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December 21, 2016

Thoughts on Running and Life

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Yesterday, I went on a run for the first time in nearly a week and a half (the last one was my annual DC Christmas tree light run). I can’t even remember the last time I went so long without running, but I wasn’t craving a run (and over the weekend when I was, it was too icy), so I didn’t force myself to get one in until I really wanted to.

I’ve felt super burned out on running since the Marine Corps Marathon, unsurprisingly. Lots of travel, trying to squeeze in crazy long runs on weekdays, running in extreme heat – all of those were a recipe for losing my running mojo, so after the race I’ve been enjoying mixing it up with a lot more boot camps and strength work – and more rest days, too. It’s been fun, and I definitely want to keep up with the strength – it feels good to be challenging myself in a different and new way.

This last stretch was the longest I went in between runs, though, and although I know a week and a half of no running probably doesn’t sound like much, it is when you’re used to always running 3 days a week – and when a lot of your social time is run dates. 🙂 Needless to say, by the time yesterday came around I was excited and ready to get out there. It reminded me why I love running so much in the first place – it felt like coming home.

washington dc running

I met my friend Karen for a DC bridge loop (starting in Georgetown, we ran over Key Bridge, along the Mt. Vernon Trail, back over Memorial Bridge, then along the waterfront back to Georgetown). The weather was cold (low 30’s) but sunny and not windy for once – perfection. It felt so right to be back out there in my favorite city with a good friend by my side, and we spent the whole time chatting away as usual. We were surprised when we saw my watch after we finished – speedy! Time flies when you’re having fun.

running the key bridge

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It’s weird because after so many years of constantly racing and running and training, a lot of my identity is wrapped up in being a runner. It’s nice (and necessary) to take a break, but at the same time, I always feel like something is missing when I don’t run for awhile, even if I’m still doing other fitness stuff. Does anyone else feel this way?

I guess I’ve just been feeling a bit adrift lately in general, both with running and life, and struggling to find the right balance, especially with work. When I get too busy, I feel overwhelmed and like I don’t have the time to really offer up my best, but when I try intentionally to give myself more time and space, that can leave me feeling anxious, lonely, and uninspired. I’m not really sure what to do about it, to be honest.

I absolutely love my AnneTheRD nutrition client work, and I feel that I’m in a good place with that with a client volume that feels balanced, but I haven’t been feeling as inspired or excited lately about blogging. I’m certainly not planning to quit or anything – but I’m trying to figure out how to get my mojo back. Part of it is I find myself really missing having coworkers and people to actively collaborate with in person (rather than just virtually, which is also cool but not the same at all) – it helps me to stay excited and creative to have others involved. But another big part of it is just feeling like there’s such information overload nowadays. When I started my blog back in 2009, there was much less going on on the internet, and I felt readers (including myself) had the time and energy to really read and engage with blogs. Now it seems like there’s so much going on online, constantly jostling for everyone’s attention, that it’s hard to feel like I’m still here offering something interesting or worthwhile. I also feel like in order to continue to get traffic there’s so much pressure to have every post be polished/fancy, optimized for Google, pimped out with pin-able graphics, shared and scheduled a billion times on social media, etc. – that it takes a lot of the joy out of posting. I guess it just feels more like work now than it used to because there’s always something more I feel like I should/could be doing, and that leaves me feeling like I don’t want to do anything at all. I miss when posting felt more natural and simple – I popped in and said hi and that was it – no writing for SEO, no spending ages putting together graphics, no strategy and hours spent on social media. I struggle with wanting to go back to just doing that and with being smart about working to grow my blog/business.

IMG_0326

Anyway – I’m not sure why I randomly went on this tangent with you guys today, but when I sat down to write today’s post it just started to come out and it felt right to share how I’ve been feeling. If you have any tips or thoughts, I’d welcome them, and if you just want to say hi, I’d love that, too. 🙂 Thank you for being here – I appreciate you guys so much.

