Once you get bitten by the running bug, you realise it is a culture unto itself. And like any fitness subculture (I'm looking at you, CrossFit), it has a unique vocabulary, too. If you're new to the running world, here are a dozen words you should know. These terms will help you understand training plans that call for specific types of workouts, but they will also just help you navigate the scene. Click through, learn some key words and phrases, then lace up your sneakers and put your newfound knowledge to work.
Running Terms
Study Up on These 12 Terms Every Runner Should Know
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Ericka McConnell
Watch This!
Pop Quiz
Watch the Cast of Fear Street Play a Creepy Game of Horror Movie "Would You Rather"
9. RPE
RPE stands for "rate of perceived exertion" and is a way to measure and monitor your effort while exercising. It is often a gauge for interval work. Here's a chart to guide you through the 10 levels of the system.
RPE | What It Means |
---|---|
0-1 | No exertion. The only movement you're getting is pushing buttons on the remote. |
2-3 | Light exertion. This is how you should feel when you're warming up, cooling down, and stretching. |
4-5 | Medium exertion. You're breathing a little faster. Your heart is pumping a little faster. You're feeling a little warmer. |
6-7 | Moderate exertion. You're breathing pretty hard now and you're probably sweating. You can talk, but it's getting tougher. |
8-9 | Hard exertion. You're breathing really hard and you can only say a few words at a time. You're wondering how long you can go on like this. |
10 | Hardest exertion. You can not keep this pace for more than a minute. Speaking is impossible. This is your limit. |
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kathryna Hancock