Like any sport or hobby, running has a fair bit of lingo that may be foreign to outsiders. This page is intended to clarify some of those words and phrases that are common in running jargon. This is a work in progress. To suggestion an addition, leave a comment.
blocks
Short for starting blocks. The device sprinters use to push off of at the start of the race. Starting blocks are typically made of medal with rubber foot pedals. The foot pedals are adjustable in angle and position.
carbo-loading
Short for carbohydrate loading. The practice of trying to maximize the storage of glycogen (a form of glucose - energy) in one's muscles before an endurance race. There are various methods for this, all involving an increased consumption of carbohydrates before a race.
carrot
A fellow runner who is particularly attractive, thus motivating you to keep their pace, much like a horse follows a carrot on a string.
Short for timing chip. A small electronic device given to all of the participants in large street races. The chip normally attaches to one's shoelaces and keeps the exact time from crossing the start line to crossing the finish line.
chute
Short for finishing chute, and sometimes spelled "shoot". The area that corrals the finishers of large street races.
fartlek
Swedish for "speed play". A type of continuous training in which the intensity varies from high to low, with the intention of developing an athlete's aerobic as well as anaerobic capacities.
kicker
The final runner in a relay race, often the fastest member of the team.
legal wind
In sprinting events, wind conditions that are less than 2.0 meters per second in the favorable direction for the runners. Winds that are too favorable disqualify finishing times from becoming records.
Short for personal record. The fastest time in which an athlete has ever completed a particular race.
rabbit
Also known as a pace maker. In distance races, it is a runner who agrees to set the pace for the competitors during the initial laps. At some point this runner will exit the track without finishing. Having a rabbit gives the the competitors something to aim for and takes the pressure of leading off of them. For instance, in an 800 meter race, a 400 meter specialist may run the first 400 meters at a quick pace and then drop out. This tactic is not allowed in World Championships or the Olympics.
sandbagging
Used in many sports, this is the tactic of purposely placing oneself in a weaker position so as to give the deceptive impression that one is less skilled than one truly is.
ultra
Short for ultramarathon. Any race that is longer than a typical marathon ( > 26.2 miles or 42.2 kilometers). Ultras can be hundreds of miles long.
So you're all prepared to run. That's great, but the hard part isn't starting to run, it's actually sticking to a plan of regular training. In truth, running can be very difficult for new comers. You will exhaust yourself during your runs, then you may actually feel worse than normal the following day: sore, tired, and without any noticeable improvement in your health or body. The good news is, those feelings are short-lived if you're tough enough to get through them. Running is actually quite enjoyable once your body adjusts, and the more you do it, the better it gets. Here are some tips to help you through the dip:
Don't start too fast
One pitfall many people encounter is being too aggressive on their first runs. Mike has a new pair of running shoes, he woke up early to run, and he's ready to take on the world. He pushes himself to the limit on his first run, returning absolutely exhausted. The second day, although he's still exhausted and aching, he get up early and sprint up some hills. On the third day, despite Mike's best intentions, he can't get himself out of bed. He sleeps in and skip his run. The fourth day, Mike's job gets in the way. By the fifth day, he's just lost interest. The problem is, like many people Mike has burnt himself out. There is no need to reinvent your life and destroy your body in the first week. You don't even have to run every day. Try it every other day, or every third day, and allow your body to heal between runs. If exercise is completely foreign to you, you can even start out with some long walks and build up to jogging.
Don't diet excessively
One reason many people run is to lose weight. Running is, in fact, a great way to trim down, but you have to be careful. If you start a strict new diet the same time you start running, you could encounter problems. Running requires a lot of energy. If you decreasing your caloric intake with a low-calorie diet while simultaneously increasing your caloric burn with a new running regimen, you're just going to run out of fuel. Regular runners eat a lot, but they eat healthy. Good food not only fuels you on your runs, it will help your body heal during your rest periods. I'm thinking of fruits, vegetables, oats, whole wheat, lean meat, you know.
