I’ve thought about giving up my blog many times.
When I first started The Runner’s Plate, I told myself it would be a great way to keep my family and friends in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota updated on life here in Alaska. Yet at the same time, I had my eyes on a much bigger prize. I would be lying if I said I didn’t have high aspirations of turning this blog into a full-time job like a handful of bloggers had. It was probably naive, but I am an overachiever and set my goals high—what can I say.
After diligently posting nearly every day during the summer of 2010, I was eating up everything about the blog world. I was buying chia seeds, taking pictures of everything I ate, and documenting every minute of my life for the world to see. Then school started back up again (I was a teacher.), and it was hard to fit blogging into my day while trying to do the other ten million things I want to accomplish each day after work: cooking dinner, cleaning the kitchen, packing my lunch for the next day, stretching, abs, foam rolling, spending time with Craig, getting to bed by 8:30 p.m., and the list goes on. Despite this, I did my best to post as often as possible. But over the last 2.5 years of this blog, I have posted less and less.
I just don’t have the motivation or the time I once did, and when you have only taken four pictures within the past two weeks, it is hard to compose a meaningful post.
This is literally the only picture I took last weekend. I made breakfast for Craig last Saturday morning since I rarely cook for him during the week.
His favorite Greek Yogurt Pancakes + bacon (but not from my parent’s farm and by far inferior) + fresh mango slices.
A few pictures of what my life involves outside of work.
There has been a lot of cross-training going on since I am still trying to heal my hamstring.
But every once in a while, I am able to pound out a few miles.
I do enjoy blogging—don’t get me wrong—but I often wonder if it is worth it. Sometimes I think my posts are lame or my pictures aren’t that great, and I figure, “why even bother. There are a gazillion other blogs out there that are by far better.” And just as I am thinking about giving up my blog for good, without fail I receive an e-mail from a reader sharing how much they appreciate my blog. So that gives me motivation until the next time comes around that I start lacking motivation—like this time now.
I am NOT looking for your encouragement to keep blogging because I have to want to do this enough even without 50-75 comments per post. I just wanted to take your time and share my thoughts because it has been on my mind lately. I do plan on posting through the Boston Marathon since it will be a very momentous occasion for me—God willing I am actually able to run it! But beyond that, who knows where my blog will be in 6 months. Maybe I will regain inspiration (and find some extra time) to keep blogging or maybe a natural end will come. I guess only time will tell.
I find that when I’m injured and/or training isn’t going well, I’m less motivated to write. Some bloggers take breaks to recharge their batteries, maybe you need one? I, for one, really enjoy your blog and would be bummed if yours disappeared.
You make a very good point. It is harder to get excited about blogging when my training isn’t going that well.
You definitely need to do what is right for you. Everyone needs a break from certain things now and then. But, I read 21 blogs daily, and yours is my favorite. I think it is awesome that you don’t take a million pictures of everything you eat during the day. We all know what a banana looks like. I like that you only post a few times a week because every post is substantial. You have been an encouragement, so thank you!
I’m flattered. I definitely don’t think I have the best “product” out there, but I’m happy to hear someone really enjoys my posts.
I agree with Karen. Maybe you just need to take a break? On your break, you might discover other things you’d like to blog about. Do you still teach? I’m always fascinated by what teachers think could improve the education system or help kids in general (my mom is a teacher in Wisconsin). Or give yourself a more realistic schedule – like once a week? Could you even think of a topic you’re interested in that could evolve into a “series” of posts? How to prevent running injuries? Best Marathons in the US?
I also think that once you recover, do Boston and spring and summer set in, you’ll be a little more motivated 🙂 Good luck!
I do not teach anymore, but I could definitely share some thoughts about the importance of p.e. for students since that still is a passion of mine! Thanks for the ideas on topics. And I think you are right, once spring and summer roll around, I think I’ll have more desire to post because winter naturally gets me down and my pictures are junk because of the lighting.
nice running with you today Michelle.
I like your Blog! Blogging is probably a lot like running… you go through highs and lows, but the more you are able to put into it, the more you get out of it.
Keep it up!
Hey, it was nice running with you today too! So true! The more I put my heart and soul into something, the more benefits I reap.
i agree with everyone else…maybe you need a break or a plan of what you want to write about. i enjoy your blog & perspective & would be sad if you stopped blogging…BUT i totally understand whatever you decide!
Thanks!
I too would miss reading your blog. Perhaps after a few days or weeks you’ll come back with a new perspective? Wishing you the best in whatever your choose to do….
Thank you.
I am glad I happened by tonight…
My blog started out as something I wanted to do because I had started running in March and was training to run my first half-marathon. I thought it would be fun to chronicle the ups and downs of training. Because I am a driven person it’s hard not to get swept up into wanting the blot to not only be meaningful to me, but to also be “successful.”
Sorry I don’t have any advice! Just thought you might like to know someone understands!
(www.nowirun.com)
It is comforting to know others are going through the same things. 🙂
I enjoy your blog. You don’t need to work hard at it. You don’t need to limit to serious running or food.I follow you on Google Reader, so I will be here, whenever you want to post. Thank you for what you have do, I have enjoyed it. Glad you are continuing through Boston, I expect to be on the sidelines.
Thank you!
I have this same debate with myself on a weekly basis. It’s tough. I think what keeps me going is, “would i do this even if I didn’t make $1?” [even though I don’t make much more than that each month!] and the answer is yes….for now. But I know what you are feeling.
and FYI, I’d miss your blog if it was gone. 🙂
Ha! I don’t make any money anymore. Somehow I “lost” the Foodbuzz ad that was on my blog. I don’t know what happened. Oh well.
Would definitely miss you if you left, but I totally get it. You have to be passionate about your content and find the time! You definitely inspire me, as I’m an occasional runner.