When a group of runners are discussing marathons, do new runners sometimes feel bewildered, such as when they say 'PB' what does it mean? Sometimes it's hard to ask because it's a common term in the running community. Let's introduce some commonly used professional terms for marathons to new runners. You'll become a more professional runner if you understand these terms!

01

Marathon:

A marathon is an internationally popular long-distance race. The full distance is 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers).Half Marathon:

The half marathon is half of a marathon, 21.0975 kilometers.Four-Minute Marathon:

Refers to a 10K race.Mini Marathon:

The distance of a mini marathon is not fixed, it may be 10K or 5K.02

Basic Terms:

Form: The body posture during running.

Pace:The average time it takes to run one kilometer.

Cadence:The frequency of steps per minute.

5K/10K:Five kilometers and ten kilometers respectively.

Warm-Up:5-20 minutes of warm-up before running can improve heart rate and blood circulation, reducing the risk of injury.

Cool Down:Relaxation activities after running, to help the body recover.

03Running Methods:

Fartlek Training: Fartlek means speed variations in a running workout, alternating between fast and slow speeds.

Easy Run:

A relaxed run without timing or distance tracking.Recovery Run:

A recovery run on the same day as a strenuous run (such as a half marathon).Speed Intervals:

Strictly controlling the time to perform exercises in a session, without allowing the body to fully recover.Repeated Runs:

Running the same distance, time, and pace repeatedly.VO2 Max:

The maximum oxygen uptake, a measure of aerobic capacity.Hill Run:

Running up and down hills, alternating between slow and fast speeds.Tempo Run/Lactate Threshold Run:

Running at a moderate speed to cause lactate to accumulate slightly.Long Slow Distance (LSD) / Long Distance Slow Running:

Generally refers to distances of 20 kilometers or more, running at a constant speed with a comfortable pace.04

Event Related:PB/PR: Personal Best/Record.

Rabbit: Usually refers to lead runners (also known as pace setters).

Chip Time vs. Net Time:

Time recorded from the start gun to the finish line is called chip time; time recorded from the runner's start to finish is called net time.Taper:

Reducing training volume in the weeks leading up to a major event to allow for rest and to build up energy reserves.Carbo-Loading:

Increasing carbohydrate intake in the Taper phase to store energy.False Start:

Starting before the gun fires.Splits:

Dividing a long run into segments.Negative Splits: A race where the second half is faster than the first half.

Draw:When the number of entrants exceeds the available places, participants are selected by drawing lots.

Race Number:Proof of eligibility and runner identification.

Finishing Medal:Awarded to all finishers who complete the race within the time limit.

Closing:The closing time for a full marathon is usually 6 hours, and for a half marathon it's 3 hours.

Aid Stations:The organizers set up aid stations along the course to provide runners with water, energy drinks, bread, bananas, energy gels, etc.

Race Pack and Finish Medal:Received before the race, and awarded upon completion.

Timing Chip and Timing Points:Runners are required to carry timing chips throughout the race. Timing system records time when runners cross the timing mats.

05Physiological Terms:

Heart Rate/BPM: Beats Per Minute.

VO2 Max:

Measure of aerobic capacity.

Pronation:The degree to which the foot rolls inward during running. Normal pronation, over-pronation, and under-pronation.

Lactate Threshold (AT):07Other:

Walloping/Hitting the Wall:

Feeling of inability to continue.

10% Rule:The principle of increasing mileage by no more than 10% per week.

/VO2MAX

/Pronationnormal pronationover pronationunder pronation

/Anaerobic Threshold(AT)

07

/Hitting the Wall

/10% Rule 10%