RunToTheFinish - Passionate Runner training for life: Don’t Call Me Jogger

I am a little embarrassed to admit this, but at an event someone said to me “oh you’re the jogger” and my brain went bananas. In that simple statement, I felt like my years of running and training had been stripped away. Luckily my start line reaction times in both running and quips require a warm up, so I laughed and said “No, I’m a runner.”

The group around us started laughing too and then those who don’t run started looking at each other and finally just exclaimed “what’s the difference?” Honestly, I’m sure there is a text book definition of what qualifies as a jogger or a runner. I don’t care what that says. I’m a runner.

10 years ago, I would have called myself a jogger. I went occasionally as part of my overall plan to lose weight, I hated every step because I stunk and I found lots of reasons to get out of running. Then a switched flipped and I started to CHOOSE running. I WANTED to run and even ENJOYED it. Thus I think the difference doesn’t have anything to do with speed or ability or winning a race, it’s all about intention.

Other reasons I’m pretty sure I’m a runner:
I lace my shoes a special way.
I don’t buy joggers or trainers; I buy running shoes.
I go to a an exercise physiologist to do weird things like VO2 Max testing
I’m training for marathon number 7. <<This one alone has to qualify right?!
I can talk about running for hours on end (just ask David).
I think prepping for a long run is a quality way to spend a Friday night.
I wear compression socks and pants like it’s my job.

I think I’ve earned “runner”. I know it’s just a label, but it’s one that I wear with pride. Do you care if someone calls you a jogger? Do you think there is a difference??
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