Whenever I have a conversation with people about any race, training or running in general, I find myself spewing out terms that leave people with a big question mark on their foreheads. I then recall when it was not too long ago that I too was unaware of what most of the words belonging to the secret runner’s code meant. For those of you new to running (or for the loved ones in support of those who run – bless your hearts) here’s a list of some common phrases and terms and what they mean.

PR or PB – Personal record. Also known as a personal best, this is the fastest official finishing time for any particular distance.

Fartlek – A training technique, used among runners, consisting of bursts of intense hard runs alternating with less strenuous ones. The term is derived from a Swedish term that means “speed play”.

Lactate Threshold – Running at a faster than training pace. More technically, the term is loosely defined as the exercise intensity at which lactic acid starts to accumulate in the blood stream.

Tempo – sustained run at faster than usual training pace. Most consider tempo synonymous with lactate threshold (LT).

Negative Splits – running the second half of a race faster, stronger pace than you run the first half.

Easy Pace – a run at pace that is slower than training pace or goal pace. Usually used in a “recovery run” or for aerobic endurance purposes.

Recovery Run – Similar to “easy pace” a lot of serious runners use this kind of run (30seconds – 1 min+ slower than race pace) for “active recovery.”

Active Rest Day – Also active recovery: maintaining physical activity, but at lower levels to ensure aerobic fitness with less chance of muscle soreness and injury.

Intervals – a form of speed work training where you hold a certain goal pace for an extended distance of time and do repeats of these distances after a rest period.

Gu – Gels used during longer runs as fuel or calorie intake. Looks like baby food.

RICE – stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation and is the best method for the immediate treatment of most sports injuries.

BQ – Boston Qualifier when someone runs a Boston Qualifying marathon race and finishes within the time range for their age/gender group to qualify as eligible to run in the Boston Marathon. Finishing time is referred to as a “BQ.”

DNF – Did not finish. When someone starts a race but for one reason or another does not cross the finish line. Most runner’s nightmare. You will find t-shirts that say “Death before DNF” at some specialty running stores.

More running terms here & here.