Have a good one, my friends – get out and do something that makes you smile. 🙂

xo

- anne
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161 comments
  • Kim
    December 21, 2016 · 10:54AM:
    Thanks for sharing this, Anne. I'm more an introvert than you, but I totally get you on the "business" blogging vs. doing what you love. Social media and optimization has definitely improved my business and brand, but it 100% feels inauthentic sometimes to force the graphics, the social promotion, etc. If it helps, I do think your posts still come through to us readers as natural! Keep doing those things that bring joy--in both work and life! :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:08PM:
      Thank you Kim!
      Reply
  • Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
    December 21, 2016 · 10:58AM:
    I totally understand where you're coming from on the blogging front. There's so much pressure to make sure posts are "just right". It's a lot of work.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:08PM:
      Yeah, exactly.
      Reply
  • Dawn
    December 21, 2016 · 11:04AM:
    Anne, I've been reading your blog for years and will keep doing so - to me, it doesn't matter if the post is SEO, pinterested, has a buzzy headline or not. I just find it inspiring to read about your active life, eating habits and healthy outlook on life! Also doesn't hurt that I went to college with Steve :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:09PM:
      Thank you Dawn :) And that's fun you went to college with Steve!
      Reply
  • Allie
    December 21, 2016 · 11:09AM:
    Hi Anne! I am a long-time reader who rarely comments, but given the post, I thought I'd share my two cents. I completely agree about the inundation of content on the internet. As a non-lifestyle blogger who just wants to consume a reasonable amount of content, it has become somewhat overwhelming. I can't imagine how it must feel for you with the pressure to appeal to everyone and stay relevant. I have seriously culled my blog reading/social media consumption in general and really only follow the ones that I enjoy the most. Yours is one of the few blogs that I still read regularly. Your attitude toward food/exercise are a breath of fresh air in a world of blogs that are still trying to tell me (explicitly or otherwise) that I need to be dieting or exercising more. I also love your recipes (simple and accessible FTW) and general lifestyle tidbits. I love reading your reviews of products because I know that they're authentic and they give me ideas for new things to try. Anyway, I know I'm just one person, but for what it's worth, I am definitely still enjoying!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:09PM:
      Thank you so much Allie, this means a lot!
      Reply
    • Liz K December 21, 2016 · 12:23PM:
      I agree with Allie as I have also cut back on the blogs I read recently but continue to come to yours to read daily. Your blog is not full of sponsored posts (and when you have one its authentic) or too much fluff. I'll keep reading!
      Reply
      • Anne
        December 21, 2016 · 12:25PM:
        Thank you so much for reading, Liz!
        Reply
    • Kacie December 21, 2016 · 2:54PM:
      I agree! I always enjoy your posts and will happily keep reading with or without pimped out posts! :)
      Reply
      • Anne
        December 21, 2016 · 3:21PM:
        Thank you Kacie! :)
        Reply
  • Kate December 21, 2016 · 11:11AM:
    I've heard this sentiment from a few bloggers that I follow but yours is the only one that I felt compelled to comment on. I really love reading your blog. Everything that you write feels so authentic and your approach to life, exercise, and eating has been helping me find more balance in my life. I hope that you're able to continue blogging while feeling true to yourself because it really resonates with me, but I also hope you're able to find a balance that feels right for you. I think we all need a bit of a break and I'm hoping the holidays will help with that a lot!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:10PM:
      I'm hoping so too, Kate. Thank you for reading - and for taking the time to share this comment with me today!
      Reply
    • Jen December 21, 2016 · 2:13PM:
      I don't comment often myself, but I agree with Kate. I really enjoy your blog and your overall approach to life and food. Beyond all of that, you come across as such a happy and kind person on your blog that it feels like you're someone I'd want to be friends with if I knew you in real life. If that makes any sense! Regardless, I hope you are able to recharge and find the right balance!
      Reply
      • Anne
        December 21, 2016 · 3:09PM:
        Aw, thank you! And I would love to be friends in real life. :) Thank you so much for reading!
        Reply
  • Jennifer December 21, 2016 · 11:23AM:
    I've been a reader so many years that I don't need your page to be pimped out to read, if that's any comfort. I know you need new traffic to keep it profitable, though. I've always enjoyed your recipes, and actually it seems like the ones you just throw together are the ones that make it into my regular rotation. Easy and nutritious and balanced. Also, your posts about the newest health products/fads/terms/etc are a great help to me (I don't mean to limit this to "new" stuff either, I love when you go in depth into something I know very little about but you've learned in your schooling). I feel like I can trust you, and that's the special thing your blog offers in my opinion. But just reading all you have to do per post made ME tired. Wow what work these days! I think I even miss now when blogs were simpler and less curated and shiny. I don't know where I'm going with this, but I just wanted to respond to your honesty.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:11PM:
      Thank you Jennifer - I appreciate you sharing this with me! It's such a tough balance between just writing for fun/writing what I want to, and writing to grow my blog in terms of traffic. I definitely miss the less curated days... everything was so much simpler!
      Reply
  • Jenny December 21, 2016 · 11:23AM:
    Thanks for this post! There may be information overload today but I regularly only follow 2 blogs, including yours, so please know that your posts are meaningful, read and enjoyed by myself and many. One of my best friends and I have both been readers for a few years and didn't realize we both followed you until it came up on a run one time. You have 2 big fans from the NYC area! It's obvious how much time and effort you spend composing the posts and including pictures, which are one of my favorite parts! I can't imagine what it's like making a blog into a business and the struggle for balance and inspiration when there's so much to do to upkeep the blog with SEO and other things that I don't even know about. It sounds really difficult and I wish you the best finding that inspiration and best balance :) Merry Christmas!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:12PM:
      Thank you so much, Jenny! I love that you and your friend are both enjoying my blog - and that you discovered it while out running, too! :)
      Reply
  • Pamela
    December 21, 2016 · 11:24AM:
    Fitness Fatale just posted something similar, musing about personal blogs in the midst of the onslaught of internet overload. Worth checking out! Also life is just hard, that's where I'm at these days. Between work and renovating a house and wanting to enjoy my youth, it's just one massive to do list and ultimately- is that satisfying? Big life questions.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:13PM:
      Big life questions indeed. I also feel like life has been one massive to do list lately -- it's hard to figure out which things are most satisfying amidst all the clutter. Thank you for being here - I'll check out Fitness Fatale's post, too!
      Reply
  • Sarah @ BucketListTummy
    December 21, 2016 · 11:27AM:
    I am also an introvert but I understand the need for social interaction, especially in the nutrition setting! As far as blogging and SEO goes, I hear what you are saying. I haven't been blogging nearly as long as you and I feel that pressure too. But at the same time, people don't read your blog for that. Readers like what you have to say, whether it's pinnable or keyword worthy or not. It's more authentic when you just write from the heart rather than the head, and I've started doing that more also. Hope that helps - just my two cents!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 3:24PM:
      I'm definitely an extrovert, so I think that makes working for/by myself even more challenging! It seems most bloggers I know are feeling the same way re: overwhelm... I love that you are working more towards writing from the heart rather than the head, too.
      Reply
  • Carly McLeod December 21, 2016 · 11:39AM:
    I want to second (third, fourth, whatever) the other comments here. I can totally understand and appreciate where you are coming from - when I first started into the business of blog reading (that's a business, right? ha), I found it easy to catch up. Now..for many reasons, I don't have as much time to do that. I do find however that I always read your posts, and always refer back to recipes saved from you. Your content is real, researched, relatable and "normal". So, thank you!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:14PM:
      Thank you Carly! I appreciate you taking the time to be here. :)
      Reply
  • Emily @ Zen & Spice
    December 21, 2016 · 11:43AM:
    I have been feeling the exact same way lately about my blog. There really is so much pressure to do everything "perfect"-- not only do you have to write the post, but you have to take nice pictures, edit them, write the SEO, create graphics, schedule, share on a million different places, it is overwhelming. I am glad someone else feels the way I have been feeling -- that there's so much stuff I know that I SHOULD be doing, that I just can't bring myself to do any of it. It's a weird feeling. I have been trying to figure out how to fix it myself, haha.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:15PM:
      Right?! So many of my blog friends have said they feel the same way lately -- but none of us are sure what to do about it! Let me know if you figure it out :)
      Reply
  • Kori
    December 21, 2016 · 11:46AM:
