When is a jog a run?: Some people talk about... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,414 members β€’ 158,564 posts

When is a jog a run?

OldPossum profile image
OldPossum
β€’24 Replies

Some people talk about jogging - others say they run. So I've been sitting here wondering if they are the same thing or if there is a proper difference.

I actually overtook someone this morning for the first time ever. Granted they were walking but it made me feel like a real runner πŸ˜€πŸ˜€

Written by
OldPossum profile image
OldPossum
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
24 Replies
β€’
yatesco profile image
yatescoGraduate

I don't think there is a scientific or objective difference, more a 'class' one. Some snobby runners consider 'jogging' to be weak running. I think most people consider jogging less effort than running; walking < jogging < running < sprinting.

I think the important point is to be out there doing it - who cares what people call it :-).

You are a real jogger/runner because you got out there and moved your butt :-).

OldPossum profile image
OldPossum in reply to yatesco

I must be a runner not a jogger if it's based on effort put in not output πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

The saintly Laura told you (W6??) that you are a runner.

YOU ARE A RUNNER!!

We are all runners.

To me, a jog is an impromptu run, just for the sheer delight of being outside. No planned time or distance or objective. A run is something structured, with intervals, or a set distance. But that is my interpretation.

Ullyrunner profile image
UllyrunnerGraduate

I think you've definitely earned the right to call yourself a runner!

lightweightkate profile image
lightweightkateGraduate

Funny isn't it? There surely is some snobbery in here. I think jogging always sounds a bit aimless and 1980's πŸ˜‚? Whereas running seems to have a purpose and as I always have a purpose I call myself a runner πŸ˜€We may be slow but I think we are runners, all of usπŸƒ

OldPossum profile image
OldPossum in reply to lightweightkate

I must admit I always tell people I've taken up running not jogging. It's hubby who talks about jogging. I always think of a jogger wearing a shell suit if I'm honest πŸ˜€

Sofargoner profile image
SofargonerGraduate in reply to OldPossum

Or velour ....

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

I think the terminology that can be used is devisive and can dishearten some runners. I have seen jogging being used to put people down where as others are happy to be classed as joggers. I think like most things if you say it about yourself that's fine but if someone says it about you with a sneer it's not. Just simple laws of tact.

secan profile image
secanGraduate

It's actually very simple: a run is a jog when an insecure runner feels the need to self-affirm by belittling someone else.

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate in reply to secan

Give that man a cigar! Best answer EVER on this topic :)

OldWheezer profile image
OldWheezer

Now this is a conundrum. I like to think of myself as a runner, and Laura said I am, but I do like a jogette. Those unplanned runs when you get home, not planning to run but the conditions, your mood, whatever it is, you feel like a wee jogette. Maybe just 20 minutes but if it's going well it could be a lot longer. Maybe I should think about calling these runets or runlets πŸ€”

OldPossum profile image
OldPossum in reply to OldWheezer

I like that idea. I haven't had a joggette yet. Maybe one day soon.... I may have to start wearing my running kit every time I walk the dogs just in case πŸ˜€πŸ˜€

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate in reply to OldPossum

Yes, OldPossum I sometimes wear my running shoes on a dog walk just in case I get the urge! Running in walking boots is hard work but probably good for strengthening the calves!

Polly2723 profile image
Polly2723Graduate

At our Parkrun on Saturday (my first one) we'd ran to the halfway point & turned round to run back. On passing the tail runner he 'helpfully' shouted "keep plodding" - never been so disheartened!

OldPossum profile image
OldPossum in reply to Polly2723

That doesn't sound like the sort of encouragement I'd want or expect 😁

Polly2723 profile image
Polly2723Graduate in reply to OldPossum

I admit I'd rather he keep his encouragement to himself in future. I was anticipating completing my first 5k in 35-40mins, I actually finished in 32:49 - so who knows, maybe being insulted subconsciously spurred me on πŸ˜ƒ

OldPossum profile image
OldPossum in reply to Polly2723

That's a brilliant time. It's more likely to be the adrenalin and competition of this running with you than his comments. πŸ˜€

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate

I always tell my Baldy off when he says I jog, I find it a bit belittling. Strangely, the French call it le Footing...Courire means to run so I guess footing means jogging.

OldPossum profile image
OldPossum in reply to Curlygurly2

In fairness he refers to himself as a jogger not just me. 😎

BigGirlJogging profile image
BigGirlJoggingGraduate

Great question and answers, I personally consider myself a jogger but all the rest of you as runners :) I call mine jogs as my speed is not great but I carry on regardless, there are moments when I know it would be the same speed if I walked but I keep going anyway. When I manage my first 5k in 30 minutes (or so) I will consider myself a runner :)

OldPossum profile image
OldPossum in reply to BigGirlJogging

Laura does tell us we are runners though πŸ˜€ Hell could freeze over before I manage 5k in 30 minutes πŸ˜‚

Zev1963 profile image
Zev1963Graduate

I call it running, and technically, if at some point in your gait both feet are off the ground, then you are running, otherwise you are walking

I rather like how Edde Izzard discribes his runs (he of 30 marathons in 30 days fame) he calls it loping :)

OldPossum profile image
OldPossum in reply to Zev1963

That's a nice idea but I don't feel my arms and legs are long enough for loping πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

jt24 profile image
jt24Graduate

Bit late replying.

It is 'out there' that running is a 6mph pace or faster- so, 10 minute miles. Slower would be called jogging.

I, on that basis, can still only manage a jog but I say I run :)

To me, jogging is a relaxed run for a bit of fun... If you see me when I'm out its not looking relaxed or particularly 'fun'!

You may also like...

Running or jogging - is there a difference...?

much as when there were short walking breaks to look forward to. I expect I'll get used to it, but...

Jogging/ running what’s in a name?

she’d seen me jogging in the mornings keeping you healthy she said. How nice of her to say so and...

More of a jog than a run!

I’ve never run before but Just finished week 6, found it a big jump from week 5. Have lost 12lb so...

To jog or to run, now that's the question

my brisk walk,or indeed my jog (I can't call it a run, jog is push)! Still so happy when I've done...

Running v. jogging- what's the difference?

the difference between running and jogging? All I know is that I like to say/think I'm a runner...