Runner vs. Jogger

I used to claim that I was a runner….back before I actually ran. In those days, running meant owning a pair of tennis shoes and running when it was convenient or when I had eaten too much Ben&Jerrys. And I only ran until I got tired, whether that be one mile or three. I gave no thought to pacing or speed. It didn’t matter; I was only running on a whim – not because it was a determining factor in my daily routine. I was a jogger.

George Sheehan, running guru, once said that “The difference between a jogger and a runner is an entry blank.” A runner is serious enough about the sport to compete in it. Simply put, that is the dividing line between runner and jogger. But that entry blank signifies so much more. The entry blank symbolizes commitment to train, dedication to finish the race, and a promise to run with a purpose.

THE JOGGER runs for…
Entertainment: I know, I know – who runs for entertainment? I used to. Not that I found anything amusing about dripping with sweat, but the other people at the track were entertaining. Watching large people run is funny (Forgive me, please, I was very immature). And there are always muscly men working out nearby. Entertainment, distraction from whatever normally occupies the mind.

Recreation: It’s something to do with people you love. And if those you love run, then it is a way to be with friends, family, or your current love. I took up running while in the “talking” phase of a relationship with a baseball player. He had to run three miles a day as part of practice, and he asked me to run with him. Sure, I burned a few calories and spent time with a cute athlete, but it was purely recreational.

Social Status: Not the high society kind of status, but the status as an athlete. In America, the physical is worshiped, whether it be beauty, fitness, or health. It is only natural that people would jog in order to have the reputation as someone who cares about their body. To join the ranks of the physically fit. To be known as something other than a couch potato.

Personal Gain: Quite a few people jog for exercise. They want to loose a few pounds, shape up, or build muscle. What separates these joggers from marathoners who finish in five hours is the amount of effort put into it. One blogger put it like this, "If you run 4 1/2 hours--but barring injury or illness you could have run it in 3 1/2 hours--then you are jogging. If you run 4 1/2 hours and you know that you could not possibly have run any harder or faster - then you are running." It is all about the amount of heart and effort put into running.

THE RUNNER runs for...
Runners allow nothing to distract them from their run. Nothing gets in the way of training. They have a goal, a future race, and nothing deters them from it. A runner gives all, refusing to look back, focusing on the goal, pushing past pain and distraction toward the prize. Now that I run, is a huge determining factor in my life. Running effects who I am and what I do. I can’t just make plans for the evening, I have to first consult my training schedule to see if I can cover the assigned mileage earlier in the day. My budget is affected by running; I have to plan in race fees, running clothes, and tennis shoes every three hundred miles. My grocery list has changed: I don’t look at calories or fat anymore, but count grams of protein and carbohydrates to make sure my body is adequately fueled. My shopping habits have changed, a pick-me-up used to be a new pair of high heels, but just yesterday I picked up a new Sapphire/black running outfit and ran my fastest mileage to date (talk about a pick-me-up!). Running isn’t the only thing I do; I take kickboxing and Pilates, and I strength train. But I do those other activities to enhance my performance as a runner. Strong muscles protect bones and increase speed. I read about running. I write about running. It’s all about running.

Chances are, if you are reading this blog, you are a runner, not a jogger. Joggers don’t read about running. Runners, on the other hand, are obsessed with it. Runners are dedicated, driven, and focused individuals. But let me ask you this, fellow runner –

In your walk with Christ, are you a runner or a jogger?

Is your walk with the Lord dedicated, driven, and focused on His Kingdom? Or are you a Christian for what you can get out of it? Are you a jogging after Christianity or running hard after Jesus?

THE JOGGER CHRISTIAN lives for...
Entertainment: Do you go to church for the entertainment value? Granted, churches today are so spectacular that it is easy to watch the show rather than worshiping Jesus, but that is no excuse. To you go for the music, drama, stories, and feel-good sensation? Are you seeking for someone to entertain you rather than you serving SOMEONE?

Recreation: Recreational activities are take-‘em-or-leave-‘em by design, with no commitment attached. Just go, have fun, enjoy, relax. Don’t get over-involved or serious about the topics. Recreational Christians don’t feel the need to join a church, serve the Body of Christ, or expend energy to pursue Jesus in all areas of life. Their Christianity is just for fun.

Social Status: There is a huge contingent of pew-sitters that are their solely to be seen. It is especially commonplace in the Deep South. It is the place for politicians to been seen as moral individuals, for business people to make connections, and women to pick out appropriate husbands for their daughters.

Personal Gain: Can be any number of reasons, to earn your salvation, to appease your conscience for some sin, to make a Jesus-freak (who you are most likely related to) happy. Coming to church maybe about meeting nice girls or getting your weekly spiritual fix. The difference is in the motive for coming.

THE RUNNER CHRISTIAN lives for...
Christ-followers make every effort to allow nothing to get between them and their Lord. They run for Him, to Him, and because of Him. Nothing is important enough to get in the way of praying, reading the Word, and investing in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Christ-followers know that they are here on earth for a reason, they know their purpose, they have embraced their calling, and are pursuing it with all their might. They push past busy days, refusing to be distracted by petty church-y-ness, and run toward the prize. Paul was an excellent example, he said “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

When I am truly living my life for the Lord, seeking Him with all of my energy; it changes who I am and what I do. It changes who I hang out with (either Christians who build me up or those in need of Jesus), what I do, why I do it, and the attitude I have while doing it. God affects my budget, no longer is that money there to please me, but to benefit the Kingdom. That involves tithing, yes; but also giving to those in need, buying a happy for a friend who is sad, sending a card just to let someone know you are praying. When God comes first, all other priorities take backseat. Jesus isn’t the only thing I do; I work, write, shop, run, read, and build a life with people. But I do those other activities to enhance my walk with the Lord. They give me opportunities to live out my faith. I do everything in my life to achieve the goal of knowing my Lord better.

If you are not running after Jesus every day of the week, then you are a jogger, not a runner. You cannot be a runner without consistent, dedicated running. You cannot truly follow Jesus without consistent dedication to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Running can be slow or fast, but it is different from jogging in that when you are finished, you cannot take another step. Live every day for Jesus being utterly spent at the end of each day.

Be a runner, in all areas of life.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.