What's the Difference Between Running and Jogging?

Written by
Erica Schuckies
There's a popular method of exercise that involves placing one foot in front of the other in a repetitive manner, moving in a forward motion quicker than walking.

While many people today call this action "running," in the 1960s and 1970s it was more popularly known as "jogging." But when it comes to those who perform this kind of exercise, there's a strong aversion to the latter term, especially as one begins to do it more regularly.

So what's the real difference between running and jogging? And why do runners hate being called joggers?

To answer these questions, we asked the jogging—er, running—community for their input on the age-old debate.
A Dirty Word
1 of 28
Want to insult a runner? Call them the j-word.
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A Very Dirty Word
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See what I mean?
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Speed Matters
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For many, the difference between running and jogging is speed.
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Pace Matters
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Although, that's pretty fast, Raylan.
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Feel Matters
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Colleen thinks it's not about actual pace, but about how you feel when you're running that pace.
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Racing Matters
1 of 28
Some think racing is what makes you a runner.
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The Finish Line Matters
1 of 28
You're not a runner until you cross the finish line.
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Bibs Matter
1 of 28
Pin on a bib, and poof: You're a runner.
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Jogging for Fun
1 of 28
Wait, running can be fun?!
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Distance Matters
1 of 28
So one can be both a jogger and a runner, depending on the day?
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What is This Running You Speak of?
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It's all or nothing for Michelle.
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You Are What You Think You Are
1 of 28
It's all in your mind.
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More Than Walking
1 of 28
Seems simple enough.
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It's Just a Word
1 of 28
Don't be afraid. Sticks and stones break bones, but words can't hold ya down!
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Jogging a Marathon
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James has no problem being called a jogger.
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Shufflers Unite!
1 of 28
Shufflers are people, too.
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No Strings Attached
1 of 28
Sometimes, all that matters is your own opinion.
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All to Sell Shoes
1 of 28
Conspiracies were bound to come out of the woodwork.
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The Amount of Sucking Wind Occurring
1 of 28
To be fair, sucking wind could really happen during jogging or running.
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Anything Faster Than Walking
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I don't know about you, but my runs are usually intentional. Usually.
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It's Science
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Some use biological data.
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Jogging (Or it could be yogging...with a soft j)
1 of 28
Others take a more humorous approach to the topic.
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The Outfit Matters
1 of 28
Where did you find that picture of me, Nikki?
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Somewhere in the Middle
1 of 28
So kinda like brunch?
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Never Say Never
1 of 28
Jennifer has no time for jogging.
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One and the Same
1 of 28
What's the difference? Bruce keeps it simple.
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What Do You Call It?
1 of 28
You do you, Rebecca.
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About the Author

More Articles by Erica »Erica Schuckies
Erica Schuckies is a writer for Active.com. After graduating from Colorado State University, she spent time working in the rodeo industry, followed by three years with Berkshire Hathaway's Business Wire. Erica enjoys fitness, running, hunting, fishing and being outdoors. Follow Erica on on Twitter, Instagram or Google+.