Running Lingo 101: Your Ultimate Guide
Want to immerse yourself in the lingo of the running world? Allow us to decode the jargon! We've translated the most common phrases used by runners to describe races, injuries, and more.
General
- Form: Adopt a tall, propped-up upper body and swing your arms forward and back at a 90-degree angle. It's all about old-school stride and grace.
- Foot strike: Plant your midfoot upon impact, avoiding the pitfalls of tippy-toes or heel strikes. Light, low-impact treading reduces wear and tear on your body, thus reducing the risk of injury.
- Pace: Run at an 8-minute rate for a mile, expressing pace in terms of types of runs: 'long run pace,' 'marathon pace,' etc.
- Runner's high: A natural euphoria that sparks during or post-run, which might explain the enduring appeal of the sport.
- Strides: Simple, forward steps during running. In some cases, 'strides' might refer to a series of short sprints.
- Cadence: Calculate your footsteps per minute for optimum stride efficiency; aim for around 180 steps per minute. Toes-tapping tunes can help you maintain your cadence target.
- Dreadmill: A treadmill synonym, frequently loathed by indoor runners.
Training
- Warmup: Get your blood pumping by easing into a 5-10 minute jog or walk to avert injury as your body acclimates to the impending workout.
- Cooldown: Transition your body back to its resting state with a sequence of lighter stretches or exercises post-workout.
- Static stretching: Hold major muscle groups extended for at least 30 seconds during practice—think back to your middle-school soccer days for reference. Research suggests this technique is more effective post training.
- Dynamic stretching: Engage in controlled movements to heighten flexibility, power, and range of motion; champion exercises include lunges, squats, leg lifts, and butt-kicks.
- Easy run: Executed at a conversational pace, perfect for those days when talking and jogging don't feel like a competition.
- LSD: This isn't what you think; it represents the week's longest run.
And so on. We'll stop here, but there's plenty more to explore! Happy running, and keep up the good stride.
- Incorporating cardio exercises into your fitness routine can aid weight management, and running is an excellent option due to its affordability and preventive benefits against various health issues.
- A common tip for efficient running is maintaining a high cadence, which helps reduce the risk of injuries and ensures you're getting the most out of each stride by taking roughly 180 footsteps per minute.
- Regularly incorporating strength training into your running routine can help prevent certain running injuries, such as knee and hip problems, by developing balance, flexibility, and core stability.
