Jogger vs. runner

Words matter ...

A friend gave me a magazine article on this topic: A difference between a “jogger” and a “runner.” It is titled “In defense of the word ‘jogger’’’ and why we should be using the word “jogger” more frequently.

Is there a difference between “jogger” and “runner”? If you look up their definitions, the difference is probably subtle, although as the story points out, there are many more definitions for “run” and its many variations than “jog,” which is a far more specific. But, as I say often, words matter. And the meaning behind each word, or derivations of these words, matter. A lot.

Collegiate athletes on all teams often refer to casual treadmill or fitness center users as “hobby joggers” or NARPs (non-athletic regular people). In my opinion, both are judgmental terms with a derogatory feel to them. It implies a “better than” attitude. When I hear those terms bantered about, I do not comment nor correct, but I feel it stings a bit.

In the context of this post, what differentiates a jogger from a runner? Oftentimes, it’s simply a matter of speed. Joggers are slower, both in daily runs and in races. I’m not saying I agree with that, but I do think that’s the starting point for most who do distinguish between the terms.

Ah, but what of the dutiful, hard-working man or woman who takes up running, diligently training for a race, and then they race a marathon or any other distance, giving their absolute maximum benefit. What if that person, who fits all those traits, happens to be a slow, middle- or back-of-the-pack competitor. Are THEY joggers? Are THEY less worthy? Just because they’re slow? Are they NOT runners?

I’ll admit that many decades ago, I would bristle at being called “jogger.” Now, not only do I not care (sorry, that was a double-negative). Rather, I embrace the term, because I am grateful that I can still “jog” a few times per week. Call me whatever you want, because either way, it means I’m still moving forward.

It’s an interesting debate. If you’re one of those who huff, “I don’t JOG, I RUN!” than good for you! Keep on keeping on, you are an inspiration through your hard efforts and the level of seriousness and self-worth you assign to your running. If you don’t mind the term, or even, refer to yourself as “jogger,” that’s OK too! It’s all a variation on the same theme.

Final thought on this: Resist the need to assign value judgment to the words. Try to avoid a “better than” attitude. While you may not feel the terms are interchangeable, don’t flaunt it in a hierarchical way. Just run. Just jog. And, just don’t judge!