This has been quite the year. I’m going to save a look at the entire year for an early 2013 post, but I wanted to write a specific post for the RunChat awards that were just announced. Last year, I was nominated for “Funniest Running Blog” and was pretty excited at the chance to score a visor. Yes, I love running in visors. I even wrote a post about it. I came in second to Shut Up and Run who cracks me up and won deservedly so.
This year, I was nominated for “Best Overall Running Blog” which absolutely floored me. IF I was going to be nominated again, I thought it would be under the “funny” category. That is where I was last year and that is where Runner’s World recently featured me so I figured that would be my niche. When the nominations came out, I saw these names next to mine:
Mile Posts: She was on the cover of Women’s Running magazine, runs Boston on the regular, finished 20+ marathons and pushes a triple stroller faster than I run… yep, that is a whole lot going on and her blog is a great one to read with constant inspiration.
Miss Zippy: I nominated her in this category because I honestly turn to her blog for running tips and motivation. I also voted for her (I didn’t vote for or nominate myself). Her blog is frequently recognized for it’s content, she is a certified running coach, ironman and a bird. I honestly thought she would run away with this… pun TOTALLY intended.
No Meat Athlete: I’m sorry to say that I wasn’t entirely familiar with this one. I recognized the name, which is a plus considering the number of running blogs there are out there. In checking out his blog, I saw that he not only writes about running, but nutrition and fuel as well, something I have never really written about. And I just had a cookie at 10 p.m. Oops. Also a Boston Marathoner (3:09), an ultramarathoner, crazy page-views and has been written about and featured by a who’s who of running.
As you can see, this was a list of some amazing bloggers, runners and people. I was humbled to be included and felt completely out of my element. Seriously. I’m trying to crack the 4-hour mark and I’m in a category with these speedsters? They run laps around me. I know it’s not all about speed, but that is SOME tough competition. I’ve said it before, I’m just a regular guy that runs a lot and writes about it. I keep things light (which usually places me in the “funny” category and sometimes do “crazy” distances. I felt like the running kid that snuck into the party of superstar runners.
You saved this blog.
Truth be told, this almost didn’t happen. In October after THIS happened, I almost stopped blogging entirely. I questioned why I was maintaining a blog, a social media presence and what was really important to me. The response I got on the blog and twitter was amazing. The comments and numerous messages that I was meant for something “more” than that title made me realize that my focus was misplaced. Rather than allowing it to crush my spirit, I was going to use it as fuel to DO MORE. To run stronger and pursue my goals with a refreshed energy. That single incident sparked something inside of me.
When I saw that the blog had won, I was shocked, honored, happy and humbled — all at the same time. Recognition and affirmation is always nice and ‘m working on accepting compliments. I still feel — unworthy? I’m not fishing here, just trying to give a glimpse into my strange psyche. Maybe I’m the person that always seeks approval, but never accepts it. Is that a thing?
What I’m trying to say is THANK YOU. It is a wonderful way to end the year. This wouldn’t have been possible without you, literally.
“hey… we won.”
We thank you.
Advertisement:
Fantastic post and SO WELL DESERVED, my friend! I nominated and voted for you because I honestly think you are just so inspiring, fun and embody everything I love about running and enjoying life :)
Thanks. Can’t wait to get a chance to meet you at SFM. You are going to have so much fun…
What a wonderful post. Congrats on your win!
Thank you…
You are SOOO deserving of this!!! I LOVE your blog and how motivating you are! And I LOVE LOVE all your gorgeous pictures! A huge congratulations to you!!!! Whoop whoop!!!
Thanks. I always have my phone out taking pictures. I’m glad they are being enjoyed.
Well deserved! You are so supportive of others and are incredibly motivating!! Have a Happy New Year!! :D Congrats on your win
Thanks. Hope you have a great 2013 as well.
Why must you make me tear up BEFORE 12 pm? I love this and am so happy you won a well deserved award. I read your blog everyday [via iphone] so I can’t always comment, but you always make me smile with your posts…first lady doesn’t hurt either ;]
Me? It was TFL. She brings out the water works on everyone!
Congrats! Most definitely well-deserved. You really are a wonderful inspiration.
Thanks… the feeling is mutual on inspiration.
Congrats, VERY well deserved!
Thanks SUAR. I had to move to a different category so I had a chance I guess. I nominated you for “funny” again, your posts always crack me up. Damn cats!
