Asking questions on your blog: okay or not okay?
Do you guys ever read Hollaback Health? It’s a fun blog about healthy living blogging and social media – and breaking the blogging “mold.”
There was a post up yesterday about the trend of ending posts in a question, often in bold, or even bold and italics. In the post, they said that people do this for two reasons – because they genuinely have a question to ask, or because they are fishing for comments.
In the post they suggested that the question is not necessary – if the content is good enough, there should be discussion anyway. No prompt needed.
I found this interesting. I have been asking questions at the end of my blogs posts since at least October of 2009 (and I am not sure why I started doing that). And of course I did it to get comments, or rather, feedback. I tend to think of my blog as kind of a social experiment – I love hearing what people have to say about things, and I love finding other people I relate to. I look forward to reading comments, and interacting with people. I used to respond to every single comment I received. I still respond to a lot of them. Reading comments is one of my favorite parts of the day.
Anyway, here I go…
Do you think putting a bold question at the end of a blog post is superficial, and just a way to fish for comments?
You can be honest with me. It may or may not change what I do, but as always, I love to hear (well, read) your opinion.
I actually have a lot of thoughts on this topic, but I want to see what you guys have to say first!
How long does the post-race buzz last?
You know that awesome “I did it!” feeling you have after a good race (or even a good run)? That feeling of happiness, pride and excitement? That feeling that reminds you why you run and how good it makes you feel?
That feeling seems to be lasting less and less longer after races for me now!
Don’t get me wrong – I still feel that way – I am on cloud nine after a good race, and for quite some time… the buzz just doesn’t seem to be lasting as long (a few days instead of a week+). I think a few things are causing this:
- Racing isn’t “new” to me anymore – I have run a few of the different race distances, and I think the novelty and excitement of running a race may wear off a bit as you run that distance more and more. Don’t get me wrong – I still get excited! It’s just that the half I did this weekend was not as exciting as the first half I did – because that one was my first and it was a big deal (to me)! I think this is why I am excited about (potentially running) the unique distance Nautical 10 Miler (actually 11.5 miles) on September 11. And I still need to do an actual 10-Miler and an 8K!
- I am racing more often now. My financial situation is better this year and I am able to race more – I have already run 5 races this year! I have one this Sunday, one on the 29th, one on the 30th and one on the 7th. Again, I still get excited, but the post-race buzz may not last as long because I have another race coming up right after I finish!
- I am more confident about racing now, and a lot of that nervous energy is gone. This is good in the sense that I (sometimes) feel calmer on race morning, but there is less excitement in “seeing how I will do” during the race. I don’t really surprise myself with my results as much. And I don’t mean for that to sound cocky! It’s just that I planned to run 1:54:39 on Saturday and I basically achieved that. I feel really excited and happy, but I have run a few races and really surpassed my goals, and that has made me feel even more excited and happy. Make sense?
- I know that I won’t set new personal records (PRs) forever. Eventually I will hit my capacity. Hopefully not for awhile, but a PR certainly makes the post-race buzz last longer!
Hopefully that doesn’t make me sound like a grump! It’s just me figuring a few things out. I want to reiterate that I love to race. I love the atmosphere. I love being around other runners. I love racing with friends, I love racing with the running club and I just love running! I don’t have to PR each time, and every race doesn’t have to be a great one! I will keep racing as long as I continue to feel excited about racing. I just hope the post-race buzz doesn’t slowly slip away entirely, because I love how it makes me feel!
Do you feel like the post-race buzz doesn’t last as long, after you have a few races under your belt?
No more multitasking or overbooking
Here’s what my internet browser window typically looks like:
Six tabs open – that is not uncommon. That is me trying to multitask and do a bunch of things at once. And it’s even worse on my home computer – I have two screens and usually have multiple programs and multiple browsers (with multiple tabs) open.
I feel like I have been trying to live my life this way lately – my brain has multiple “tabs” open, but none of them are loading fully, or getting the attention they deserve, because there is just too much going on.
It’s really time to stop multitasking and start focusing on things one at a time. And I can remember to start with my internet browser – there is no reason to have email and Facebook open at the same time. I can check one, and then the other. I can try to control my thoughts so I am not constantly doing one thing but thinking about another.
