Topic: Jogging or running?

[like_a_child]

I read somewhere (or heard . . . can't keep all this multimedia straight!) that jogging for a while before trying any running or leaping is good, because it prepares my feet for the harder impacts from practicing running and jumping. But when I tried jogging, it seemed awkward and there wasn't really any feeling of impact; I was able to adjust my movement so the impacts were measurably harder, but had to do that deliberately, and I didn't want to pay attention to my jogging all the time to make sure I was doing it "right" (which, over time, might have begun to hurt as well). I tried running next, and it seemed to me then that my feet were touching the ground with about the same force as when I was walking.

Any experience about whether jogging or running is more likely good/bad when you're starting out? Or insights into what I was doing wrong/right with jogging and running that I got those impressions from trying them?

[Gearsighted]

I don't necessarily think it has any benefit in the realm of "preparing your feet for harder impacts" but it does have the ability to get the blood flowing a bit and help with warming-up. I prefer a short jog followed by some calisthenics such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats, sit-ups, back extensions, then some agility work and dynamic stretching. This prepares your body for the rigors of hard physical activity better than anything.