Jogger No More

The holiday weekend was a fun one here in Mammoth.  I always enjoy seeing the trails and roads busy with families running, biking and hiking. I like to offer encouragement or a “good morning” when I see people being active.  In fact, last week I noticed a transition in what passersby were saying to me.  I started running again three and a half months ago after having a long pregnancy hiatus.  Since then, I always seemed to get the “enjoy your jog”, “you are tough to be out jogging in this weather” or “great day for a jog”.

Last week on two occasions I received more uplifting words.  The comments were “nice pace” and “Wow! You’re fast”.  I was elated to finally make the leap from jogger to runner.  Most of us recoil to hear the word “jog” when we are out there pushing our limits.  We are fast, or at least faster than our previous selves or faster than last week.  We are making progress and we want to be noted for it.

But I’m not sure I need to feel the slightest offense.  In this context, isn’t it the same thing?  It would be insulting if someone commented on me “jogging” my 200’s at practice, but when I’m out for a 10-miler, I don’t really need to know the line between jogging and running.  I can’t even think if swimming or biking has a similar word for a leisurely (insulting) cadence.  Swim, bike, run.  Tread, pedal, jog?  Not sure.  I am still secretly hoping to maintain runner status as people pass by…I mean, when I pass by THEM.