Running Terminology
PR, splits, cadence, foot strike, and essential running vocabulary every runner should know.
Terms in This Category
8 termsPR (Personal Record)
Your fastest time ever at a given distance. Also called PB (personal best) outside the US.
Negative Split
Running the second half of a race faster than the first — a sign of disciplined pacing.
Cadence
The number of steps per minute. Most coaches target 170–180 spm for efficient running form.
Foot Strike
Where your foot first contacts the ground — forefoot, midfoot, or heel. Affects injury risk and efficiency.
Splits
Time for each segment (usually mile or kilometer) of a run. Even splits mean consistent pacing throughout.
Fartlek
Swedish for "speed play" — an unstructured workout alternating between fast and easy running.
Strides
Short bursts of 80–100 meters at near-sprint pace, used for neuromuscular activation and form work.
Long Run
The cornerstone weekly run — a sustained easy-pace effort that builds endurance, mental toughness, and fat-burning efficiency.
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