For beginners, you might want to know a full marathon distance is 42.195km or 26.2 miles,. Some running event also include a half marathon which is 21km, and there are also 10km and 5km. So if someone told you they are running a marathon, do not think too awesome of him, he might meant the 5k run.

The distance of one full round of a standard running track is 400metres, so if you run 6 rounds, it will be 2.4km. For beginners, 6 rounds is a good start. If you are more ambitious, you can try to run 25 rounds, which will amount up to 10km. Gentle warning: after 15 rounds, you might get a bit crazy and start questioning the meaning of life.

My understanding of some common terms among runners :

Warm up cool down - referring to some stretching exercise or light jogging before and after running, it is important to all runners.

Pacer - someone who can run better than you, and he run in a consistent speed, you just have to follow him if you cannot get your tempo right.

biathlon - 1500 m swim, 10 km run

triathlon - 1500 m swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run

quadthlon - 500m swim, 12km blade, 20km bike, 6km run

ironman - 3.86 km swim, 180.25 km bike and a marathon

the distance stated are just a guide, it all depends on the organiser

cross training - besides running, incorporate other exercise to improve other weaker parts, such as swimming to improve lung capacity

recover - the period where you let your muscle rest after a tedious long run, its important so you will not strain too much on your joints and muscles. I took a week rest after a marathon.

stamina - the dictionary says "Physical or moral strength to resist or withstand illness, fatigue, or hardship; endurance.", for me it simply mean how long can my heart support before I have to stop, though I may still have the physical strength in my leg.

endurance - something to do with mind power

carbo loading - eat as much pasta as possible before the big event

stitch - a sharp pain on the right side just above the stomach, beginners will experience this.

Certain parts of the body structure related to running:

shin - The front part of the leg below the knee and above the ankle, I have yet to experience injury here but my friend got it.

knee joint - the joint connecting the tigh and calf, high risk

heel, sole - bottom of foot, might get sore

tigh and calf muscles - strain might occur