Runner vs Jogger

I hate being called a Jogger. Or someone referring to what I do as jogging.


I think part of the reason is that the word jogging, for me, has a stigma attached to it. I don't like the images or descriptions it conjures up. Which is a shame, because that's exactly what I'm doing out there. Well, for at least half the time anyway.


Thinking about it, I went looking for the acknowledged differences according to the running/jogging community. This is what I found:



if your goal/focus is to get there in minimum time; you are racing (or race training)
if your goal/focus is on what your are doing; you are running
if your focus is to lose weight or gain fitness or whatever else
(possibly indicated by wearing headphones?); you are jogging.


Speed doesn't matter; some people race at 4:00/mile, some at 12:00/mile.
No one of these three activities is any better or nobler than any othe


When I'm tired I jog, when I'm not I run. After all, it's all relative.


Joggers are interested in the fitness benifits of the activity.
Runners are interested in the sport of racing.


The difference between a jogger and a runner is a bib number.


A Jogger is everyone that I can pass.
A Runner is everone who passes me.


There are many differences between a jogger & a runner, although both are very positive activities & neither should be knocked. Here's a couple of differences I notice:


Jogging is a hobby. Running is a way of life.
Joggers get out on a nice day. Runners get out everyday.


There we're also some references as to whether you had all the running kit, or whether you listened to music whilst you ran, both of which I ignored purely because they we're stupid.


I'm my case, half the time I'm jogging to keep my fitness up, the other half I've got the stopwatch going to make sure I beat my PB in my next official race.


I've only participated in one race so far, which was a great experience. And when I replay it in my head, it is easy to spot the joggers from the runners.