    Although my blog was meant to just be a hobby and wasn't at the same level as yours, I too lost my motivation/desire. I sadly admit it was due to laziness because I came to realize I had been uploading photos in a far too large of file size. I tried using a free website, per Wordpress customer support advice, to compress them, but it didn't work. So I just put my blog on the backburner, which is sad because I loved the platform. But as you said, these days it has become too complicated. I love beautiful photography, don't get me wrong, but I love when a blogger is real. You, Kath, Kylie, and Brittany are ones I faithfully follow because you're genuine, share a positive message, and provide great recipes. I appreciate your transparency and hope you find the balance that's best for you!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:17PM:
      Thank you for reading, Kori -- I hope you find your blogging mojo again soon too, if you want to!
      Reply
  • Erica December 21, 2016 · 11:56AM:
    Hey! just thought I would let you know I've followed your journey since NC and have been loving it ever since! Actually last weekend on a trip to Pitts I finally made it to Arsenal Cider Co and it was delish.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:17PM:
      Oh yay, that's awesome! Thank you so much for reading - and so glad you enjoyed the cider spot! I forgot about that place and it is awesome - might have to go back over Christmas!
      Reply
  • mary @ minutes per mile
    December 21, 2016 · 12:01PM:
    you do you, anne! don't let the internet bog you down. we love you just the way you (and your blog) are! also, try going eight weeks without running! talk about identity crisis!! haha.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:18PM:
      Omg girl I can't even imagine!! I love you and your blog just the way you are, too. :) xoxo
      Reply
  • Dietitian Jess
    December 21, 2016 · 12:02PM:
    Anne your blog has always been one of my favorites because you keep it real with your readers and after meeting you earlier this year it was awesome to find out you are just as authentic and nice in person! I totally get where you are coming from though with SEO, perfect pictures, social media, etc.- it's never ending and gets exhausting. Maybe some time off for the holidays will be a nice breath of fresh air :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:18PM:
      That's what I'm hoping. :) Thank you, Jess! I hope we get to hang out in person again soon! xo
      Reply
  • Lisa December 21, 2016 · 12:11PM:
    Hi Anne, I've been reading your blog for about 3.5 years now but this is my first time commenting. Just wanted to let you know that your blog is one of my favorites, simply because I enjoy reading about your food and fitness adventures! I appreciate your balanced view of both - not striving for perfection with either your diet or with exercise. I actually like the blog posts more when they're more natural, too polished is boring! Getting into a rut with anything is expected, but I hope you just keep doing what you're doing!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:20PM:
      That makes me happy to hear you think too polished is boring -- I honestly feel the same way when reading blogs, but it's so hard to balance that with the constant onslaught of articles telling me "if you're not doing xxxx for your blog, you will have no traffic ever." Sigh. Thank you so much for reading :)
      Reply
  • Chelsea December 21, 2016 · 12:16PM:
    Anne, I love your blog. It's the only fitness/healthy living-related blog I've stuck with consistently over the years. You speak from the heart and you're so inspirational! (It doesn't hurt that I live in the DC area too and get lots of tips from you on how to run in the heat, what trails to run on, etc.). By all means I think you could forget all the extra stuff that makes blogging feel like work - SEO optimization, tweets, pinnable graphics - and just write. You'd be just fine considering the loyal following you have!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:21PM:
      Thank you so much Chelsea! I keep wanting to just forget the extra stuff and do what I want, but it's tough because traffic has gone down a lot over the past year or so (not just me, but for most bloggers I'm friends with - I think people are just so much more distracted/on overload and on social media more nowadays), so that makes me feel like I need to try to always be doing more... which makes me want to do nothing. So you're probably right - I should just get back to doing what I want. :)
      Reply
  • masala girl
    December 21, 2016 · 12:19PM:
    Hi Anne, Thank you, so much, for writing this post- it's SO refreshing. I began reading years ago, just before the blogging "boom". Now, I agree, as it seems like blogs have to be perfect and pristine. People who have been blogging say, 5 years ++ already have established readers, but now tht there are so many blogs and bloggers, there's just sooo much to do. I love that (while well kept; it's very visually appealing but not too white/fancy!) your blog feels natural and honest and not too business-y. I suppose if you *really* don''t like some of the technical aspects, you could always hire a VA? Best of luck! <3 Priya
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:23PM:
      Thank you Priya! :) I actually have hired someone to help with some of the more technical stuff -- but it's still hard to find that balance because then I'm spending a lot of time on the management of all that technical stuff/thinking about it a lot still and trying to strategize about what to do next... anyway, appreciate your thoughts!
      Reply
      • masala girl
        December 23, 2016 · 1:01PM:
        haha I can understand that! good luck!
        Reply
  • Jenn Rose
    December 21, 2016 · 12:27PM:
    Just sending a virtual hug! <3 Love your blog!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 12:39PM:
      Thank you Jenn! :)
      Reply
  • coco
    December 21, 2016 · 12:52PM:
    I can hear your frustration to try to balance fun/passion with work. I personally like your blog, one of the few that I actually read the text rather than glancing over pics, but I know how much work it entails to make a blog more professionally look. That's why I keep mine as a personal journal rather than for profit. I think one way to think about it is whether you want to keep it as hobbie or as business. Ideally they're combined, but that's not always the case. If business is important to you, even financially, then treat it a work and end of the story. If hobbie is the main reason you keep it running, then do what your heart tells you to do, and don't worry about having everything perfect and compare to others. You have a unique voice and I love your balance approach to everything. Keep that please! sorry for the rambling.. just my two cents. oh... great reflection on running. I totally get it. I'm not training for any race now, but I need almost daily dose of running to feel myself. would love to meet up for run sometimes :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 3:06PM:
      Thank you so much Coco! :)
      Reply
  • Victoria December 21, 2016 · 12:57PM:
    Hi Anne! I'm glad you're enjoying running again. You are the one who inspired me to try running and I really do enjoy it! I don't go far or go for many runs a week, but I love it when I'm out there and sometimes I feel like you're cheering me on if I'm having a tough time. Your blog is one of my favorites because I feel you are very authentic in your writing. I can appreciate the nutrition related topics (I really love them), the exercise, travel, and just simply posts about life. And the pics of furry Zara are always loved too. Enjoy the holidays and I hope you get some time to recharge.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 3:07PM:
      Awww I love hearing that you feel I'm cheering you on virtually when you're running - I am! :) Thank you so much for reading - and keep running happy!
      Reply
  • Robyn December 21, 2016 · 1:42PM:
    Hi Anne! I just wanted to tell you how much I've loved reading your blog over the past few years. I started reading your blog regularly after I found your posts about marathon/fueling your running. I feel like you are one of the few people on the vast internet who I really trust for advise - I think that's so powerful, especially in an atmosphere where everything is becoming so glitzy and "perfect", and speaks to your ability to write from your heart and connect with your readers. If this season of life for you means less running/blogging then that's ok so long as it feels right to you- although your loyal readers will be sad :D
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 3:08PM:
      This means a lot, Robyn - thank you! I'm honored to hear you trust my advice - please let me know if there are ever any topics you'd like me to cover in the future, and thank you for reading! :)
      Reply
  • Allison
    December 21, 2016 · 1:55PM:
    I love your blog, Anne! I am sure it must feel overwhelming to try to create "perfect" content every blog post, but know that I LOVE all the stuff you share - recipes, workouts, travel destinations, etc. I read a few fitness blogs, but one thing I really appreciate about yours in particular is that you take the time to respond to EVERY SINGLE person who comments. Not all bloggers do! Plus, you're super relatable, and I adore seeing pictures of Zara. :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 3:08PM:
      Thank you, Allison! :) And Zara appreciates the love, too. :)
      Reply
  • Mary Verkuilen December 21, 2016 · 2:13PM:
    Hi Anne! I love reading your blog - it is one of the very few really well written and concise blogs - thus it is a real pleasure to read. I would not want you to change a thing about your blog or glitz it up - I agree with one commenter - your blog is not crowded with ads so much that you can't even read the blog. I love the topics you write about, the recipes, Zara, and your everyday life adventures, and the pictures are also great! As far as balance goes, no one can do it all all the time and at various times in everyone's life, there will be imbalances. Maybe all you need is to rebalance all your obligations - prioritize the ones you are most interested in at the moment - give the others a rest and if the blog is taking up too much time, maybe just post your blog weekly or every other week so you can spend time taking care of any neglected areas in your life or developing new interests. Whatever you decide I will remain one of your biggest fans!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 3:11PM:
      Thank you, Mary! I agree that I think I need to rebalance things - and maybe take off some of the pressure, too, and get back to blogging just being for fun. Obviously it's a big part of my business, and I don't want that to change, but I think if I take off some of the pressure to do what everyone else is doing/what I "should" be doing to grow my blog, it would feel a lot more joyful again and I doubt it would make THAT much of a difference in traffic. Anyway - thank you for being here :)
      Reply
  • Jennifer December 21, 2016 · 2:21PM:
