Support for New or Slow Joggers/Runners

I see many people express anxiety over how slow they jog/run compared to other people. In a world where many people run in the gym next to lots of other people running, it's easy to get caught up in the game of comparing yourself to the others. Some people will wonder if they're really *running* or if they're only jogging. Unfortunately, sometimes experienced and/or faster runners will sometimes discourage new/slower runners by suggesting they're not really running. This is unfortunate. It doesn't matter how fast you're going. As long as you're getting out there and pushing yourself a little beyond your normal comfort zone, you should be proud. It takes time to build up a healthy/strong cardio-respiratory system. Eventually you'll realize that you can run a little faster or a little longer (or both!) and slowly but surely you'll see progress.

A good "test" is the talking test. "Passing the talk test means that you should be able to speak in complete sentences while you’re running at a moderate training level. If you can only offer one-word grunts in response to another runner’s questions, then you’re going too fast for how hard you should be running during the first few months of your running program." (On the other end, if you can speak entire songs/essays worth without having to catch your breath, then you're could probably push yourself a little harder!!)
quote from: http://jogging-running-guide-tips.blogspot.com/2008/03/talk-test-know-your-running-progress.html

Finally - this is a passage from "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Running, 3rd Edition" - discussing Running vs. Jogging. I think it says what needs to be said on the topic perfectly:

The debates about who’s a jogger and who’s a runner are endless and fierce, but they’re also pointless. Usually, the distinction is made in a condescending way, with running taken to be superior to jogging. Some runners like to puff themselves up by noting others’ speed and saying, “Oh, he’s just jogging.” Well, we’re all slower than someone else.

(cut out a bunch of discussion about perceived differences between running and jogging)

Okay, so what is the difference? There isn’t any. Jogging, running—call it what you want. You’ll know when you’re doing more than walking. Why have I spent all this time making this point? Because it’s easy for beginning runners to feel that what they’re doing isn’t important. Often, the people who make them feel that way the most are veteran runners, who forget what it’s like to take those first tentative steps. Their attitude can cause a lot of beginners to feel that there’s some standard they have to measure up to. There isn’t; the only one that matters is your own satisfaction.