Back To The Start…
At brunch yesterday I had a very interesting conversation with Chris We were debating the age old question about running vs jogging. Yeah, the oldest debate in the running world right. I maintained that if your out there moving no matter how fast or slow – you are a runner damnit. I think Chris agreed – after a while.
From Wikipedia:
Jogging is a form of trotting or running at a slow or leisurely pace. The main intention is to increase fitness with less stress on the body than from faster running. 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” Others are usually more specific, defining jogging as running slower than 6 mph (10 minute per mile pace, 10 km/h, 6 min/km).
I say bullshit.
Again from Wikipedia:
Running is both a competition and a type of training for sports that have running or endurance components. As a sport, it is split into events divided by distance and sometimes includes permutations such as the obstacles in steeplechase and hurdles. Running races are contests to determine which of the competitors is able to run a certain distance in the shortest time. Today, competitive running events make up the core of the sport of athletics. Events are usually grouped into several classes, each requiring substantially different athletic strengths and involving different tactics, training methods, and types of competitors.
I beg to differ. Sure, of course us “runners” are all somewhat competitive and have that competitive nature and let’s face it, racing is fun and a bit addictive. We can certainly all agree on that right? But, not all runners race. Does that make them less of a a runner? Fuck no! We are all of us runners. We put one foot in front of the other fast and faster still – we are running.
Sure, there are those weekend “joggers” for lack of a better word, who perhaps every so often think to themselves hmmm, instead of sitting on my ass I will go out and do what I do when I want to move around and feel good. But, they then retreat back into their world of TV remote controls and boxes of cookies. Yeah, you know who you are.
I don’t judge. I can’t judge because, who am I to say anything? I just can talk about what I do. How I feel. Only that. Only about me. I judge nobody. I can suggest and perhaps give some advice about the little I know. And I am always happy to do it.
I was thinking a great deal about the race I ran on Sunday. The NYRR New York Mini 10K. Why they call it Mini, I have no idea. It was far from Mini. I have come to the conclusion that I suck at pacing. I really thought I could run the entire race without stopping. I did. Yet, I couldn’t. Go figure.
Miles 1 and 2 were run way to fast in 10.36 and 10.24 respectively. What was I thinking? Well, for one I was thinking that I should be able to maintain that pace. It’s really not fast at all when you think about it. It’s average at best. Again, no complaining. Just facts and my thoughts.
After finishing mile 2 – you can guess what happened. I felt the need to stop and walk. No shame in that. Unless, of course your name is Rose Kosgei of Kenya and you were in the lead. Yeah, then not so much walking.
Mile 3 came and went in 11.57. I think somewhere in there was a water stop. Can’t remember. But, I do remember gulping water and gatorade and spilling the gatorade all over myself. It was very warm. The sun was bright in the sky and quite strong. That affected me too. I don’t think I am quite acclimated to the warm weather yet. YET!
Mile 4 clocked in at 13.07. SUCK! I hate writing that time. Again, there was walking. I know I do not run a 13 min mile. Nope, not happening. No shame in walking. There were many woman walking at this point. Many. I do remember running/walking next to a woman who had the loudest grunt as she was breathing, I have ever heard. It was a bit disorienting for me. I knew where the noise was coming from – yet somehow I couldn’t get away. Odd.
Mile 5 – 11.33. I am guessing there may have been 30 seconds of walking at the water station or not. I am fuzzy about that. I do remember feeling as though I was running under water. Only because of the heat. I know that is an odd metaphor but I guess I felt that something was pushing against me making it difficult to move forward faster like I wanted to.
At this point, I think I saw a sign that read (in big letters) 800 meters to go. WOO! Thats nothing right? Who knew? Not me! 800 meters equals approximately 0.497 miles. Unfortunately, when I run, 100% of my math skills are null and void. I had no idea what 800 meters were equal too.
Then, of course there was the 400 meter sign and finally a 200 meter sign which was equal to 600 feet.
Mile 6 – 11.19. This mile I ran. The entire mile. No way was I walking across the finish line. The heat was intense. The sun strong. The crowds cheering. The park looking so beautiful. Greenery abounds.
WOOHOO! I see the finish line up ahead. It’s there glistening in the sun. I know this part of the course is the end of the NYC marathon so it actually felt pretty fucking cool to be running there. I just gave it all I had. It is a bit of an uphill too. .30 in 3.09.
I stopped Seth at 1.12.08. 11.26 min/mile. 587 calories burned. Seth also read 6.30 miles not 6.2. But, I know it was all the zig zagging I did that perhaps gave me that extra bit of mileage.
I am happy. I finished the race with no added injuries. No intense pains anywhere. I joined my friend Christie and Chris for a lovely brunch at Counter in the East Village, where we then discussed running vs. jogging over some excellent food.
I wonder, what is your take on running vs. jogging? It’s not that I think the word jogging is derogatory in any way. And if any of you consider yourself an avid jogger, COOL!
