May 06, 2023

Breaking the Blogging Streak


On January 1, 2020, I made a New Year's resolution to blog every single day--whether it was a long, well-thought out post or just a few words or a picture. And I haven't missed a single day in 1,221 days. (Fun fact: If you google "how many days since xx/xx/xx" it will tell you in an instant.)

I started writing Runs for Cookies on April 3, 2011. Since then, I've written 3,511 posts! Can you even imagine that in book form?


My knee injury in 2012

My blog has evolved so much:

  • from weight maintenance, to weight loss, to weight gain, and repeat x100
  • documenting my skin removal surgery
  • from running, to not running, to running, to not running
  • from racing everything from 5Ks to three full marathons
  • budgeting and paying off $14,000 of credit card debt
  • learning all sorts of DIY things
  • remodeling my house and garage
  • seeing my kids grow from ages five and seven to seventeen and eighteen
  • celebrating years seven through nineteen of my marriage (going on twenty in August)
  • being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and writing about mental health
  • traveling for pleasure or blog reasons
  • meeting up with readers from all over the country
  • making the most amazing friends through my blog
  • sharing success stories from readers
  • sharing all about Mark's cancer diagnosis and getting SO MUCH LOVE from my readers
  • sharing my family's heritage recipes
  • becoming vegan for ethical reasons and trying out new vegan recipes and "weird" ingredients
  • forming Ragnar Relay teams with strangers
  • being on The Dr. Oz Show, The Today Show, numerous podcasts, and even a feature-length film "From Fat to Finish Line".

Whew. That barely even touches the surface of the things I've written about.

Being filmed for From Fat to Finish Line

And now, Friends? I feel like I've said it all. I've been feeling so much stress and pressure to come up with things to write about on a daily basis and I just need a break. The number of readers I have is steadily declining--which is fine, because I write more for myself than for anyone else--so I feel like I've just become rather uninteresting (I'm not disagreeing!).

Writing one of my very first blog posts

Lately, I have had so many personal things on my mind that I can't write about and they are really affecting my mental health. The punches just keep coming and some days, I just need to not think about my blog at all. I need to focus on myself and my loved ones.

Recovering from my skin removal surgery--I wasn't allowed to sit up!

Anyway, I am not writing this to say good-bye--although it does kind of sound like it. Instead, I'm going to just cut back on the blogging and start taking the weekends off from writing. Over time, I may continue cutting back until I decide that the day comes when I am ready to quit altogether.


It's going to feel weird not writing a post on Saturdays and Sundays. If I have something I really want to write, then I will--but I haven't had much that I can write about lately.

When I was not at all happy about having to transfer things from my old computer to my new one.

So, I'm going to try out writing just Monday through Friday and see how it goes. I'm kind of sad to bread my writing streak, but I am doing what I think it best. Thank you for reading, and I'll be back on Monday! :)

My best friend and editor

30 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear it, but totally understandable. Do whatever you need to for your own personal requirements. We will be here if and when you do any writing. Take care of yourself and your family. And thanks for all the great, interesting blog posts over the years that you have already given us!

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    1. Thank you! Truly. I hope things will start looking up soon--it's just overwhelming right now.

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  2. It's totally understandable that you'd want or need a break from blogging. It's amazing how long you've been able to post daily. I've een following you for many years but rarely comment, but do enjoy your content regardless, and watching your lovely family grow up and all the changes in your life, good and bad. I will continue to watch from afar and enjoy whatever and whenever you choose to share with us.

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    1. I really appreciate the comment and kind words! Writing this post was kind of emotional for me--it brought back so many memories.

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  3. Even if you only wrote once a week or less, I'd still enjoy reading your blog. You do what you think is best for you and I'll be cheering for you. Thanks for all you've shared over the years. 🩷

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    1. I appreciate that so much! Thank you for your support.

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  4. I have been absolutely astounded that you have not missed a day since you started the daily blogging! Seeing you in my inbox is part of my daily routine and I will miss you every day you aren't there. Thank you for sharing so much and I hope things smooth out for you soon!

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    1. I can't believe it myself sometimes! Lately, I'd been doing less and less actual writing, so I just felt like it was time to cut back. I appreciate your reading! <3

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  5. If you stopped altogether, tomorrow, because it was what was best for you, your readers would completely understand and would be 100% supportive. Please do what you need to do for your own personal well-being and know that nobody expects you to blog at ALL if it's not bringing you joy (or at the very least, satisfaction). You say you blog mostly for yourself....so maybe consider personal journaling and take a break from public blogging for an indefinite period? Or check in once a week? Again--do what is best for YOU. We all care about you and will support a decision to step away for a while (or for good).

