My Blogiversary!

Happy Blogiversary to me!

(And yes, blogiversary IS a word, listed in the urban dictionary here.) 

I started writing this blog exactly one year ago today. And what an awesome hobby it has become!  When I hit those first buttons to create Run with Jess, I had several intentions...

KEEP THE STREAK ALIVE.  

My family may have grown up,
but I've slimmed down!

I was on a roll in my weight loss and running was a big part of that.  The blog was a way to hold myself accountable to my planned workouts.  I've always had great intentions but the follow-through is not stellar when it comes to me, myself and I.  My fitness had fallen to the back burner once I got married and had children. I struggled to find my way back. Like numerous others, my hurdle was 'time'.  For several years, my New Year's resolution was "just say no" to other people's favors and to stop volunteering my time.  This sounds harsh and selfish, but when I maxed out at 225lbs, something had to give.  I had to focus on me... not only for my happiness, but the well-being of my new little family.  So last January, I finally found myself back in a good place.  I had lost 45lbs and was starting to feel alive again.  I had to keep this going...

SHARE THE JOY OF RUNNING.  
Along with a lighter load, I had a new love in my life - running!  When I wasn't pounding the pavement, I was scouring the web for information on how to get faster, stronger, go longer.  I could talk "running" forever with whomever would listen.  And let's face it, a blog is just that...
a place to talk about your passion.

Definitely the highlight of my year!
Quad Cities Marathon
26.2 baby!

PAY IT FORWARD.
I felt a deep gratitude towards running and how it was turning around my life.  I wanted to tell the world about this great endorphin high I was on... It was free and legal (!) and they could have it too!  My hope was to share my story - my success, my struggles, my failures - with a desire that others would be motivated to take their first steps into running.

DOCUMENT THE JOURNEY.
With two years of regular running under my belt, I was ready for bigger challenges.  Although I wasn't sure exactly what that was at the time last January, I knew I wanted to keep a diary of the journey. I enjoy reading my own thoughts back from time to time.  It's motivating for me to read back on where I was ... and how far I've come.  Who knew I would be a marathoner less than a year later?!?!  So glad to have that journey documented here.

NEW FRIENDSHIPS.
What I didn't know when I started writing Run with Jess was the wealth of friendships that would come my way.  Even if they are "imaginary" as Kim would say, I feel like I know many of you quite well through our conversations and training together on DM.  It's a true community here in bloggyland and I'm happy to be a part of it. You all inspire me. Thank you for all your advice and encouragement over the first year of Run with Jess.


So after all that, you better believe I'll be hanging around for a while longer... and getting better with age!  A friend once told me that on her wedding anniversary each year, she "checks in" with her husband... How are we doing?  Do we need to make adjustments?  What can I do better?  Brave, yes!  The answers could be scary, but that's the time for growth.  So today, I ask the same of you - my readers!  Tell me in a comment below...

What do you like best about Run with Jess? 

What would you like to see more of?

Fitness Tips... Giveaways... Running Stories... Motivational Quotes

Product Reviews... Virtual Races... Current News, etc...

Answer in a comment below and you'll be entered into my 

Blogiversary Giveaway

a collection of my favorite things!

One entry per person.  Must be a follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect or on Facebook (See the top right sidebar to get connected on both.)  Winner will be drawn one week from today on January 17.

BondiBand headband
Sexy Mom's Running Club water bottle
Hot Sweaty Mamas book
nuun hydration tablets
Gone Running magnetic sign
velcro wrist pouch
assortment of five GU gel flavors
$10 iTunes gift card (not pictured)

THIS GIVEAWAY IS DONE.