October 31, 2016

To blog or not to blog

What a gorgeous Halloween morning!


We usually get rain every year for Halloween; but today happens to be great weather for trick-or-treating. I'm looking forward to passing out candy while I watch scary movies in the garage. Halloween still feels weird without Mark--this will be the third one without him! I can't believe it's been that long.

This morning, I took Joey for a run with me (that's when I stopped to take the photo above). I haven't been following the 10K plan I said I was going to; instead, I've just been running when I feel like it. If I want to train hard for Indy, I really need to start picking up the mileage now. (I still haven't decided on my goal for Indy.)

I'm going to make it a mission to put together a plan this week. Tomorrow is November already! I haven't made any progress at all this fall on losing the summer weight gain--it's gone by so fast. Thankfully, I haven't gained any more, but I just haven't been as determined to lose it as I wish I was. Now that I've paid for a year of My Fitness Pal, I'm hoping I'll start seeing progress.



As you may have noticed, I've been posting very sporadically lately. I've been thinking about it a lot, and I guess I'm just unsure of where my blog goes from here. I feel like I don't have much left to say, so I wonder if I should just end the blog? But once in a while, I feel like I have LOTS to say.

When I started this blog, it was basically just an online journal--I would write about my day, focusing a lot on diet/weight loss. As I post less frequently, my day-to-day stuff becomes irrelevant, so I feel like if I write something, it should be more meaningful. The problem with posting daily is just that I feel like I'm writing the same thing over and over.

I'm not saying that I'm quitting the blog (at least not yet). When I do, I would hope that my last post will be much more meaningful ;)  I'm just trying to make up my mind where to go from here. I was thinking of making shorter-term goals (a monthly goal, for example) and that would give me something to focus on when I write. I'm not sure! I keep hoping it'll just come to me.

I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that weight loss/maintenance is not nearly as huge a part of my life as it was a few years ago. Back then, everything was still very new to me. Since I've gotten into a pattern with each year of maintenance, it's not as exciting. It's just... life.

I'm sure once I have more going on in my life (training for Indy, becoming an AUNT in March, etc.) I'll write more frequently. For now, though, I just wanted to explain why my posts have been so sporadic. I'm just not sure what to write!

I hope you all have a Happy Halloween night!


40 comments:

  1. More and more people are quitting blogging (including myself long ago). Other social media seems to be taking it's place. It's faster and shorter to read in this era of wanting things now and fast. I hope you don't quit, I would miss you, your kids, and your pets (and Jerry :)). If you do I hope you stay active with your other social media!

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  2. I agree....it seems Instagram and Twitter and the quick and easy way to share/post/enlighten others on issues etc...however, I do enjoy still reading blogs and seeing a little more into the daily life etc. ;-)

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  3. I just want to say thanks for sharing all these years. I would really miss reading your blog but it makes sense that your life has moved on and this particular journey may be ending. I appreciate you also being upfront about it too. It's nice to know when a blog is ending or the blogger is shifting to monthly or quarterly frequency so I can set my own expectations and stop wondering why someone hasn't posted. I was following another weight loss blogger who lost over 100lbs and she went from posting regularly to missing weeks, then months. When she returned to post, she was surprised that people wondered where she had been or what had happened to her.

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  4. I first heard about you on the Half Size Me Podcast a couple of months ago as I was working my way through those. Since then I've been slowly reading through your older posts while also checking the new ones. I've made it up to November 2013 and feel like I'm halfway through a fun book and want to see how it ends so I check the back of the book (your newest posts). (Not sure if that makes sense or not.) You, your family, and your friends have become like beloved characters I look forward to reading about every night before bed. Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly for so long. I will miss it when I get caught up to real time especially if you are posting less regularly. Wishing you all the best, and again, thank you.

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  5. I'm gonna be greedy and say please don't stop! I've been reading for over 4 years now, and my interests went beyond maintenance to just "what's Katie up to?" long ago! So yeah, I'm gonna just be rude and say please don't go away like all the other bloggers!! :( :( :(

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    1. I agree!!! I've been reading for years and would HATE to see you go! I enjoy all the day to day family stuff as much as I do the weight loss/maintenance stuff. It's all so good to read to me.

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    2. I agree- don't leave- I love hearing about what you are up to!

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    3. +1 on the greedy side from Norway! I really appreciate your writing, you run one of my absolute favorite blogs. I'm also really curious whether you still consider taking up studying again, as you mentioned a little while ago. That's a cliffhanger for further blogging seasons ;-).

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  6. You seem to do a lot of creative recipes, I would love to see some more cooking types of blog posts. Also, as far as the maintenance/losing the summer weight...I noticed that you have gotten away from the weigh-in Wednesday posts you used to do. Do you think that has affected the losing weight process at all?

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    1. Yes, I'm SURE I would benefit from doing weekly weigh-ins... the problem is, I'm bored with posting about that. I haven't been very consistent with tracking lately, either, so maybe if I get more consistent, I'll be inspired to do those posts again!

