Running Jargon
If you are new to the sport, running jargon can be frustrating from heel drop to DNF I cover as much as possible…
Fartlek - A Swedish term meaning "speed play." It involves alternating between fast and slow running in an unstructured manner during a run, often used as a form of interval training.
DNF - ‘ Did not finish’ - a common abbreviation for pulling out of a race
Heel Drop - Heel drop, also known as heel-to-toe drop or simply "drop," is a term used in the context of running shoes and athletic footwear to describe the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot of the shoe. It is typically measured in millimeters (mm) and represents the height differential between the heel cushioning and the forefoot cushioning.
In practical terms, the heel drop indicates how much your heel is raised off the ground relative to your forefoot when you wear a particular pair of shoes. Here's how it works:
High Heel Drop: If a shoe has a higher heel drop (e.g., 12mm or more), it means that the heel of the shoe is significantly higher off the ground than the forefoot. This design encourages a more heel-striking running style and is often associated with traditional running shoes.
Low Heel Drop: A shoe with a lower heel drop (e.g., 4mm or less) has a more minimal or flat profile. This encourages a more natural running gait, often promoting a midfoot or forefoot strike.
Interval - A specific type of training involving repeated bouts of high-intensity running followed by rest or low-intensity periods.
PR - Short for "Personal Record," it refers to a runner's best time for a specific distance, like a 5K or marathon.
Taper - The period of reduced training volume and intensity before a race to allow the body to recover and be in peak condition on race day.
Tempo Run - A run performed at a "comfortably hard" pace, usually around a runner's lactate threshold, which helps improve endurance and speed.