    I really do love your blog and find it easy to navigate, etc. I would say that I relate to you a little less now that I've had kids. And I don't mean that in any mean way at all, it's just the truth. It may be the reason if you've noticed less traffic, people getting later in life might be heading towards more "family" type blogs, etc. I will still catch your blog on my daily email and Pin lots of your recipes though! :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 3:12PM:
      I totally get that - and I thank you for being here anyway when the topics make sense for you!
      Reply
  • Jen @ Pretty Little Grub
    December 21, 2016 · 2:23PM:
    Blogging has changed so much. It feels like everything you post has to be evergreen and be shareable and I agree, sometimes it's just too much!
    Reply
  • Kim
    December 21, 2016 · 2:25PM:
    Hi Anne! I too am a loyal reader, sorry I do not comment more. I think, if my memory does not fail me, that you were the first blog I started reading! You are the only blog that I consistently read now! I am overwhelmed with the number of amazing bloggers out there but I honestly read yours consistently and not many others. I am in the health industry and have been thinking for over a year about starting a blog but I have not because of the same reasons you are struggling, just so so so much competition for readers that I am not sure I can keep up, nor that I want to. Ugh! Anyway, your blog is awesome, don't ever doubt it! I too love that you are YOU! I almost feel like I know you and I live across the country in Seattle! When you visit Seattle/Tacoma I almost want to reach out to meet up for coffee (it almost feels natural to call you)! That has to mean something. You have a created a wonderful, much trusted community! You inspire me and this post hit home too because I am a long time distance runner who is dealing with identity issues because I just, this past summer, gave up running to see if I can finally heal an injury. It may be that running all those years (20+) really caused some chronic issues that will make any future running just not worth the risk to the health of my body (I want to be active till the day I die). I miss it so much and am dealing with how my identity was so wrapped up in being a runner and a runner that everyone went to for advice. So again, your blog today hit home like so many others! Even if you blogged once per week I would be thrilled! I love that you are simple, relatable, joyful, and a fantastic person! Good luck with finding your mojo but always know your happiness must come first! Merry Christmas! Sorry this is so long!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 3:15PM:
      This is so sweet, Kim - thank you for being here! And you should totally reach out to me next time I'm headed to Seattle :) I'm so sorry to hear you've been dealing with some running injuries that have sidelined you for awhile now -- it's so tough when something that has a lot of our identity and self worth wrapped up into it suddenly isn't there anymore. I hope you heal up quickly - and that in the meantime, you find joy in other activities. :)
      Reply
  • Beth December 21, 2016 · 2:27PM:
    Hi Anne, I completely hear and understand your frustration and think it takes a lot of strength to put it out there. What an inspiring post to be yourself and say what you are thinking, that is why you are a pleasure to read. I am the same in when I try to make time for myself I am bored/uninspired, but when I make myself busy I am exhausted. It is such a strange balancing act to find. I have stopped a lot of blog reading and email receiving but you are one of the two I always am excited to receive and read. Not because of fancy graphics (though loved the christmas lights!!) or page views or readership, etc. I am excited because of what you have to say, how you are a real person not pretending to be higher than anyone else (i.e. you will eat a burger and fries and dessert), write back to us on comments, and really are there for us. Now while I love receiving your message every day, maybe go to 3 times a week and give yourself a break. Perhaps go everyday into the shared office space for that communication and coworker feel, even if Matt is working from home. Sending you lots of large hugs and kitty kisses.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 3:17PM:
      Thank you for being here Beth - I really appreciate you reading!
      Reply
  • Riley December 21, 2016 · 2:31PM:
    I've been reading your blog for a long time (through your college & wedding years!) and have always made time to read for the content and for feeling like I'm connecting with a lost friend. totally understand the pressure, but it's not an expectation I have (SEO, Pinterest, etc.) when reading a 'letter from a friend', which is how I think of your entries. you always cover such a wide range (meals, meal planning services, clothing, running, adventures, etc.) of topics that there's always something of interest to me. Maybe posting less often would give you a break or time to refresh? I just hope you continue - I enjoy reading and seeing the pictures even if I don't comment often!
    Reply
    • Riley December 21, 2016 · 2:34PM:
      p.s. I've made a number of your recipes and have purchased a few of the Brooks items based on your reviews and I've enjoyed the meals as well as the clothes! Thank you for that!
      Reply
      • Anne
        December 21, 2016 · 3:20PM:
        Yay, awesome - I'm so glad to hear that!
        Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 3:19PM:
      Thank you Riley! I love that you see my posts as a letter from a friend - that's definitely the feel I go for, and I'm glad that comes across! :) I'm not sure posting less often will help, because I do enjoy posting... but I think taking off the pressure to feel I have to post in a certain way (e.g. fancy, evergreen posts that people will share vs. just doing a random post about whatever I feel like) will help. We'll see. Either way - thank you for your support!
      Reply
  • Lynn F. December 21, 2016 · 2:35PM:
    I think the posts I most enjoy are just the ones where you're sharing about your everyday life. I don't need and fancy graphics or anything to keep me interested - I just like reading about your recipes and workouts! And I've tried lots of both! I understand about running burnout, too, and I think it's a good idea to give yourself a mental break from it every once in a while. It doesn't mean that you quit running. It's more like you take a break from pushing yourself to maintain a running schedule. That helps me, and I do it during the holidays pretty much every year. It gives me a chance to re-discover that I actually enjoy being active. Thanks for sharing your thoughts today!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 3:21PM:
      Love hearing that you also often give yourself a break to re-discover the joy in movement - giving myself the freedom to do whatever I wanted running-wise since the marathon has been awesome - but I think I'll be ready to get back into more serious training again soon, because I miss it! Anyway - thank you for reading!
      Reply
  • Erica December 21, 2016 · 2:58PM:
    Thanks for the post. I believe what you are feeling is natural and I'm glad you put it out there as others likely feel the same from time to time. I know I do. When I find myself questioning things, I take a step back and reevaluate and the dive into something new or something that I've always wanted to do but never had the courage to do. That always puts me back in touch with what and why I am here serving my purpose for others and myself.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 3:22PM:
      This is a great idea. Thank you for sharing!
      Reply
  • Heather @ Polyglot Jot
    December 21, 2016 · 4:12PM:
    I agree with you on the blogging work. I've only been blogging just over a year, and there's so much pressure to be perfect. I want to eventually be able to blog full time and make some income off of m blog, but there's just not always enough time to put in to it that I'd like. It's frustrating to feel lost in the noise of all of the information online and all of the other blogs out there. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or sad about my numbers growing slower, I remind myself why I blog. I blog because I love the community, I love reading other blogs, and I love sharing food, healthy living, and tidbits with others. I've really enjoyed reading your blog and I enjoy reading perfectly pinnable posts by you and real quick posts that might be more casual. I think sometimes as a blogger, we have to just reminder ourselves what we want, why we do it, and be flexible with our posts :D
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 6:25PM:
      So true. Thank you for this pep talk - I needed it today!
      Reply
  • Cathy December 21, 2016 · 4:32PM:
    Your posts are so inspiring and fun, I always look forward to them in my inbox! Just so you know, you have reached such a vast audience, I live in Colombia, south america, love running (begginer, though) and your posts always keep me motivated and alert. Without your posts in the internet, we would´ve problaby never met... :) People in all sort of areas of work or business go through what you are experiencing, so don´t feel discouraged. The internet may be filled with lots of information, but yours is still relevant to so many of us. :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 6:27PM:
      Thank you so much Cathy - I appreciate your kind words, and love hearing I have a reader in Colombia! Keep enjoying that running! :)
      Reply
  • Shauna December 21, 2016 · 5:16PM:
    Honestly, part of my fatigue in reading blogs in general these days is sponsored posts. I am interested in people's stories, their feelings, their journey. I have no interest whatsoever in someone going to a hummus factory or whatever. Maybe you would enjoy your blog more if it was more about expression and less about marketing?
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 6:31PM:
      Thank you for your honesty! I try very hard to balance sponsored content with my regular content, only accepting opportunities I feel are a really good fit and stay true to me and my blog. I will continue to do sponsored content, though, as this blog is a large part of my business (and takes up so much of my time), and I obviously need to make a living. Plus, I enjoy the sponsored opportunities I do accept as it's fun to share about products/brands I love, or to do fun sponsored trips. I don't think that's the issue with my burnout -- it's more the pressure to have non-sponsored posts be "perfect" (share-able, evergreen, super polished, etc.), I think. Anyway, thank you for reading!
      Reply
      • Amy December 25, 2016 · 8:37AM:
