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Joggling is a mixture of juggling and jogging, and is a portmanteau word. The rhythm of juggling with three objects corresponds perfectly with the action and pace of running, making for a fun and effective full-body workout. Joggling was a recreational pastime in several Native American tribes.
The basic three-ball cascade is not as difficult as many novices imagine, and once mastered, it is primarily a joggler's running ability that determines their joggling speed (only about 10% slower than regular running).
Competition
The Joggling World Championships are held each year as one of the events of the International Jugglers' Association summer festival. Results are recorded and medals are awarded, although the smaller size and camaraderie of the event promotes fun and participation. The first championships were held in 1980 at the IJA's festival in Fargo, North Dakota. They were organized by Bill Giduz, an avid joggler who edited the IJA Newsletter at the time, in an attempt to interest others in the sport. Two races were held on that occasion -- a 100 yard race across a football field that was won by Paul "Waldo" Burke, and a one-mile run on an indoor track that was won by Canadian comic entertainer Michelle Lauziere. Lauziere was late to the start line and ran his race barefoot!
The current format for races at IJA festivals includes races from 100 meters to 5 kilometers, as well as relay races in which teammates pass one ball to the next relay runner, who holds two in the handoff zone. The schedule also includes a five-ball 100 meter race.
Additional races and exhibitions have been organized in recent years by Albert Lucas for the International Sport Juggling Federation, including an exhibition race at the 2001 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon. Lucas has joggled marathons, and has joggled in races over hurdle courses.
Records
In past years, the Guinness Book of World Records has listed several joggling records.
Current joggling records include :
- 11.92 for 100 meters by Owen Morse at the IJA fest in 1988
- 57.4 for 400 meters by Owen Morse in 1988
- 4:42 for the mile by Will Howard at the 2003 Groundhog Day Jugglers Festival in Atlanta
- 16:55 for 5-kilometers by Kirk Swenson in 1986
- 2:58:23 for the marathon by Harvard Divinity School student Zach Warren in the Boston Marathon on April 17, 2006
- Owen Morse, Jon Wee, Tuey Wilson, and Albert Lucas teamed up for a 3:57.4 one mile relay in 1990 that still stands as a record time.
External links
- Just Your Average Joggler - Tales of an endurance joggler with tips on how you can be one too!
- Michal Kapral's Joggler site - A really fast joggler.
- Joggler Forum - Talk with other jogglers!
See also
"Joggling"