I mentioned yesterday that I felt really tired and “meh” all week. I didn’t feel like doing anything. The more I thought about it, it reminded me of the time two summers ago when I hurt my wrist. After I got hurt, it was difficult for me to do things like get dressed, make my lunch, clean up the kitchen, and so on. Instead of asking for help, I kind of gave up. I dressed sloppily (even more than normal), bought my lunch instead of packing it, and didn’t help around the house. That lasted a month or so and made me feel awful.
Well, that is what I’ve felt like lately, but I don’t have any physical barrier. I just didn’t want to do anything. No cleaning, no food prep, no socializing… and I think the actual barrier is me. I have just been overbooking myself, trying to do too much, and not really giving the things I am doing my all. I am setting myself up to fail.
We had a relaxing low-key weekend, and I felt like that was exactly what I needed to get back on track. I raced Saturday then spent the day chilling – catching up on blogs, walking Data,
going out to dinner and watching a movie on Netflix. On Sunday Steven and I exercised together, had a picnic outside for lunch, and got groceries. Then he made dinner while I cleaned and cut up all of the produce we bought – broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peppers, strawberries and grapes. I hadn’t done that in awhile because I had been feeling so lazy. I felt good when I got it done, and later in the evening, I even packed my lunch for today. It felt like the perfect way to start the week.
Obviously, you can all relate to this. Everyone is busy and multitasking and overbooking themselves. But my brain just isn’t set up for that. I don’t know if I am weak-minded, or what it is, but I just cannot think about two things at once. I can’t listen to music and read at the same time. I can’t talk on the phone and do anything else (or I will end up not paying attention to the person on the phone). Really, I can barely even start a story and get to the end and remember what the hell my point was. Honestly. I just don’t have a very clear train of thought. And I feel like I am really holding myself back.
So, I will try to quit multitasking so much. And quit overbooking myself (especially with things I don’t really want to do) and wearing myself out. I will try.
When you are feeling “meh” and lazy and don’t want to do anything at all… what helps you get back on track?
Training Week 77
My next race is the Trolley Run (4M) on April 17th. This is the week of the South Shore Half Marathon on April 9th.
Day 533 | April 4, 2011: 5.5 m run
I met Bobbi and another Grayslake Running Club (GRC) member at the Rollins Savanna for a fun 5.5 miler. It was overcast and windy out, but the run was a lot of fun. Chatting with Bobbi and our friend made the time fly by. I felt like I could have kept going when we were done!
Distance: 5.5 | Start Temp: 43° | End Temp: 47° | Time: 56:17 | Avg Pace: 10:14 | 1: 10:28 | 2: 10:10 | 3: 10:19 | 4: 10:46 | 5: 10:02 | 6: 4:30
Day 534 | April 5, 2011: cross + strength class
For some reason, my lunch time recumbent bike ride really took it out of me. I felt weak and hungry when I was done… despite having consumed more than enough food and water before the workout. Weird.
Recumbent Bike Time: 45:00 | Distance: 8.13 | Set on “Manual,” Resistance Level 6.0
In the evening I went to the strength class, and we tried something new – bodybars and medicine balls! Our trainer (Brian) set the bodybars up in to different stations and we all rotated through them, then did medicine ball work together. We did three sets that way.
I liked working with both the bodybars and the medicine balls. The medicine balls were a lot more work than I thought they would be though! We did one move where we did pushups with one hand on the medicine ball and the other hand on the floor. Then we would roll the ball over to the other hand and do more pushups. That. Was. Hard.
Check out the move here.
Have you ever done a workout with Bodybars or Medicine Balls before?
Day 535 | April 6, 2011: cross
I got on the treadmill to run during lunch, and my legs just didn’t feel right. I decided to use the bike instead. And was not happy about it!
Recumbent Bike Time: 30:00 | Distance: 4.75 | Set on “Manual,” Resistance Level 6.0
Day 536 | April 7, 2011: rest
Day 537 | April 8, 2011: 2 m run
I ran two miles, in the rain and dark, early in the morning, to test my half marathon pace. The pace felt good. I felt cranky. And tired.
Distance: 2.0 | Temp: 39° | 1: 8:47 | 2:8:49
Day 538 | April 9, 2011: 14.35 m run (13.15 + 1.2)
I ran the (Milwaukee) South Shore Half Marathon (and set a new PR!) then ran just over a mile afterward.
I guess you guys think I should count 1:54:06 as my real time! I will do that temporarily for now. I did email the Badgerland Striders to ask about it.
