January 29, 2008

Jogger or Runner?

I have seen the question posed quite a few times. "Are you a jogger or a runner?" and it appears that many are confused what the difference is ... if there even is one. Pearl Izumi seems to assume the difference is speed. Orginally I agreed with this theory but I now have my doubts. Can you really say "I jogged a marathon?". That doesnt sound right. Yes, I am slow. But does that mean I am just a jogger?

Runners World sent me a daily quote today that I think is the right answer.
"The difference between a jogger and a runner is an entry blank."
Dr. George Sheehan
According to those that agree with the Pearl Izumi theory, I am a jogger. According to Dr. George Sheehan, I am a runner. I think I side with the Dr. :)

7 comments:

LeahC said...

ooh I like the runners world quote. I *hate* the pearl izumi ad scheme.

Jess said...

I think it's "jogging" with a soft "j" like "yogging."

Hope you've seen the movie :)

Linden said...

Maybe I haven't seen the same Pearl Izumi adverts that you have, but the impression I got was that it was also about commitment. Joggers don't "train" when it's cold, joggers don't want to get back out there after a harsh 10-miler, joggers don't want to make their color-coordinating running clothes all icky and sweaty.

I think I'm slower than you :), but I still consider myself a runner because I ain't doin it to look pretty. I'm doing it "for the love of the game." (Although I haven't been doing it enough lately...)

JScribe said...

I think it mainly involves "running" sounding cooler than "jogging." :) I've run races...and I'll continue to run races (like that pesky April 10 miler) but I still don't really consider myself a runner. I don't know why. Maybe its just all that self doubt in our blood. :)

Iron Jayhawk said...

I think it's mindset over anything else.

I don't say that I'm a jogger. I'm a runner. And runners, from time to time, do indeed job.

lifestudent said...

I think I agree with running jayhawk here ... I do run, but there are definitely times I jog :) Hopefully I can get my butt into gear so that I dont actually "jog" my upcoming 5K. That would be embarassing!

Robyn said...

I think the thing that seperates one from the other is keeping time. If you start the clock before each run, you are a runner!