My 5k “runs” would really be slow jogs for other runners (like the folks that pass me), and on days where add futher it is at an even slower pace. That’s OK - it’ always faster than my first/only 5k race time of 46:04 … where the C25K instructor and classmates (and my much faster daughter) cheered me across the finish line in a late April snowstorm… slow and hard, but such a fun memory. Back then I was almost 20 pounds heavier, so I joke that is was like jogging while carrying 2 gallons of milk.
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I’d love to lose 20 lbs! Actually the goal is about 12 or so, but 20 would be fabulous! (I can’t, but its a dream 
)
I don’t know if I’ll ever run a race again. Don’t really enjoy them, to be honest. But I do need to exercise and to get back in shape. My first race ever was a 10K. It was almost 5 years ago, at age 63, which I did in 1 hr 23 min. in the godawful heat with a LOT of runners. The 2 5K races I did since then I did in about 35 min. IIRC. Today at the gym I did (interval) only 2.25mi in 30 min. But I was in the gym for an hour (treadmill, bicycle and leg press). My immediate goal is just to get back into getting myself TO the gym, and not dreading it 
But this was hitting the gym 2 days in a row, and 3 X this week. Its a start.
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I just laced up my new pair of Saucony Guide 13’s this morning. I have to buy a new pair of shoes at least twice a year, because I walk so much that I wear them out. That is something I will happily work into the budget, though!
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I’m not a fast runner, but I am a runner. I don’t like the term “jogger”. There is a well known quote in the running culture that says if you run, you are a runner. Yep.
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Funny how many of us like the saucony guides! My 13s replaced my Guide 10s. My other shoes were adidas supernova sequence. Don’t even know if they make them anymore. I have some hokas, but despite that they are supposed to have a wide toe box, the left shoe is uncomfortable in the toe area. But I love the Sauconys. When I bought my first pair, the running store advised me to buy much bigger than I normally wear. I usually buy a half size bigger, but for the sauconys I buy a size and a half bigger. Is that true for you both as well, @Colorado_mom and @kelsmom ?
I only wear a half size larger than normal. I used to wear ASIC Gel Kayano, but somewhere along the line, they made changes that didn’t agree with me. I switched to Saucony Ride ISO 2, and now I wear the Guide 13.
Normally in shoes I wear women’s size 7.5 or 8. In the Saucony Omin 19, I buy size 8. The running socks I use are fairly thin.
My DH wears asics gel Kayanos or GT2000s. I normally wear a size 7, but in the Sauconys I get an 8.5.
I’m with @FallGirl - the term jogging indicates to me that you are not worthy enough to be called a runner. And the least likely people to use the term “jogging”? - runners! Recreational runners respect any pace, any distance, any method you have to get your run done!
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Well then, I am a runner! I aim to get out 2 or 3 times per week for distances of 1.5 to 3 miles. 3 miles is about my max - anything longer is harder on my joints. My average pace is just over 10 mins/mile; closer to 11 if I go for 3 miles. For a number of reasons (Covid included) I didn’t get out much during the past year. I’m now working to ramp back up to consistency from week to week, and hoping to increase my speed a bit. I love to run as my main form of exercise (the only thing that really keeps me from piling on the weight), but like @jym626 I don’t particularly like to do the races - I really have trouble keeping to my normal pace and find I’m out of fumes by the end of the race. Last 5k I did was June 2019 and it was REALLY hilly. I developed sciatica issues shortly after and I’m sure it’s because I pushed too hard on those hills. I did enjoy the accomplishment, however!
I have a trail near me that runs along a creek, it’s just under 2 miles out and back. That’s my usual go-to run, but I do mix in neighborhood runs for longer distances and to get some hills in. I wear the Brooks Ghost running shoe in 8 wide - I am a 7.5 regular in other shoes.
I gave up my Planet Fitness membership during Covid, but will probably rejoin in the fall if I’m running regularly -for the bad weather days. Its very hot and humid here this week, so I’m riding my indoor bike instead until the weather breaks - but it’s not the same. No good place in our house to put a treadmill.
