Running Lingo You Might Not Know

As I'm training, I'm also meeting many veteran runners. Most have been welcoming and more than willing to share bits of advice and insider information. Most amusing, however, is the language that runners use to describe certain aspects of their sport. I will use this page as a sort of glossary, and update when I learn more. I'm adding this page as a link on the right side of the page. Feel free to critique the authenticity or validity of my definitions and even add some of your own in the comments below. I'm taking them straight from my sources, most of which will remain anonymous.

RUNNING LINGO:

1. "THE WALL" - a physical/mental breakdown during a long run such as a marathon that makes life a living hell when attempting to finish the race.

2. Clydesdale - a runner who is of the larger body type. The cut-off point for retaining this status is 200lbs/91kg or greater. For most of my athletic career this weight was considered anything but "large"

3. Goomies - the smorgesborg of treats provided to runners at the finish line of an organized race. These usually consist of bagels, bananas, yogurts, energy drinks, funky cookies and whatever a corporate sponsor unloads for all to dive into. My personal favorite are the fruit popsicles and smoothies.

4. Plantar Fasciitis - a running injury that involves a great deal of heel pain due to inflammation of the thick ligament of the base of the foot. A tight, inflamed plantar fascia can cause pain when walking or running, and lead to the formation of a heel spur. I hear this injury being talked about from runners like concussions are talked about in football. Both I want to avoid.

5. Fartlek - Swedish word describing a training method where the runner varies his/her pace significantly during the run. It is usually regarded as an advanced training technique, for the experienced runner who has been using interval training to develop speed and to raise the anaerobic threshold. I just think the name itself is both hilarious and wrong.

6. Wicking - Refers to technical fabrics that move sweat away from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric, where it evaporates. These fabrics, unlike cotton, are ideal for distance runners because they do not absorb sweat and remain lightweight throughout a workout. Although nice and comfy, these fabrics reek like something fierce after just one sweaty use.

7. Dick Cheney Racing Strategy - deployed when one thinks they have the race won before it starts. I stumbled across this term at 10ktruth.com in an attempt to verify my earlier definitions. There are multiple cowboys from the current White House administration that could be used interchangeably.

8. Pheidippides - According to legend, Greek courier who ran the 24 miles (39 kilometers) from Marathon to Athens in 490 BC with news of a Greek victory over the Persians. After delivering the message, he collapsed and died. I'm hoping my Vancouver finish is a tad less dramatic.

9. Bandit - Takes part in the race by presumably sneaking onto the coarse of a race without paying the entry fee. (Thanks to Coach Ken for this entry)

10. Ironman - Race featuring a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run. World Championship is held each fall at famous Hawaii Ironman. Although this term refers to more than simply running, it makes the list because I can't imagine a more grueling and insane feat of human ability.

11. Stitch - This term is used to refer to a cramp in the diaphragm muscle just below the lungs. It is a common occurance in beginning runners who are not hydrating properly, or breathing at a controlled rate. I've come to know this nasty little stitch quite well. While it sounds like a Dr. Seuss charater, it's all too real and can make a leasurly run rather uncomfortable.