Unless this is the first time visit my blog, you know I’m a proud wogger. I’m pretty sure I made up this term. Walk+Jog=Wog. I’ve never called myself a runner, and when others refer to me as one I giggle.
Yesterday I knocked out 4.2 miles at the gym thanks to my Couch to 10k program.
All that sweat for 4.2 miles? You betcha!
The day before that, I knocked out 5 miles!
Those 4.2 miles were accomplished by jogging for 7 minutes and walking for 2 minute 6 times, as dictated by my C210K program. I don’t know exactly that makes my pace, but I’m certainly the tortoise, not the hare. However, I finished feeling whipped and proud. My legs felt strong.
Despite my pride, I still don’t call myself a runner. I have some sort of mental block against it, because in my mind, runners have special qualities that make them REAL runners.
Runners are people that don’t need walking breaks. I on the other hand, stare at the clock willing it to speed forward to the walking segment.
Real runners breeze through an easy 4.2 miles. I have to push myself mentally and physically to finish that kind of distance.
Runners know fancy terms, like negative splits. The only split I understand involves bananas and ice cream.
Real runners have fancy tools, like Garmins. I circle an indoor track 16 times for 1 mile, then keep track of miles using my fingers.
2 miles…
3 miles…
4 miles…
Real runners wear running tights. Though I own a pair, I wear cropped pants and a t-shirt to wog.
Real runners use foam rollers. I don’t know what to do with them and would probably end up using one like a contestant on American Gladiator.
At what point do you think one become a real runner?
Marijke says
Foam rollers, Garmins and Lululemon aside, if you lace up your trainers and decide to spend time on a treadmill or pounding the pavements (regardless of speed or distance covered), then you’re a runner!
Lauren says
I consider myself a runner…because I’m not walking…and if my run is slow…it’s faster than the walk… 🙂 I am just proud of my “wogging” because of my “wogging” I’ve lost 37 lbs in 2011 and looking forward to even more to be gone in 2012. I’m working my way up to that sub 10 min mile pace…but on that journey…I am a runner…no matter how fast or slow! I even got a special present in my stocking this year from my hubby..a pink magnet for my car that says “runner girl” Its a crazy looking girl to..so very suited for me!! LOL
P.S. I think you are a runner!! 🙂
Marci says
I think you’re a runner, but call it whatever you want! You’re doing great!
Kelly says
A Walker, A Wogger, A Jogger, A Runner…you are rockin’ girl and such an inspiration! Call yourself an amazing person 🙂
blackhuff says
Well, then I’m not a full blooded runner then if I compare myself to all the points you made regarding runners 🙂
1. I don’t walk inbetween my running segments. I run without stopping for the full distance.
2. I don’t own a foam roller. I do normal stretching.
3. I don’t own a Garmin. I count the way you do when road running otherwise the TM tells me how far I’ve run.
4. I don’t even know those fancy terms
So then I’m not full blooded runner then 😉
Elizabeth says
I started out doing intervals also and eventually just ran longer one day without stopping but I don’t consider myself a runner. Regardless, you are running and on a determined path 😉
Molly P @Molly on the Run says
Believe it or not, you are a runner. Runners do walk (ever heard of the Galloway method?) Runners also wear tee shirts, have to count miles on their hands, and want to play with foam rollers. You’re doing it, girl! And rocking it, too! Keep up the good work!
Madeline says
I think you’re a runner! I agree with Marijke … when you lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement you’re a runner. Did you see Callie’s post this week about the 10+ runners? I call myself a runner even though I am SLOW. Running is hard for me too and I call myself a runner because of it … I am working HARD to cover that distance. 🙂 Proud of you!
Jen says
woohoo! congrats on your awesome “wogs” over the last few days. you so are a runner and will feel like one when you cross the finish line of that 10K.
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
i disagree girl! i think you definitely are a runner! anyone that can cover a distance of 5 miles while not walking the entire thing is a runner! some days i can barely make it through 2 miles without dying…but i still call myself a runner! you don’t need to be able to run 20 miles, eat gu, or wear tights be to a runner….be proud of what YOU can do. i’ve got a post scheduled for monday that talks about this!! xoxo
Jen says
You’re definitely a runner! I take walk breaks in some of my fastest races and I didn’t own a Garmin or foam roller for years. But I was still a runner, and so are you! 🙂
Stefanie says
Doesn’t matter how fast, how slow, how far or how long: if you RUN part of it you are a runner! Though I do love the wog term and totally understand your block. Whenever I tell someone I ran I always feel the need to say, “well I walked part of it too.”
We may not be hardcore runners but we are still runners! 🙂
Amanda says
I love this post! I, too, am just getting back into working out after having a baby (c-section) and am starting with the Couch to 5K program. I don’t think I’ll ever consider myself a “runner,” because even when I was in great shape, I was never able to just run miles. I have always been a wogger! I love workouts that take place outside the gym (hiking, rollerblading, biking, etc.), but in the colder months I’ll wog away. No shame in not being a “real” runner.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I’ve totally been using your term “wog” for a long time now! I don’t consider myself a runner either.
