Is there really a difference between jogging or running or sprinting?
Yesterday, a friend of mine asked me this very same questions and sent me this article, “The Difference Between Running and Jogging”
Without reading the article, I quickly answered her question saying, “Jogging is something you can do while multitasking like look at your phone, read a magazine on the treadmill. It is a slower run and your heart rate is in a low zone 2. Running requires your full attention, it is a faster jog and your heart rate is in a medium to high zone 3.”
Then this morning I went to a group fitness class and the instructor made us jog for 30 seconds, run for 20 seconds and sprint for 10 seconds on repeat. As I exercised with the group I noticed there was not a big difference in our pace from jogging to running. But then when it was time to sprint, everyone kicked it into full gear and ran/jogged faster!
I have always considered myself a runner not because I dislike the term jogging but I think it’s because I grew up with that term. “I’m going for a morning run.” Sometimes my parents (who are in their early 50s) call it jogging. Maybe it is a generation thing. I definitely do not get offended when someone asks me, “How was your jog?”
When it boils down to it, I believe the definition of jogging, running and sprinting are all determined by the individual. It doesn’t matter how fast you are running/jogging or your finish time. All that matters is that you are moving and doing something healthy for your body. Set your own goals and definition.
What do you think?
Your running buddy!
Amy
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I agree! Time, distance, speed… those things don’t matter. It’s the experience and how it makes you feel that matters.
I think those (like you) who “run” 5, 7, 10+ miles at a time are jogging. I don’t say that because I can’t do it, but because that’s just too far of a distance to be seriously kicking butt and draining yourself. When I run, although I’ll admit that I’m not in very good shape yet, I kick it in serious gear to the point of almost collapsing after 1-1.5 miles of doing it. Jogging is something you do 26 miles of. Running is something you do 1-2 miles of (serious, intense running), and sprinting is something you do for 50-400 yards. You give it your absolute all and completely drain every bit of energy you have in a very little amount of time.
Thanks for your input Kraig! Your comments are very interesting. I would consider you a sprinter- high heart rate for short amounts of time. Keep up the running and you will definitely get to your goal this summer!