I started my running blog in March 2008 when my friend convinced me to to join No Boundaries and learn to run. My blog began as a way to hold myself accountable for my running by putting everything out onto the Internet for everyone to see and (hopefully) inspiring others along the way.
How does my blog keep me accountable?
— Keeps my training on track
There’s no better way to log your weekly miles than to put it on your blog. Plus, when you know others will see it, you’re more likely to be motivated to get out there and do it.
I plan my runs on Monday. And then update what I actually did on the following Monday. So when I don’t do exactly what I had planned, I can tell my readers what happened, hopefully imparting invaluable advice such as that all training plans must be flexible. I am human and I do skip runs or do extra ones.
— Binding myself to my race times
As they say: “Pain is temporary, but race times live on the Internet forever.”
I keep a list on my blog of all my races and their times. I also have a page that shows my PRs.
Seeing that on my site is a daily reminder of what I am working toward as well as how far I’ve come.
It also shows that I have good days and bad days and that race times are pretty unpredictable.
— Sense of community
The first thing that happened after I started writing my blog was that I discovered some local running bloggers. Soon I met them in the flesh and they became “my friends.”
If I had not blogged, I wouldn’t have met these great ladies.
The longer I blogged, the more social media friends, I made. Three I’ve met and hope to meet more of you.
Many of them I will never meet, but my connection to them is just as strong. (I wish I could meet you all!!)
There’s nothing like posting and having another blogger reply with a kind word of encouragement. And when you ask for advice, they are always there to help.
— Helping others
Writing race reviews and posts on the struggles and triumphs of being an older runner can help others know that they are not alone.
There’s a whole bunch of runners out there dealing with the exact same trials and tribulations. I’m sure even younger runners can identify.
As runners, it’s not our speed or our age that binds us. It’s that we share a special bond because “we run.”
I know that before I sign up for a big race, I scour the internet for reviews of the race. I find it very helpful when I read a fellow blogger’s honest account of a race. And when I am injured or have a running-related problem, I am relieved to find out that I am not the only one and also have received a lot of valuable advice in dealing with whatever ails or is bothering me.
—Ambassadorships & Product Reviews
Once I started blogging, I was able to apply for several ambassadorships.
I am fortunate that a few companies actually picked me such as, SweatPink, Girls RunFast, SwirlGear (which no longer exists), Girls Gone Sporty, #RunChat, FitFluential, SkirtSports.
In most cases, it just means being part of a great running community.
In other cases, it means getting discounts on clothes.
modeling my new SkirtSports top and skirt
And sometimes, you get the opportunity to try neat running-related products.
reviewing my LilyTrotter socks
and Huma Chia energy gel
These opportunities keep me accountable because I have to RUN and use the products!! Then on my blog, I am able to write an honest review which will be helpful to the company and to my readers.
–Linkups
When I first started blogging, I just wrote whatever came to mind. But now each day, you can participate in a different linkups.
Monday:
Tuesday: (A topic is posted for each Tuesday)
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday: (A topic is posted for each Friday)
Last Friday of the Month:
First Saturday of the Month:
In order to participate in a linkup, you have to post about a running-related subject. This surely keeps me accountable. And the best part, I discover new blogs and attract new readers on mine.
Happy Running! How are you accountable? Any ideas for scheduling a blogger meet-up?
2. A race belt
or
My First 5K and More... 