Kristen says
I love this post! My best friend and I actually use the term wogging all the time! I ran a 5k on the treadmill on Wednesday for the first time ever without stopping and felt like I was going to cry from happiness/excitement after. I totally relate with your feelings about not being a “real runner” and usually run similarly to your workouts. I think comparing ourselves to those more elite runners isn’t what we should focus on, but rather be proud of our own accomplishments, no matter how many walking breaks are involved 🙂
Whitney says
Just to put it into perspective, I ran my first marathon last November and I still don’t look at myself as a runner! For some reason, I assoiciate that word with the elite runners that do it for a living. Regardless what you consider yourself, the most important thing is that you are taking the initiative to exercise and be HEALTHY!! Keep up the good work!
Side note- there is no better feeling than a “runner’s” high! 🙂
Lee says
I think you’re a runner, well, if you’re running, which you are. I consider myself a runner, but I definitely take walk breaks and sometimes a 4.2 mile run is hard and I buy most of my workout clothes at Target.
Jen says
Lee, sounds like you and I are the same RUNNER. 🙂 I take walk breaks, next to my mentor and former Olympian Jeff Galloway, and I buy most of my running clothes at Target, too. I don’t wear running tights because those shorts with the built-in brief are more comfortably for me. But I’ve run-walked-run TWO half-marathons and I’m training for my first marathon (in which, yes, I will take walk breaks). I’ve always known that other people don’t consider me a “real” runner because I run-walk, but I’m out there, it feels good, and it’s good for me. So I try not to let it get me down! 🙂
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
while I understand your hesitation to call yourself a runner (I get annoyed with people who call themselves athletes when they just go to a gym and hop on an elliptical) I think you’d be justified in saying it. I bet Garmins don’t mean crap to people like Kara Goucher and what kind of clothes you wear doesn’t make a drop of difference. You’re out there, consistently “running” no matter at what pace. People who aren’t “runners” don’t run 4 and 5 miles. So I say embrace it!
Katie says
I totally agree with the above posts! Girl – you are a RUNNER! Please take a stand and start calling yourself that to support all of the people like me that struggle mentally and physically to do 4 plus miles. It doesn’t come easy for me – but I work hard and I RUN. I don’t know what a fartlek is and my everyday run would probably be considered a “recovery run” for a really good runner. But regardless – I am still on that spectrum and I am a runner – You are too!!!!!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
After reading your “wogging” posts, I consider you a runner! Personally, I don’t think it’s fair to differentiate between those who are fast and those who are a bit slower (maybe because I’m slow!). Everyone is different! I think it’s amazing that you are doing all that you are after just having had a baby. You deserve to call yourself whatever you want!
Kristen says
You are a runner now!!! I have been running for years and it took me a while to call myself a runner. I still to this date take walking breaks as needed. Sometimes those short walking breaks makes my runs better.
Corrie @ Blurb Column says
Callie over at wannabeathlete wrote about this yesterday, except the opposite. My comment to her, and to you, is that this is a great example of why “labels” are negative in many ways. They make people feel bad, or not as good as, or not as accomplished as someone else whom they think fits some specific specialized “criteria” to = label (runner/vegetarian/whatever). I say: do what you do, don’t worry about the label. Enjoy, get your sweat on and be proud of yourself for taking care of yourself!
Heather says
I take walk breaks in races and I still consider myself a runner. For some reason there is a stigma against walk breaks! I actually run faster overall when I take breaks. check out this post I did on being a “real” runner
http://www.runningwithsass.com/a-real-runner/
Maria says
Haha, cute post, Brittany.
I considered myself a runner when I ran a couple 5ks last year, but then I fell out of love with running and now only do it because its a really good form of cardio that challenges me to no end. BUT, even though I “run”, I’m not a big fan of it and therefore don’t consider myself a runner. It’s not because I wog (take walking breaks as well), its because its not my passion. I consider real runners those who just simply cannot wait to get out there and run, regardless of pace or walking breaks. Real runners to me put their heart into it and don’t dread it like the plague (like I do).
Sarah says
I think there’s a difference between a runner and a “I’m-a-RUNNER-with-all-the-fancy-stuff-so-that-everyone-knows-just-how-special-I-am-because-I’m-a-RUNNER-did-I-mention-I’m-a-RUNNER?”.
I’d say you’re the first kind.
Urban Wife says
The minute you no longer sit on a couch, you are a runner! 🙂 I wouldn’t consider myself a triathlete and have the same reaction when someone calls me one. Just because someone might not have stellar PR’s (as an example) doesn’t mean they can’t be called a runner or triathlete. 🙂
Victoria says
I consider myself a short distance runner, long distance wogger. I’ve placed in the top 10 percentile in the 2 and 3k races I’ve done, but if I’m going out for a run, I’ll end up running pretty fast for a short distance then taking a sometimes equally long walking break. Does that make me a wunner? Haha! Either way, you are covering a long distance, and the fact that you are running more than half of it definitely makes you a runner in my books! Keep up the great work!
