"Pocket" the terms in running

The running movement is taking place vigorously in all provinces and major cities across the country. People are starting to learn more about this sport. So what are the commonly used terms in running?

Common terms heard during running:

1. Pace is the number of minutes it takes you to complete 1km. For example, when we hear someone say "pace 7:20" it means you will run 1km in about 7 minutes and 20 seconds. 2. PR stands for Personal Record, which means a new personal record set during the run. Each individual can have a different PR.

Each person will have their own training to achieve PR (Source: Internet)

For example: In the previous training session, you completed 21 km in 1 hour 20 minutes, but in the last training session, it was 1 hour 18 minutes. So you have your PR (2 minutes faster). 3. Common distances in running * FM (Full Marathon): Standard long-distance running distance of 42.195 km (according to the metric system). * HM (Half Marathon): Also known as half marathon, the running distance is half of a marathon. * Ultra Marathon: The running distance will be longer than the FM standard.

Athletes compete in the men's marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, in late August 2023. Photo: REUTERS

Currently, some marathon races in Vietnam have changed; the distances of Ultra Marathon, HM, FM, some races will be 25 km; 45 km..

4. Tracklog: is the recording of the distance that the runner has run; this feature will be available in GPS devices in running watches or phone applications such as Strava, Garmin, Nike Run Club,

5. Road running: flat running route, usually organized near residential areas or cities. Usually when starting out with this sport, people will choose to practice road running, near their home, near a park or where there are many groups or clubs that often run.

6. Trail running: terrain running. The space and location for trail running are often uneven, steep, mountainous, natural, and far from residential areas.

Terminology in a race:

1. Race-kit: a set of accessories that athletes often receive in tournaments. It usually includes the tournament's running shirt, gift vouchers, competition BIBs, etc.

2. BIB – number (BIB): the number worn by an athlete to distinguish the distance when participating. BIB is also understood as a valid entry ticket to a running event.

3. Medal: The medal that the athlete will receive when completing the registered distance.

Race medals are increasingly diverse in design and material.

4. Pacer: The person leading the pace. In current sports competitions, there are often pace teams. Athletes will follow the pacer's symbol to set their target completion time at the distance they choose. Currently, pacers usually have 2 groups as follows: (1) maintain a fixed time within 01 km; (2) total estimated time to complete the distance.

Depending on the nature of each race, the Organizing Committee will have different regulations regarding pacers. However, pacers will have special clothing for athletes to identify on the track, for example: BIB or shirt with the word "PACER", wearing balloons or glow-in-the-dark bracelets...

Pacer with outstanding race outfit for easy identification (Photo: Race Vietnam)

For example: (1) Pacer 6:00 means the pacer will maintain 6 minutes per kilometer throughout the distance from the starting line to the finish line.

(2) Pacer 1:15 for HM distance means Pacer will lead the pace from start to finish the 21km distance in 1 hour 15 minutes.

5. Start/Finish: The starting and finishing points. In some races, these two points can be the same location or two different locations, depending on the organizer's intention.

6. Timing-chip: An electronic chip attached to the running BIB, the purpose of which is to calculate the athlete's score and performance from start to finish. Today's races almost all provide scoring chips for athletes from 5km.

Timing-chip (left corner of photo) is attached to the back of BIB to record athlete's achievements (Photo: Truerace.org)

7. Check-point (CP): A stop/station on the race track, where there will usually be a water/electrolyte/banana/energy bar table... for athletes to maintain their energy for participation. Some CP points will also have scoring systems to cross-check the athlete's participation. 8. DNS (Did not start): Did not participate in the race, so the athlete will be recorded as DNS. 9. DNF (Did not finish): Participated in the race but did not complete the registered distance. 10. DQ (short for disqualification) is any violation of the rules of the race, so the result will not be recognized. 11. "Sign waver" means that the athlete will have to sign the Minutes of participation agreement and waiver of liability in the tournament as prescribed by the Organizing Committee.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/the-thao/bo-tui-cac-thuat-ngu-trong-chay-bo-20230912105223998.htm