February 4th, 2010
Question For You
You may have noticed recently that with the social media lake I’ve jumped into, plus the newsletter (oooh, people signed up…scary), the site redesign, the videos and some writing projects I’m working on, that I’m on a mission to steer this blog into something more “real” and increase readership.
It’s all a fun experiment at this point and I’m happy to talk about it as it goes and grows, but in the meantime, I was thinking about you guys. Is there anything you especially like about this blog or would like me to talk about more? It seems I don’t talk much about the grand subject of running lately, just what my workouts are and I wonder if you’d like more running talk or if you find the personal stuff more interesting.
A lot of you guys and gals have mentioned the word “inspirational” to me in comments or emails when talking about this blog, a word that I find undeserved and unconnected to, since it seems I spend the bulk of my writing whining about life’s annoyances and with that last race, any inspiring I might have done should have been rescinded. Nevertheless, that word keeps hitting me, because I want to provide inspiration, I can’t think of a greater honor than that.
With that word in mind, I was thinking it’d be cool to start doing some Skype video interviews of other runners who are inspiring for one reason or another, but since super duper great runners don’t inspire me as much as make me think they’re martians from another planet, I was thinking about runners that are closer to where we are, like a sub-3 marathoner who’s been running for only a few years, or someone who’s made a difference with charity running or one who’s come back from a bad injury. The main thing would be, people in whose footsteps we can aspire to follow and not from miles behind. Would you like to see that?
What else would you like? I feel a little silly asking straight out like this, but I can’t think of a better way to know what readers want than to ask. After all, if not for you, I might as well be mumbling to myself in the kitchen – it’d be just as effective and require less typing. So please, don’t be shy…speak.
My Runs This Week
So far, things have been going fine, if not gangbusters. It’s cutback week so the mileage is a tad lower. Monday I had a slow 6@8:54 and Tuesday was 9 w/4 tempo. The tempo miles were 7:20s, avg pace for the run 8:01. What was nice about it was that my heart rate is finally moving southward, not in leaps and bounds, but there is a definite downward trend. The tempo pace, while on the slow side, syncs with Daniels for a 4-mile tempo and I’m sure I’ll be faster when it’s not 32 degrees.
Yesterday was 7 recovery, filled with cramps from impending Lady Time, so it was a most unpleasant run. Then today was 11 and my plan was to do 3MP but my right quad has been a bit achy recently and when I started the first marathon paced mile it wasn’t feeling good, so I went back to easys. No biggie, my schedule rearranging from last weekend mixed with an impending blizzard on Saturday means I have 10 w/8MP tomorrow, so hopefully I’ll be ready to roll.
And that’s it from QuestionMark Central. Please don’t be shy about giving your opinions or thoughts on what you’d like to see here. I really, really want to know.
Later, sweet things.
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I like your blog and you are open for many things!.
I like to read about your running pace and what you are feeling about your running training…I like to see pics on your blog about you, your town, shoes, enz, ore wher you running.I cam from holland and not always now whats happend and to see in America!.
In short, more pics(ore movie) on your blog, more about your running feelings.More about your plans.
And whats happend in your live!.
But a good blog and nice to viset.
Rinus.
http://www.rinusrunning.nl
Lotta help you are!
Thanks Rinus, I’ll attempt to give you more of everything.
the only blogs I read are ones of people I know.
I’m more interested in what’s going in in their lives (even if it’s just running) than themed blogs. Does that makes sense?
Of course it makes sense, girl, why wouldn’t it? You like keeping up with your friend’s lives, sounds good to me. I guess this is a “themed” blog though, since the motor that drives it is running.
I mean, mine is themed in the sense that it’s about running too and I didn’t want to bore my friends that read my personal blog with my running details. BUt your blog isn’t JUST about running. I think perhaps that’s more what I meant.
Gotcha!
i definitely like seeing your workouts but i’d love to know more about your training philosophy and what your motivation is behind your running. i don’t know if youve already talked about it but i love seeing why people get out there and do what they do.
i also have liked your past product reviews and wouldn’t mind seeing more
Ooh, Karyn, this is great stuff – very specific, thanks! I can definitely incorporate all your requests, no problemo. It’s cool to have this kind of input, thanks again.
+1 on the product review videos. The one you did for Hydration was solid and rocked the house. Totally loved it.
As a newbie, I’m the perfect target audience – I have sooooooo many questions for anything running related, it’s almost down-right silly.
Love it! I don’t wanna spill all beans now but I’m writing an ebook with you in mind exactly. It’s meant for women beginners and it’s going to be fun, funny and full of smart info. Reading your comment is great motivation for getting it done.
And thanks for the hydration belt video, it would have been better had I not begun to babble at the end but I ran out of steam. Future ones will be shorter.
