a runner focuses on running longer distances at a slower pace than their usual training pace.
Motion Control Shoe
Refers to a type of running shoe that offers maximum support and stability for runners who overpronate.
Negative Splits
A strategy where a runner runs the second half of a race or workout at a faster pace than the first half. This means that the second half of the run is completed in less time than the first half.
Neutral Shoe
A type of running shoe that offers moderate support and cushioning. They are designed for runners who have a neutral or normal foot pronation.
Overpronation
When the foot rolls inward excessively during running, which can lead to injury.
Plantar Fasciitis
An injury to the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
Positive Splits
A race or workout where a runner completes the second half at a slower pace than the first half. This means that the second half of the run takes longer to complete than the first half.
Pronation
Refers to the inward rolling motion of the foot during running.
PR
Personal Record, a runner’s best time for a specific distance or race.
Race-nesia
The tendency to forget the pain and struggle of a difficult race as soon as it’s over, leading to a desire to sign up for another race.
Recovery Run
A short, slow run done the day after a hard workout or race to aid in recovery.
RICE
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation; a method used to treat injuries.
Runchies
The insatiable hunger and cravings that often follow a long run or intense workout.
Running Cadence
The number of steps a runner takes per minute.
Running Economy
The efficiency with which a runner uses energy during running.
Runner’s High
A euphoric feeling that some runners experience during or after a workout, often attributed to the release of endorphins.
Runner’s Knee
A common knee condition that causes pain in the front of the knee, typically around the kneecap.
Shin Splints
Pain and inflammation in the muscles and tendons around the shinbone.
Side Stitch
A sharp pain in the side of the abdomen that can occur during running.
Speedwork
Running at a high intensity to improve speed and endurance.
Splits
Breaking up a running distance or time into smaller, measurable segments and recording the pace or time for each segment.
Stride Rate
The number of steps a runner takes per minute.
Supination
When the foot rolls outward excessively during running, which can lead to injury.
Tapering
Decreasing training volume in the weeks leading up to a race to allow for optimal rest and recovery.
Tempo Run
Running at a steady, challenging pace for a set distance or time.
Threshold Training
Running at an intensity just below the runner’s maximum effort to improve their lactate threshold.
Ultramarathon
Any race longer than the traditional marathon distance of 26.2 miles.
Wall
A point during a race where a runner may experience fatigue or loss of energy.
Zen Running
A type of mindfulness practice that involves focusing on the present moment while running, and using the rhythm of the breath and movement to achieve a state of calm and relaxation.
