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 Meet Ups

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.

And some meet-ups happen more often than others.

• 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).

• 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 77 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 18 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 18 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?

 

 

 

 

 

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

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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