        I know this is hard to hear and I know you will keep doing sponsored posts because of everything you mentioned above, but this is why I also visit blogs much less frequently than I used to. I've just lost interest in visiting blogs when I know they are going to have sponsored posts.... I check in here and there now (obviously I'm reading this post days later instead of the day it was posted!) but nowhere near as often as I used to. For better or worse, there are readers like me who aren't visiting as often because of this, and I'm sure that's where some of the traffic has gone. I know as bloggers sponsored posts offer a big chunk of your income, so I'm not sure what you could do to solve it..... I do think you do all of the things you said above about trying hard to match the products with your brand and mission and come off authentic....I think you do all of that and it shows. I just still don't want to read them.
        Reply
        • Anne
          December 27, 2016 · 2:24PM:
          Thank you for sharing this with me, Amy! I'm happy to hear that you still feel my sponsored posts are authentic - that's very important for me, in addition to not going overboard on the amount of sponsored content I do. As I said above, though, I will still continue to do sponsored content because 1) the blog is a big portion of my income, and in order to spend all the time on it I do I need to monetize it, and 2) the brands I do agree to work with are ones I'm genuinely excited to write about and share, but I understand if you're still not into it. Thanks for being here! :)
          Reply
  • Silvia @ skinny jeans food
    December 21, 2016 · 5:21PM:
    I think in the long term authenticity will be the main attractor of any blog. The fact that the person comes through who writes the blog and she/he has something to say (instead of seeing the blog as a vehicle to sell stuff to reader, constant sponsored posts, etc.). "Perfect" and glossy also become boring quite easily, at least for me. So, don't change! You got it right! It should be fun for you, most of all, to write this blog. Authenticity will stand out, not pimped out blog posts.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 6:32PM:
      Thank you Silvia!
      Reply
  • Kristina December 21, 2016 · 5:36PM:
    Hi Anne, I am a local DC reader and began following your blog a few years ago along with several others. Since then, I have found myself reading your blog and one other. I have found most bloggers have now ended up posting less regularly, changing their content to be less authentic and more sponsored-posts, social media click bait, etc, or even completely changing their blog format. I think you have done a really good job in mixing up your posts (i.e. running, recipes, day in life, etc.) and making them relate-able/ authentic. As a fellow DC person--who also trained for the MCM, runs in a lot of the area races, etc.--I have appreciated following along with your progress, recommendations, etc. Please keep up the good work! Hopefully I will run into you at some point on the Mt Vernon trail or on the mall. Kristina
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 6:35PM:
      Thank you for reading, Kristina, and for sharing your thoughts - I really appreciate it and am happy to hear you have stuck around! Happy running - and please do say hello if we ever "run" into each other out on the local trails! :)
      Reply
  • Jen
    December 21, 2016 · 6:17PM:
    Girl, whatever feels good, take a step toward it, whatever feels bad, take a step back. You absolutely cannot go wrong with that formula!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 6:35PM:
      Thanks Jen :)
      Reply
  • Holley December 21, 2016 · 6:22PM:
    You rock Anne! I'm in my dietetic internship feeling a little lost and burnt out myself- I won't know what to do with myself once I graduate because I won't have things laid out for me to do anymore- CRAZY- but in a good way :) But I've been reading your blog for two years and I support you no matter what your posts look like! You seem like a really awesome, hardworking, creative person and I wish you well! -Holley
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 6:36PM:
      So exciting you are almost done with your internship - but I know how scary that post-graduation/internship situation can be! I hope you find what you love. Thank you for reading! :)
      Reply
  • Kristin December 21, 2016 · 6:41PM:
    Honestly I enjoy reading your blog because I love running and healthy eating. I enjoy your insights and you sharing your running/eating advice. I personally don't care about flashy blogs, content is more important to me ?
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 6:58PM:
      Thank you for reading! :)
      Reply
  • Michelle
    December 21, 2016 · 6:55PM:
    I love this post so much! I totally understand the balance struggle, even from a school perspective. The semester feels hectic, but break feels too slow and long! I also love the idea of one day doing something entrepreneurial as an RD (and maybe media/blogging would be a part of that) but I know I wouldn't be happy without coworkers or people with whom to share my work. Starting a blog/even trying to gain a following on instagram is daunting with so much out there that seems so far ahead already. It's a tricky thing for sure! Best of luck finding balance, and as someone starting out in the field I'm eager to follow along
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2016 · 6:59PM:
      Thank you Michelle! Wishing you the best in your future career -- let me know if there's any way I can help!
      Reply
  • Jennifer Pullman
    December 21, 2016 · 7:34PM:
    I have only been blogging for a short time compared to you Anne. I agree with you. I'm exhausted trying to keep up. I have three paying part time jobs. All three of those jobs are less stressful than blogging (which I don't get paid to do). Prior to reading this post I decided that I was going to take a step back in 2017 and only post when I wanted to not because I feel I have to. Maybe I will post once a week or maybe once a month. In the 16 years of being and RD I have always worked in healthcare settings with coworkers. As much as I would love to work at home for myself, I know I would miss my coworkers too much. My other work is what takes my mind off the blog deadlines, social media shares, etc.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 7:52AM:
      I'm glad to hear it's not just me, but I'm sorry to hear you're struggling with this, too. I think posting whenever you want to vs. when you feel you should is a great idea. :)
      Reply
  • Katie B December 21, 2016 · 7:39PM:
    I have been reading your blog for years, and I truly enjoy reading about your experiences and your perspectives on food, exercise, and body image. But if this blog no longer energizes you or serves your needs in the ways that it once did, then let it go. We'll miss you, but we want the best for you! I recently read a great article in Oprah's magazine about the things that we started doing for one positive reason or another, but now we feel compelled to do them, and as a result, they suck the energy out of us and they're no longer enjoyable. The article likened the energy draining activities to white tigers that someone (famous, I think?) bought, and now he has no money, but he has these pretty (but useless) white tigers. In the summary, the article's author asked, "What are my white tigers right now. What have I chained myself to this time?" This idea really resonated with me, and perhaps it is thought-provoking for you too?
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 7:54AM:
      That definitely resonates - thank you, Katie! I don't think it's the blog itself - I still really enjoy writing - but rather the pressure I've put on myself around my content needing to be perfect/curated like everyone else's. I think taking that pressure off and just doing whatever I want without guilt (I mean I was basically still doing what I wanted before, too, but with guilt because I felt like I should be doing something else but didn't want to so I never did) will help a ton. Thank you for your insight!
      Reply
  • chiara December 21, 2016 · 10:21PM:
    I get how you feel, Anne. I teach college and do research on Renaissance literature, and get paid to do it, which has always been a dream of mine and I am everyday thankful for this opportunity life offered me. Although awesome, it's still a job and more than once a semester I feel like I don't have energy to teach or no inspiration at all do keep doing my research. As any other jobs, mine has its no-no moments. So has your blogging activity. Especially with creative activities, it is hard to keep up with new information, updates and, more specifically, your mind flowing around when you should focus on producing something meaningful. As somebody who studies Renaissance lit for a living, I am surrounded by words and information (and, even if it might be pretty hard to believe,academia as well has its nonsensical publications and it's up to scholars to discern what is valuable and what is not), pretty much as the internet is for you. But that should not discourage you, it should rather serve you as a reminder of your role in creating meaningful information. It does not need to be new, it needs to be meaningful, for you and your bloggers, for the community you have created. I have started reading your blogs because I can relate to you: creative job, many many appointments and different tasks to perform everyday, the need to go for a run, the enjoyment of yoga and the foodie side of the blog. Sometimes we need to look back at the roots, there where we started to find motivation and to find a reason for what we do. For me going back to the roots is re-reading the Divine Comedy almost every other other month because everything in this world of massive knowledge is comprised in those 100 cantos. Let me know how you find your roots, when you do.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 7:56AM:
      This is so insightful and beautifully written, too, Chiara - thank you for sharing it with me! I love what you said about what I write not needing to necessarily be new, but meaningful. I think some of my burnout has been feeling like everyone else has already written about anything I could possibly write about -- but you're right, I can still create my own meaningful versions, and that will still matter to my readers. Thank you - this was helpful! And I hope you continue to find the joy in your work, too. :)
      Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 7:56AM:
      This is so insightful and beautifully written, too, Chiara - thank you for sharing it with me! I love what you said about what I write not needing to necessarily be new, but meaningful. I think some of my burnout has been feeling like everyone else has already written about anything I could possibly write about -- but you're right, I can still create my own meaningful versions, and that will still matter to my readers. Thank you - this was helpful! And I hope you continue to find the joy in your work, too. :)
      Reply
  • Renee
    December 21, 2016 · 11:00PM:
    I've been a reader since your beginning days and lately I've been reading your training and recap posts as I prep for my first marathon (Disney world on 1/8). Thank you for your honesty and sharing your heart!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 7:58AM:
      Thank you for reading, Renee, and have an AMAZING first marathon in Disney! So excited for you - don't forget to smile. :)
      Reply
      • Renee December 22, 2016 · 10:41PM:
        Great advice, thanks!!
        Reply
  • Karoliina
    December 22, 2016 · 1:59AM:
    Hi Anne! Greetings from Finland! :) I´ve been reading your blog since 2012 and it´s still one of my favourites that I visit all the time! I love to read about your fitness and food adventures and especially about running! I also love your blogging tips etc. I understand that all the extra stuff on social media, SEO etc. can feel overwhelming but I believe that in the end it comes to creating content that YOU yourself would love to read. So keep doing what you do! :) And happy holidays!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 7:58AM:
      That's a great tip about just focusing on creating content I myself would want to read! Thank you for reading - so fun that I have a reader in Finland! :)
      Reply
  • Nikki December 22, 2016 · 7:14AM:
    I like you for who you are. Your Blog is excellent just the way it is!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 7:58AM:
      Thank you Nikki :)
      Reply
  • Michelle December 22, 2016 · 8:49AM:
    I think the thing that really keeps me coming back to your blog is your authenticity. You are wonderfully optimistic, but not every post is a gilded, shined up version of your life. You share the occasional less than stellar days, and more importanty talk about how you work through them. I no longer feel guilty when I have a slow day, or cant go as far, because I realize that is normal. You motivate me to look on the bright side and get out and run, even when the weather isn't great, or I'm tired. Treat your writing like your intuitive eating and write when you feel motivated, even if it's not every day. It really comes through in the posts when you are passionate and happy, so don't make yourself miserable trying to force it or get stressed out on expectations. You inspire so many people already.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 10:54AM:
      What a sweet comment, Michelle - thank you for sharing it with me, and for letting me know that I've inspired and motivated you. I love what you said about treating writing like intuitive eating - what a perfect analogy! :)
      Reply
  • Jen @ Carins & Carrots
    December 22, 2016 · 8:52AM:
    Hi Anne! I've been reading your blog since around the time I started my blog (~2010) and just wanted to say hello. Your blog is the part of the reason I decided to go back to school to become an RD! I'm currently halfway through my internship. You are inspiring! Have you ever thought about doing clinical work?--I'm just curious! I think that's where I'm headed when I'm done with my internship. Anyway, a few years back I felt the pressure to monetize my blog but it just never worked out that way and my blog just naturally transformed from a "healthy living blog" to more of an outdoors/running/hiking blog, which feels right at the moment. I struggle with wanting to promote my "brand" but I have yet to actually figure out what that is and how to stand out from the millions of other blogs! I'm also currently struggling with my identity as a runner, so I can relate! After running 5 marathons in 4 years, I've hit the wall, so to speak, and have zero motivation to run, so I've taken a break. However, I really miss the joy I used to get from logging so many miles and I'm trying to figure out how to get that back. But anyway, sorry for rambling, but just wanted to pop in and say hi. Happy holidays!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 10:56AM:
      Hi back, Jen! :) Thank you for saying hello, and for reading my blog for all these years! That's so exciting that you are halfway through your internship. Clinical work wasn't really for me, but I did enjoy my hospital internship - especially the ICU rotation - because it was so fascinating and challenging. I'm sure you will do great work in clinical - I wish you the best there and in finding your vibe with your blog, too! Outdoors/running/hiking sounds right up my alley - I'll check it out! :)
      Reply
  • Michelle G
    December 22, 2016 · 8:59AM:
    Anne, First time posting, as are many I see today. I emailed you in early December for a recommendation for a yoga studio in DC. Epic Yoga-- I really enjoyed. I was in DC for a conference, I'm an accountant. I worked with many self-employed individuals, like yourself. I think what your feeling is completely natural. I've been at my career going on 18 years and still working on finding balance between career and personal life, especially during tax season. I often work at home and only do so a day or two a week, because I need the personal interaction as well. I get overwhelmed by the hectic pace and interruptions in my office and that is when I a take a day or so and work from home. I certainly don't goof-off, I have too much to get done, but the change of pace is usually what I need. I love reading your blog (no need to be fancy for my eyes either) and appreciate your views, active life style, running experiences (ran my first half this year in Nov.... in a running funk as we speak) and recipes. So keep 'em coming!! Love the kitty too!! I am actually craving a run, so I'm thinking tomorrow AM, I may get out and enjoy the cool temps!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 10:59AM:
      Thank you for saying hello, Michelle! I'm so happy you enjoyed Epic Yoga as much as I do, and it's good to hear that I'm not alone in working to find that balance. It's so hard - but I think sharing how I was feeling yesterday went a long way towards figuring out what is going to make me happy with blogging and work!
      Reply
  • Rosie December 22, 2016 · 9:40AM:
    Anne I love your blog and find that you have a sincere and honest voice that comes through on your posts and pages. While you will eventually do what feels right to you please dont feel the need to change to stay relevant. I still follow you, Carrots and Cake and Kath Eats religiously as I you three were some of the original fitness/health bloggers out there. The fact that you are all still out there means you are doing something right and are authentic to your true selves. Hoping you get your mojo back soon-I blame the darker, winter days sometimes but good news, after yesterday's solstice daylight will get incrementally longer from this point forward. Happy Holidays!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 11:00AM:
      Thank you for reading, Rosie, and for your kind words! And that's awesome about the days getting longer from here on out - sunshine always boosts my mood. :)
      Reply
  • christina December 22, 2016 · 10:59AM:
    I didn't read the comments above but your post really hit home with me. I actually feel that many of my favorite bloggers have changed. They only post pinterest worthy pictures for workouts (which I never do) or recipes I can't relate to (so I never use). I miss the days of simple blogging where blogger would tell us about their day. Nothing fancy. Nothing about what I need to do with my life to get six pack abs, or 10 top fitness running gifts. I feel like most fitness/health bloggers I read have morphed into posts with tons of LISTS in them haha. I don't need lists or anything encouraging me to buy stuff or enter a giveaway. I like your simple straight to the point posts. You have A VOICE and I still hear it. You haven't swayed from that. I respect that, plain and simple. A lot of bloggers I used to read have lost their voice, and thus I unfollowed. To this day, one of my favorite blogs is Paleomg. Not because I eat paleo (because I don't). But because I hear her voice in her posts. Sugar coating and promoting products turns me off big time from a blog post. This turned more into a rant than anything...summary: keep doing what makes you happy and is true to your voice. Also, you sound like a major extrovert so it may be worth it to look into join a nutrition company or the likes to get you more human interaction :) I'm the opposite...wish I could work from home most days, haha!! - A fellow NoVA fitness gal
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 11:09AM:
      Hey Christina! Thank you for popping in to say hello and for sharing your thoughts - I appreciate it, and I'm happy to hear you're still enjoying my blog! It's weird because a lot of my blog friends feel the same way - like we have all this pressure to share more polished/evergreen posts (aka lists and how to stuff, etc.) because they do better on social media/get more traffic long term... but most of us don't really enjoy actually writing that way. I've decided I'm going to just say "F it" and do those kinds of posts if I feel like it, but not feel bad about doing mostly random/fun lifestyle posts because it's what I enjoy most, even if it doesn't do well on social media/google after the fact. Anyway - thanks for being here! My day to day content won't change much, but I'm no longer going to feel guilty about not doing what I'm "supposed" to do. :)
      Reply
      • christina December 22, 2016 · 11:13AM:
        Good for you!! Love the F it approach lol.
        Reply
  • Erika December 22, 2016 · 11:21AM:
    I hope you are able to find the balance you seek. For what it is worth, I've been an "every-post" reader (and sometimes commenter) for about 3 years. Though I subscribe to many blogs, yours is consistently my favorite because it has a nice mix of personal stories, recipes, recommendations, and advice. I also hear your (typed) voice in my head every time I start to get mad at myself for being hungry at a time that is not "lunch time" (Anne: "You should eat if you're really hungry and not wait to get hangry), and have purchased several of your product recommendations. I hope you'll continue writing for the foreseeable future, because obviously a lot of us will continue reading and really listening. I really appreciate all the hard work that you do to create such a positive and fun space.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 11:24AM:
      I love that I'm there giving you permission to eat before it's lunch time! Hangry = not cool. :) Thank you for reading for so long, Erika, and for taking the time to let me know you're enjoying what I have to offer. I appreciate you being here! :)
