The Bonk

Beginner ⚽ Sports / Fitness

Definition

Sudden fatigue and performance collapse during endurance exercise, typically from glycogen depletion or dehydration. It's less romantic than it sounds.

Example Usage

Around mile 15 of my run, I bonked hard and had to walk the last three miles.

Origin

Endurance sports slang; etymology unclear but in use since at least the 1970s.

Fun Fact

Cyclists call it 'hitting the wall'; the experience is similar across endurance sports.

Source: Endurance sports vernacular

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