OK...this has been a topic of conversation in numerous places I've been lately and yes, I know I shouldn't be bothered by it, what is in a name? But at the same time I think I've pinpointed why I'm bothered by it. See to me, a runner isn't someone running 5 minute miles, and a jogger isn't someone who is finishing a marathon in 6.5 hours. Speed has nothing to do with it. It's a part of who you are...it's the community you are part of. I'm a runner because I am out there most days of the week. I run when it's cold. I pass on staying up late and drinking because I have an early morning training run. I am out in the rain. It's an obsession. It's a love. It's a way of life for me. I don't really remember back to when I didn't run. I won't go a week without running because I feel a little "off" without it.
To me joggers are the hobby people. They will do it to lose weight, but they hate it. They will go out if it's nice out. They will do it when it's convenient, and it's not a big deal if they can't do it. They are happy when injured as it gives an excuse to not run.
For a runner, even the days we hate it, we still love it. When we are having a bad run, we look forward to the next time, because that might be a good one. When we are injured, we are couting the days till we can run again (and might be out there when we shoudn't be). It's a culture. It's a way of life...to be a runner...
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8 comments:
Wow! Okay, this runner vs. jogger thing is the topic of many conversations. I used to say that people who refer runners as joggers are people who don't run at all, don't have the obsession or desire to become stronger, better, faster.
You pinned the tail on the donkey, sistah, and I couldn't have said it better.
So, I am a runner. Even though my 11-12 minute miles aren't fast, I am out there, consistently trying to improve myself in this wild and crazy obsession.
Well said!
yes yes yes. When I first started I wouldn't call myself a runner because it felt like a title that you earn and you wear...in fact it took me a few years, but now I am a runner. I don't go for a jog, I go for a run and it means something to me, it's part of me!
Hey, great job on your BQ - I'm a little behind on blog catch-up. I'm so excited for you - what a dream come true. As for today's post - I gotta laugh. My husband has a quote on the wallpaper on his laptop, "If you're not sure if you're running or jogging, go faster." -Pearl Izumi. How hilarious. I think the definition is different for everyone. I agree that joggers 'hate it'. They aren't really runners, who are they kidding? They aren't doing it because. They make up a reason. Real runners become more philosophical when trying to describe why they run.
Well said and I agree 100%. I recently entered a t-shirt slogan contest and submitted, "I'm a runner, not a jogger." I don't think it has anything to do with speed--there are people who jog faster than I run. I believe it has to do with commitment. Running--it's an attitude.
Amen, sister! :) I totally agree that it's not about speed. I have a client that has run several marathons and he calls what he does jogging because he thinks he's slow. I'm like, "No way! You are a runner!"
Joggers are recreational. They are the kind that wear cotton sweats and sweatshirts and carry kleenex with them. ;)
I agree with your assessment. In fact, my Mom will occasionally joke and ask "how was your jog today?" just because she knows it will annoy me! :)
I love how you defined it! So true I would say.
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