1. Negative Split
isn’t: An extreme yoga move only to be attempted by the world's most flexible yogis.
is: Running the second half of your race faster than the first half - Yah ya did!
2. PB
isn’t: A Peanut Butter sandwich.
is: Unless it’s the best peanut butter sandwich you've ever made, a PB is your Personal Best time per distance - congrats, you smashed it!
3. Fartlek
isn’t: … It wasn’t me.
is: A type of training you can add to your routine where you run several intervals at varying intensities.
4. Foam Roller
isn’t: The only thing standing between you and curls Shirley Temple would be jealous of.
is: Your new best friend/worst enemy. Use a foam roller to massage sore muscles - it'll hurt so good.
5. Hitting a Wall
isn’t: Actually hitting a physical wall (Looney-Tunes styles).
is: That feeling you get when you really just don't think you can possibly go any further (but then you do because you're awesome). Note: to prevent this, try #6 Carbo-loading
6. Carbo-loading
isn’t: The last step of production at the Wonder Bread factory.
is: Carbs are stored as glycogen in your muscles which is your body's favourite (and most accessible) source of energy. Eating carbs pre-race day will help you avoid #5. Hitting a Wall. Now, bring on the pasta! Ed's note: Carbo-loading is a fine art, learn how to master it!
7. Bib
isn’t: An accessory that you best be reppin' when you're #6. Carbo-loading.
is: A super fancy (not) piece of paper with your designated race number. Your bib gets pinned to your shirt during your race and proves you're legit.
8. Chip Time
isn’t: When the hostess of a party cracks open a bag of Tostitos – where's the guac at?
is: The electronically-recorded official time it takes you to get from the start line to the finish line.
9. Chafing
isn’t: A dish with a heating apparatus beneath it - commonly found at a buffet.
is: Err... uncomfortable rashes or irritation in uncomfortable places as a result of long runs, sweat and clothing. Luckily we know a place where you can get some sweet chafe-resistant gear. Wink!
10. Corral
isn’t: Where John Wayne stands to fire the starting gun.
is: Race participants are typically broken up into various groups according to their expected finish times - this helps free up some space on the route so everyone can run their hearts out.
11. Pace Bunnies
isn’t: Hugh Hefner's athletic squad…
is: Runners who are committed to keeping you on pace during a race so you cross the finish line with a #3. PB
12. Pick-Ups
isn’t: “Are your legs sore? Because they’ve been running through my mind all day…”
is: Running at a relaxed pace and then amping it up to controlled sprints for a designated amount of time… and repeat!
13. IT Band Syndrome (ITBS)
isn’t: A deep level of depression that occurs as a result of your favourite electronic band breaking-up due to technical difficulties.
is: Your IT Band is a band of tissue that runs from the hip down to your tibia. IT Band Syndrome is a common injury for runners. For relief try use a #6. Foam Roller to help loosen up the area (and, of course, consult a physician).
13.1. Runner
isn’t: an exclusive term used to describe someone who is hardcore, has qualified for the Boston Marathon and runs 100 miles a week without breaking a sweat.
is: You! You are a runner because you run. Now start telling people you are!