Laura says
I’ve got bad news for you…you are definitely a runner.
If you run at all, you’re a runner.
No matter what, you don’t want to be a jogger:
http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2010/12/the-curse-of-the-jogger.html
But, wogging is probably OK!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
I agree with many of the others. A runner, by definition, runs. And you run. Therefore, you are a runner. 😉
I really vary regarding walk breaks. Training for my first half marathon with my husband, we typically ran a mile, then walked for a minute, then ran another mile, etc. At the actually half marathon, we had so much adrenaline, that we didn’t end up walking at all. Since that time, when I’m training by myself (and usually on a treadmill), I find myself taking a lot more walk breaks. But in all of those situations, I’d still call myself a runner. 🙂
But hey, wogger is a cute term. If you like it, go with it! 😉
Danielle @ Long May You Run says
Give it time, young grasshopper, give it time. Soon you’ll chafe, lube up, and tempo-run with the rest of us!
Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot says
I call you a runner. No question! You become a runner when you keep pushing yourself til the next walking break (or mile marker, etc.) and don’t just throw in the towel when it feels hard!!
PS I have most of those things named above but still take walking breaks and 4 miles still seems hard!
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
Brittany, keep in mind that Jeff Galloway recommends walking breaks for most runners. And he’s an established marathoner and successful running coach! That does not keep you from being a real runner!
A couple years ago, the announcer at a marathon said that the “real runners” were making their way to the start, or something to that effect. My sisters-in-law and I have joked about being fake runners since then. 🙂
Toni says
You are a runner!!! So what if you take walk breaks. I have run marathons and half marathons using the 5:1 run walk method and I have run a half marathon without walking. That was my SLOWEST half marathon! The walk breaks are good because it allows your legs to recover and you are less likely to get injured, you can run faster during your run portions and it makes it more do-able for everyone. You are a runner and you are doing great! I love reading your blog. Very inspirational. 🙂
Jaima says
You’re a runner, because you are out there putting one foot in front of the other! Keep it up and thanks for being so honest!
Kiah says
I’m definitely a fan of wogging, especially on days I just don’t feel like running. I’ve thought a lot about when you can call yourself a “runner” and come to the conclusion that…it’s pretty much up to the individual! I mean, why the heck not?!
Sarah says
lol i was curious was wogging was! Keep it up girl, your doing awesome.
Kellie says
You are a runner! Definitely! I loved your negative split comment and only knowing about banana splits! 🙂 Too funny!
Carol says
OMG – this is the best post ever!! I COMPLETELY understand! I love the term “wogger” [confession – I use it!]. Running/jogging is so hard for me as well – crossing the finish line w/3 miles done will be a very big deal for me!!
faith says
I’d call you a runner who wogs because for those 7 minute intervals you were totally running!
Scott Hepburn says
You used an image from American Gladiator on your blog! Epic WIN!
You ARE a runner. Don’t let those preconceived notions tell ya otherwise — walk/run is part of being a runner. Those who can run 5 miles without walking just have a longer “run” leg…they have to walk eventually.
It took me a year and change to be able to consistently run 3 miles without stopping to walk. When I ran 5ks, I’d hit a wall at about 2.5 miles. Then I registered for a 10k. I ran 4.5 miles before the wall. Why? How’d I go 4.5 miles when I previously couldn’t finish 3 miles? I call it the Two-Thirds Theory: I could always make it two-thirds of the way to my target distance. I’m half convinced I could run a marathon if I registered for a 38-mile race 😉
Walk, jog, run…as long as you’re getting out there, you’re a runner in my book.
Christie says
I think it is fun that you call yourself a wogger- it is what you identify and feel comfortable with. I would consider you a runner, walking breaks or not.
I’ve heard great thing about the Galloway method and bet you’d love it if you ever decide to do a longer-distance race. I bet you will, as you did the 5K program and are now working on the 10K… who knows what will be next!?!
I consider myself a runner and didn’t own a Garmin until this past black friday! The accessories just verify your OBSESSION with running- ha!
VisaliaWogger says
“I’m pretty sure I made up this term. Walk+Jog=Wog.”
Sorry hun. You’re not the first. 😉 I don’t know where it originated, but it’s been around for at least a year.
http://visaliawogger.blogspot.com/
http:/twitter.com/VisaliaWogger
Nice blog though!
Elen says
You are what you repeatedly do. You run, repeatedly. You can call yourself a runner. You also walk. You can call yourself a walker. It’s up to you.
Freddie Vaughn says
We are enjoying your Wogger blog. We’re a running group on Facebook. The Sub-30 Club. Some good conversation regarding it.