The World Needs Your Running Blog

And you probably do, too.

You have a story inside you, I know it. But you’re waiting for a sign that it’s okay to tell it out loud. Well, here’s your sign. No clap of thunder, just a gentle nudge that the world needs your running blog (and you do, too).

If you’ll allow a short story of my own, we’ll come back to you momentarily.

In college, I took up “fine art” painting. I wasn’t very good, but those hours in front of an easel gave me something to anchor to. I was flailing in school, changing majors every quarter and seriously considering dropping out. But, I had my cheap acrylics, a few decent brushes, and a water glass thick with multicolored drips. These few tools—and Pink Floyd on the stereo—were a refuge.

My style was graphical, with bold colors, psychedelic patterns and imagery, and big typography, often spelling out lines from the songs I was listening to.

I eventually put down the brushes and put up two of my better pieces in a friend’s garage sale. To my astonishment, one of them sold. Later that year, thanks to the encouragement of an Art 101 professor, I joined my school’s Graphic Design program and discovered my calling.

Thinking back, maybe selling that painting encouraged me, too.

You may have already found your calling, so I’m not suggesting you write about running to find “purpose” (though that might end up being a side effect). What I am saying, is that sharing your journey with others is almost guaranteed to impact your life, and the lives of others, in fabulously unpredictable ways.

Will you do it? Will you lean into the mystery?

Why Share?

There’s a voice that asserts you shouldn’t write publicly about your running. I’ve got one of those, too … Always badgering me to focus on more important things or remind me that nobody cares what I have to say. In his seminal “War of Art” books, Steven Pressfield calls this dark force “Resistance.”

Overcoming Resistance requires a solid why, because you’ll need to return to it again and again. Consider these reasons to get started on your running blog. Do it:

• For yourself: Writing is, according to modern meditation guru Dan Harris, “An antidote to anxiety.” He says, “Various forms of journaling have been shown to increase immune response, sleep, memory, focus, time management, and decision-making.” Writing about the sport could also deepen your connection, making your practice more resilient. If you commit to a schedule, it might even bolster your discipline, which will contribute to better running—a virtuous cycle.

• For others: Because you’re here, can I assume you get some value from reading about running? Can I also assume mine is not the only running content you consume? By extension, is it within the realm of possibility that if you were to share something of yourself, others might find value in it? It’s leading questions like these that had my whole family encouraging me to become a lawyer.

• For the world: Many of us have been conditioned to keep our inner lives to ourselves. In this environment of isolation, sharing is a subversive act—a small rebellion against silence—a way of saying, “My experience matters.” When enough people share their running experience, the rising tide lifts all boats and elevates our shared humanity. Isn’t that something the world could use?

An actual thing posted on our fridge.

Qualifications

Here’s a short list of things you don’t need to start a running blog today:

• A degree in English or Journalism (or any degree)

• A love of writing (blog begrudgingly—the benefits are still real)

• Talent (whatever that is)

• Expertise (Chat GPT is better-informed than we are, anyway)

• Deep insights (no need to get philosophical)

• An audience (it’s okay to blog alone, just like running)

• Money (free platforms abound)

• Hot takes (lukewarm observations welcome)

And the number one thing you don’t need to start sharing your running with others is: Permission. The web is big enough for every pace, every story, and every voice. Your perspective has a place, and it matters.

Here’s a short list of things you do need to write about running:

• Lived experience (take that, Chat GPT)

• An internet connection (coffee shops are great, too)

• The courage to start (and it does get easier)

• Openness to let it evolve (where you start is just that)

Manageable, right?

How to Share

You’re already on one of the best platforms for writing about running (I’ve tried many). Whether you build your own website or tap into Substack, Medium, Beehiiv, or Ghost … just start. There’s nothing wrong with pivoting down the line if the platform you choose no longer serves your evolving project.

Why and what you write are up to you. Some of my favorite books for going inward and discovering ideas (and courage!) are by Natalie Goldberg. “Writing Down the Bones” is a classic how-to with a balance of practical and inspirational advice. “Old Friend from Far Away” explores memoir and finding your unique voice.

Like running, writing is about building a practice that integrates with your life. It’s personal. Yours won’t look like mine. One of the best books I’ve read on  finding a writing practice that works for you is “Written,” by Bec Evans and Chris Smith. Their Breakthroughs and Blocks Substack is pretty great, too.

Fear of Oversharing

The word originated in the 1970s, but really took off with the rise of social media. “Oversharing” has been vilified, and fear of it holds people back from expressing their true selves. I chalk it up to another attempt by “the man” to quiet small voices.

Here’s the truth: sharing can’t go “over” when it’s intentional. Simply be thoughtful about who you’re communicating with and what they might take away. Vulnerability makes stories relatable. Writing about the sweaty, messy, joyful, painful, emotional parts of life and running doesn’t make you "too much." It makes you human.

Inspiration!

Your writing can take any shape you’d like. Expect it to change over time and enjoy the process. Sometimes, when I need a good laugh at myself, I’ll look at my running blog from the early 2000s. Please don’t judge: mudsweatbeers.blogspot.com

Inspiration is all around (though probably not in my blog from the early 2000s). Here are a few goodies unearthed in my short time on Substack:

• A Matter of Brand |

  Matt Trappe

• Footnotes |

  Sam Robinson

• Running Sucks |

  Raziq Rauf

• Das Z Letter |

  Chris Z

• the morning shakeout |

  Mario Fraioli

• the rundown |

  Ashley Mateo

• Mountain Running & Living |

  Sarah Lavender Smith

• The Ultra Minute |

  Ken Seals

What running blogs do you love to read? Let everyone know in the comments (see, sharing’s not that hard).

The Finish Line

Thirty years ago, someone bought one of my crappy paintings at a garage sale. Now, I’m two decades into a fulfilling career as a creative professional. In fifth grade, I was runner-up in the citywide VFW essay contest. Now, I’m exploring a second act in life as a writer, and fairly teeming with excitement.

Take “The World Needs Your Running Blog” literally, if it suits. Or, consider the larger metaphor. You don’t need anyone’s permission to do what makes you come alive, but some friendly encouragement never hurt.

Remember, as daunting as these leaps feel, they are into slow-flowing water. Where you jump in is not where you’ll end up. Stay open to the changing scenery.

For my part in a “practice what you preach” ethic, I literally just walked over to our fridge and crumpled up my original goals for Running Lightly. I don’t know what the new ones will be, only that the old ones don’t serve anymore.

I look forward to seeing what you create. Please come back and share!

Run lightly,
-mike