The Runs With Pugs Ultimate Running Glossary

Welcome to the Runs With Pugs Ultimate Running Glossary, a great resource for running terms and definitions. We’ve gathered up the acronyms, abbreviations, and slang, and categorized them for easy reference. Keep reading for more!

Key Running Terms To Know

• Cadence: The number of steps a runner takes per minutes.
• Negative Splits: Running each consecutive split faster than the one before.
• Pace: The amount of time it takes to complete a certain distance.
• PR (Personal Record): Your best time for a specific distance.
• PB (Personal Best): See PR.
• Splits: The time it takes to run a specific segment (mile or kilometer) of a run or race.

Types Of Training

• Easy Run: A comfortable run that doesn’t require excessive effort. This is a great way to build an aerobic base.
• Fartlek: A term based on the Swedish term for “speed play.” This refers to intervals of faster and slower running.
• Group Run: A run where a group of people get together to run an established route. They may all run at the same pace, or break up into different speed groups. There is often a social gathering afterwards.
• Heart Rate Training: A method of training where runners’ maintain their pace based on set heart rate targets.
• Interval Training: A combination of short bursts of fast running followed by longer, easy-paced running. This helps increase speed and VO₂ max.
• Long Run: The run with the most miles a runner has for the week. This builds endurance.
• Race Pace: A training run that mimics the goal pace a runner wishes to achieve in their race.
• Recovery Run: A short and easy-paced run designed to aid in muscle recovery after a particularly long or difficult run or effort.
• Shakeout Run: A short, easy run done in the days before a goal race. The idea is to “shakeout” the nerves before the big day.
• Strides: Short bursts of controlled sprints (20-30 seconds each), normally done at the end of a training run.
• Tempo Run: A training run that maintains a speed just under race pace. These help build your lactate threshold in advance of race day.
• Track Workout: A running workout done on a track, usually pertaining to speed workouts.

Popular Racing Terms

• Chip Time: Official race time based on when a runner’s chip crosses the start and finish lines.
• Corral: The sections at the start of a race where runners group by estimated pace or finish time. This can be self-seeded or mandated by the race based on a proof of time.
• DFL (or DLF): Dead Freaking Last or Dead Last Finish
• DNF: Did Not Finish
• DNS: Did Not Start
• Gun Time: The amount of time elapsed from when the race clock starts. Some races don’t have chip technology at the start line, and records a runner’s time from the official clock start to when that runner crosses the finish line.
• Lottery: A method of registering for popular races, where runners submit their information and payment details, and are selected to participate at random.
• Proof Of Time: Official results from a qualifying race that either earns a runner a spot in a popular race, or places them in the appropriate corral for a popular race.
• Taper: A time period of decreased mileage and effort before a big goal race. This time helps the body to be in optimal shape on race day.

Injury + Recovery

• Achilles Tendinopathy (or Tendinitis): When you suffer pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon (which connects the heel to the calf), you most likely have Achilles Tenidopathy.
• Blisters: Raised, fluid-filled bubbles very common in runners, caused by friction.
• Compression: Tight socks or footless sleeves made of elastic compression material, designed to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling and soreness.
• DOMS: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness is soreness that occurs 24-48 hours after intense (or even new) exeercise.
• Foam Rolling: A method of recovery that involves massaging your muscles with a variety of hard “foam” rollers or other tools, to reduce soreness and improve flexibility.
• Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome: A painful injury that affects the tendon that connects your knee to your hip.
• Plantar Fasciitis: An inflammation of the tissue that connects your heel to your toes, the plantar fascia
• RICE: A basic recovery method that refers to Rest – Ice – Compression – Elevate
• Runner’s Knee: A term to refer to pain in the knee, often related to running.
• Shin Splints: Pain running down the large bone in the front of the lower leg.
• Stress Fracture: A small crack in your bone that can cause pain and discomfort.

Read more on common running injuries here.

Gear + Apparel

• Drop: The difference in height between heel and toe in a running shoe.
• Gait Analysis: A way to help determine the correct shoe for a runner, based on the shape and size of the foot, height and placement of the arch, and the way the body moves when running or walking.
• LRS (Local Running Store): Independently owned running stores that almost exclusively sell running shoes and running-related gear. They are also known to host informational clinics, races, and group runs.
• Neutral Running Shoe: A shoe designed for runners and walkers who have a “normal” gait (they do not overpronate).
• Stability Running Shoe: A shoe designed for runners and walked who over-pronate, or have their feet roll inward.
• Technical Fabric: Material that is lightweight, breathable and wicks moisture, to be more comfortable and prevent chafing.

Race Distances

• 5K: A shorter race that measures 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles
• 10K: A race that measures 10 kilometers, or 6.2 miles
• Half Marathon: A race that is advertised as 13.1 miles or 21.1 kilometers. Literally half of a full marathon.
• Marathon: A race that goes for 26.2 miles or 42.2 kilometers.
• Fun Run: An untimed, more casual event. It is usually a shorter distance, designed more for children.
• Obstacle Race: a running event that combines running with natural or manmade obstacles, like walls, mud pits, fire jumps and more.
• Relay Race: a running event where a team of runners divide legs of a full course amongst themselves.
• Road Race: a running event primarily on the road.
• Trail Race: a running event held off-road or unpaved paths. Terrain can include dirt, gravel, sand, and can be easy or extremely technical with elevation and natural obstacles.
• Ultra Marathon or Ultra: Any race longer than 26.2 miles. Ultras come in many distances, including 50 miles, 50 kilometers, 100 miles, and 100 kilometers.
• Virtual Race: a race that runners complete on their own in a location of their choosing. They can submit their results online, and in some cases will even receive a race bib, shirt, and medal in the mail prior to the race completion window.

Running Mind + Body

• Bonk: Sudden loss of energy resulting from glycogen depletion. See also: Hitting The Wall.
• Hitting The Wall: Sudden loss of energy resulting from glycogen depletion. See also: Bonk.
• Lactate Threshold: When lactic acid builds up in the body faster than it can be removed. Runners can improve their speed when they train at this level.
• Mental Toughness: Overcoming discomfort, pain, exhaustion, and more while running or racing.
• Runner’s High: The amazing feelings brought on by the release of endorphins after a run.
• VO₂ Max: The body’s ability to to use oxygen during exercise. The goal is to have a higher VO₂ Max for better endurance.

Are there any other terms to add to this running glossary?

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