I have been writing this blog since March 2008. I started the day that I signed up for a class to learn to run a 5k. I planned to stop once I ran that race. I did not. I continued running and eventually ran half marathons and one marathon.
Many times, I have considered stopping.
I mean, what more is there to say? Does anyone care if I stop?
But here I am … still blogging!!
So that’s my topic for today: Five Reasons (as a Runner) to Blog
1.To motivate myself to run
You can’t write about running unless you run, right? I post my planned running schedule for the week and I feel guilty if I don’t do those runs (well, only a little guilty.)
planned to run and I did….
2. To track my progress toward my goals
This was more important when I first started. My goal was to run a 5k. And I did. Then it was to finish a 5k under 30 minutes and I did. Sometimes my goals are more lofty than others. Several years later, I wanted to run a half marathon and I succeeded. Of course, then I added other distances, even a MARATHON. Sometimes my goals are to PR, of course, but mostly now it is to finish each race and to remain healthy.
I ran 26.2 miles in NYC!!!
3. To review my races to help plan each year’s schedule.
I love to run races. I can’t always remember when happened at each race. So I recap the race on my blog and then I can look back at my review. It helps me plan for the race by knowing the logistics, the difficulty of the course and often, it helps me decide whether or not to run the race again.
RnR Montreal Half – NEVER AGAIN!!
4. To connect with other runners
Most of the time, it is only virtually. But the runners who read my blog are now my running friends. They cheer me on. They offer sympathy after a poor race or run. They have lifted my spirits when I have been injured. They are the ones I turn to when I need advice.
❤ my blogger friends!!
5. To inspire others to run
Of course, I want everyone to want to run. It has greatly improved my life. My wish is that by reading my blog, an older lady starts to run, continues to run and reaps the same rewards from running as I have.
not sure I have inspired these local runners but I met them because they had read my blog.
Happy Running! Do you blog? If so, why? Have you ever considered stopping? Please share.
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My First 5K and More... 
The blogging community is the reason I have not stopped my blog. I had no idea blogging would be so social back when I started. It was meant as a way to journal my training. Nothing more. I often think about the bloggers who’ve come and gone over the years. So many.
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so true. most of my blogger friends have left but there still new ones and I love this community and its support.
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Wow, I did not realize you’ve been blogging since 2008! Congrats on being so consistent. Its definitely nice to have all these posts to look back on! -M
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It has definitely evolved. Not sure how long I will keep it up.
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Blogging is indeed a great way to have your own permanent fitness diary. It has become a lot of work but I love the connections I have made and new friends I’ve met
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You put a lot a work into your blog and it shows. With a full-time job, I am lucky to just throw up a post. But it keeps me honest about being active and have met so many great people (like you) because I blog).
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Yes to all of these reasons! I don’t need motivation to run but knowing that i’m going to be reporting my workouts for the week, and thinking about how I’ll feel if I write that I didn’t do it, helps me get my strength training done.
Like you said, the blogging community is amazing!
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Yup, these reasons had me start to blog when I started to run but they have also motivated me to continue blogging.
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Total agreement! My blog is kind of my online training journal. Like yours, it has brought so many other great things into my life, especially so many wonderful friends.
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Yes and hope to meet up again…at a race but until then virtual zoom bike rides.
Much prefer blogging to a written journal. As you are, I am visual and love looking back at my pics.
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I’ve been blogging since 2013. I’ve thought about stopping but I just can’t. It’s really hard to write a running blog when you’re not running! I definitely didn’t blog as much during times when I wasn’t running.
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I did blog when I was injured but definitely not as much. I do think about stopping because it is time consuming so I would miss the connections I’ve made because of it.
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I’ve been blogging in one form or another since about 2000. But my interests change, and therefore my blogs change.
I like to write. It’s cathartic for me.
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I’ve been blogging as long or longer but mostly for work but now I’m down to just one blog. Not because I like to write but for the reasons I mentioned. I have so little time that I have to just throw up some words and lots of pictures lol.
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I didn’t realize you’ve been blogging that long!
It’s funny to think that I have been blogging since 2011 – I never would have thought that I would be at it for this long. Like you said it has brought so many people into my life – and really, now, it’s the connection to the blogging community that keeps me going.
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So true especially during the pandemic.
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Thank you, Darlene. I needed to read this today. I am questioning why I blog right now. I do love the community of running bloggers and enjoy interacting with all of you. It’s where I feel the most at home!
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Same. That’s why I wrote this post. And the comments has have confirmed my feelings.
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I think the connections I’ve made with other runners through blogging is my favorite benefit of blogging. And when someone tells me I’ve inspired or taught them something it warms my heart.
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I know. It’s such a great feeling.
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I agree with everything you wrote! I’ve been blogging since January 2011. Oh wow, just realized it’s been 10 years. I’ve learned many things along the way. These past few months is the reason I have not stopped. Those that read my blog have encouraged and motivated me. My online running friends are awesome!
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Yes they are. You are one of them for me.
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I started blogging because I love to write. I had no idea that I would make so many wonderful friends through my blog. I keep thinking I should stop, but then I’d lose my connections, lol!
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I feel the same. I would hate to lose touch with my blogger friends which sadly has happened with many who went to Panama City – Holly, Karen, Tricia, MaryBeth.
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Love this. I’m a writer, so my blog is a great way for me to get to exercise that skill and passion. I don’t want to ever stop because I am so grateful for all the support, love, and friendships I’ve made along the way.
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It’s obvious that you are a writer and put a lot thought into your posts. I do not. Lol. But I love the support and connections my blog provides
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I love this and blog for many of the same reasons. I especially love the friends I’ve made along the way. 😊
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Exactly. They really support me.
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