Day 539 | April 10, 2011: 5.15 m run/1.7 m walk
It was warm on Sunday! Steven and I went out to do a 20 min run/5 min walk interval three times (with warm-up and cool-down) at the Rollins Savanna – it was 70°F when we started, and 76°F when we finished! And sunny with wind. The wind made the running slower but felt nice.
We were a little bit dehydrated, because I didn’t feel like running with the belt (oops) but other than that, it was a good run!
It was fun to see so many people at the forest preserve. I have been to this one a few times in the past few weeks, but have been one of the only people there. Well, everyone was taking advantage of the warm weather this time – the parking lot was almost full!
I wonder if any of those people forgot their sunscreen like I did?
I even remembered once when we were at home, before leaving… then promptly forgot.
Week Summary: 27.00 miles
This was a really off week for me. I just felt so tired each day. I didn’t want to do ANYTHING. All I wanted to do was sit on my butt. Hopefully the nice warm weather will snap me out of this funk! And maybe this lower mileage week will help too. I was quit worried about my left knee at the beginning of the week. It started feeling off last Sunday (the 3rd) but it feels really good now. Must have been a temporary thing (I hope!!!).
1:54:40… or 1:54:06?
Bobbi informed me that the half results are up and my listed time was 1:54:06. It did take me 30 seconds to cross the start line (which is included in my Garmin time) but my watch said I hit 13.1 at 1:54:20… and the clock said 1:54:40 when I passed it. And uh… this race was not chip timed?
So which time is my real time? I mean, the clock totally said 1:54:40 when I crossed it. But I totally stood around for 30 seconds (well, 28 according to the chart below) before I started.
Maybe the clock said 1:54:04 when I crossed and I am dyslexic? DOUBTFUL!!!
[poll id=29′]
What do you guys think? Which time should I count as my official time from today?
I know. This is so stupid! I am thinking… 1:54:40? This must be a time keeping mistake!
Oh, and if you look at the results, there were 929 finishers!
South Shore Half Marathon Race Report
I originally had 18 miles on the running schedule today, and when I saw some Grayslake Running Club members were going to Milwaukee to run the South Shore Half (which cost less than $14 to enter, by the way), I thought, why not?
My goal was to run 8:45s and set a new PR, then run 5 miles afterward.
One of those things did not happen – the second one! I’m okay with that (I think. Maybe.).
My official time was 1:54:40, which is funny – it was one second off of my goal time of 1:54:39! I took 3 minutes and 7 seconds off of my previous PR of 1:57:47.
Update: my official time was actually 1:54:06! The clock just read 1:54:40 as I crossed (and I thought that was my official time, but it wasn’t). So I actually took 3 minutes and 41 seconds off my previous PR.
And here’s how it went down… this is an well organized, but somewhat informal race, that gets a lot of runners – 850 last year and at least 600 this year. The race is NOT chip timed, so I walked for about 45 seconds before I crossed the start line.
The race website says this about how hilly the course is “There are several hills on the course, but no major ones to worry about.” That is A LIE. This course is ALL HILLS. ALL. THE. TIME. I mean, check out the freakin’ elevation map:
Sigh. Maybe that is not hilly for Wisconsin people? Anyway. The course is an out and back on a bike trail, so it was a bit crowded at first. BUT, that really helped me keep my pace (being so close to people)! I did really well in miles 1-7, and thought, “This is easy!”
Mile splits:
1: 8:53
2: 8:24
3: 8:33
4: 8:27
5: 8:27
6: 8:30
7: 8:38
I knew I was banking extra time in the first seven miles and I was excited about it. Foreshadowing – I didn’t know I would need it.
Also, I should mention I tried something new (big race NO NO) for this race – I didn’t run with my belt. I pinned my GUs to my pants (had to read about how to here – ended up taking one GU at 5 miles), and took water at the stations. That actually worked out well!
But what happened at mile 7? I kind of started to fall apart. I didn’t feel that tired, or that out of breath, and I didn’t feel bored… I am not sure WHAT it was. But, I slowed down. I walked through two water stops, up part of a HUGE hill, and a few other times. Sigh.
8: 8:55
9: 8:34
10: 8:57
11: 8:39
12: 9:28
13: 8:58
13.14: 1:05 (7:54 pace)
Garmin stats here, note, it was in the 40s and perfect out!
