I was just called a jogger

bprague

Is there anything more insulting when you just ran 5 miles? But no... I was called a jogger because my 5 k time was 30.10 minutes.

My image of a "jogger" is along the lines of a elderly (excuse my stereotype, dear mfpers) woman, in a valore track suit, carrying 2 lb dumbbells. To be called a jogger for me is to lower my accomplishments, little though they are. I did not run a 5k, I jogged it.

I'm posting this rant because now I'm really doubting myself. I was considering doing long distance for the track team at my college. It's my senior year, I've been running, sorry jogging, for a while and thought, since they aren't competitive, why not? I might regret it if I don't. But now I feel like there is no way I belong on a track. Help, please

engineman312

don't let anyone ever tell you what you are and what you aren't. join that track team, and the next time some a*%$^&le tells you that you are a "jogger" ask them how fast they can do a mile.

melkithall

Don't let that get to you. If you have goals and dreams, stick with them. We can't let others discourage us from our journeys. Besides that image in your head, what's the difference between a jogger and runner anyways? Were you doing your best, then that's all that matters. Besides, I know plenty who feel a successful runner when they can run a 5k in 30 minutes. You did great!

chicago_dad

Valore track suit? Awesome image. I should buy one and start running in it. :-)

janet_pratt

I did my first 5K in October and my time was 39:40. And, yeah, I jogged it. However, I jogged it without stopping. I passed kids in their teens and 20's who were stopping to walk. When they ran, they ran faster, but they couldn't sustain it. If you want to run, run. It doesn't matter what anyone calls you. I felt good about completing a 5K at any pace, especially without walking. I did something people half my age obviously couldn't do. And you can always get better. I'm getting a little faster.

Amf5627622

Don't diminish all your hard work. You can RUN a 5K which in my mind makes you an athlete! Good for you. Don't let a label cause you to doubt your abilities. Sky's the limit! I say go for it and join the team.

taso42

I came in here expecting to give a "way to go". Are you sure whoever called you a jogger meant it to be derogatory?? Maybe/hopefully they weren't trying to put you down. A lot of people using the terms running and jogging interchangeably.

Anyway, regardless, 30.10 minutes is a respectable time for any 5K RUNNER. Sounds like you are doing great, so I would say, keep up the good work! And don't worry what other fools say.

killagb

The word in itself is pretty good at describing a run over a long distance:

jog/jäg/
Verb:
Run at a steady gentle pace, esp. on a regular basis as a form of physical exercise.

Don't sweat small semantics is my advice.

sarahruizfitnessjourney

I came in here expecting to give a "way to go". Are you sure whoever called you a jogger meant it to be derogatory?? Maybe/hopefully they weren't trying to put you down. A lot of people using the terms running and jogging interchangeably.

Anyway, regardless, 30.10 minutes is a respectable time for any 5K RUNNER. Sounds like you are doing great, so I would say, keep up the good work! And don't worry what other fools say.

This sums up what I was going to say perfectly.

Samerah12

People say stupid crap. You get to choose whether or not it bothers you.

Running is such an individual thing, for some people a 40 minute 5k is an awesome accomplishment, for some people a 20 minute 5k still wouldn't be a PR. Its easy to forget that sometimes and say something stupid.

Recent personal examples:

I ran a half marathon last weekend. Waiting for the race to start I bumped into a girl I'd met before but didn't know well. I asked her if she was running the half or the full marathon. She said she was running the 5k. I said "oh I totally forgot there was a 5k". Her face fell. I felt like a horses *kitten*.

When I came into work on Monday a coworker congratulated me on running "your first 5k". By which he meant my second half marathon. I guess I don't look like much of a distance runner. He probably felt like a horses *kitten* when i corrected him.

It happens. Take it personally and limit yourself unnecessarily or choose to let it roll of your back and do whatever the eff you want.

bprague

I came in here expecting to give a "way to go". Are you sure whoever called you a jogger meant it to be derogatory?? Maybe/hopefully they weren't trying to put you down. A lot of people using the terms running and jogging interchangeably.

Anyway, regardless, 30.10 minutes is a respectable time for any 5K RUNNER. Sounds like you are doing great, so I would say, keep up the good work! And don't worry what other fools say.

I suppose I'm so hung up on "jogger" because I said I was a runner, a slow runner. I told my friend I had an official 5k time of 10 minutes and he *corrected me* and said I was a jogger. That's why I find it insulting. I've done as far a 6 miles, but calling it jogging almost cheapens it, you know?


And the above poster is clearly right, I need to just get over it. I'm overly emotional about it because it is a sore spot

Samerah12

I came in here expecting to give a "way to go". Are you sure whoever called you a jogger meant it to be derogatory?? Maybe/hopefully they weren't trying to put you down. A lot of people using the terms running and jogging interchangeably.

Anyway, regardless, 30.10 minutes is a respectable time for any 5K RUNNER. Sounds like you are doing great, so I would say, keep up the good work! And don't worry what other fools say.

I suppose I'm so hung up on "jogger" because I said I was a runner, a slow runner. I told my friend I had an official 5k time of 10 minutes and he *corrected me* and said I was a jogger. That's why I find it insulting. I've done as far a 6 miles, but calling it jogging almost cheapens it, you know?

Find new friends.

killagb

I came in here expecting to give a "way to go". Are you sure whoever called you a jogger meant it to be derogatory?? Maybe/hopefully they weren't trying to put you down. A lot of people using the terms running and jogging interchangeably.

Anyway, regardless, 30.10 minutes is a respectable time for any 5K RUNNER. Sounds like you are doing great, so I would say, keep up the good work! And don't worry what other fools say.

