Common Running Terminology

If you're new to running (or just curious about what all the terms mean inside the Moves App), this guide is for you. From fartlek to tempo runs, here’s a breakdown of the most common running lingo you’ll come across and how it applies to your workouts.

The number of steps you take per minute. A higher cadence often means quicker, shorter steps—which can improve efficiency and reduce injury risk.

A relaxed, conversational-pace run. Great for building endurance, aerobic fitness, and aiding recovery.

Swedish for “speed play.” A workout that mixes periods of faster running with slower recovery jogs. Flexible, fun, and effective for building both speed and endurance.

A strategy where you intentionally speed up at the end of a run. Trains you to push through fatigue, mimicking a race finish.

A steady, sustainable pace used during recovery between harder intervals. Not as easy as jogging, but not as tough as an all-out effort.

Short, intense sprints performed on an incline. Builds explosive power, strength, and cardiovascular fitness.

Alternating periods of high-intensity running with lower-intensity recovery. A cornerstone of speed training.

The effort level where your body starts producing lactate faster than it can clear it. Training at or near this intensity helps you run harder for longer without fatiguing.

A slower, steady-paced run that’s longer than your typical distance. Builds endurance, aerobic capacity, and mental toughness.

Start easy, finish faster. The pace gradually increases throughout the run.

Short sprint efforts where you gradually increase speed until you reach maximum effort.

A gentle run performed after a tough workout, race, or strength session. Helps increase blood flow, reduce stiffness, and promote recovery (usually 20–45 minutes).

A focused session to improve running speed over short distances. Usually includes sprints or faster-paced intervals.

The time it takes to complete a set distance, like a mile or kilometer. Tracking splits helps you understand pacing.

Short bursts of near-max effort running followed by rest or light jogging. Builds speed, endurance, and cardiovascular strength.

20–30 seconds of running just faster than your normal pace. Improves form, stride efficiency, and leg turnover. Often used in warmups or cooldowns.

Quick bursts of speed sprinkled into a run. Adds variety, builds strength, and trains your body to adjust pace.

Reducing training volume and intensity before a race so you feel fresh, recovered, and ready to perform.

A comfortably hard, sustained effort. Trains your body to hold a strong pace over time and improves endurance.

Your maximum oxygen uptake—the measure of how efficiently your body uses oxygen during exercise. A key marker of aerobic fitness.