I didn’t even have it in me to sprint at the end. Thankfully I banked that extra time, and crossed the clock at 1:54:40. Phew!
This course is actually really pretty. It’s right next to Lake Michigan, and goes through some open areas and some forest-y areas. Some parts were muddy though!
My legs and new shoes got all muddy. Ha ha.
You don’t get a medal for running this race, but you do get a pair of gloves!
After the race I took another GU and met up with one of the people I rode with to run my 5 miles… I went out on the course and we caught up with Bobbi, then ran back in with her… then said “eff this I am done running.” Sigh. I guess I will have to run my 18 this week. I feel like a lame-o for not doing my last 4 miles of my 18. Whatever.
We went inside and got some snacks, then headed back to Illinois!
This is a nice, small race, and I would do it again! I would just be better prepared for those damn hills. I want to run a flat Half Marathon now!
And it looks like I have some more work to do on racing… I am just NOT that good at it! Sure, I met my goal, but the last 6 miles were a mess!
Friday Question #155
If you were a DJ (deejay), what would your DJ name be?
Steven and I have some very interesting conversations on our long car drives back and forth to Iowa (and sometimes Missouri). During one of these trips in the past year, he randomly said to me, “I figured out what my DJ name would be if I was a DJ.” Of course, I had to ask, “What would it be?” He responded, “DJ Couscous.”
I laughed out loud. That name just sounds so funny, and we make couscous a lot, so, it just made me laugh.
On Sunday’s drive back to Illinois, we decided it was time to come up with my DJ name. We went through a lot of ideas before we settled on DJ Chickpea. Since I like chickpeas so much, and am a chick (and because of the whole healthy lifestyle thing – DJ 5K was another idea).
So, we’re DJ Couscous and DJ Chickpea. Of course, we know nothing about actual deejaying, we were just having fun. We started brainstorming DJ names for our family members too, but they’re not exactly finalized… or entirely appropriate.
What would your name be? If you can’t come up with anything on your own I found this little DJ name generator… but it’s kind of lame!
30 Day Fashion Shoot: Days 1-7
Erin just finished doing a 30 Day Fashion Shoot Meme on her blog (for March) so of course, I had to copy. I think the point of this whole thing is to re-evaluate your wardrobe and get creative? I think you guys are just going to get an idea of how little I know about fashion and how crappy I look on a day-to-day basis. Please feel feel to provide input! I am pretty tough-skinned (well, about my wardrobe, anyway).
Day 1 – April 1, 2011
I was going to my brother’s rehearsal dinner, so I got a little dressed up (for me)!
Top (cami + blouse) – New York & Company
Pants – The Limited
Shoes – Payless (of course)
Purse – Target (threw away the next day)
Necklace – New York & Company
Day 2 – April 2, 2011
In the am (I will post race outfit pictures only, not all workout outfits)…
Top – Chicago Marathon
Capris – Kohl’s
Shoes – Asics Gel Cumulus 12s
… and in the pm, at the wedding!
Dress – The Limited
Shoes – Payless
Earrings you can’t see – The Limited
I bought one pair of these earrings for me and one pair for my sister to wear to the wedding:
Day 3 – April 3, 2011
A casual day, for sure! We spent it hanging with the new bride and groom.
Top – Asics “Run Your Own Life” top (it’s so comfy and soft, love it!).
Jeans – Target
Shoes – Asics Gel Cumulus 12s
Necklace – “Sisters” necklace from Red Envelope
Day 4 – April 4, 2011
I ran in the am, and totally bummed around the rest of the day. This is what I look like when I am a bum! P.S. I didn’t pay for any of this outfit!
Top – Essential Fitness shirt (given to me by trainer)
Bermudas (?) – Walmart? (from my sister)
Day 5 – April 5, 2011
Ugh, work. Here we go. This is where I need help!
Top – Target (just scored two days earlier for $10!)
Jacket Thingy – Kohl’s
Pants – Kohl’s
Shoes – Asics Gel Cumulus 12
Earrings – New York & Company
Day 6 – April 6, 2011
Ugh. Notice how tired I look in the am? (These pictures are taken before 5:00 am!)
This top is too tight! I need to lose some more weight if I want to keep wearing it.
Top – Kohl’s
Pants – The Limited
Shoes – Asics Gel Cumulus 12
Earrings – from my mamba
Day 7 – April 7, 2011
I was hoping the lighting would be better at work, but… nope. I might have to take these photos at the end of the day when I have natural light.
