Eight years ago I started this little blog of mine!
I was 27 years old at the time, and I had just finished with my first year of teaching in Alaska. I had recently discovered the blog world during my free time. I was captivated by reading about other people’s life and they motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so I decided I wanted to start my own blog!
When I first started this blog, it was my way to stay in contact with my family and friends in Minnesota and the Midwest while I was 3000 miles away in Alaska. I also loved running and healthy eating, so I figured it would be fun to share about my running experiences and the recipes I was making.
Now over 1200 posts later, I’m still at it! (I’m pretty sure I didn’t think I would be blogging this long.) I’ve had a couple cool opportunities because of this blog, and I’ve gotten to connect with a lot of new people over the years.
Picture from one of my first blog posts – August 2010
Fun Facts About The Runner’s Plate
1233 posts
9515 comments
Most comments: 304 on Things I Wish I Had Known Before Moving to Alaska
5 Most Popular Posts:
1. Things I Wish I Had Known Before Moving to Alaska
2. Why I Won’t Use Bath & Body Works Lotion Anymore – A Beautycounter Hydrating Body Lotion Review
3. Things I Wish I Had Known Before Moving to Alaska, Part II
4. Return to Running After a C-Section
I was featured as one of the 50 Best Women’s Running Blogs To Start Reading Now.
By far the coolest thing I have gotten to do because of this blog was a four day trip to Cordova, Alaska located in the Prince William Sound, to learn about Copper River Salmon.
During this trip, we primarily learned about the salmon of the Copper River Delta–everything from going out on a fishing boat, to seeing the fish processing plant, to eating salmon, and meeting the fishermen and women. It was so cool to visit such a small community that produces the best salmon in all of the US.
I even got to bring Cullen along with me who was 8 months old at the time. One afternoon we went on a hike, and he was so happy riding in that backpack. Now I hardly recognize that chubby-faced baby.
Blog posts about this trip:
Child’s Glacier + Counting Salmon
Alaska Salmon Runs Half Marathon
I was interviewed for an article in the Anchorage Press about my win at the Kenai River Marathon and my experience at the Boston Marathon after the bombings, but even cooler was doing two cooking segments for the local news–KTVA Channel 11’s morning show Daybreak. It was fun–and a little nerve-racking, but this was the first time I had ever been on TV!
My Bacon Kale Potato Soup Featured on TV
Christmas Tree Veggie Appetizer Segment
I’ve also enjoyed receiving emails and messages from many YOU–my followers, asking about life in Alaska, questions regarding running, or recovering from a C-section. I’ve also been able to meet many of you in the community, which is always fun too!
Thanks so much for following along all these years, and who knows what the next few years will bring for this blog.
I can’t remember how we met through our blogs… I might have found you first when I was looking for healthy recipes for runners (at the time my diet left something to be desired!) – maybe commented? Or did you find me? Anyway, I’m so glad you started this blog – and eventually we met!
It looks like you found me! This was your first comment on my blog, “Just followed to your blog — LOVE the healthy food ideas! I struggle with that, especially with good after-run carbo/protein dishes. I’m going to try the egg white/oatmeal concoction after my run tomorrow, super excited! When’s the next marathon?” I,too, am glad we found each other through the blog world–and look where it took us! That’s crazy to think about if I had never started my blog. I read another post that you commented on, and I was referencing a 7 minute pace for the half marathon. #NowhereNearThatAnymore !!!!
I really enjoyed reading this post. I have been blogging for about 5 months, and I love it. The best part is the many other runner/bloggers I have encountered. That was something that I was not expecting, but is a very welcome result of blogging! And…your little guy is a cutie!
My readers/followers definitely keep me going! And thanks. . .I think he’s pretty cute too. 😉
eight years! so cool. congrats, michelle!
Thanks! How long have you been blogging?
I will be beginning my journey on July 23, 2018 by attending an immersion camp hosted by the humanities department at University of Alaska. i will report to teach for the Lower Yukon School district in the fall. I am a veteran teacher of over 25 years and have worked in education for over 35 years.I am also completing my doctoral degree. I am 57 years old and married(37 years) with two adult children(32/34 yrs). I will be going to Emmonak alone, however, my husband and family is very supportive and will fly in to visit. My husband has his own business in Florida, and will maintain the family property in my absence. I have received pictures and am curious about so many things. Excited for the opportunity I have dreamed of prior to marriage and having children. We always wanted to purchase property in another state. I am originally from Connecticut, and loath Florida summers. It will be a relief to be in cold weather again. Thank you for any information you may be able to provide.
Syndi
Congratulations on your eight years! It’s been fun staying connected to you and your family through this blog!