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  7. Please don't stop blogging. I love reading your posts.

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  8. I love your blog and your insights. When you came to the realization that summer weight gain is an annual thing for you, a little lightbulb went off in my head and I thought "me too!". I love that you don't try to hide any of the frustrations of weight loss/maintenance. Even if you don't post as frequently, I do hope you decide to keep blogging.

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  9. Happy Halloween!! I dont have as many followers as you and I was not blogging as long either but I got burned out. I keep thinking "Oh that would be a good blog post" and then quickly move on. I think a lot of it is that the people who read my blog for the most part are my friends in real life or on social media at least so everyone knows what is going on already. It goes the other way too...I used to read at least 20-30 blogs regularly....now there are about 4.

    The same thing happened years ago with Live Journal...I would write these long posts almost every day and then I just stopped. I guess it is just the progression of life.

    PS - amazing pic of Joey!

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  10. I hope you don't quit blogging, and I think sporadically is just fine. Even though maintenance can seem "boring" it's good to see what maintenance life looks like. I enjoy your posts. I'm a blogger and know my blogging has become more sporadic, but it's also a way for me to stay accountable.

    That all being said, if you do feel the need to stop thank you for the heads up and maybe check back once a year and let us know how things are going. You're quite an inspiration!

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  11. I'm also going to sound greedy and selfish here but please don't go!! I would miss you and your posts so much. I've always enjoyed reading your blog not just for the weight-related stuff but for your day to day activities. I know we don't know each other but in a strange way, I think of you like an online friend. I kind of depend on this blog to try and get through my own weight loss journey. It's just nice to have a "friend" that is so relatable to my own life. Most of my real life friends don't understand what it's like to have a weight problem.

    On the same note though, I really want you to be happy and obviously do what you want to do. I would hope you don't delete this blog though. It's very helpful going through some of your older weight loss related posts when I'm struggling. There are so many people that would miss you around here!

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  12. Stay! Even if just sporadically. I don't keep up with daily blogging as much as I once did, and it's okay! :)

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  13. Don't LEAVE!

    A random post every once in a while is better than shutting it down!

    Have you considered vlogging as an alternative? Or a Podcast?

    Still wanna hear from you girl!

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    1. Thanks :) I don't think I would enjoy vlogging, actually... the reason I started the blog was because I love to write! (I don't have plans of quitting yet--just probably writing less frequently)

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  14. Katie! Please don't go. It feels as though a friend is breaking up with me in a way. I love reading your posts and seeing what you're up to. Maintenance is important - as I hope to reach that one day. And just hearing about your life is great! Sporadic posts are just fine. Keep it up!

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  15. I still enjoy reading you :)

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  16. I'd like to speak up as someone who reads and has read every. single. post. I understand if the blog is no longer bringing you joy, it may be time to move on. But your little corner of the Internet universe will be missed greatly.

    That being said, I''m all about making changes in life that suit you and your family. Personally I''m looking to take up blogging to help support moving abroad. Your example has inspired me to believe such a blog is possible. Thank you for that!

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  17. Katie,
    I have been reading your blog since 2012. I would be very sad if you choose to stop blogging all together. You are the inspiration for turning me into a runner. I also lost half of my body weight over those years. It has been helpful to me to follow your journey. I understand that to you, your posts may seem mundane, but to your followers (at least to me) your words give me inspiration and courage. It is so helpful to read your blog and know that someone else is fighting the same battle that I am. I also get ideas from you: from products to try and goals to set as well as foods and races to experience. I just wanted you to know how meaningful your life experience is to me and even though you think you are just writing about your day to day life- we are all in the same boat and appreciate knowing that you are right there with us.
    Sincerely, Staci

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  18. Like E&J who posted above, I consider your blog a book, and look forward to a new chapter, whenever. You have been such an inspiration for so many of us over the years, I hope you never quit entirely, but I completely understand that you want to just blog when you have something to say. But do keep in mind, we all love to hear about your daily life, and I know that is a deep well of things to write about, as your boys grow up, Jerry's crazy antics (and the romantic ones as well), your on-going battle with staying at your goal weight (we can ALL identify with that one), and just normal day-to-day activities. You have such a gift for making it all very interesting, I even enjoy reading about your running and as you know, I have never been a runner. I only know when I see a new blog from Runs for Cookies show up in my e-mail, it's exciting and I look forward to reading whatever your write.

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  19. I agree with the others above, I would miss your blog!!!!

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  20. It does seem like you've had less to share lately, even when you do post. A lot of the details that used to full your old posts are no longer there. Maybe you'd find your way with blogging again if you went back to your roots. Blog the way your used to when it was new. One of the things I always liked about your blog was it's consistency (like anticipating a Wednesday Weigh-In every Wednesday), and for a long time now it has been inconsistent. As a reader it makes it feel very topsy turvy. I imagine it would feel the same way as a writer.

