The Confusing World of Running Terms.

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Apr 2012
10:20am, 9 Apr 2012
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Runamok
There are a plethora of books out there written by world renowned coaches and athletes proclaiming their running training techniques and schedule will ensure that you achieve your goal. However, they all use terms such as intervals, tempo, threshold, lactate threshold, VO2 max, steady, easy, slow, etc... but there is no common definition between them. Do you find all this terminology confusing? Irritating? Bamboozling?

If so, then this thread is about contributing a word or phrase alongwith its meaning that is related to running to help everyone understand/realise and maybe, just maybe, a FETCH book of running slanguage (to be discussed with Lord FETCH yet) can be produced or at the very least an article.
Apr 2012
10:25am, 9 Apr 2012
17,372 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
I'll read, rather than write, in this one Runa. Good thread idea. Thanks! :-)G
Apr 2012
11:06am, 9 Apr 2012
564 posts
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RunningInCircles
There is the glossary... Like the word intervals being highlighted in the first post. Though where that resides I do not know.

A Fetch wiki of running terms sounds quite cool :-)
Apr 2012
3:06pm, 9 Apr 2012
103 posts
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Ninky Nonk
A good idea but I imagine it will descend into an argument.

For example - try defining jogging...you'll start a war.

To be honest half the fun of these threads are discussions on whether easy runs should be Xper cent of WHR or MHR or PMP + 15 seconds of MP + 60 seconds multiplied by the age of your first born child.

Having clear definitions on things would spoil it. People would be violently agreeing.
Apr 2012
5:41pm, 9 Apr 2012
17,376 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
Lol RIC and NN. Runa and I come from a thread full of people being vehemently supportive and helpful. That's our mistake! :-)G
Apr 2012
5:27pm, 11 Apr 2012
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Chrisull
I guess this is the more appropriate place to post this question (also posted on sub 3.15 thread) about two terms and their inter-relationship:

1) V02 Max - (wikipedia definition) the maximum capacity of an individual's body to transport and use oxygen during incremental exercise.
2) Lactate threshold - (sportfitnessadivsor definition) The point during exercise of increasing intensity at which blood lactate begins to accumulate above resting levels, where lactate clearance is no longer able to keep up with lactate production

Now here's where my confusion comes in, 1) and 2) are quite closely related, so I see "At levels of exertion approaching VO2max, there is a rapid increase in blood lactate levels", which suggests the bigger your V02 max the higher your lactate threshold right? It's pretty hard to shift your VO2max apart from prolonged in depth training, and even then some people can't, and if you shift it your lactate threshold will move accordingly too (if my science isn't too way out here). BUT I believe that blood lactate levels shift around quite a bit even over weekly periods? So, my question is what other things are affecting blood lactate levels? Are they not determined purely by the lactate threshold, and you going over it, and the subsequent recovery/strengthening (hence tempo runs)?
Apr 2012
5:58pm, 11 Apr 2012
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Salty Dog
To be honest, I only got as far as 'plethora'.

Wasn't he in the Thundercats?
Apr 2012
6:28pm, 11 Apr 2012
104 posts
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Ninky Nonk
Why is it hard to shift your VO2 max? If you can't increase it surely you would train and never get faster.

I thought increasing your lactate theshold allowed you to utilise a higher proportion of your VO2 max. If you increase your VO2 max the actual volume increases at the lactate threshold.

Your blood lactate levels vary depending on amount of and intensity of exercise you've done and time since. Doing recovery runs can actually lower your lactate levels.

So my question is how do you know what your lactate theshold is (without blood tests) so you can tailor your lactate threshold training appropriately.
Apr 2012
6:51pm, 11 Apr 2012
2,302 posts
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Runamok
Ninky Nonk - for the professionals, I believe there are scientific tests that can be done to determine your lactate threshold. As for us mere mortals, the recommended pace bracket for training to lactate threshold is that of your 10 mile to HM pace. But I am in agreement with you regarding improving your LT to utilise a greater proportion of your VO2 max.

Salty Dog - lol, it isn't but I get the drift :-)
Apr 2012
8:37pm, 11 Apr 2012
105 posts
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Ninky Nonk
Cheers Runamok.

I thought plethora was in he-man.....

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