• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
a million graces
  • About
  • training
    • swimming
    • cycling
    • running
    • walking
    • triathlons
  • tears and triumphs
    • injuries
    • sickness
    • motivation
  • tackle, togs & gear
    • for swimming
    • for cycling
    • for running
    • for walking

jogging vs running: the differences and health benefits

16/08/2022 by Bridget

Jogging vs Running: the differences and health benefits – I have been jogging and running for a while now and have often considered the difference between the two. 

Will it improve my health?

Why does it matter?

Does it matter at all?

lady Jogging vs Running: the differences and health benefits

The health benefits can be felt almost immediately if you build up slowly, take your time, and keep doing it. I always use the term interchangeably as it hasn’t been an issue. 

So, whether you run or jog – your health will improve, so keep it up. This is good news!

Recently though I have been wanting to increase my speed. I think I’m moving from being a jogger to a runner.

Jogging vs Running: the differences between pace and speed

Pace and speed are the two most important factors which differentiate a run from a jog.

This can be a totally personal setting. You can decide what pace qualifies as a jog and what pace qualifies as a run.

What is the pace?  

The pace is how long you would take to complete 1 km or 1 mile depending on your unit of measurement. I work mainly with kilometers.

Jogging vs Running: the differences and health benefits including pace distance and speed

When your sport’s watch tells you your pace is 7:30, it means you take 7 minutes and thirty seconds to complete a kilometer. 

What is speed?  

Speed is how many kilometers you would cover in 1 hour.  Using this same example, the speed would then be 8 kph. 

Speed is the globally accepted measurement for the rate of movement that you do, this can be if you run, jog or walk.

This of course will be different for men and women and for professionals and the casual runner.

Jogging vs Running records: the differences and health benefits

For our purposes here the faster pace qualifies the activity as a run. The slower pace then falls into the jog category.

My cut-off point is to complete 5km in 30 min. 

THIS IS PERSONAL AND FOR YOU IT CAN BE DIFFERENT.

The main differences are if I took longer than 30 min to complete 5km then I will call it a jog and if I can ever complete a 5km distance in less than 30 minutes, I would be very happy to call it a run.

Whenever you head out for your slow runs or a slow jog this does not necessarily mean that you are a slow runner. A relaxed pace is often what I use when I am trying to build up my distance and or endurance. The Garmin training plans always mix up the training session to give you the best chance of improving.

Jogging vs Running: mix it up

We recently wanted to try out a new route. I was unsure of the distance and the person I was out with hadn’t run in a while. We agreed on a relaxed pace for this exploratory run; in the end, it was a jog and walking pace. 

Jogging vs Running: the differences and health benefits increasing speed

This is a great way to test out a new route. Later we will increase our jogging speed and it may even turn out to be a run.

Heading out for a fast run may be scheduled in your training plan and it is usually for shorter periods of time. When I do these runs at an attempted faster speed I am very happy they are for shorter times and distances.

A training schedule often includes shorter faster runs and longer slower jogs. It all does depend on your goal.

Jogging vs Running: the differences

The short distances are mainly for the fast runs. My short distance is maybe 5km but for a professional, it could be a half marathon. 

Short runs

The short runs can go two ways:

  • One, if you don’t have much time and you want to fit in some exercise, a short run is great. I love to run 5km every alternative day and I know that I can fit that in around my work and my studies. You can do this quickly in around 30 minutes. 
  • Secondly, the short run is where you can push yourself because it is short. You can up your speed here and this will help with your fitness and overall health.
a lady and records Jogging vs Running: the differences and health benefits

Long runs

The longer distances are often for building stamina and endurance. 

The longer distances for me are anything starting at 10km. Others may still consider that a short distance though. 

The long runs will also take a longer period of time to complete and are often done over a weekend when people usually have the day off. To be out running for a long time is not often possible on a typical work day. 

casual run or jog

The longer runs usually are easy runs because there is less stress on your body and less effort may be required. 

These longer runs are great for a more casual approach and often are done at a conversational pace. It is where I catch up with my daughter. We chat the kilometers away. It is a lot of fun.

I am celebrating running and jogging for 10 years this year and my overall health has benefitted.