      Reply
  • Suman December 22, 2016 · 11:23AM:
    Hi Anne! I know I'm just reiterating what everyone else has said at this point, but to be honest, your Weekend & Day in the Life posts are some of my favorites. I also find that a lot of the more "professional/Evergreen" content just isn't what I'm looking for in a blog (& quite frankly, I can find that stuff elsewhere), I prefer the personal-ness of blogs! I came across your blog during my first year of grad school, and I loved following along with your own grad school journey! However, I also totally understand that blogging is a part of your business. So, you do you, and I'll likely still keep reading! :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 12:26PM:
      Thank you Suman! I'm so glad you're here. :)
      Reply
  • Angela @ GardenVarietyRunner
    December 22, 2016 · 11:52AM:
    This blog post spoke to me on a couple of levels! I totally understand what you're talking about with part of your identity being tied to being a runner. I've been running since high school and I feel a strange guilt/emptiness when I don't run even if I'm doing other active pursuits! Also, I just recently started blogging and I find the whole thing pretty overwhelming. I don't think I realized just how much goes into social media optimization. You're kicking major booty on that front!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 12:25PM:
      Thank you for reading Angela! Blogging is so fun but also so much more involved than people realize!
      Reply
  • Jenn December 22, 2016 · 2:15PM:
    Anne, just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. With so many perspectives and opinions on food and nutrition, I appreciate your balanced perspective. There needs to be so much more intuitive eating in this world. I've been reading for awhile, but never commented. This post made me think about how I should interact with what I read.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 2:53PM:
      Thank you Jenn - I appreciate you being here, and taking the time to say hello today! And I agree re: intuitive eating. :)
      Reply
  • Cindy December 22, 2016 · 4:33PM:
    I so luv your blog-writing-adventures in life-and " always work" so so good recipes. Your blog taught me so much about nutrition and food. Your blog helped me to run my first half marathon..... It was the beginning of my life post Sternotomy --2011, and being more intentional with my food and diet. I am 61 and have always been on the slim side, super active always. I just gain so much from your insights. Our children remark about the amazing meals I make for them when they are in town..... they enjoy the good meals as well. My DIL and I run when we are together and she as well has enjoyed your recipes in their home too. I read daily in my Feedly reader , not an active commentator ,but I am out here reading. Thanks so much for your recipes and the ability to " tag along". Our daughter just purchased a house 2 years ago in DC and I do run the "mall"when we are visiting- I will for sure say Hi if you are out running! Merry Christmas and Happy 2017.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 4:40PM:
      Thank you so much for reading, Cindy! I'm so happy to hear you've been enjoying my blog adventures and recipes over the years - and that I've been inspiring you to run happy, too! :) Keep it up - and I hope to run into you on the national mall sometime!
      Reply
  • Fiona
    December 22, 2016 · 5:21PM:
    Day late but I couldn't not comment. I love your blog and look forward to reading all your posts! Keep doing what you are doing and stay true to yourself, I think you do such a good job of it and that's what keeps me coming back. Do it for you! I recently started a blog and have to realize I might not have a ton of readers or the SEO stuff figured out but if it makes me happy that's all that matters
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 22, 2016 · 5:29PM:
      So true - if it makes you happy, that's all that matters. :) Have fun with it - and thank you so much for reading and coming back! :)
      Reply
  • Amy December 22, 2016 · 5:46PM:
    Hey! Just wanted to say I've been reading your blog since the early days and I appreciated your style so much! You were my first foray into healthy living blogs and since that time, I've completed an MPH/RD program at the University of Minnesota and read or skim at least a dozen other blogs. Thanks for making fannetastic food a genuine space that I almost always go to first on my feedly!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 23, 2016 · 10:46AM:
      Thank you so much for being here - and congratulations on getting your MPH/RD, that's awesome! :)
      Reply
  • alyssa Trobacher December 22, 2016 · 5:47PM:
    Hi to you Anne. I've got nothing intelligent to add, I just wanted to say I really enjoy reading your blog almost every day. Your popping in to say hi is what makes things fun. Hope you are feeling it soon!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 23, 2016 · 10:48AM:
      Thank you for reading Alyssa!
      Reply
  • Roadrunner December 22, 2016 · 6:01PM:
    Wonderful, forthright reflections, Anne. Thanks for sharing them. You have built a hugely impressive business portfolio -- blogger, sponsored athlete, author, foodie commentator, and RD. But your feelings are normal. Everyone in life, no matter how elevate the position he or she occupies, experiences the "Groundhog Day Syndrome," sooner or later. This is true even of those many might envy. The key, I think, is to figure out what might get you fired up again and then figure out how to inject more of that element into your life. If more interpersonal contact is what you think you need, then you might examine options that would provide that -- more than just the temp office arrangement that you have. Could several of your blogger and/or Athlete and/or RD colleagues come together in some fashion on a more regular basis than your running and athletic social outings? Etc, etc?
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 23, 2016 · 11:03AM:
      Thank you for your thoughts and kind words! I'm trying to figure out how to infuse more of that social time on a regular basis that also involves work - but it's hard because most of the people I'd love to work with in person don't live here. But, something to ponder. Thank you!
      Reply
  • Jane Cook, RD
    December 22, 2016 · 7:30PM:
    I love doing a nutrition blog with our team of RDs at work. It's so awesome to see everyone collaborate..everyone has their own strength & creativity! I haven't maintained my original personal blog in years due to the demands of my "day" job but being able to incorporate all the fun stuff about social media into my "day" job has been really fun & rewarding! It's also fun to take a managerial approach and not need to generate ALL the content! Good balance & way less pressure to spread out the content!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 23, 2016 · 11:00AM:
      That sounds awesome! I'm so glad you found a good balance for you!
      Reply
  • Jill @ RunEatSnap
    December 22, 2016 · 8:17PM:
    Wow! What a great response from your community! I totally relate to this post and I have been blogging for only a little over a year. I had no idea what I was getting into when I started it and it literally took over my life for the first 6 months. But then I fell into the comparison trap when I realized people had huge followings and people actually made money! I had no idea! And I think it is so hard to keep up with everything. I love reading other blogs but social media is so overwhelming and I am always feeling like there's more I could/should be doing! But I still read yours consistently and think you are amazing! When I lived in Minneapolis I found a group of dietitians in private practice that got together every other month just to be social/discuss ideas and problems/etc. I think that's a really great idea - maybe in your area there is something like it or you could try and start something like it?
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 23, 2016 · 10:59AM:
      Sooooo overwhelming! I do have some in person groups that I love, but I think I really miss that everyday interaction with people in the same field (and again, not just virtual interaction) - the groups are cool but only occasional, so it's not quite the same. Such a hard balance to find!
      Reply
  • Aggie
    December 22, 2016 · 9:14PM:
    Hey, I feel you!!! I feel this way constantly...back and forth with what I should blog about and the "extra" work involved with each blog post. I definitely miss the face to face collaboration with people, that is a huge thing I realized this past year. Just this week my husband helped me (first time, because he's home from work recovering from shoulder surgery) with video and I felt SO energized because I was working with someone. Made a huge difference and didn't feel like work at all! That's what I'm striving for now...just not sure how. Merry Christmas Anne! Glad we finally got to meet this year, hopefully we can see each other again in 2017. xo
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 23, 2016 · 10:56AM:
      Girl, I wish we lived closer! I'm so with you on the face to face collaboration - it's so energizing. If you figure out how to make that happen more... I'm all ears. Hope to see you again soon too! xoxo
      Reply
  • Leah December 23, 2016 · 12:26AM:
    Hi Anne! I enjoy reading your blog and have for quite a few years. I'm not a blogger but a sahm. I love reading about your daily life, food, fitness and travels. Great blogs like yours entertain and inspire me. I don't need some super polished post to keep me reading. You seem so down to earth and like you'd be a great friend. Hope you don't step away from the blog but find a way to balance and make it feel right in your life.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 23, 2016 · 10:54AM:
      Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, Leah, I appreciate it!
      Reply
  • Sienna Eskildsen
    December 23, 2016 · 12:50AM:
    Love this. I just took up running this year in order to do a triathlon this summer. Another thing I've learned is that to get to the point where running is easy and enjoyable, you have to slog through the part where it's painful and terrible. And it's worth it.
    Reply
  • Julie December 23, 2016 · 1:58AM:
    To be honest, there are a lot of blogs out there now and yours is one of the few I still read. I appreciate your authenticity and your take on health over appearance. I admire you and enjoy your blog and hope you continue to blog for a long time. As long as you do, I will be reading.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 23, 2016 · 10:52AM:
