October 9th, 2008. Running definitions by 4th graders.
Sometimes I think it can be hard to appreciate running unless you understand the terminology. This past Saturday (Oct. 4th) during our 18 mile run up Golf Ball Hill and along Riverside, I asked Mrs. Tiffany Gunther-- a Language Arts and Social Studies teacher from Rhoades Elementary in Broken Arrow, to ask her 4th graders--to provide us with insight into the definitions of "running lingo." As you read the students take on the words, the most common definitions will be provided under the students name—courtesy of www.Runnersworld.com and www.howtobefit.com
As always feel free to comment—as the kids will be checking this website and would love to read your responses! Thank you to Mrs. Gunther and all of your students--who are much more insightful than most adults; these are wonderful definitions! You all get A's.
1. Gu – something that gets you stuck (Luis)
(An Energy Gel, used to keep athletes fueled during exercise.)
2. Chaff –a scratching sound (Cale)
(Any activity that requires skin to repeatedly rub against skin can lead to chafing. And moisture, either from sweat or rain, makes the problem worse.)
3. Pronate – recycle (Dayton)
(The natural, inward roll of the foot; pronation begins when heel contacts the ground, the foot then rolls inward to absorb shock and transfer weight to the ball of the foot as it prepares to push off. It is a natural and necessary motion for running and walking.)
4. Speedwork – do something fast without taking your time (Vicky)
(To teach your body that it can run faster by running it faster. And the way to run it faster is to run shorter distances at a faster pace.)
5. Hydration belt – like an ice pack (Paige)
(Access to fluid or gel while on the run, usually in the form of a belt.)
6. Body Glide – a dive (Rian)
(Skin protection stick that stops friction and creates a protective barrier on your skin -- preventing chafing, blisters, rash, saddle sores, and skin irritation.)
7. Wicking – when a runner gives up (Olen)
(A material that keeps you cool, dry and comfortable while exercising.)
8. Technical Gear – like an i-pod and cell phone (Olbin)
(Comfortable, functional clothes. Generally, it refers to gear that is to be used in extreme conditions or in situations that demand technical or advanced skills—designed for users who are going to put it through its paces.)
9. Prefontaine – to warm up before you run (Austin)
(One the best American distance runners in history; known for his ferocious competitiveness; killed in car crash at the age of 24 in 1975; two movies have been made of his short career.)
10 Aerobic Threshold – a cup holder (Jordan T.)
(Signifies the point when the active muscles begin to use more glycogen than fatty acids to provide energy during exercise.)
11 Bonk – if you bonk your head on a table it will hurt and you will be knocked out (Shae Lyn) (Another term like "hitting the wall"; a state of exhaustion when glycogen stores are depleted, blood glucose (sugar) levels are low and the only exercise that can be performed is slow running; typically occurs at around the 20 mile point in the marathon.)
12 Carbo-load – overloading on running (TaMara)
(The dietary practice of eating a high carbohydrate diet (approximately 60-70% of total calories) for the three days leading up to a race to maximally fill the glycogen stores.)
13 Cross Train – to cross the finish line (KatLynn and Aaron)
(Activities such as swimming and cycling that are used to increase conditioning and injury prevention for running or as a means of adding variety to workout schedule.)
14 Fartlec – something that smells bad! (Ryker)
(Swedish for "speed play;" variable pace running; a mixture of slow running, running at a moderate pace and short, fast bursts. Fartlek training is a "creative way" to increase speed and endurance.)
15 Fast Twitch – to run faster than a twitch of someone's eye (Karrigan)
(Type of muscle fiber (cells which compose the muscles) which contract rapidly and powerfully but fatigue quickly.)
16 Clydesdale – a way to keep up speed up like a horse (Hunter & Libby)
(The Clydesdale Division in running is for male runners who are over a certain weight.)
17 Negative Splits – not doing the splits (Jonas)
(Running the second half of a race faster than the first half.)
18 Second Wind – if you lost two races (Connor)
(Feeling of more energy and less effort some runners feel after 15-20 minutes of running.)
19 Runner's High – running up stairs (Spencer)
(A feeling, usually unexpected, of exhilaration and well-being directly associated with vigorous running; apparently related to the secretion of endorphins.)
20 Singlet – a person who sings a lot while running (Stephanie)
(A light weight tank top worn by runners)
21 Taper – someone who tells them when to start (LaShell)
(Runners usually cut back mileage (or taper) one day to three weeks (depending on race distance) before a big race. Tapering helps muscles rest so that they are ready for peak performance on race day.)
22 The Wall –where people sit to watch (Ashley)
(The dreaded point-- and awful feeling similar to what your body would feel like if you ran into a wall-- during a race when your muscle glycogen stores become depleted and a feeling of fatigue engulfs you.)
23 Filly – to fill your mouth with food and do jumping jacks (Tyler C)
(Filly Division in running is for female runners who are over a certain weight.)
24 Resting Heart Rate – your heart is resting peacefully (Erika)
(The number of times your heart beats per minute when you are relaxed and still; usually measured first thing in the morning before getting out of bed.)
