Running comes with its own vocabulary. Here are the key terms.
How long it takes to run one kilometre or mile, expressed as minutes per km (e.g. 6:30/km). Slower pace = higher number. Most beginner runners aim for 7-9 minutes per km.
Personal best (UK) or personal record (US). Your fastest time over a given distance.
A conversational pace run — you should be able to hold a conversation throughout. Most runs should be easy runs. Many beginners run too hard on easy days.
A comfortably hard effort — fast but sustainable for 20-40 minutes. Builds lactate threshold (your speed at which you fatigue).
5 kilometres (3.1 miles), 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), 21.1 kilometres (13.1 miles), 42.2 kilometres (26.2 miles).
Track your running with our free monthly running log.