Here is what I think. It is semantics and a mindset. You can look the part. You can buy expensive running kicks and socks and matching outfits and all of that contributes to your overall feeling of getting out there and running. In my own warped mind, I am a runner. I don’t care if I run slower than most or faster than some. I run. And not ONLY when I am being chased. I love it for how simple it is and how so very complicated it can be. I love how it makes me feel, even though some days I complain and whine and question my sanity and say how much I hate it. Then, I love it even more. I love it for all the great connections I’ve made though out the years. Runner’s are quite literally the best people I’ve ever met. Always supportive, always helpful, always caring. Always.
I will never forget Mr. Fred Lebow. This man ran slow. This man was a runner. I saw this man run his last NYC Marathon way back in 1992. He kissed the ground he ran on. Literally.
Available on Netflix.
As you always have, Michelle, you’re going to find, yet again and forevermore, that the hard and difficult stuff only ever seemed hard and difficult, before you began it.
Bet you feel better now, huh?
Begin it,
The Universe
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Yes, I love running!!! Or as my running buddy Samantha says “Run Like Hell”
Runnin' Down A Dream 
What a GREAT Kick Ass Photo of a kick ass RUNNER!! I really enjoyed your race recap and can’t wait to read one for a full marathon (hint). I know we’ve talked about what makes a runner and I guess it all depends on YOU. Some days I “run” at a ten minute pace and other days I “jog” at a ten minute pace. It all depends on how I feel on that day.
You should be so very proud of how far you’ve come since the MRI..
All the best!
Ron
It’s all mindset, girl. If you’re offended by the thought of being labeled a jogger, you are most certainly a runner in my book.
I always figured it was effort in that differentiated running vs jogging – no matter what the speed. So there! ha! We are runners!!!!
Yeah, no matter what speed, runners are putting in work, like you are in that picture.
i have a running injury, therefore i am a runner 😀
You know, for some reason I use them interchangeably. Run/jog, meh – whatevs.
You look CRAZY serious in that picture of yours! 🙂 Eye on the finish line for sure!
That is a good debate. I agree with what Lisa said about effort!! Great picture!
Running differs from walking in that when you walk, at least one foot is always on the ground. When you run, there is a moment where both feet are off the ground. Jogging is an attitude about running. It’s an attitude that you aren’t trying very hard, that it’s slower, easier, not serious. For elite runners 10 minutes per mile is even slower than jogging. But for some of us, 10 minutes per mile is hauling ass. If you are hauling ass, you are running, not jogging. People who tell you that you are jogging when you know you are serious about it and trying hard and running…those people are just trying to make you feel bad. Don’t listen to them. They’re jerks.
i don’t think there’s a time line between running and jogging. if one thinks they are a runner, they are a runner. to me “jogging” just sounds less formal – like maybe they just go out for 10 minutes randomly and then not again for a few days or weeks. i dunno. i just kind of try to avoid the whole jogger/jogging definition. everyone is a runner in my book 🙂
Sheila said what I wanted to say quite well. I *hate* when people say you’re jogging just because you’re going slower than a 10 min mile. At the last event I went to, they had 3 starts: fast (<7 min/mile), medium (7-10 min/mile), and walker/jogger (anything over 10 min/mile). On my best days I run an 11 min mile. But, and hear me now, I am a RUNNER!
Terrific post race report.
I just wish the word jogging is removed from the dictionary. With all due respect, there are million of people with different pace. They are all RUNNER, period. If they are slow, they are still a runner. If they are fast, they are still a runner.
CONGRATULATIONS! You sure kick ASS !
If you’re picking your feet up beyond a walk, you’re running. Ask poor old Jane Saville from the Sydney Olympics. She doesn’t have a gold medal on her shelf to prove it.
People can intend to be dismissive when they say “jog”. That’s all.
If someone calls me a jogger but they do so without intending it as an insult, I’m fine with that.
I read a blogger, Baton Rouge Jogger, who self-identifies as a “jogger” (obviously). No put-down meant there.
Intent’s the thing, I think.
Great job in the heat on your 10k, sister!
I am still getting used to the heat (and humidity), too. They’re pretty bad here in Joisey. Maybe soon …
Awesome post! So great to meet you…and I’ve been posting….2 since the race!!
Ah the external debate. I consider myself a runner (even though most days is close to a shuffle) and think others are to. I don’t see a time as distinguishing the two terms at all!
Looking intense at the mini – way to go in that heat!
I like the Penguin’s definition the best. If you lace up your shoes and step out the door, you are a runner. Way to survive the melt down in the 10K!! Good job!!!
nice job out there michelle, enjoyed your report.
I run for distance. I jog for time. It all depends on what I’m focusing my energy on. For example “I ran two miles today” vs “I’m looking forward to an hour’s jog this evening.” And, that’s how it sorts out in my head. Others may see the opposite.