by

A Belated “Happy Blogoversary” to Me


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

And some meet-ups happen more often than others.

our most recent

Our first of many

  • 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.

I’m even now one of the co-hosts

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).

last year and 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 72 half marathons and many other distances including 10ks, 15ks and 10 milers.

I’ve even run the NYC Marathon 3 times.

I may be slower but 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 17 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 17 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

16 thoughts on “A Belated “Happy Blogoversary” to Me”

  1. Congratulations, Darlene! Well done for keeping up the running and the blogging! Both of them are very enriching.

    I love the creative and social side of blogging – it’s just a lot more fun compared to the generic main stream social media.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • That’s a long time too. And you are so diligent about your workout posts. And those beautiful pictures. I hope you keep it up. And that we can meet again.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  3. 17 years! That’s impressive! Thanks for linking to your first post. I may want to read your first experiences with running!

    Do keep blogging. And keep doing it your way. What you do is already valuable. Before I quit running, you were my biggest inspiration because you started at about the same age as me, you have a great attitude, always bounce back after injuries and still run after 70.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. No quitting! I love reading your blog and you inspire me to think I can keep going with my running when I feel like I’m crumbling and will never get back to it! (I just joined the gym, go me, so maybe I’ll get stronger this time!).

    Like

    Reply

  6. Aww, I love this post! We too started our blog in March ( of a different year). We just celebrated 12 years of blogging and I have to say we’ve been pretty consistent! Your blog was one of the first ones we’ve connected with and I’m glad Lacey got to meet you in person!

    Bloging is certainly a great way to keep track of our memories and to connect with others. I wish more of our blogger friends continued blogging!

    Keep on blogging! ~M

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • I write my posts ahead because I often don’t have time.

      If I continue to run then I plan to continue to blog.

      Hope you do both too. But I know with a new house and a teaching job, it’s hard to carve out time.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • I know. I can’t believe it’s been that long.
      Hope you keep yours going. Love reading about your fostering and racing adventures.

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.