    It does seem like you DO have more to say though? I do not say this to offend, but it's not as though you hit your goal weight eons ago and have just been plugging away at successful maintenance for so long that it's now "normal everyday life". You are still struggle, you still have ups and downs, it seems you are still figuring things out, you are still in the middle. And most of us live in that middle, we can relate to being in the middle. If you shared about that part of this journey it might be helpful to you AND to your readers. Just a thought.

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    1. I should have proofread. Please ignore all my mistakes. :)

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  21. I found your blog today from a random Pinterest search. You have inspired me so much to continue to push on. I hope you continue to blog, but understand also that you must find your own happiness. Just know that you have a new "friend" while you make up your mind 😆

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  22. I really enjoy your blog and would miss it! I feel like when you share your insights or way of thinking about weight loss you are in my own head. Although maintenance may seem boring, it is really the biggest struggle for me and I've really been inspired by your journey through this portion of weight loss. When you used to post the Wednesday weigh-ins and highlight your goals for the week, new recipe etc. that was very encouraging for me and motivated me to keep going on my own path. Whatever you decide, thank you for sharing your journey.

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  23. Selfishly, like so many others, I don't want you to stop! However, I want you to do what is best for you. So many, including me, have been inspired, and continue to be inspired, by your journey. You are one of the FEW who has maintained your weight loss, and that is incredibly encouraging to those of us who are still trying to lose, and also beginning runners! I don't want you to feel any pressure-perhaps you could post once a month?? Anyway...I would miss your posts terribly, BUT I support you, either way.

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  24. I've been reading your blog since you made the awesome video. It was so amazing and so inspirational. You created a connection with your (longtime) readers with your honesty in writing. I love the way you seem to work out issues as you go and in your writing. Truth is so much better than fiction. I hope you keep writing. Worst case, write for yourself and your family. The stories and pics of the kids, races, & trips are all saved in one place to look back on through the years. You are just in a writers lull. Your readers will be here waiting for whatever you decide...
    Siincerely,
    loyal Katie fan & reader

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  25. I would miss you so much if you stopped blogging! I don't even know how long I've been reading your blog... many, many years. My husband knows who I'm talking about when I say "Katie said..." :)

    That said, my own blog is collecting virtual cobwebs. It gets dusted off when my mother calls and says I need to post more pictures of the kids. I understand running out of things to say.

    I hope you find enough to say to come back perhaps a few times a week instead of every day. :) No matter the blogs fate, I hope you enjoy life to its fullest. Life doesn't have to be blogged to be enjoyed. :)

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  26. Your blog has been a part of my life for years. I check in every day like clockwork to see what's going on with you guys. When I mention Katie, my hey and knows exactly who I'm talking about.

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  27. I love reading your posts, and have for a long time (since sparkpeople)! Because of your candid writing style, it feels like we have a friendship - even though you don't know me (other than through my comments)! I would miss your posts if you decide to stop, but would understand, too. Maybe you could just do occasional posts, and it will make me smile whenever I get an email notification :D

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  28. If you go, I will definitely be sad. I've read your blog for a long, long time. Your posts never fail to make me smile!

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  29. I really love your blog, and your honesty. There have been SO many times that I just wanted to reach out to you---either a high five (so many of these, hard to name a few, but when you did work for Nathan and y'all got to meet Justin Verlander, for when you overcame your fear and adopted Joey and then when he GOT accepted to the boarding after getting rejected at first), or a big hug (so many of these as well---many around grief issues, particularly losing Mark) or just a "boy, I struggle with that as well" or "you said it exactly the way I feel", etc. You are touching so many lives, Katie, and your goodness and light shine through. I can't imagine how tough it is to write from your heart so consistently, and sometimes get very unproductive feedback---but for every stray hurtful comment, there are probably thousands of us who have positive things to say... we just don't always tell you! Take good care of yourself, and know that your heart guides you in the right direction.

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  30. Hey Katie, your blog has changed my life. It's changed my views on health and fitness and I strangely feel like you are a friend. If you do stop blogging, please leave up your blog :) I love to go back and re-read your old posts for refreshed inspiration! In fact, I'm getting back on track now after having a baby, and already plan on re-reading :) But you do you girl, you have to do whats best for your life!! I would miss you for sure tho.

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  31. Hi Katie...I've been reading your blog for years and I love it. I was wondering if possibly once a week or so, you could do a Dear Abby type post to help a reader with an issue they are having with weight loss or maintenance or running. Sometimes we are stuck in our own heads and would benefit from some what would Katie do advice.

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    1. I used to do just that! I called it "Reader Q&A" and I did it for a long time. Maybe I'll bring that back for when I'm feeling at a loss of what to write about :)

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  32. Have you thought about other goals that you could write about? I write a list each year of 52 random things I want to try to achieve during the year. It could be hard stuff (I lost 10kg this year) or easy fun stuff (climb a mountain 10 times, donate blood 10 times) etc. something that inspires you to try new interesting things. You can even go 12 and focus on one a month to make it easier.

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    1. I love that idea! I used to so something similar, and got away from it, but maybe I'll try something like that again :) Thanks!

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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