Like all worlds, running has its own jargon. If in economics or politics or medicine (to name a few) there is a particular technical language that must be known to understand what one is talking about, even in the world of running there are certain terms that it is good to know in order to understand.
Since they are quite a lot, however, so as not to bore you too much, I have broken them into several parts. Are you ready? Shall we start?
Aerobic/anaerobic Lactic acid
There is a medical-scientific explanation of their meaning but what matters is more which sports activities fall into one or the other category. / I could tell you what it is medically, but what matters is that when you have it in your system-and it happens after prolonged exertion-your muscles hurt.
Aerobic/anaerobic
Again there is a medical-scientific explanation of their meaning but what matters is more which sports activities fall into one or the other category. Aerobic activities are those that are prolonged, endurance but low intensity, such as biking, swimming or running; anaerobic activities are the opposite: high intensity and short duration, such as lifting weights or the 100-meter flat.
Cushioning
It is the ability or otherwise of the midsole of shoes to cushion the impact of the foot with the ground in the landing phase. Generally, the more cushioned the shoes are the less responsive they are, and therefore the “slower” they are. This is not always the case, however, thanks in part to the advances made by inteschools in recent years.
Forefoot
The front part of the foot, from the tips of the toes to the midfoot (which is the middle part instead, but we will see this later). This is often talked about in relation to ground support and how you land with your foot (whether toe, midfoot, heel).
Beat
That of your heart, measured in number of beats per minute.
Brand Ambassador
Athlete who uses products from a particular brand whose philosophy they espouse, talks about it on their social channels and receives clothing, shoes, equipment in return.
Buckle
Especially in ultratrail jargon, it denotes the prize (“buckle” is the literal translation) one receives after completing a race of at least 100 miles.
Cadence
It is the number of steps taken in a given time, usually one minute.
Chip
It is an electronic device to be strapped to the ankle, shoe, or bib that is relayed at the start and finish so that the race time can be recorded.
Compression
Or also “compression clothing”-this is a special type of technical garment that is particularly bandaging so as to stimulate the circulation of superficial blood vessels and muscles. Compression clothing includes socks, pants, shorts, T-shirts, and jerseys. Everything in short!
Core
It is the core of our body, including does torso and pelvis. It has fundamental importance because it distributes the actions of the lower and upper body, connecting them. Its harmonious development increases proprioception and decreases the risk of injury.
Corral
Famous ones from the New York Marathon, the translation is “fence.” Within them are runners running at the same speed. The purpose of gathering “homogeneous” runners by speed is to avoid congestion and traffic, especially at the start. The different corrals start in “waves,” that is, waves.
CR
Or “course record,” meaning the best time recorded on a given course.
Height difference
It indicates the elevation difference between the start and finish of a race. When it is referred to as D+ or D- (especially in trail) it means the sum of all the climbs or descents encountered during the race (otherwise it would not explain how the Tor des Geants-just to name one-has a D+ of as much as 24,000 meters).
Drop
It indicates the elevation difference between the heel and toe of a shoe.
DNF/DNS
They are acronyms for Did Not Finish and Did Not Start, meaning “did not finish (the race)” and “did not start.”
FKT
An acronym for “Fastest Known Time,” which is the fastest known time recorded for a given route, with special reference to trails or trail tracks. What’s special about this is that it can also be established solo (as long as you track it, of course, with appropriate apps, such as Strava) so that it can then be reported and recorded by FastestKnownTime.com.
Elite
Professional athletes and capable of above-average performance are also generally Olympians. They are the first to go in marathons and races that involve mass participation.
Endurance
Translated into “endurance” are all sports disciplines that require maintaining certain performances for a long time.
Endorphins
Substances naturally produced by the brain during sporting activity that are responsible for the beautiful feeling you experience after a run, also known as runner’s high.
Fartlek
It is a term of Swedish origin and means Speed Play. In its original version, it involved alternating variations in intensity during a running workout without following a specific pattern but going by feel.
Gait
Or “gait.” It indicates the movement or running setting and the shape that everyone’s running style has. Gait analysis is in fact the study of the individual’s running style done with high-definition cameras that can identify, for example, how a runner leans his foot, whether he is overpronating, neutral, etc.
Gel
For brevity’s sake, these are all the supplements you take before, during, or after training or racing, especially over certain distances and when the body is in debt to sugars and salts. The name comes from the fact that many of these substances are gels but there are also some in the form of gummy candies.
Ghost runner
Or “phantom runner” is a mental projection with which one can help oneself to race while running. There is no such thing but it is a good way to imagine challenging someone.
GPS
“Global Positioning System” that is. It is a system based on triangulation to determine the position of a subject on Earth. Used in sports/smartwatches to calculate the wearer’s displacement and speed, for brevity’s sake it has come to mean the devices that use it.
Grand Slam
Making the Grand Slam means completing all four major American ultras, namely Western States in California, Vermont 100, Wasatch Front 100 in Utah, and Leadville Trail 100 in Colorado.
(Main image credits: VaDrobotBO on DepositPhotos.com)