I suppose I'm so hung up on "jogger" because I said I was a runner, a slow runner. I told my friend I had an official 5k time of 10 minutes and he *corrected me* and said I was a jogger. That's why I find it insulting. I've done as far a 6 miles, but calling it jogging almost cheapens it, you know?

Find new friends.

That ^

runs4zen

Listen, even logging your exercise on this site is weird and can be a little off-putting.

The exercises of running/jogging are interchangeable and the calories burned can be way off when compared to my Garmin watch. I try to match the minutes/calories burned from the watch with the calories burned from the exercise list...it makes the minutes and min per miles somewhat wrong but what can you do?

Another "peeve" of mine in the exercise logging area...cycling at 10-12 miles per hour is a pretty good clip, but the exercise log calls it "easy"--which it isn't if your 10-12 mile clip includes actual trail inclines of over 3%.

I guess my point is the same as other posters...don't let it get to you!

One thing I know about you, since we're "friends" on here, you get yourself out there consistently. You are running significant mileage at a darn good pace for a beginner and consistently shaving off time. That's AWESOMENESS. It's also a hell of a lot more activity than others do when compared to the people who do zero-zippo miles per a week of anything else!

BTW, definitely find new friends. I guess I'm spoiled. Everyone I know acts like I run a marathon each time I post my times/mileage even though we all know there are plenty who run more miles and way faster than me.. Those friends and family keep me going and NEVER have dismissed me as a jogger--even when I was one.

mbakken90

I'm running my first one tomorrow and you know what I will be proud of whatever time i get. I am aiming between 30-35 minutes and I'm very happy with that. I think completing any kind of race is such a great accomplishment and I definitely call myself a runner. You should be proud of yourself and don't even let it bother it. You are awesome!!!!!!

DannyMussels

I think you're doing fantastic. I doubt I could run for even 10 minutes.

As far as cardio goes, I'd be more concerned with time than distance. Unless you keep track to challenge yourself, in which case I'm sure you're making progress too.

Either way, you're doing way better the most people.

BenderFitness

Is there anything more insulting when you just ran 5 miles? But no... I was called a jogger because my 5 k time was 30.10 minutes.

My image of a "jogger" is along the lines of a elderly (excuse my stereotype, dear mfpers) woman, in a valore track suit, carrying 2 lb dumbbells. To be called a jogger for me is to lower my accomplishments, little though they are. I did not run a 5k, I jogged it.

I'm posting this rant because now I'm really doubting myself. I was considering doing long distance for the track team at my college. It's my senior year, I've been running, sorry jogging, for a while and thought, since they aren't competitive, why not? I might regret it if I don't. But now I feel like there is no way I belong on a track. Help, please

That is my husband's pet peeve. He is a distance runner, and the entire neighborhood sees us running (when he is doing his slower days because I can't keep up on his fast days!) But people say that all the time. He gets irate! I don't think people realize how rude it is.

iKristine

I wish I could run a 5k.

So what if your a jogger in time. Your a runner in activity. Your only going to get better, and that happens quickly.

Don't let a political correction dictate your progress. Use it as motivation. Then correct them when they are wrong.

significance

My understanding of a jogger is someone who runs for fitness or for fun - nothing derogatory about it.
If you say "runner", I'll think of either someone who is running to deliver a message, or else an Olympic foot racer.

MrsCon40

That is my husband's pet peeve. He is a distance runner, and the entire neighborhood sees us running (when he is doing his slower days because I can't keep up on his fast days!) But people say that all the time. He gets irate! I don't think people realize how rude it is.

I don't think it qualifies as "rude" if they mean no offense.

It is not your neighbors' job to understand the nuances of what nomenclature you deem appropriate for your chosen form of locomotion. They are just trying to be neighborly and say, "Hey! You guys are awesome joggers!"

:flowerforyou:

gleechick609

I am a jogger. I call myself a jogger because my pace ranges anywhere from 11:30 to 15 minutes per mile and I am not competitive. I just started jogging in the beginning of September. I have completed three 5ks and have done a run:walk ratio in all of them. I have only shaved off time for my PR because of this. sure, I could jog the whole 3.11 miles but I'd finish in 43 minutes because I am a slow pacer. But there is something about seeing your name at #102 and the last number being #108 that makes me want to finish faster and faster each time...LOL

I say still join the track team and f$&k your "friends"

And to those who say " I wish I could run a 5k" YOU CAN. you just start by doing a walk:run ratio 3 times a week for about 10 weeks. Every week, decrease your walk by 30 seconds and increase your run by 30 seconds! It works!

chrisdavey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-LnP3uraDo

Rachiepie6

You are right, you might regret not joining, so join and have fun!

Pebble321

I run slowly, and I don't care what people call it ,I just know that I'm a hell of a lot fitter than I was this time last year. In January I couldn't run for 90 seconds without practically collapsing, now I can run for 90 minutes.
I'm slow (slower than you) but I don't care. I'm out there and doing it.

I think people who use the word jogging are often one of two kinds:
- people who don't exercise and are impressed that you are getting out there doing something. They don't know what it's called but they know they couldn't do it!
- people who like to feel superior and use words to try to belittle your achievements. Don't play this game. You are doing a fantastic job RUNNING and you know it!

red01angel

Seriously??

Of all things to whine about...

bprague

Thanks for all of the support, in one form or another! It means a lot that other people know why I'm troubled by this and mostly just say 'eff it and run anyway.

I would like to point out that I DID ask for support/advice, not belittlement. If you have neither of those to offer, you might want to consider refraining from commenting. There is no reason to be rude to a stranger.

Happy thanksgiving, those in the US