runup

buildup

Gradual accumulation over time

• leadupPreparatory period or events
• groundworkFoundational preparation for something
• planningArranging for future events

training · rehearsal · readiness · countdown · anticipation · warmup · prelude · preliminaries · positioning · staging

escalation

Progressive increase in intensity

• growthIncrease in size
• riseMove to higher position
• spikeSharp rise or point

surge · buildup · upturn · upswing · inflation · appreciation · accumulation · swell · boom · intensification

campaign

Organized effort toward goal

• pollingSystematic opinion gathering
• ballotVoting document
• primaryChief in importance

candidate · debate · caucus · voter · nominee · platform · endorsement · incumbent · challenger · electorate

takeoff

Departure or parody

• runwayPaved path for planes
• landingDescent's final moment
• glidepathAircraft descent trajectory

descent · airspeed · altitude · trajectory · flaps · throttle · aerodynamics · pilot · cockpit · avionics

• preliminarieswarmup, qualifying exam, intro, preface, prologue
• soccer techniquesfree kick, corner kick, penalty spot, goal kick, throw-in
• tsunamistsunami, tidal waves, tidal wave, megatsunami, tsunami warning
• flight checkspreflight check, checklist, engine check, weather check, radio check
• beginningsbegin, beginning, start, first, opening
• flight trainingflight training, flight school, flight instructor, student pilot, solo flight