Enough with the condescending threads berating hobby joggers as “not runners”

I have no problem with hobby joggers.

I don't like that people compare hobby joggers with subelite or even elite runners.

That should not happen and that does not happen in other sports.

Says the guy who never qualifies for Boston

Some random dude who plays a pickup game at some park doesn't demand that people acknowledge the fact that he is the SAME as Michael Jordan.

Some random slob who slogs 6 miles per week should not demand that people call him a runner.

You know you're a hobby jogger when . . .

- qualifying for Boston is considered an accomplishment

- you think people slightly slower than you are hobby joggers, but also think that you aren't

- you brag about long runs but never end them with a bunch of sub6:00 miles

For me, the term "hobby jogger" is not about making people feel bad; it's about respecting the sport. I used to spend months running 100+ miles a week. It was a lifestyle and I was on a mission. Now, I rarely crack 25 mpw and only run for fun/fitness.

I was once a runner. Now, I am a hobby jogger or, if you'd prefer, a person who runs. There are levels to this sh*t.

A "hobbyjogger" isn't necessarily one who is less talented. It refers to one who puts no effort into running. "Training" for a marathon on 30 miles per week, aiming "just to finish," etc.

You're wrong about running vs. walking. Walking is a totally different biomechanical action using different muscles.

False choice.

Here’s how language works:

Michael Jordan plays basketball. Random Dude plays basketball.

Bekele runs. Joe Hobbyjogger Shmoe runs. A runner is one who runs.

I agree with you, OP. A runner is someone who runs. No average runner is claiming to be Kipchoge.

This brings up a serious question I have held off posting a thread about. At what point is someone not a runner?

the example I have are these Instagram “influencer” runners that constantly pop in my feed. Several of them have now “run” marathons over 7 hours. These are people who post training advice and sell training plans, and they are going at a moderate walking speed. Can they be considered runners?

You could not be more wrong. There is no arbitrary line.

The line is well defined:

Everybody who is faster than me is a pro runner. Everybody who is slower than me is a hobby jogger. That is an universal law.

This does seem to be a brand of smugness unique to the running community. This all or nothing mentality very much works against "elite" runners when they hit a competitive ceiling or start getting slower. Many totally quit because they can't do something habitually they're not the best at or always improving in. Live by the sword, die by the sword.

They are runners, just slow runners. There are many 3:15 marathoners that would be easily beat by the fastest competitive walkers.

If they actually walked most of the way — like placing both feet on ground for a significant portion — you are entitled to quibble about the walk/run distinction, but I’d rather call them slow runners or foot racers coz no one said you couldn’t walk in a foot race.

I hate to use this term because it has be co-opted by those more compassionate than myself, but you are a runner if you identify as one. If you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and being careful of late nights because it may interfere with your run the next day, you’re a runner. You may not be a fast and talented runner but you’re still a runner.

That is a good answer.

1) Person who runs (all inclusive).

2) Runner (someone who puts in great effort with the intent to reach their genetic potential at a given footrace).

The key identifier of being a runner is not a specific time, but the willingness to put forth the time and effort with the intent to reach their genetic potential.

Some social media blowhard who is just in it for the views and putting in half-assed efforts does not meet the criteria of a "runner". This person is merely a "person who runs".

I prefer to use the term jobby hogger to desribe that species of human who may seem to be participating in the sport of running, but with a closer inspection is only tangentially performing a limited form of physical activity to accentuate and broadcast their heightened state of narcissism.

I am a hobby jogger because running is not my primary source of income. I have earned a grand total of $50 in my hobby jogger races.

Is a person who runs not a runner? Is there a purpose to this distinction that isn't elitist?