Running a Marathon: English Vocabulary, Phrases and Dialogue

Key words and phrases

marathona long-distance running race, typically 42 kilometresThis will be his first marathon.

half marathona race of about 21 kilometres, half the length of a full marathonHe signed up for a half marathon first.

training schedulea planned routine of runs building up to race dayHe followed a strict training schedule for three months.

running shoesshoes specially designed for running comfortablyHe bought new running shoes for the race.

endurancethe ability to sustain physical effort over a long timeHis endurance improved a lot during training.

pacethe speed at which someone runs, usually measured per kilometreHe tried to maintain a steady pace throughout.

hydrationdrinking enough fluids to stay properly hydratedHydration is crucial during a long run.

finish linethe point that marks the end of a raceHe crossed the finish line with a huge smile.

runner's higha feeling of euphoria experienced during or after a long runHe felt a runner's high around the fifteenth kilometre.

staminathe physical strength to keep going for a long periodBuilding stamina took weeks of consistent running.

race daythe day the actual race takes placeHe was nervous but ready on race day.

carbo-loadingeating extra carbohydrates before a race for energyHe did some carbo-loading the night before.

crampssudden, painful tightening of a muscleHe got cramps in his calf near the end.

stretchingexercises done to loosen and lengthen musclesHe did some stretching before the run.

running routethe path followed during a run or raceThe running route passed through the city centre.

registrationthe process of signing up officially for a raceRegistration closed a week before the event.

bib numberthe identification number worn by a runner during a raceHe pinned his bib number to his shirt.

personal bestthe fastest time someone has ever recorded for a raceHe set a new personal best today.

cheering crowdspectators who encourage runners with shouts and applauseThe cheering crowd kept him motivated.

recoverythe process of resting and healing after intense exerciseHe focused on recovery for a few days after the race.

Useful sentences

Ask Is this your first marathon?
Answer It's actually my first half marathon.
Ask How long was your training schedule?
Answer About three months of consistent running.
Ask Did you get new running shoes for this?
Answer Yes, my old ones weren't giving enough support.
Ask What's your target pace?
Answer I'm aiming for a steady pace throughout, not too fast early on.
Ask Did you do any carbo-loading last night?
Answer Yes, I had a big plate of pasta for energy.
Ask Are you worried about cramps?
Answer A little, so I've been doing extra stretching this week.
Ask Do you know the running route?
Answer Yes, it passes through the city centre and finishes near the stadium.
Ask Have you picked up your bib number yet?
Answer Yes, I collected it during registration yesterday.
Ask What are you hoping for on race day?
Answer Just to finish and maybe set a personal best.
Ask How did you feel crossing the finish line?
Answer Amazing — the cheering crowd made it even better.

Dialogue

Fellow runnerFirst time running a half marathon?

RahulYes, I've been following a training schedule for three months.

Fellow runnerNice. Do you have a target pace in mind?

RahulI just want to keep a steady pace and finish without cramps.

Fellow runnerSmart. Make sure you focus on hydration along the route too.

RahulDefinitely. I did some carbo-loading last night as well.

Fellow runnerGood call. Building endurance really pays off on race day.

RahulI'm hoping to feel that runner's high somewhere along the way.

Fellow runnerYou will. The cheering crowd near the finish line really helps too.

RahulCan't wait. See you at the finish line!

Common mistakes

Saying "I run marathon" instead of "I ran a marathon" or "I'm running a marathon."
Saying "keep pace" instead of "keep a steady pace."
Saying "I have cramp" instead of "I have cramps."
Saying "cross finish line" instead of "cross the finish line."
Saying "I do stretching" instead of "I did some stretching."
Saying "my personal best is improve" instead of "my personal best has improved."

Quick quiz

1. What is "endurance"?

2. What does "carbo-loading" mean?

3. What is a "personal best"?

4. What is a "bib number"?

5. What does "pace" mean?

6. What is "recovery" after a race?

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