I would first like to say that it is so awesome that someone from Holland is reading your blog! Secondly, I like how in your blog you talk about your life and some of the problems going on, but you could also go more in depth about your training and how you feel about your runs…
I borrowed Rinus from http://www.RacesLikeAGirl.com, he’s Julie’s regular reader and quite a sweet one at that.
Good point about getting more in depth with training. Before this cycle, I talked way more in detail about my runs and everything surrounding them, but this time I’m in a really weird head about the whole marathon situation and feeling “off” so I’ve been afraid to write openly about it.
Plus, I had what seemed like a series of negative events from Philly to the neighbors and the blog was sounding doomish. I was afraid people would stop wanting to read if it was so much downer crap. Guess it’s time to share a little more of what’s really going on.
Flo what got me hooked on your blog was your story of where you have come from. I was dumbfounded that someone could come from never being a runner to the level you have hit (in a pretty short time too). Not many women runners push themselves to that level and it made me believe that it was possible.
In addition you are very honest and open. I know you aren’t holding back and you damn funny too.
For this mere mortal I would love to see more examples of runners that start at the bottom and work their ass off to the top.
Good luck and I’m excited for you!
Thanks Stevi, you’re always such a doll. That’s cool about wanting more examples of runners who achieve a good amount unexpectedly. I love that too because you figure, “if it happened to them, it can happen to me.” And it can!
I’ll try to get the interview idea underway soon. I have to figure out some logistical things before finding my first victim. It’ll be scary talking someone into it, lol, but I’m sure it’ll be compelling to watch.
I’ll tell you the kinds of blogs I like and maybe that will help:) I like blogs where I can identify with the reader, like when they are sharing their true feelings about workouts/running, or just life stuff. I also read blogs for inspiration. It really has nothing to do with speed, but someone that’s really worked hard and IS working hard to accomplish things. I also like humorous blogs, but honestly only *clean* stuff, like funny stuff only crazy runners would understand.
I do read some REALLY fast people’s blogs, but sometimes that number crunching reading gets old. I mean, do we really need to know your heart race on every mile you ran for all 100 mpw you did?
In summary, I think your blog is PERFECT! Your blog actually inspired me to start my blog, as it was one of the first ones I’d read. You are such a smart, funny, and FAST girl, that anything you write is going to be fabulous. Just write from the heart!
LA, I heart you. That reply was just like you are, adorable. That entire description of what you like in a blog can be said about your own blog to a T, so that makes yours perfection as well, you fast girl.
I think you’ll find some people like your blog and others won’t. Why do you want to increase leadership? Is it to help people with their running? To inspire them? To make them laugh? To get more comments? Based on your answer of what affect you want, you should move in that direction. The great thing is that you can always change your mind too.
I’m not concerned with people who don’t like my blog, they don’t read it. Not sure if that was a typo or misread but it’s readership I want to increase, not leadership, lol. Who doesn’t want to increase readership? The more eyeballs, the more opportunity for growth and adventures beyond a little running blog. And the best way to find out what your readers like is to ask. Notice the informative replies I’ve already gotten! I had to ask to find out and what I’m getting is gold.
I like your product reviews also (whoever said that above) and of course as goofy as the crazy neighbors was; dang, no offense, but that was entertaining reading right there. So, basically keep doing what you are doing. Yeah, helpful I know.
Have you thought of being a tester for stuff?
Lol, the neighbor situation definitely had its share of drama. :-)
I would LOVE to be a tester. I’ve had a teeny imagining thought in my head that after I get a few product reviews down, I might contact some of the manufacturers and see if they wouldn’t be interested in sending me stuff. This is another fab reason to increase readership (more traffic makes a site more enticing to the big guns).
I started reading your blog b/c I could follow you as a beginner runner and read about your training, your likes/dislikes, reviews, etc. I like that you’re a female runner where I can come and read about running bras. LOL I’ve run for a long time (Army), but I started running for myself a few years ago. It’s hard to find runners who don’t seem so “professional.” I mean, their experience is wonderful to learn from, but I feel a disconnect from them b/c I’m a casual-ish runner who is motivated to be the best I can be, but I know I will never be a serious competitive runner. And, I like that you’re funny.
Good input, thanks Stacy. What’s interesting is that because I’m not a fastie fast I’ve been pretty shy about being “informative” with running because I think “What right do I have to talk? I’m just a couple steps up from a beginner”. It’s a hard hurdle to get over but I’m getting there. Hopefully the newsletter will see me feeling more comfortable spouting off and I’ll relay it into the blog (or vice-versa).
hi definately prefer the personal touches as it makes us feel like we know you and can relate. I like hearing about how much you hated or loved a run bc we go through that so we can relate. And i dont mind tips or information but i like it personal liek the watter bottle video the other day. And while Im writing, I see you ran on a day i totally wussed out and ran home after a mile..lol. What kind of jacket are you using to block the cold and tights for that matter. I live in the Philadelphia area so I know the elemements your facing.
