What's the difference between running and jogging?

[Laura]

I have often read articles about getting in shape and building up endurance and they talk about running one day and going for a slow jog then next. The problem is, I don't know what the difference is between them. I am a pretty slow runner. In races I average about 9 to 9 and one half minute miles, but on any given day I will usually run a 10 minute mile pace. So I would consider myself a jogger. Do I need to up it on the days I am supposed to run? Admittedly, I would like to run faster but sometimes am just too big of a wimp.

[emilycat]

I will confess, I loathe the term "jog." I think it completely undermines how I feel about running, and it just sounds like a lazy word.
Okay, so I may be a bit irrational....

I guess I would just never want someone to say that they saw me out jogging if I considered myself to be running. Am I making myself at all clear?
I suppose what I mean is that jogging and running are completely relative for everyone. Tegla Laroupe's jog is probably a fast-paced run for me, whereas my run is a relaxed off day for her.

I don't think that you can assign a certain pace in order to designate what a run or a jog is... if you feel like you're running, I say you are -- and as you become more efficient of a runner, a run may not feel that difficult anymore at all; rather, you'll rarely ever want to jog, and the main distinction will be whether you're going to go for an easy or moderate-effort run or a really tough workout.

Just my several http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif cents.

Emily

[Natasha]

There was an ad a while back (I think for running gear). There was a runner slogging through some darn nasty-looking elements and the caption was something like: When does a jogger turn into a runner? On a day like this.

Man, I love that ad.

It sets my teeth on edge when the odd person (who has no idea how seriously I take running) knows that I do races and run and asks me how my jogging is going. (I m right with ya on that, Emily!) Fortunately most of my entourage knows better!!

To me the difference is how you feel about it. If it s a sport or a passion to you, it s running. Signs of a runner could include taking your running schedule seriously (or at least having a running schedule), or seeking a faster time, or striving for a new distance, or just getting a real KICK out of it. If you re doing it just because you think it s supposed to be good for you or you do it maybe three times a year, then maybe it s jogging. I hope this doesn t sound like a snob way of looking at it, but that s my view. So to me you re a runner, Laura. (Heck, you even subscribe to Runners World! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif)

BTW, Laura, I don t think I really answered your question about pacing - all I did was rant and rave. But I agree with everything Emily s said, especially about one person s normal run being another person s relaxed jog (thanks, Emily...)!




[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 02-05-2001).]

[bossy]

On this subject I once read in a book (I believe it was a book on stretching but am not sure - and this is paraphrased) - The difference between runners and joggers is that a runner has a fancy watch. In other words it's basically semantics - but as noted by the others sometimes the word "jog" has a less serious connotation.