Top – JCPenney
Pants – ? Not knowing when or where I bought them is probably a sign I need to get rid of them. They look awful. And kind of baggy.
Shoes – Asics Gel Cumulus 12
Earrings you can’t see – from New York & Company
I feel kind of weird posting a bunch of pictures of my outfits, but please know that I do not at all think I look “cute” or “put-together.” The only outfit I like of this bunch is the purple dress. And the race outfit. Ha ha.
Alright, does anyone else wear sneakers at work like me?
I change in to “nice” shoes when I go to meetings. My feet feel better if I wear sneakers most of the time!
Makeup musings
If I didn’t know better, I would think Data wants to learn how to apply makeup (I am not sure I should be the one to teach him though!)!
Actually, Data just wants to be fed. He is so cuddly in the morning.
I think I need someone to teach ME how to apply makeup. Or what makeup to wear. Every morning, I put on four things:
Eyeshadow, eyebrow gel, mascara and eyeliner (not in that order). It’s the same four things everyday (well, everyday I wear makeup! Ha!). Ho Hum.
I actually seem to have nicer makeup at work (photo below) – what’s up with that? I need to buy some of that Clinique mascara and eye stuff for home. Actually, I would like to have ALL Clinique products. They don’t test on animals and I like their products.
If you wear makeup, do you wear the same thing everyday or do you switch it up? Do you have a favorite brand? Do you even wear makeup everyday?
I don’t think this post will help me win any male readers!
A little aggressive
See, I told you I would be back shortly if I wrote about how “quiet” I felt! My family member’s surgery went well – thanks for your thoughts! They will be in intensive care for a couple of days and recover over the next six weeks. The post below is not related to the earlier post.
It seems I cannot talk to a certain person without them giving me advice on how to live my life, when they know nothing about me (or what the hell they are talking about). I’ve written about this before (the I do what I can post and the Thoughts on Fasting post ), and there’s been another incident. Steven has told me that the way to deal with this person is by changing the topic to get them to talk about themselves, which seemed to work this time.
Other Person (OP): Kim, have you run any marathons lately?
Note: Many people don’t seem to realize that not ALL races are marathons. I mean, I don’t expect them to get it, but it’s funny. We had one friend who was always talking about the marathon he ran, but it was really a 5K. Note, marathon = 26.2 miles. 5K = 3.1 miles.
Kim: No. But I ran 15 miles Thursday morning and a 5K this morning. (Yes, I was egging OP on.)
OP: Wow. Don’t you think that is a little aggressive?
Kim: Nope. I don’t think that is aggressive at all. I have built up my mileage slowly and smartly. In fact, I don’t feel like I am running enough. A lot of people I know run more than me. I wish I was running more. We are going to Kansas City in two weeks to do another race and visit Steven’s family. So we’ll kind of be by your old stomping grounds. When was the last time you were in Kansas?
OP: Oh, we went to Kansas… blah blah blah.
Note: My transition to getting that person to talk about themselves was so seamless that Steven didn’t even notice it when I asked him about it later. Schweet!
This encounter really bothered me, for a little bit, even though it shouldn’t have. I know that this person is just awkward and actually trying to be polite by asking people about their interests. They just don’t know what to say after they ask. And they are genuinely concerned that running is slowly killing me, so… that is nice?
The thing is, running makes me feel strong and confident. I am proud of the fact that I can run at all. So when someone says something stupid like this (when they know NOTHING about what they are talking about) I find it annoying. But it’s easy to get over. Because in the long run*, I know at the end of the world, I can outrun them and won’t feel weak because I DON’T fast 3 days a week.
I do wonder, how would they have reacted if I told them I am running three half marathons in the next 5 weeks? Or that I just signed up to run another marathon in October (the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon, with Erin!)? That probably would have blown their mind!
What do you do when people give your crap about your interests/hobbies/lifestyle?
*Pun, ha ha.
Hi! I’m Kim, a 40-something-year-old living in northeastern Illinois with my husband Steven, and our cats, Khaleesi, Apollo, Starbuck, and Eddard aka Ned. My current main hobbies are running, painting rocks, flying, reading, and eating. I follow a vegan lifestyle and work in an account management role. I write about a variety of topics and consider this a “life” blog – a place I can share anything that’s on my mind. Please visit the “About” page to get a better idea of who I am! 🙂
