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My Blog Turned Sweet Sixteen


I’ve been blogging since March 25, 2008. That was the DAY that I decided to become a runner.

Well, since then, a lot has changed but some things have not.

I’ll start with what has remained the same:

Blogging Goals

My goals haven’t really changed.

I blog to motivate myself to continue running, to keep track of my running and racing and to connect with others who do the same.

Posting

I’ve always posted several times a week and if my schedule is busy, I write those posts in advance.

Blogger Meetups

I have been fortunate to connect with many bloggers.

Many were local and have become my (virtual) friends even though they no longer blog or run.

Other meet-ups have been with those bloggers who do not live nearby.

13.1 miles

Race Reviews

I recap each of my races almost as soon as they are over (so I don’t forget the details. ) These recaps are mostly for myself but I have heard that others read them too.

What has changed:

Content

Check out my first ever blog post: http://wp.me/pel7R-3

I now post photos. It helps that I abandoned the camera and got a smartphone so it’s easier. Plus with the apps available, you can edit, make collages and be as creative as you have time for.

Link-ups

When I first started, there were very few. I used to write posts called Two for Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, Three Things Thursday and Foto Friday, etc.

Now they are a bunch of fabulous link-ups. (Weekly Run Down, Tuesday Topics,  Fit Five Friday, Runfessions, Ultimate Coffee Date, etc.) These help attract readers to your blog, as well as, connect you with new blogs.

These link-up often suggest topics which makes it easier if you have writer’s block and don’t know what to write about.

Product Reviews

I used to get asked to review products pretty frequently. Not much anymore. Probably because there are so many more bloggers out there (with larger readerships than me).

my first review since 2017…

Sponsorships

These are competitive too. But in additional to getting discounts on their products, you get connected with a wonderful network of runners who use those products.

I had at one time been an ambassador for Skirt Sports, Legend Compression, Nuun, My Soxy Feet, Zooma, FRW, Maine Marathon…

In recent years, I’ve rarely applied for any… this maybe my only one:

My Running

Now I don’t just run 5ks. I used to (hence the title of my blog. )

I have run 66 half marathons and many other distances including 10ks, 15ks and 10 milers.

I’ve even run the NYC Marathon twice.

I am more confident as a runner and though, I don’t know it all, I know a lot more about running than when I started blogging.

Other Bloggers

I don’t follow that many blogs. I am selective. Basically because I don’t have the time.

The ones that I do read and comment on are more than fellow bloggers. They are really my virtual friends.

and sometimes you get to meet them in the flesh,

share a hotel room,

or spend a race-cation with them

I admit that after 16 years of blogging, I think about quitting. After all, what else do I have to say? And could I be using the time it takes to write posts on something more valuable?

But I rarely quit on things so you probably will have my blog to read for another 16 years…

Happy Running! How long have you been blogging? When is your blogoversary? What has changed since you started? How long do you plan to blog?

runner-sig

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

I’m also linking up here tomorrow:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

19 thoughts on “My Blog Turned Sweet Sixteen”

  1. Well, I’m glad you’re not quitting on your blog! We would miss you! 16 years is a long time- things have definitely changed in that time. But your running (and blogging) is still going strong. Happy Blogiversary!

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  2. Congratulations, Darlene!!
    In those 16 years you have become an experienced runner, blogger and an inspiring role model for younger runners.

    I hope you continue to run and blog the way you do!

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  4. Happy 16th bloggerversary, Darlene! I’m happy to call you my virtual friend and even happier that we were able to meet, albeit briefly, in Portland. Fingers crossed it will work out again when I’m up that way!

    I celebrated my 11th bloggerversary in January.

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  5. THIS IS SO GREAT!!!!! Happy bloggerversary!

    I think I missed mine! I’ve been going for 14 years? I have to check when I get done commenting.

    I love the then/now contrast, and I love to see how things have evolved over your journey.

    NOW, we have to schedule a meet up!

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  6. Congratulations! I love reading your blog and I find it inspiring. I love the connections we make through blogging and even though I don’t write about running on my blog really any more I cherish the blog friends I’ve made through doing that and enjoy reading about their adventures.

    My blog is 19 in August! It started as a LiveJournal book blog with VERY short reviews, then I moved it to a self-employment blog alongside the book reviews, then that faded as I created my professional blog and wrote my books. Then I added the running, then that came away and I actually deleted a lot of my old updates, keeping the main race reports. Just book reviews really now!

    I hope I get to read you for another 16 years and beyond!

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  8. Wow, 16 years is awesome! I remember that I discovered running blogs in 2011. I started mine in 2013. (It was a different name then). Sometimes I cant believe Ive been blogging for over 10 years.

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