Do You Consider Yourself a Runner or a Jogger?

Runner or Jogger?
Do you consider yourself a runner or a jogger? Pete used to be an elite runner and gets really unhappy when people say: "I saw you out jogging this morning" especially when he arrives back at home soaked in sweat and unable to breathe!!

When he was racing there was no such thing as mass participation races - they were all put on by Athletic Clubs and were full of very serious runners, so to be "seen jogging" is hard to take even if he is only running at 10 minute miles (see below)

When he started to help me with my training, when it was my easy day he always told me to "run easy" - he never used to say "just jog"

In 2002 he was Race Director of the Singapore Marathon and in one of the Marathon Clinics he held prior to the event he was asked the following question:

"If I run the marathon in 4 1/2 hours am I classed as a jogger?" The question took Pete by surprise and he gave the lady the following answer:

"If you run 4 1/2 hours, but barring injury or illness you could have run 3 1/2 hours then you are jogging. If you run 4 1/2 hours and you know that you could not possibly have run any harder or faster - then you are running"

Below are the definitions as found on Wikipedia and the remark about 10 minute miling is, I believe absolutely ludicrous - unless of course you can run 5 minute miles!!

Jogging is a form of trotting or running at a slow or leisurely pace. The main intention is to increase fitness with less stress than actually running, instead of competition.

The definition of jogging as compared with running is not standard. Dr. George Sheehan, a running expert, is quoted to have said "the difference between a jogger and a runner is an entry blank (number)". Others are usually more specific, defining jogging as running slower than 6mph - 10 minute mile pace.

Competitive runners consider the terms "jogging" and "jogger" derogatory, implying a lack of speed or endurance.

Jogging is a vaguely-defined term which generally refers to a type of slow running, which may have originated in the UK. Previously called "roadwork" in the US when athletes in training, such as boxers, customarily ran several miles each day as part of their conditioning. In the 1960's to 1970's the word "roadwork" was mostly supplanted by the word "jogging", as the activity gained popularity.

The term jogging has fallen out of favour in recent years. Slower recreational runners now refer to themselves as "runners" rather than joggers. Jogging tends to imply that the runner is not trying whereas running implies someone at speed.

Running is defined as the fastest means for an animal to move on foot. It is defined in sporting terms as a gait in which at some point all feet are off the ground at the same time. It can be a form of both aerobic and anaerobic exercise.