Find a partner
One of the best ways to get started running is to find a partner to run with. If they have running experience, all the better, because they will have plenty of knowledge to share, but they don't have to be experienced. Your running partner(s) can provide you with moral support, some friendly competition, and most importantly, a reason to get out and run. If you've already agreed to go running with someone, their peer pressure will make you a lot less likely to skip. Often, the hardest step is just deciding to put on your shoes.
Stick to a schedule
Developing a reasonable schedule and sticking to it is vitally important for a new runner. Little excuses have a way of working into your mind, destroying your pattern and begetting more excuses. There will be days when you don't really feel like running. You'll feel like you're not making progress and you'll struggle to complete your run. The beautiful thing is, if you stick to it, you're body will adapt without you even realizing it. Your stamina will increase. You're muscles will get stronger. You're lungs will become more efficient. Your heart will get stronger. One day you'll wake up and feel amazingly good. You'll run an extra mile with a grin on your face, just because you can.
Luckily, running requires less preparation and fewer materials than virtually any imaginable sport/hobby. When it comes down to it, all you really need is a decent pair of shoes. Nonetheless, here are a few bits of advice for first-time runners.
Visit your doctor
I know many people will neglect this particular point, and that's understandable. But it's never a bad idea to have a check up before starting a new physical activity, especially if you have been inactive for a while.
Find the essential gear
Chances are you may already have all of the equipment you need to run. Although enthusiastic runners have demanded all kinds of crazy gear from gps watches to water belts to traction enhancers, all you need is a decent pair of running shoes and comfortable clothing, including socks. Shoes are arguably the most important item in a runner's arsenal; bad shoes have a knack for causing blisters and sore joints throughout the whole body. However, you don't necessarily need the latest high-tech pair to get started. As long as you have some athletic shoes that fit you well and aren't too worn out, you should be fine.
If you are interested in buying a new pair of running shoes, a good pair will generally cost you from $60 to $100 US. If you can, find a specialized running shop, and take your old shoes with you. The employees at these stores are usually very knowledge and they can match you with a good pair of shoes for your specific foot shape and running style.
Plan your running trail
As a new runner, you probably won't need a very long trail, so this part is also fairly easy. Here are some things to consider when you're choosing your running path:
Avoid hills - you don't want to make it any harder than it has to be right now.
Motor vehicle traffic should be very low or there should be sidewalks available the whole way.
Dirt trails are actually easier on your legs than concrete, but they must have smooth, predictable footing and be well-lit.
Some human proximity is good in case you would need help.
Water fountains and shady areas are bonuses.
Plan on an out-and-back shape so you don't end up too tired to get back to where you started.
Stretch
Stretching is very important for runners, and it should be done before and after the event. You don't have to do anything formal or scientific, just move your all your joints around in different fashions, and gently hold your limbs in their stretch positions for a few seconds. I find it helpful to start with my neck and work my way down to my feet. A comprehensive stretch may take several minutes. At the end you should feel a bit more limber and your heart rate will already have quickened slightly.
Usain Bolt has literally run 100 meters faster than any human in history. On May 31, 2008, the 21-year-old Jamaican sprinter Usain "Lightning" Bolt broke the 100 meter world record with an official time of 9.72 seconds (with a favorable but legal wind of +1.7 m/s). Bolt lowered the previous world record of 9.74 seconds, set by compatriot Asafa Powell in Italy last September. Video below.
The world record holder of the 100 meter dash is generally bestowed the title of "World's Fastest Man." Although it really depends on the length of the race, that is an amazing title to have. I look forward to seeing Bolt at the Beijing Olympics.
One reason many people run is to lose weight. Running is, in fact, a great way to trim down, but you have to be careful. If you start a strict new diet the same time you start running, you could encounter problems. Running requires a lot of energy. If you decreasing your caloric intake with a low-calorie diet while simultaneously increasing your caloric burn with a new running regimen, you're just going to run out of fuel. Regular runners eat a lot, but they eat healthy. Good food not only fuels you on your runs, it will help your body heal during your rest periods. I'm thinking of fruits, vegetables, oats, whole wheat, lean meat, you know.
