A-Z Guide to Running

There are many running terms that you will come across as you go through your running journey.  We have put together an A-Z for you to get you started.  We will warn you, this is just the tip of the iceberg. We've not even covered Bonking! 

Here's Part 1 of our A-Z Guide to Running

A – Aerobic: refers to cardiovascular exercise that engages your aerobic energy systems.

B – Base Run: a slower run that helps build your endurance and overall distance.

C – Cadence: the number of steps taken per minute.

D – Distance: the total miles or kilometers that you have run.

E – Easy Run: a slow-paced, light running session that should make you feel comfortable.

F – Form: the posture and running technique you use when running, to ensure you maximise efficiency and minimise injury.

G – Galloway Method. A method of running/walking more commonly known as 'Jeffing' was created by Jeff Galloway for runners of all abilities.

H – Heart Rate: the speed and strength at which your heart is beating.

I – Intervals: short bursts of increased running speed mixed with recovery periods.

J – Jammin’: when you feel particularly free during a run and run faster than usual.

K - Kick: The pick-up in speed toward the end of a race.

L - Lactic Acid: A byproduct of intensive exercise that builds and resides in the muscles and is the cause of muscle fatigue.

M - Marathon: An endurance running event that takes place over 42km or 26.2 miles.

N - Negative Split: Running the second half of a race faster than the first half.

O - Overstriding: Striding with the foot landing too far in front of the body's center of gravity.

 P - Pace: The speed at which a runner runs over a given distance.

 Q - Quartile: The four divisions of a race, marked every 25% of its length.

 R - Race Packet: A packet a runner receives prior to a race that contains race-related info and other promotional materials.

 S - Stride Length: The total distance taken by a runner's footstep.

 T - Tempo Run: a type of run designed to increase an athlete’s endurance by keeping a sustained effort. Running faster than your regular pace but for a shorter duration.

 U - Ultramarathon: a long-distance running event, usually 50 kilometers or more.

 V - Virgin Race: a type of running competition for participants who have never run in a race before.

 W - Weekly Mileage: the total number of miles that a runner runs over the course of a week.

 X - X-Country: a type of long-distance running race on natural terrain.

 Y - Yasso 800s: a speed workout consisting of 8 repeats of 800m at a steady pace.

 Z - Zigzag Drill: a running drill designed to increase agility and response time.

We hope this has helped clear up a few questions about what some of these terms mean.  

Why not come and use some of these new learnt phrases in our Facebook Community and show off your newfound running knowledge! 

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