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" If you run, you are a runner". It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. If today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." - John Bingham
He doesn’t say anything about races, but you don’t have to run them. You are still a runner.
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I have run a number of races and have the bibs in a clip on my refrigerator to prove it , but I also don’t care for races. I prefer NOT to have the anxiety of performing (a task I put on myself of course) and I don’t need a race to keep me on a schedule. Race or no race is fine!
I think the C25K training actually helped me learn to maintain a pace and not to push. I’m not afraid to take a 20 second walk break if needed - it often resets my pace and breathing.
This time of year I run early, before work. So around 6am when it’s as cool as it’s going to be! But honestly my other favorite time to run is in the evening about dusk- that time when the sun is setting or has set but it’s not dark yet.
I’m a Nike girl. My regular shoe size is 9ish but my running shoes are 10.5 - partially because I always add an insert.
So for new runners, it’s largely normal and right for your running shoes to be larger than your regular shoe size!
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I’m wearing Asics (used to run in Brooks) these days. I wear what the running store people recommend for me. They are a half size up from my street shoes, though.
A lot of people enjoy the competition of racing and a lot need a race as an incentive to run on a regular basis. But, some people don’t. I know a lot of runners who never run races, but they get a lot of miles in. Whatever works!
I am a morning runner. We eat an early dinner and I don’t run after a big meal. And I don’t like to run in the dark, even in a group. With my proprioception issues, I have had a few falls and when I have tried running in the dark I’m stressed out wondering if I will trip on something or roll an ankle. It’s also why I don’t trail run.
My advice is to find whatever you enjoy and you will stick with. Running means something different for everyone and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Just keep moving!
I have all my bibs on a bulletin board - 11 total dating back to 2005, including 6 times doing the Philly Race for the Cure on Mother’s Day (Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.) All races were 5k in length. I do kinda miss it now that I’m thinking about it!
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Interesting discussions on runner/jogger terms. I like the above suggestions that we are all runners.
Per quick, Google research just showed that many sources consider a paces of more than 10min/mile, or sometimes 12min/mile, to be jogging. Ha, with my short legs that rarely happens, except in passing mode. Since I actually do track my time (on MapMyRun, with pace info announced at .1 km intervals and with occasional instantaneous info), I’ve decided I am indeed a runner. But I’d say lots of slower-paced folks like me should be also considered runners, even if they prefer not to time their runs.
I ran many 10k’s in my younger years, and I really enjoyed it. I can no longer “run,” but I walk faster than a lot of people run. I was on a team of 5 that ran a marathon “relay” about 10 years ago. My 6 mile leg was from Windsor, Ontario to Detroit, through the Windsor Tunnel (which has a very pronounced uphill climb at the end). I walked, but I ended up with a respectable time. It was fun! I probably should think about doing a 5k again, for the fun of it.
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Omg I could never run through that tunnel! I get claustrophobic! But how cool!
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I’m guessing this was the Detroit International Marathon? I powerwalked the half a few years ago…one of my favorite races!
Last month I finished the goal I’ve been working toward the last few years…powerwalking a half marathon in every state. The pandemic delayed me a year, but I polished off my last three states in May. I absolutely love racing, and powerwalking races isn’t a problem; I have plenty of company near the back of the pack. My race pace is about 13:40 per mile these days; I’m in my mid-60’s so I slowed down a little to compensate for the increase in mileage with all of the racing.
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@oneofthosemoms that is amazing! I’d love to hear more about how you started, how you train, how you find races!
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Thanks! I used to run…slowly…but by about age 40 my body couldn’t take the pounding. I switched to powerwalking and it’s been so much fun. I keep my weekly mileage pretty low; 4.7 miles twice a week with a longer walk on the weekend (minimum 6 miles, more if I’m prepping for something). I do barre 3x/week, and one day is rest.
Here is my favorite source for finding races. One of the pulldown options, the double stater, is invaluable for finding back-to-back races in nearby states on the same weekend (harder on the body but easier on the travel budget).
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