Cross country glossary
Chute- Area past the finish line where runners are given finish cards or sticks.
Circuit Training- A series of short exercises done to improve strength. A "circuit" is one set of exercises.
Cross Country- Team sport involving running over varied terrain.
Cruise Intervals- Faster paced runs that are based off of set times. "Five fifty-threes" or "5 53s" means 5 rounds of 5 minutes running at interval pace with 3 minutes of a recovery jog in between. Same goes for "42s," "31s," etc.
CT- Stands for "Critical Threshold." This is a pace for a longer run where runners "Can't Talk."
Dual Meet- A meet between two teams.
Dynos- Short for "dynamics," which are a set of exercises done before a workout to loosen up a runner's muscles and increase their heart rate.
False Start- A runner leaving the starting line early. All runners are returned to the line for a restart.
Fartlek- A Swedish term meaning "speed play." A type of continuous distance run where the runner varies their pace.
Intervals- Faster paced runs done over a shorter distance with a rest in between.
LR- Stands for "Long Run." This is a jogging pace for long runs.
Maypals- The best things ever. You'll quickly find out what these bundles of joy are once the season starts ;)
Pace- Rate of speed maintained over a prolonged distance.
Pack- Any group running in close proximity.
PR- Stands for "Personal Record," referring to a best time of a cross country course for the season, or career.
Race Pace- The pace at which a runner runs or hopes to run during a race.
Regional- A meet which individuals and teams must qualify in order to attend the State Meet.
Rolling Out- Using foam and/or stick rollers to self-massage and reduce any knots and tightness in a runner's muscles. This is typically done after workouts for about 5-10 minutes.
Split- A time given at a particular point during the race. Ex. at the 1 mile and 2 mile marks on the course.
Starting Box- Designated area to which a team is assigned for the start of a race.
Strides- A short interval (about 100m) where runners focus on their form and the length of their stride, rather than focusing on speed.
Surge- A gradual increase in speed as a tactical move.
XC- It stands for Cross Country, the "X" for cross, and the "C" for country.
Circuit Training- A series of short exercises done to improve strength. A "circuit" is one set of exercises.
Cross Country- Team sport involving running over varied terrain.
Cruise Intervals- Faster paced runs that are based off of set times. "Five fifty-threes" or "5 53s" means 5 rounds of 5 minutes running at interval pace with 3 minutes of a recovery jog in between. Same goes for "42s," "31s," etc.
CT- Stands for "Critical Threshold." This is a pace for a longer run where runners "Can't Talk."
Dual Meet- A meet between two teams.
Dynos- Short for "dynamics," which are a set of exercises done before a workout to loosen up a runner's muscles and increase their heart rate.
False Start- A runner leaving the starting line early. All runners are returned to the line for a restart.
Fartlek- A Swedish term meaning "speed play." A type of continuous distance run where the runner varies their pace.
Intervals- Faster paced runs done over a shorter distance with a rest in between.
LR- Stands for "Long Run." This is a jogging pace for long runs.
Maypals- The best things ever. You'll quickly find out what these bundles of joy are once the season starts ;)
Pace- Rate of speed maintained over a prolonged distance.
Pack- Any group running in close proximity.
PR- Stands for "Personal Record," referring to a best time of a cross country course for the season, or career.
Race Pace- The pace at which a runner runs or hopes to run during a race.
Regional- A meet which individuals and teams must qualify in order to attend the State Meet.
Rolling Out- Using foam and/or stick rollers to self-massage and reduce any knots and tightness in a runner's muscles. This is typically done after workouts for about 5-10 minutes.
Split- A time given at a particular point during the race. Ex. at the 1 mile and 2 mile marks on the course.
Starting Box- Designated area to which a team is assigned for the start of a race.
Strides- A short interval (about 100m) where runners focus on their form and the length of their stride, rather than focusing on speed.
Surge- A gradual increase in speed as a tactical move.
XC- It stands for Cross Country, the "X" for cross, and the "C" for country.