Stop by today for 3D Foot Scan and Expert Gait Analysis In-Store
Click for Directions to Store
  • {{product.name}}
    {{product.quantity}} at ${{product.cost}} - {{product.options}}
    • Running Terms Glossary | UtahRUN

    Running Terms Glossary

    A comprehensive guide to common running terms and definitionstailored for Utah runners navigating roads, trails, and altitude

    Welcome! Whether you're lacing up for your first 5K or tackling technical Wasatch trails, this glossary demystifies running lingo. We've included Utah-relevant notes where altitude or terrain makes terms extra important.

    Basic Distances & Race Terms

    5K
    A race distance of 5 kilometers (about 3.1 miles). The most common entry-level race.
    10K
    10 kilometers (6.2 miles). A step up from the 5K, popular for building speed.
    Half Marathon
    13.1 miles (21.1 km). A challenging but achievable distance.
    Marathon
    26.2 miles (42.195 km). The classic long-distance race.
    Ultramarathon (Ultra)
    Any race longer than a marathon, often 50K, 50 miles, 100K, or 100 miles.
    Very popular in Utah (e.g., Wasatch 100, Zion 100).
    PR (Personal Record) or PB (Personal Best)
    Your fastest time for a specific distance.
    BQ (Boston Qualifier)
    Achieving a fast enough time to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
    DNF (Did Not Finish)
    Dropping out of a race (common in tough ultras).
    FKT (Fastest Known Time)
    The quickest recorded time on a specific route, especially trails.

    Training & Workout Terms

    Easy Run
    A comfortable, conversational pace run to build aerobic base.
    Long Run (LSD - Long Slow Distance)
    An extended run at an easy pace to build endurance.
    Tempo Run
    A "comfortably hard" sustained effort (often 20-40 minutes) to improve lactate threshold.
    Intervals
    Structured repeats of fast running alternated with recovery (e.g., 8x400m fast with jog recovery).
    Fartlek
    Swedish for "speed play"unstructured intervals mixing fast and easy efforts.
    Hill Repeats
    Running hard uphill for a set distance/time, then jogging down for recovery.
    Strides
    Short, fast accelerations (20-30 seconds) at the end of an easy run to improve form and turnover.
    Recovery Run
    A short, very easy run the day after a hard effort.
    Taper
    Reducing mileage before a race to rest and peak.
    Cadence
    Steps per minute; ideal is often around 180 for efficiency.

    Physiology & Performance Terms

    VO2 Max
    Maximum oxygen uptake; a measure of aerobic fitness.
    Bonk (or Hitting the Wall)
    Sudden fatigue from depleted glycogen stores, often in marathons or ultras.
    Runner's High
    Euphoric feeling from endorphins during/after a run.
    RICE
    Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevationfor treating minor injuries.

    Trail-Specific Terms (Utah Essential!)

    Trail Running
    Running on unpaved paths, often with elevation and technical terrain.
    Singletrack
    Narrow trail wide enough for one runner.
    Common in Wasatch trails.
    Technical Trail
    Rocky, rooty, or uneven terrain requiring careful foot placement.
    Elevation Gain/Loss
    Total uphill/downhill in a run.
    Utah trails love big numbers!
    Power Hike
    Fast walking uphill to conserve energy on steep sections.
    Quad-Busting
    Descents that hammer your quadriceps.
    Think St. George or Moab trails.

    See a Term Missing?

    Help us make this glossary even better! Submit your suggestions for terms we should add.

    Submit a Suggestion
    Processing, Please be patient
    Don't Tap Back or Close the Window!
    This could cause the order to duplicate or fail.
    Unfortunately, our digital storefront is down for a bit of maintenance. In the meantime, feel free to shop us in-store. Please check back again soon.