Change of Pace

Miriam-Websters says to jog is to run or ride at a slow trot b : to go at a slow, leisurely, or monotonous pace : TRUDGE , whereas to run is merely to go faster than a walk. Though the definition does then go on to describe it more specifically as to go steadily by springing steps so that both feet leave the ground for an instant in each step. But hell, the definition for jog meets that qualification as well, so what's the big deal?

Serious runners get so touchy about that parsing of words and I've never really gotten understood why. I have no problems as all with saying that I'm going out for a jog. I wouldn't use that word if I was going to be doing speed intervals, but if I'm going to be out doing eight-minute miles then yeah, that is in fact a relatively leisurely pace for me.

UrbanDictionary.com defines a jogger as one who is unhealthily obsessed with fitness and health. I would venture to say that it's the people who are offended by the word jogger and insist on being called runners, that more accurately meet that definition.

Wikipedia does a good job of drawing a reasonable line between the two words by pointing out that running is defined as a sport and that you can be a competitive runner, but not a competitive jogger. But even so, it defines "jogging" as the word that replaced "roadwork", that being the slower, steady miles that athletes put in as part of their conditioning. That being the case, of course I consider myself to be a competitive athlete, but it also makes me all the more proud of all those miles I jog in the park to make myself into a faster runner.

Another blogger's rather confrontational take on the topic.