Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Some Favorite Blogs: SUAR (UPDATED)

Background:

I have a few very favorite blogs that I visit, and I remember the urls by heart - and they coincide with my early blog readers!  One is not boring, one guy talks about Dairy Queen (DQ or something), another the guy can't afford shoes, still another is a fast runner from Minnesota that chicks everyone but does it cutely, then there's the quality assurance guy that runs beside elephants and gazelles in the off-season.  Then there are a bunch of friends of these people from Phoenix, Socal, mid-west, Canada - then there are all those young runners, one known by one letter (usually followed by a "u"), or abfest from the southwest, or the runner that doesn't run in races but has a laundry basket for everyone ... the list goes on and on.

But I thought I would wax poetic about a blog I read on a regular basis (but comment on a little less): Shut up and Run.

Shut up and Run:

Beth, the author, is currently suffering from an injury and is trying to maintain her sanity by doing pool workouts.  She posts at least 6 times a week, and runs contests often.

If I could describe her blog in three phrases that would describe at least 75% of the posts I remember it would be:
  1. toilet humor,
  2. endurance running,
  3. Dean Karnazes
She's been getting very deeply thoughtful in her writing every few days, and I'm enjoying it more.  

As of writing this post she:
  1. has 1025 blog followers, 
  2. is the Boulder Colorado Running Examiner
  3. is a RRCA running coach
  4. runs in all distances and has done a tri
  5. has done over 20 product reviews of interest to female (and male) runners
  6. is also pretty famous outside of her blog on newspapers, tv, radio, road signs ...
3 questions for Beth (Beth's responses in yellow):

1 . How has blogging improved your experience as a runner?

Blogging has made me a better runner (emotionally, mentally and physically) for two reasons:

#1 The incredible support of the blogging community. I know if I get a PR, run a solid race, have a great training run, crap in a tree or BQ there will be comments of sincere heartfelt congratulations (or pity when it comes to the crap). Yet, on the flip side, if I incur a stress fracture in my hip the week before my marathon, there is even a more significant outpouring of support. When I got my injury, I had almost 200 comments within a few hours. It blew me away. I just sat at the computer, tears rolling down my face.

#2 - The blog keeps me honest, accountable and motivated. I'm pretty disciplined and don't have much trouble getting out there to do my workouts. However, if there is something I'm scared to try or if I'm thinking about quitting a workout, race or anything, I remember the blog community and feel them rooting for me. Weird to be so impacted by so many people I've never met, but it's a powerful posse that way.


2. What do you find tough about blogging?

Not much. It's my most favorite thing to do. A hobby, really. I get lost in it. The writing never feels forced or strained. I will say, that every time I publish a post I take a deep breath wondering how it will be received. Will people think I've finally lost my mind? Will they identify with even a smidge of what I'm saying? Will they be offended? You would be surprised how much I care about what people think. However, just because I care does not mean I censor or change what I write. Everything I write is completely 100% authentic and from the heart. I think when you put yourself out there, you have to be prepared to be criticized and judged. 99% of the time this doesn’t happen, but when it does I try to take it with a grain of salt. And a glass or two of wine.

3.Do you meet regularly with other runners that you met first through blogging?

No, not often. I have gotten together with local runners/bloggers a couple of times (Jill & Tara) and I got to meet boring Adam in Denver this fall. This past weekend I met Chris K (BQ or Die) in Boulder, which was really cool. What I can’t wait for is the Boston Marathon in April – it will be the blogger meetup of the century. I’ll get to see some favorites in the flesh (Emz, Misszippy, Meg, Tall Mom, Hungry Runner Girl, Aron, Marathon Maiden, Bethany & Ryan to name a few). I really want to organize a blogger flash mob. In the nude.

I have some bloggers/readers contacting me and we email pretty regularly, but I don't necessarily get together with them. It's not that I don't want to, it's just that I can barely keep my head above water as it is with family, work, blogging, working out that it is tough to set up times to meet people. Plus, I'm pretty sure no one wants to run in the deep end with me. Maybe when I get my new bathing suit.



* * *

I thought I would help you all shop for blogs this Christmas.  I recommend you check out Beth's blog.  you will definitely enjoy yourselves!

Merry Christmas Beth, this is my gift to you!

28 comments:

Emz said...

Andrew - such a freaking awesome post!

Beth. is. the. best.
on a whole lotta levels for a whole lotta reasons.

I'm just one of the 1025 [holy crap]?!?! that think she rocks.

ShutUpandRun said...

Wow, feeling pretty honored right now. Wow.

Sending you the answers via email..

Georgia Snail said...

great post about a great blogger! thanks Andrew!!!

Patrick Mahoney said...

I wonder who 1026 is gonna be?

Jill said...

Though we don't meet "regularly" - we do meet. Mostly for alcohol, but whatever - meeting is meeting!! :)
She's as awesome in person as on her blog.

Shawn said...

yep...I concur

Jenny said...

Will be checking her blog out right away, sounds too good to miss! :)

April said...

She is pretty awesome! Her blog is also one of my regulars!

Fruit Fly said...

Beth cracks me up! Hers is usually the first blog I read to start out my day - and I always start out with a laugh!

Kenley said...

Hey man thanks for the post and link. I love bathroom humor, well, most of the time, unless Im on the toilet at the time. Take care.

TRI714 said...

humorous and encouraging.

Johann said...

Oh yes, I'm one of the 1025 as well. Always great to read.

Anne said...

I love Beth's blog...what a great tribute Andrew :)

The Hungry Runner Girl said...

I am obsessed with SUAR!!! Blogging is such an inspiration but it is tough to not compare to such amazing athletes and how much mileage everyone else does!!

misszippy said...

All over that flash mob idea, although I will remain clothed!

Thanks for highlighting one of the best in the business, Andrew!

Karen R said...

Great post!

I like her blog too :)

Anonymous said...

Beth freakin' rocks. Almost makes me want to go to Boston just to meet and cheer!!! That is going to be some party!

Teamarcia said...

I do love me some SUAR with my coffee in the morning. Now I'm really sad I won't be in Boston next year...

RunToTheFinish said...

dohh so far behind I havne't event gotten to comment on the rockin santa suit and here comes another great post. So fun, you really do have a great way of showing why she is someone we all love reading.

Michelle said...

Great choice - I try to never miss her posts!

Ewa said...

What you said.

Detroit Runner(Jeff) said...

Already follow her. Great plug!

Chris K said...

Beth rocks. I didn't know that she was such a local legend, but I'm not surprised. Damn, I should have asked her for her autograph last weekend.

mountain hardwear said...

Great post.. I agree with you on this;
Blogging has made me a better runner (emotionally, mentally and physically)

Adrienne Langelier, MA said...

Beth's blog is a lunch-break ritual for me on a regular basis.

I felt like a blogsphere celebrity the day she commented on mine! :)

Cheers to you both!

Erika said...

She's one of my favorite reads as well!

The Boring Runner said...

Naked flash mob might be worth a ticket to Boston. Just saying....


(cool idea for a post!)

Raegun said...

I am 1037 - thanks for the reco!