I Just Ran A 5k Marathon! : On Running Jargon and Common Newbie Gaffes

MANILA, Philippines -- So you’re into this running thing now. Actually, who isn’t? From your usually crabby boss down to the stoic guy from IT who never talks, the common denominator is that their faces would light up at the mere mention of a “run”.

And as you’re starting to get yourself acquainted with this new and exciting lifestyle, there will surely be times where you will be completely lost in this jargon and etiquette-intensive sport. Let me share with you a couple of simple tips for starters.

I Ran a 5k Marathon!

Okay, so you got excited. You just finished your first 5k race, and your adrenalin levels are at an all-time high. Next thing you know, you’re telling all your friends that you “just ran a 5k marathon”. While it may be a matter of pure semantics, “5k” and “marathon” do not belong in the same sentence, and may earn you a puzzled look or two from a seasoned runner. A marathon in the strictest sense is 42.195 kilometers, just a wee bit farther than your 5k. A lot of people train long and hard to be able to call themselves “marathoners”, so keep that in mind. 

Got PR?

Once you start running, you’ll hear a lot of it. In fact, you probably already have. A common one is the PR. Not Public Relations. Stands for your personal record, or your best time at a given distance. Note to self : It’s considered proper to NOT talk about this unless brought up beforehand, you may come off as boorish and arrogant.

Singlets Galore

Singlet? What singlet? Well, it definitely has nothing to do with singing. In common running parlance it actually refers to your running “jersey” if you may call it that. All singlets are not created equal, mind you. Some are destined for the bottom shelf, while others are simply outstanding, like the one for the upcoming Adidas King of the Road race. The singlet alone will make it well worth the price of registration, just ask anyone in the running community.

The beauty of being a newbie is that the moment is but fleeting - sooner or later you’ll be giving the same advice to the new kids on the block. As for now, allow us to bust your chops, and good luck with that 5k marathon!

Editor’s Note: Commonly known in running circles as Gingerbreadman, Luis Arcangel is one of the site moderators for Takbo.ph , the biggest running community in the country. His blog “The Gingerbread Report”, found at www.gingerbreadrunning.com., was recently nominated for the 2009 Philippine Blog Awards. Registration on-going

Registration for the 2009 adidas King of the Road (KOTR) on October 25 is ongoing in 14 venues in Metro Manila. The event covers three running distances, 5k, 10k and 21k and the fee is P500. It will be held at the Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. Get the latest from adidas about the King of the Road. Add us up in your Facebook accounts! Just search for adidas Running Philippines. Exciting prizes await you loyal King of the Road marathoners! Just add our e-group at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/adidas_kingoftheroad_2k9/