Jogging vs Running: health benefits

Overall health benefit

My overall health has improved so much that I hardly ever notice going up and down stairs. This is what I often have to do at work and so I am happy that stairs no longer scare me. I also used to struggle to bend my knees when sitting on the ground and then having to stand up again. This has improved too.

Running or jogging will improve your overall health if you do it safely. Start slowly, be consistent, and listen to your body.

shadow of a runner or jogger in a pool of water

Weight loss health benefit

I had to change the way I ate to be able to lose the excess of 20 kilograms that I was carrying around. Changing my thyroid medication helped too.

Please always check with your doctor when attempting to lose weight. This is not easy to do.

By running and jogging my health has benefitted because it has helped me to keep the weight off.

Sometimes it is ‘easy’ to lose weight, but it is not often easy to keep it off. This is true for any and everyone over 40.

Body fat is also quickly dealt with as you run or jog because you’ll be able to maintain a healthy weight.

Weight loss is a good by-product of running or jogging but it is not the main reason to run or jog.

Fitness health benefit

Being fit or super fit is not always the aim.

I like to be able to live my life and do my job.

I used to be so sluggish in the afternoons and knew that I needed to find a form of exercise that I was able to do and maintain.

Being fit and weight loss are great by-products and great benefits that you give to yourself as you either jog or run. Many of us have jobs at a desk and work behind a computer. We all could benefit from including physical activity in our everyday lives.

The specific goals for each person will be different. If you chose to either run or jog the key difference will then be if you chose an easy pace or slow pace in contrast to a fast pace. Both will increase your level of fitness.

Mental Health benefit

I love to run and sort out my thoughts. If I go through a season where I cannot run, then I really do get a bit anxious. I need to think through things. Running and jogging are best for me and greatly benefit my health, so that is what I do.

Going through injuries and illnesses sorely tests my heart and my thoughts. The best that I can then do is to go for regular walks. Whatever is good for you, do that.

It is also a great practice to run with a friend or a group of friends as this will help with your mental health too. Chatting and jogging go very well together.

Heart Health Benefit

I am extremely fortunate to not suffer from high blood pressure or high cholesterol. My cardiovascular health is really good. Jogging vs Running: the differences are all about the speed of the movement and health benefits are varied and can be beneficial to many people.

heart health jog

Has it always been this way? For me, my blood pressure has always been on the lower side, and for that I am thankful.

My husband however has had problems with high cholesterol in the past. He is not a jogger or a runner – he walks and he walks fast and regularly. His heart health has greatly improved because he walks.

man walking with a dog

We have another friend who suffers from extremely high blood pressure and he finds that the best exercise for him is to go for a light jog. The long distances are not for him yet. Intense exercise would put him at risk too.

If heart health as a chronic disease is something you deal with – check with your doctor about how you can start finding out which forms of aerobic exercise can help you. Proceed with caution, but slower runs may help you gain better health.

jogging and running shoes

Jogging vs Running: the differences and health benefits

As a jogger or a runner remember the following:

  • you determine what is the cut-off pace between a jog or a run
  • my jog may be a fast walk for someone
  • my run may be a light jog for someone else
  • keep perspective
  • keep moving

PIN IT FOR LATER

jogging vs running: the differences and health benefits

running shoes and a timed run

Filed Under: running, training Tagged With: benefits, health

Previous Post: « simple workout routine
Next Post: how beginners can train for their first triathlon over 50 »

Primary Sidebar

Hi there!

me at amilliongraces

Hi, my name is Bridget and I love learning new things.  I’ve lived on three different continents and now currently live in Europe.  I ran my first triathlon in my 50s.  I was never able to find a blog by someone of my age who had done that, so I decided to write one!  If you want to get to know me more and to explore fitness, health and fun every week, click here.

Let’s connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • swimming vs running: which is better for your health or fitness? 18/10/2022
  • realistic fitness & body goals for women in 2022 13/09/2022
  • cycling vs running: which is better for your fitness or health? 06/09/2022
  • best alternative to running: beat injury & sickness safely 30/08/2022
  • how beginners can train for their first triathlon over 50 23/08/2022

Archives

Categories

Footer

BORING BUT IMPORTANT

  • About
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 a million graces on the Foodie Pro Theme

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
5 shares
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Print