My most favorite jacket is a fleece zip-up from GAP, bought before running was even on the radar. Fleece is so cushy and cozy, but I have a warmer jacket, the Asics Storm Shelter, for the really cold days. As for tights, on super cold days I have a heavy duty pair from City Sports, but I only need them when it’s 25 or under. Hmm…might be a little late, but maybe a cold-weather garb video is a good idea.
Good blogs are like unhappy families; each is good in its own way. I like yours, save for some of the language, and if it inspires some it is because it is in your voice. Not that it should be static, but it should evolve as you evolve.
I find yours of interest because it is well-written (as opposed to well, written) and because I am intrigued by the perspective of a newbie, or at least a not-so-long-ago newbie, who’s gotten pretty quick. And I am reassured coming upon so many who are at least as obsessed as I am, if not more so, with this most useless endeavor, except for all the others.
And I like the interview idea. But I wouldn’t put that in a box but, as with the blog overall, go with folks you’d be interested in speaking to and learning about.
Thanks Joe, I will return the well-written compliment to you, yours is a smart read and why I enjoy it. I appreciate your comments, and I agree with your warning of not “putting it in a box”.
In that vein, I hope nobody’s thinking that by asking “what would you like?” I’m going to change my writing or my thinking to pander for popularity. I just want to merge what you guys like with what I enjoy doing and hopefully, the two shall make beautiful music together.
Wow, Flo. I look away for a day and you have this post with a big string of replies. Even a mangled Tolstoy quote from Joe there.
Yes on the interviews, and don’t be intimidated by the zippy runners. Your race times look other-planet to someone just starting out, but you are still the same Flo. It’s the same for the elites and almost-elites.
Oh, and more videos, please.
Well, now that I’m replying regularly, the comment count is totally inflated.
It’s amazing how easy it is to take ourselves for granted, thanks for the kind reminder, Jim. Glad you like the interview idea and you bet, more videos (until I run out of ideas which is another great reason for doing interviews; make others do the heavy lifting, lol).
OK, time to get this run done, I shall return….
Mangled? And what about Churchill? (Speaking of Churchill, on a different topic, he used “he” as the indefinite pronoun and is rumored (rumoured?) to have responded to a female’s MP’s challenge to this practice by saying, “the male embraces the female.”)
The online running community in general and blogs like yours in particular have done wonders for my running. Without all this, I never would have heard of Pete Pfitzinger or Brad Hudson, or any of a vast number of things that have helped me improve. And this is coming from someone who benefited from two knowledgeable coaches in high school and college–their ideas were good, but my mind was really opened by the interplay of wildly different ideas that I found…and not just the ideas, but the real people actually trying them out.
And YOU are inspiring because of your vast amount of improvement over a relatively short time. It’s just great to see someone putting the work in and reaping the benefits, and it reminds me that I can too (I would never have turned my half marathon pace into my marathon pace and beyond if I hadn’t read about other people doing it first). It doesn’t hurt that you have a really fresh, funny take on life that I just find appealing. So that’s the biggest reason I read. I don’t know that you NEED to increase your offerings–you just need to get your name out there by targeting those people who will be interested in your message (can you tell I work in marketing?). That being said…would still love to see interviews or anything else you might have cooked up!
First off, huge-ass congrats on getting that Half pace into a Marathon Pace, that kind of tangible progress is thrilling.
I LOVE your marketing comment, that targeting sentence was very well put and takes a little of guilt of marketing out of my head (been reading too many scummy accounts of Internet Marketers that make me embarrassed to use the term).
Something more “real?” But I like my “imaginary internets friends!”
Okay, so seriously-just keep doin’ that thing that you do. As another competitive-minded, adult-onset runner, I appreciate that you take the time to blog about how your experiment of one as a runner is coming along. One thing I do like are webcams….no, not THAT kind, but webcams that runners and mountain bikers wear on their routes to show where they run, ride, etc. Beyond that, I’m all out of deep thoughts this Friday…
That’d be a cool idea to record part of a run, Joe above does that. Even simple photos, especially in Spring. I often wish I’d bother to bring a phone to take snaps. Good idea, Kazz!
@Thanks Flo.
I was today running on the beach and thought…why is Flo not running whit me on the beach?.
Than could i told her about the pleasure of marathon and ultra running and maybe she want to run more marathons after Boston ;-).
I now what you wright about it i must stop nag about it..
But, when you like to run for fun long distances, than you want every runner to run the marathon.
I stop now, and you do a good runner thing for many bloggers!.
Nice weekend.
Rinus.
http://www.rinusrunning.nl.