Congratulations!! As a new-ish reader of your blog, it didn’t take me long to realize why you were nominated (and why you won!)
Thanks Hyedi. I’m glad to be getting to know you as well.
What a beautifully written post. Very well deserved win – congrats to you!! :)
Thank you.
You’ve definitely deserved it! Without an ambassadorship, you’ve rocked it nonetheless yo!
Thanks Kat. You rock pretty bad yourself.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this!! Very well deserved!! (And such a cutie pie, too! Her, not you! ;) kidding!)
Thanks Linz… awww… I mean thanks.
Congratulations Mr!!!
Thanks Matey.
Congratulations and so well-deserved. You do offer something very special to the running and social media communities and frankly, community in general. Stoked for you and glad that you decided not to stop blogging. That would make lots of people sad.
Thanks Christine. It’s been really great getting to know other bloggers and runners like yourself. One day our paths will cross and we can strike a yoga pose together!
You deserve it! You challenge me all the time when I see those crazy miles on Strava and just have to say “what the heck” is this guy taking.
Dude! I think the same thing about you. You run more crazy miles than I do.
Congrats and so deserved!!
Thank you.
Great post! You’re achievement is so well deserved!
Thanks… it can be a bed time story to tell the little lady. A long time ago, in San Francisco, far, far away…
Huge congrats, as others have said you deserve this. You bring a unique and honest perspective to our crazy sport, and I enjoy reading your posts on the regular. Also I’m happy that the SF ambassadorship didn’t stop you and that you’ve continued on in the blog world, your positive attitude shines through and it’s a pleasure knowing you!
Thanks M. It was close. My heart wasn’t into blogging after that. Sort of in limbo. It was like a really bad run that just stuck. Honestly, having other runners be candid and share their thoughts helped. I’m glad runners are so nice. LOL.
Ya know I am thrilled that you won! You have such awesome, varied content here and you are one of the nicest people out there in the blogging world. Incredibly happy for you and SO glad you stuck around so that you COULD win! Cheers!
Thanks Zipster. I really thought this one was going to you. I turn to your site for inspiration and info on being a better runner.
Congrats! Must be such a great feeling!
Thanks. It was a real surprise. The other bloggers are such accomplished runners. I feel like I’m at the beginning of my journey. A great way to end the year none-the-less.
YOU ARE AMAZING! Very well deserved! The thing I think you do so masterfully and humbly is remind us that running is for every kind of individual who has the desire to lace up their kicks! You are accessible and real and we love you for it PR! Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Paige. There is nothing “special” about me. It’s just going out there everyday and like you said, “lace em up.” I just run and keep setting my goals higher. Speaking of, my goal for 2013? RUN WITH YOU!
p.s. Awesome picture of you and the first lady!
Congratulations on a well-deserved honor. Looking forward to another year of PR posts!
Thanks Brianna. I’m glad I can help spread the love.
So glad you’re still blogging so you could win this award – and bring light and inspiration to so many people like myself! As everyone has said, well deserved! :)
Wow. Thanks Bonnie. I really enjoy your adventures and it means a lot that I can inspire someone that inspires ME! You rock!
HUGE CONGRATS!!! And congrats to all!!!! I really am taking to heart your statements about not blogging anymore. I was just about there…. I think I will continue on into 2013 & see what happens. I have to find a real job desperately but I hope I can do both! :)
Thanks. It is tough to find a proper balance. At the end of the day, I think you have to be happy with what you put out there. For me, it was re-defining what was making me happy.
Well deserved! Congrats!!
Thank you…
Such fantastic news! And what an awesome way to finish 2012- very much deserved. Congrats!
Thanks. Who knows what 2013 holds for me… maybe they’ll put my shoes on Mt. Rushmore. HA!
Wuhoo!!!!!! You are an amazing athlete and so very deserving of the award! :) Many of us find you as one of the top running inspirations and its refreshing that you’re so humble. Kudos!
Thanks Beka… I get inspiration from all of YOU. It’s true when they say that social media and the running community can make you a better runner. I’ve learned so much from building relationships with everyone.
I am so happy for you, congratulations!
Thank you.
And you are most welcome, but this was really all YOU! You so deserve your nomination. I love your blog and I don’t even like running! :P
Thanks. That is saying something… I’d like to say that I don’t like food… but that isn’t true.
You really deserved the run chat award! I’m so happy you won!
Thank you… it was a great way to end the year.