Dictionary for NON Runners

Running era is happening now, that's why we've created the first dictionary for non-runners. Inside this dictionary, you'll be able to step into the shoes of a runner, gaining insight into their world and the terminology they use. 

Whether you're a beginner looking to start your running journey or simply curious about the culture surrounding running, this dictionary is your guide to understanding the language of the track, the trail, and the pavement.

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• Strava: Online platform and mobile application used by runners and cyclists to track and analyze their sports activities, share routes, and connect with other athletes.
• Sexy Pace / Easy Pace: This is the pace at which you can run and maintain a conversation without difficulty. This phrase is often found on Instagram with influencers who have just completed intervals to appear faster than they actually are.
• Recovery Run: A recovery run is a run performed at an easy pace, designed to help your body recover after intense effort, such as interval training or a long run. The main goal is to improve blood circul
• Runners Anxiety: The anxiety that arises when the sound of feet against pavement momentarily silences or disappears at times. For those who lace up their shoes day after day and chase the sunrise, the absence of a dose of kilometers can evoke a unique and frustrating discomfort: runner's anxiety.
• Runners Ego: The inflated self-esteem that some runners have due to their achievements in running.
• Marathon Blues: Feelings of melancholy or lack of motivation after completing a marathon or another significant event.
• CarboLoad: Term used to increase carbohydrate intake before a race/competition.
• Suero: In the context of running, "suero" refers to a post-exercise hydrating drink made of mineral water, salt, and lemon.
• Reps: Training that consists of running repetitions of specific distances at predefined paces with rest intervals.
• Taper: Gradually reducing the intensity and volume of training before a major race to allow the body to rest and recover.
• LR: Abbreviation for "Long Run" or "Long Distance Run."
• Medal Monday: The day after a race when runners proudly display the medals they have earned.
• Burnout: Physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive training or competition.
• The Wall: A point during a long race, such as a marathon, where the runner experiences a sudden loss of energy and motivation due to physical and mental exhaustion
• Wo: Abbreviation for the word "workout," typically used by runners when referring to a training session.
• Flipbelt: An elastic band with multiple openings where you can store everything you need while exercising.
• Running pods: Easily attachable to the waistband of your leggings or shorts to measure running dynamics data. You can run without needing to wear a heart rate monitor.
• Recovery massage: It's a sports massage that can be done by certain individuals or with rollers and massage machines. The goal of giving yourself a descarga is to give your legs a chance to rest and release training stress.
• Post-Running High: A feeling of euphoria and well-being experienced after a long or intense run due to the release of endorphins.
• Kudos: Similar to liking a post on Facebook or liking a tweet, kudos are a quick thumbs-up that fellow athletes can give each other to congratulate them on an activity, on Strava.
• Aerobic Zone: This is the exercise intensity zone in which your body primarily uses oxygen to produce the necessary energy to maintain pace. In this zone, you can sustain a steady effort for a prolonged period without quickly fatiguing. It is commonly associated with a moderate and sustainable running pace.
• Anaerobic Zone: The anaerobic zone is the level of exercise intensity at which your body can no longer supply enough oxygen to the muscles to meet the energy demand. In this zone, your body relies heavily on anaerobic energy production, which involves breaking down stored glycogen in the absence of oxygen. It is characterized by intense effort and rapid buildup of lactic acid in the muscles.
• Kilometer Zero: The starting point of a race or training route.
• Track: Oval surface, usually made of rubber, designed for running and competing in races.
• Fartlek: Swedish training technique that combines speed intervals with segments of steady-paced running. The goal of this training is to induce abrupt changes in heart rate.
• PR: Personal Record, the best time recorded by a runner in a given distance or race.
• Post-Running High: Feeling of euphoria and well-being experienced after a long or intense run due to the release of endorphins.
• Half Marathon: Long-distance race with an official distance of 21.0975 kilometers, which is half the distance of a standard marathon.
• Marathon: Long-distance race with an official distance of 42.195 kilometers.
• Ultramarathon: Race of a distance longer than a marathon, usually 50 kilometers or more.
• VO2 max: Maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilize during intense exercise, and a measure of aerobic capacity. In theory and generally speaking, the higher, the better.
• Tempo: Sustained and comfortable running pace that can be maintained for a specific distance.
• Hydration: Consumption of fluids during exercise to maintain fluid balance and prevent dehydration.
• Supination: Type of foot strike where the ankle rolls outward while running.
• Pronation: Type of foot strike where the ankle rolls inward while running.
• Friction: Resistance to movement experienced while running due to friction between the skin and clothing or between the skin and shoes.
• Stretching: Exercises to improve flexibility and prevent muscle injuries.
• Intervals: Structured training that alternates between periods of high intensity and recovery periods. The goal of this training is to try to maintain certain rhythms a certain distance. 
• Treadmill: Exercise equipment that simulates running in place by using a belt that moves under the runner's feet.
• Pacer: Runner responsible for setting and maintaining a steady pace during a race. These are often found in large races with signs displaying a specific time, following which would result in finishing the race within the signposted time. It's important to understand that these pacers in very large races often exist
• Runner's Knee: Painful conditions in the knee, such as patellar tendinitis, common among runners.
• Sprint: Running at maximum speed over a short distance.
• Cooldown: Period of time after a race or workout dedicated to reducing heart rate and stretching muscles.
• Pace: Speed at which one runs, usually measured in minutes per mile or kilometer.
• Gel: Carbohydrate and electrolyte supplement in gel form, used during long races to maintain energy.
• Maximum Heart Rate: The maximum number of heartbeats per minute during intense exercise.
• Dynamic Stretching: Active movements that mimic running patterns to warm up muscles before running.
• Podium: Elevated platform where winning runners are placed at the end of a race.
• Race Strategy: Tactical planning before and during a race to maximize performance and achieve specific goals.
• Heart Rate Monitor: Electronic device worn around the chest that monitors the runner's heart rate and transmits information to a watch or app for performance tracking during exercise.
• Running Crew: Team of runners.
• Recovery Time: Period between races or workouts during which the body recovers and regenerates.
• Hill Repeats: Training consisting of repetitions of uphill segments to improve strength and endurance.
• Relay race: Competition in which a team of runners pass a baton along a designated distance.
• Strength training: Exercises designed to strengthen muscles and improve performance in running.
• Finish line: The line marking the end of a race.
• Hydration: Fluid intake during the run to stay hydrated.
• Electrolytes: Minerals such as sodium and potassium lost through sweat and needing replenishment during the run.
• GPS watch: Watch with Global Positioning System (GPS) used to track distance, speed, and other data during the run.
• Trail running: Running on trails or natural terrain off-road.
• Stretching: Stretching exercises to improve flexibility and prevent injuries.
• Foam roller: Used to massage and release muscle tension after running.

*If you think of any other word to add to the HK runner dictionary, please send it to hola@hermanoskoumori.com with the subject: Runner Dictionary!*

Also if you feel like you want to start running after this, you should read this

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