No Sissies on the Track

Please clear the track, we’ve got some runners coming through, and they’re taking care of business!!
no sissies on the track

Running is not a sport for the excuse-makers of the world. It takes lots of motivation and dedication to improve, but the glorious thing about that is the power to get better is RIGHT there, in your hands (eeerr…feet?), and within your control.

In a sport where work ethic is more important than your height, shoe size, or inborn talent, the mentally tough, refuse-to-give up runners are the ones who come out on top. And after all, it’s watching those kind of runners overcome obstacles and odds that in turn inspires US to follow our own goals. Dream bigger than our running shoes and put in the work.

*Cue the African Safari Music* “It’s the circle of runner-life.” *Bamboo lifts your racing shoes to the heavens above.*

Running is also a state of mind. It’s mental. I’ve had people call me a jogger, and I joke about being heinously offended. Then I’ve had people be offended that I’m offended about the j-word. Like I’m a runner ‘snob’ or sometimes people feel judged saying, “I’m not a runner, I’m not fast enough to be a runner.”

In both of those instances, my reply is the same:
* The difference between a runner and a jogger ISN’T pace, mileage, or numbers related.
* Earning ‘runner’ status is in the mind, the spirit, the dedication.

You’re a runner if you LOVE it.
You’re a jogger if you feel ‘forced into it’, like it’s a chore, or you’re only doing this to lose weight.

Runners are self-motivated and if anything have to have someone else beat/talk ‘sense’ into us at times, to hold us back, learn the times when not to run.
Joggers aren’t all that worried about skipping days. They celebrate any ‘excuse’ not to go jogging.

Joggers aren’t hung up on injuries, again, “I hurt my toe…welp, I don’t have to go the gym!! YAY!!”
Runners go through mental torture and endorphin withdrawals. Injuries are about the closest to h*ll that we can get.

So you see, me NOT wanting to be called a jogger isn’t being a snob. It’s just that I know I’m a runner in spirit. And others, regardless of their pace or point in their running life journey thing, shouldn’t force the jogging title on themselves.

As a runner, you’re a runner. You know it. You can’t lose your running license during injuries or setbacks.

You’re only NOT a runner the day you decide to stop. Until then, keep on running, My Friends!

1) What is one of your criterium for being a runner?
2) Do you get offended being called a jogger?
3) Do you care either which way at all? hehe.

8 Replies to “No Sissies on the Track”

  1. I don’t think anyone is a “jogger” really. People are runners, it’s not so much about pace or distance. That’s not to say I don’t occasional “jog”, that’s what you do to warm up before a work out, to shake out after a workout, between intervals, etc. I don’t really care what people call me, I’ve been called worse names than “jogger”, haha!

    As far as the track goes… jogging and walking are totally allowed there. Just not in the first 2 lanes, please :). My mommy walks the track all the time, just because it’s the safest place for her to walk and she’s in her 60s. But, she also knows the rules to the track too!

  2. I always get offended when people call me a jogger or ask how my “jog” was. The DR who has botched up my legs (vein surgery DR) has called me a jogger more than once and I correct her every time – she always just looks at me like I’m stupid! However, the last time I saw her she did make a comment to the nurse that involved the word running so we have made progress!!

    • hahaha….FINALLY progress!! i’ve corrected my doctors in the past two, i say it nicely/humorously so as not to offend, but in my mind i’m serious. dead.serious. “whoa, whoa, i’m not a jogger, it’s runner!” 😉
      you get me, KT, as always. 🙂

  3. I always liked George Sheehan’s view on Runner vs. Jogger: The difference between a runner and a jogger is an entry slip.

    In my personal opinion, if you run you are a runner. Plain and simple.

    • Oh, and yes I get offended being called a jogger. One time last year (you may remember) I was running down my usual trail. I passed a woman walking with a small child. As I passed, the child said “look mommy, a runner!” and the mother replied “no honey, that’s a jogger.” I was highly offended and I almost stopped to ask the lady what her reasoning was. But instead I finished my run, came home and blogged about it 🙂

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