Things can seem complicated and there is a lot of terminology out there but we have only selected some of the main, common words and abbreviated them. I hope some of these help you out.
- ACID – Low intensity active cool down.
- AEROBIC – Exercise that uses oxygen usually under 80% of MHR for that sport.
- ANAEROBIC - Exercise without oxygen AT/LT approx. 80/85% of MHR.
- AT/LT – Anaerobic threshold – when the work rate produces more lactate than the liver can remove. Muscle contractions slow down.
- ANAEROBIC THRESHOLD (AT) – The training zone that you can only maintain for about 1hr.
- ATP - Adenosine Tri-Phosphate.
- ARHR – Average Resting Heart Rate.
- BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL- Amount of glucose currently in the blood.
- BONK – The feeling when an athlete runs out of energy. Feeling lightheaded, reduce in speed etc
- BRICK SESSION – Combination of 2 sports. Ie usually from a bike to run, swim to bike combinations.
- BTF – British Triathlon Federation. (Governing body)
- CARDIAC DRIFT – the increase of the heart rate not caused by going faster but as a result from fatigue, heat and dehydration.
- CADENCE – Frequency your legs spin on the bike or number of strides per minute whilst running.
- DNF – Did not finish a race.
- DNS – Did not start.
- DOMS – Delayed onset muscle soreness. The tear of muscle fibres, when training.
- DOWNSTROKE – Movement completed when cycling, generating 85% of your power.
- DRAFTING – in the slip stream of another athlete to save energy.
- DQ – Disqualified.
- FARTLEK – A speed play run session of pace changing.
- GLUCOSE – Small amount of carbs in the blood, ready to be used for energy.
- HIT THE WALL – A phrase used when not being able to carry on, low energy levels and drop in speed.
- HYPERTONIC DRINK – (meaning more) a High energy drink, having a concentration of 10%. Higher carbs that isotonic drinks. This also provides quick energy but hydration is slower than an isotonic drink which is absorbed the quickest into the body.
- HYPOTONIC DRINK – (meaning below) Known as a electrolyte drink. Concentration of 3-4%, which is lower in carbs than isotonic drinks. This drink will contain sodium to help maintain performance.
- HR – Heart Rate.
- HYPONTREMIA – When low sodium levels. Water doesn’t just cut it during races.
- IRT – A triathlon that starts in reverse (run, bike, swim).
- ISOTONIC DRINKS – A drink of 5-8% concentration in carbs. (5-8grams per 100ml of water)
- MACROCYCLE – Long term goal
- MICROCYLE – Short training periods, small steps to a macrocycle.
- MESOCYCLE – training cycle of 3 hard weeks, 1 easier.
- NEUTRAL GAIT – A running style that needed a stable flexible running shoe.
- NEGATIVE SPLIT – Completing the second half of your race/training quicker.
- LACTIC ACID – Produced by exercise due to the incomplete breakdown of glucose during the production of producing energy when in intense exercise. A by-product of anaerobic work that slows and can stop muscle contractions.
- LACTATE THRESHOLD – This is when the Blood lactate reaches a level in the blood during intense exercise and accumulates faster than the body can get rid of it.
- PRONATION – Helps the foot absorb shock by naturally rolling forward.
- RESTING METABOLIC RATE – calories burned daily without calories required for activity.
- RP – Race pace.
- RPM – Revs per minute while cycling.
- SET – A number of repetition efforts is a set.
- SPLITS – Total race times divided into split times, covering the different sections – swim, cycle, run, transitions etc.
- SPECIAL NEEDS BAG – A bag given during an IRONMAN event, and you can use during the race – containing your foods/drinks.
- TAPER – Reducing the volume and intensity prior a competition allows the body to recover and store extra energy.
- TEMPO TRAINING – Tempo training builds up strength. Tempo running is a hard effort (easier than 10k pace.
- TIT – Triathlete in training
- THRZ – Target heart rate
- TMG – Training monthly goals
- TWG – Training weekly goal
- TYG – Training yearly goal
- TUCK – In the aerodynamic position
- UNDER PRONATION – A running motion that has a rigid foot motion, rolling on the outside edge.
- V02 – Maximum oxygen intake capacity of a person to use oxygen during one minute.