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    1. Thank you so much for the kind words and for understanding! I don't plan to blog forever, but I think cutting back right now will make a big difference. I do write a personal journal as well (very short--just a couple of sentences a day). I've just grown to absolutely love my readers and I've met so many great people--it's hard to step back! I appreciate your support. xo

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  6. i don't comment much, but i do enjoy reading all your posts. i agree it's important to take care of you and your family first and foremost.

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    1. Thank you Debbie! I know you've been reading for a while (I get to "know" people who have commented in the past). I appreciate your support more than you know.

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  7. I'm not a frequent commenter but I do agree that you need to do what you need to do for you and your family. I don't know how you kept at it everyday for that long. I do follow some blogs that do take weekends off or only do a few days a week. Whatever works for you.

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    1. Thank you, Suzanne! At first, I had no problem coming up with things to say, but as my life has evolved, it's been much harder. I think the step back will help tremendously. I appreciate your comment!

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  8. Big hugs. While you know I LOVE your posts, I might just love this more. You, once again, leading us by example with self-care.

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    1. Thank you, Nita! I appreciate your support and kind words, as always!

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  9. If you stopped blogging I will be very sad as I only read your blog. Maybe once a week?

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    1. I don't plan to stop anytime soon :) I just need to cut back a bit, at least until things calm down around here. I've been dealing with a lot and it's taken a toll. So hopefully I'll have more positive things to say! Thank you for reading :)

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  10. I absolutely love reading your posts BUT I love knowing more that you're taking care of yourself! And whatever you do decide to post, just know your regular followers will be here to read them! Gosh I've been following you for so long that you feel more like an internet friend than just another blog I follow! You're always so kind and compassionate and you can feel the love you have for your family and friends. Take care of yourself Katie! <3

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    1. Amanda, I have always loved reading your comments and I appreciate you so much. Thank you for reading through all the good, the bad, and the boring ;)

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  11. I first heard about you on Runner's World Magazine, and have been hooked since then. I wish I had a daughter like you. I'm so sorry that I recently used you for a therapist, and vented about my past. I've never told a therapist because I heard long ago that the only way to get over it is to forgive, which I'll never do. You're the smartest and coolest and most empathetic person, and you make us feel like friends. Maybe someday you'll be an author for a best seller that's unbelievable, but actually true. And speaking of empathetic, now I'm feeding two Ferrill cats every day (people please get them spayed/neutered).

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    1. Karen, I don't mind at all that you shared with me what was on your mind! We will figure something out regarding your email. And I love that you are feeding the feral cats! (I agree about the spay/neuter--I really wish that everyone would do that.)

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  12. Sending you love with everything you're going through/unable to share. I've been here for years, and it's been amazing to get to "know" you through your blogs! Take all the time you need, and know that regardless of how often, I'm happy to read :-)

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    1. Thank you so much! I feel like I've gotten to know so many readers as well. I appreciate your comment and kind words. xo

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  13. You feel like my friend next door, and I agree we all the other replying readers that we want you to be happy and healthy first. Then write for us, if it serves you well. I'm a long time reader too and I'll always be looking for your posts, with much hope for a happy and healthy YOU. I'm fine with giving you weekends off! LOL!!!

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  14. You are one of the last blogs I still read! I'll admit I don't read everything, but I love everything you write. I find you really inspiring and think of you a lot!

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  15. I love your blog and understand needing a break, I hope you don't quit because I do look forward to reading about you and your family. Enjoy your weekends you deserve having a a couple days off.

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  16. I think it's great you are breaking the streak. It seems like a lot of pressure to keep up. Don't feel like you even have to commit to M-F for us. Even though I don't comment often, I've been reading your blog since close to the beginning. I used to read a lot of blogs, and yours is the only one I've stuck with after giving up on all the others. I think you are mire interesting than you realize, because even if some of it seems just like mundane everyday life stuff, that's what everyone can relate to in some way. So take care of yourself, and no matter how much you cut back or how sporadic you post, I'll still be reading. Like you, I used to run a lot back in the day, but no longer have any desire to. I'm almost your same age, give or take about 6 months. And I've been vegan for 12 years, so I've enjoyed seeing you discover the "weird" foods ;) I'm single without kids (or cats!) so although I can't relate to being a wife or a mom, I find it really interesting. Oh also I was one of the people you sent the handmade masks to at the start of the pandemic when masks were no where to be found. I was beyond grateful to get that delivery! Take care Katie!

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  17. I've been following your blog for a long time. As a matter of fact I used your running plan to run my 1st and only half marathon. I wasn't very fast But I finished. I really appreciate that you share about your mental health. I have my struggles. Although my issues differ. I am on the spectrum. I can relate. I will continue reading your blog as long as you continue writing.

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  18. I don't comment often but I read every one of your posts. Take care of yourself but know you are missed when we don't hear from you!

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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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