PS. you can see my movie dune run part 1, part 2 and 3 in the new week!.
And sorry, no english in the movie…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVKPQsiVdkw
Cool video, Rinus! What a good trail (could do without those steps though, whew!). Loved the bored bulls hanging around as you ran within arms length.
I appreciate your wanting to share your love of distance, I’d try to convince people, too. But it ain’t gonna work with me.
I will continue to enjoy your runs from afar, though.
@Flo, thanks for respons.
Blog runners from internet running 5 days every day 50km for a good goals for children in south africa!.
In my home town the 7 runners sleep in my house on 24 march and than running in the evening/night on the dunes on and beach 50km at that day.
I live near the beach and most of beautiful part of Holland!.
In the night the run go on the beach and 600 break light(from the army) makes that whe running in romantic light on the beach!!!.
I make the part 1 running movie today so the runner can see what a nice place to run..
So i hope more runners go on 25 march to run for this good thing and helping poor children in South africa.
I understand what you wriht to me in your post!.
Rinus.
Wow, that’s really cool – you’re making a difference in the world with running. Good luck getting tons of runners signed on.
Wow. Joe mangled a quote
Yes, Rinus is pretty much on the ball. I wouldn’t change things too much. I read because it’s well written and there’s a good mix of training/personal stuff.
The video interviews would be good (as would other videos like Rinus and Joe have done showing where they run), but keep them viewer friendly (short). 2 to 3 minutes is good (be a mean bastard of an editor). 7 minutes if you’ve lugged the camera on a marathon
Thanks Ewen, I will try to keep them shorter but if there’s several things being discussed (like the hydration comparison), it’s impossible to keep it 2 or 3min. For that one, I thought about splitting up each item into its own video because I was aware of the length, but then decided it wouldn’t have been as useful.
Hey Flo! I love your product reviews and would enjoy seeing more. Maybe a few on outfits you prefer for different temps, race reviews, and maybe some pics from your fav places you run. Your new blog format is really taking shape. Keep up the great work!
CJ
Excellent stuff, CJ, thank you! Product and outfit reviews seem to be popular, which is great because it’s fun to do. So next week I’ll start with a jacket review (or overview) and move on from there. I also look forward to incorporating the rest of your suggestions in the coming weeks.
nevermind that run today lol…i didn’t think we would actually get about 2 ft of snow
It’s CRAZY out there!! 17″ already and no let up in the next bunch of hours. Wondering how our Sunday Long Runs will fare with 2′ of snow and 16 windchill in the forecast. Oh joy.
yeah should be very interesting. they usually clean up the kelly pretty well, though it might be a little difficult getting to it
For interviews, I disagree with Ewen. Let them go. It may be, though, that too-long for video works for audio. Product stuff can be short.
And the name: “Flo & Ready.”
I think (long video vs audio) depends on how you like your information. I don’t do well with spoken word so don’t have the patience for talk radio or podcasts. In my case, longer video is way better than longer audio but everybody’s different.
As far as interviews, the ones I’ve been watching and that gave me the idea/format for doing them myself are upwards of 40 minutes. Don’t worry, I’m not going to do that, but I can see them being 15-20. The questions I want to ask involve how my readers can apply this person’s experiences, so it requires background from the person, how they got to where they are, what they’ve learned, etc. Seven minutes is a little short for that.
I agree for videos that are outside on a run, that should be short because once you see a shot of wherever you are, it’s basically the same shot until you get quite a bit farther away. Gets boring quickly unless there’s something unusual to be seen.
Joe, my main gripe with overly long video is to do with the universally slow third-world broadband we have down here. For example, the HQ Flotrack videos are so painfully slow to download, I usually don’t bother. When we eventually get high-speed broadband (due 2015 or thereabouts), long videos won’t be a problem (except for having the time to view them).
Flo, the water-belt video was fine — I agree, you couldn’t have edited it down much — and probably best to have it all in one video.
Audio is fast to download, so I’m happy to listen to a 30-minute audio interview — I can have it playing in the background while I do something else.
I like reading about you, your running stories, your inspirations, your discipline. I like that you put everything out here in all honesty and in a way that explains your experiences vividly. And sometimes, a line jumps out at me when I least expect it. For example, when I was running my half, for some reason this line from when you raced popped into my head: “If I went any slower, I wouldn’t be racing.” It kept me going.
Well that is just super cool to hear, thanks for letting me know, you sweet thang.
Flo,
I like the idea of some short videos. As a matter of fact, I know someone that may agree to talk with you. He his a runner, and father who lost his six year old son to cancer last year. He has dedicated his running to raising money for a foundation to help combat this disease. Let me know if you are interested, and I will provide a name and phone number privately. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Tobey, sounds great. I’ll get the info from you after I get them going. I’m going to end up a blubbery mess on that one, I can see it already.