Chappy posted this question in another thread... so I did some research.

While MOST people tend to draw a distinction between the two based on speed/pace, that can still be a fairly subjective judgment.

So let's try this: Joggers jog for recreation, runners run for competition.

If you are moving faster than a walk and there is no SPECIFIC goal (i.e. a time or distance target) you are probably jogging. That would include those who are looking for better fitness or weight loss.

If you are focused on a continued improvement in your pace and/or distance, however, then you are more likely a runner. Or as one person put it, the difference between a jogger and a runner is an entry form and a bib number.

Or to use an analogy from my bicycling days: The difference between cycling (running) and going for a bike ride (jogging)? A bike rider (jogger) finishes their workout when it starts to rain. A cyclist (runner) starts their workout in the rain.

Here's one more to think about. A jogger listens to a Walkman. A runner listens to the sounds of their body.

This is SUCH a funny post b/c I was just thinking about what title to use for myself. I jog/run 5-6 miles a day, so I say I am a runner...but to my hubby who was a runner (sprinter/hurdler) in college said I wasn't...well, I can call myself whatever I want especially since he ain't doing nothing (to his defense... He does have NO bodyfat :rolleyes: ) I think that it sounds cooler (at least to me) to be a runner-I toss the term proudly in front of my loser friends that talk crap about me and my dedication to the gym instead worshipping their cheeto gods...BUT let me come across a REAL runner, "a been to many races" type of person and I meekly become a avid jogger.
Bottom line, who cares if you jog recreationly or run for the races...be proud that your doing something!!!! :D

Phillydude -

Thanks for clearing this up. So that's why no one jogs away from the cops because the specific goal of evading the cops makes this running.

That also explains why diarehea is sometimes called "the runs" and not "the jogs" because no one does that for recreation.

When I was at the starting line of my first 5K, I asked a guy who looked like he knew what he was doing if he had any tips on how I could improve my time. He pointed to a cop and suggested that I go over and punch him in the face... and that I would be surprised how fast I could run while dodging bullets.