      Thank you for being here Julie :)
      Reply
  • cara
    December 24, 2016 · 7:22AM:
    Anne, I don't comment much (I'm pretty sure I comment most when there are pics of Zara, haha!!), but I so love your blog and would be so sad if you quit. I love that your blog FEELS natural and not like your out to make money. I have learned so very much from all of your posts, and you are always inspiring. I hope you get your "mojo" back, as we so appreciate you! Merry Christmas!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 24, 2016 · 11:49AM:
      Such a sweet comment - thank you for taking the time to let me know you're enjoying my blog (and Zara -- she says thank you, too)! :)
      Reply
  • Maggie December 26, 2016 · 10:37AM:
    I'm going to be completely honest and say that normally I cannot stand when bloggers complain about all the pressure of blogging, but I love the way you did it. Even though the reader relationship isn't really a customer relationship, sometimes, when bloggers complain, it just feels like they're doing something so inappropriate. Like if you were to walk into a store and the owner/manager was to start telling you about how annoying it is to have to make a sales goal, straighten up the things the other customers mess up, or pay bills. In my mind those things come with retail territory and getting eyes on your blog comes with being someone who depends on their blog income, if you don't like it, do something else. (Or complain to appropriate people!) I like what you said so much because it gets at the overwhelming, constant pressure of life in general that all of us, even non-bloggers, can relate to. It's also something that I have personally been thinking about lately in my own life. I also don't think you were whiney at all, just honestly reflecting on a changing industry. I'll be even more honest and say that I stopped reading your blog a couple of years ago, after reading probably since you started it, because I felt like you had so many sponsored posts and blog trips that it just wasn't relatable to me. I would much rather read about someone's real life than feel like I'm trying to be sold stuff all the time (even though I know selling me things is part of the territory and it's fine once a week or something, I just don't want to see it every day or every other day). But I really admire this post (and the one from the next day) and I think I'll start dropping by more again! This is already the longest comment ever, but I guess while I've seen blogging change so much over the years I've never really considered how blog reading or consuming has changed (even though that's the side I fall on to). I started reading blogs back in 2009 (I think) and I loved them because they were written by girls like me, a few years out of college, trying to manage work, health, relationships, etc. and it was just interesting to see how they were dealing with all of the things I was dealing with. But then lots of the bloggers got "famous" and got book deals or could afford to quit their day job and blog full time and, while I was happy for them and for the most part kept reading, I wasn't getting the same experience or satisfaction I had been previously. I guess that's another example of how things change and how life rarely stays simple. One more thing before I end this novel. I am actually in grad school getting an MPH/RD in a coordinated program and I honestly don't think I would have known it was an option/actually done it if it wasn't for seeing you do it and reading your posts about it. I was working at a job I liked, but didn't love and didn't think was going anywhere after undergrad, but taking the 11 pre-reqs to go to grad school and become an RD seemed impossible. But after I saw you do it I started researching and eventually just did it and now I'll walk in graduation this coming May and then finish my summer rotation and formally graduate in August and then take the RD exam in September and hopefully be employed to start paying off my debt :) so THANK YOU for that!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 26, 2016 · 2:06PM:
      Thank you for sharing this with me, Maggie, and I'm glad to hear you'll stop by more often again. I'm also thrilled to hear that you are almost done with your MPH/RD - that's so awesome! Wishing you the best finishing up and taking the RD exam - and if I can ever be of assistance, please let me know! :)
      Reply
    • Stephanie S. January 4, 2017 · 1:52PM:
      I agree! I don't relate to blogs, especially "healthy living blogs" as much as I used to. And maybe that's ok?! In the beginning, I followed along the same trajectory as many of the "big" HLBers for a while-- graduating college, balancing work and healthy eating, setting new running/exercise goals... and then getting married, etc.-- now our lives are too different. I have a full-time job, a house, a husband, a baby and can't relate to someone who blogs from home, gets compensation for exercise, and is paid to go grocery shopping and show us what you bought. This doesn't have to be negative-- obviously plenty of people like this type of content and pin those graphics and so on. I just don't. I also do still continue to read your blog for the personal voice and aspect. While your blog has certainly changed, it's still valuable to me. One last thing-- I find that I am reading many fewer blogs than I used to and they tend to be smaller blogs and not the big "commercial" ones. For health news I read more journalistic sources like the NYT, STAT, Incidental Economist (healthy policy!), and so on. [Maybe part of this is also where I am in my own health journey-- I don't need pin-able graphics of what ab exercises or treadmill workouts to do anymore.] Anyway, just interesting to see that the "middle" type of site I used to read is pretty much gone... it's all small and big sources.
      Reply
  • adrianna December 26, 2016 · 3:15PM:
    honestly Anne, no matter what you are writing and posting, I think this blog is top quality and really stellar! I'll keep reading no matter what path you choose or how often you post. There is a lot of info out there, lots of redundancy, but your info feels scientific, true, authentic. Also, your lifestyle posts are just as great :) enjoy your holidays and you do you, girl.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 27, 2016 · 2:11PM:
      Thank you so much, Adrianna! Happy holidays :)
      Reply
  • Brigid December 26, 2016 · 9:47PM:
    I love reading your blog and wouldn't say to change anything! I like the lightheartness, great info and fun recipes you post. Keep up the good work! ?
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 27, 2016 · 2:15PM:
      Thank you Brigid! :)
      Reply
  • Heather Caplan
    December 28, 2016 · 2:48PM:
    Well, damn, I had to scroll down pretty far to get to this "Post a comment" section, so clearly there's a lot of wise/encouraging words here. I may not be able to offer much else but, as your friend and a fellow (albeit small) blogger, I wanted to chime in and say that your dedication to this has always been inspiring. If you still feel like you want writing to be part of your day, keep it here and do it in a way that makes you happy. Write what you would have wanted to read as an intern, or in your pre-RD days. Those posts will come easy because it's knowledge you have now, that you'll be passionate about sharing (theoretically) to a younger you who would have been happy to read it. If this doesn't feel like it's exciting or productive for you anymore, then -- just like running -- it's OK to take a break. You built a business from the ground up once, taking a step back now will be hard, but it won't be the end. No doubt you'll find a way to fill the gap with something new that DOES excite and inspire you. :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 28, 2016 · 3:11PM:
      Thank you my friend - I appreciate your thoughts! I'm feeling really good about just writing about what I want to write about - which is basically what I'd been doing all along, but now I'll do it without the expectation or pressure to write what others think I should write. :) Which makes such a difference in how much I enjoy it!
      Reply
  • Anne December 30, 2016 · 4:50PM:
    I just love reading whatever you write - and honestly don't even know what half of those abbreviations or terms mean! I follow the blogs that speak to me, and I've always (ALWAYS) appreciated your realistic and steady perspective on food, life, and really anything. You aren't swayed by the current "it" thing or things, and you advocate such a healthy perspective. So thank you for doing that - and know that I (and apparently a lot of other people) would look forward to reading whatever you choose to write in the future.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 2, 2017 · 10:08AM:
      Thank you so much for being here, Anne - I'm really happy to hear you that find what I write to be helpful and interesting. :)
      Reply
  • Amelia @ eating made easy
    January 3, 2017 · 6:41PM:
    Could not agree more, Anne. I never used to feel pressure to produce something incredible (beyond good content) on my blog, and now I feel like no matter what I do it's not enough and there's always something I'm behind on. This feeling was part of what prompted me to get a full-time job over the summer - as well as wanting to be part of a collaborative team working together on the same mission - and I have to say it's really satisfying to have transitioned into another type of work. My blog is missing my attention but for now I'm ok with that. Thanks for this honest post, love what you do online!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 4, 2017 · 8:33AM:
      I'm so glad to hear you found something you love, Amelia! I'm not sure I'd want to go back to work for someone else (I LOVE being my own boss), but coworkers are tempting... Anyway, thank you for reading :)
      Reply
  • Amber @ Madden Wellness Counseling
    January 4, 2017 · 10:56AM:
    Hey Anne, Wow! What an honest post and it's so refreshing to hear you speak in such a way that, as a fellow blogger, can feel your same struggle. I completely understand what you're saying. It sounds like you really like blogging, but you just don't like the admin part that comes along with it these days. Just a suggestion, but have you ever thought about hiring a Virtual Assistant? Someone that could do all the blog background stuff for you? I would love to do this myself, but just don't have the resources (or the traffic) yet to do that, but it might be feasible for you. And for the record, I LOVE your blog and it's been the only blog of several others that I have consistently read for the past 5-6 years. It is your blog that has really inspired me in my own career direction and I owe a lot of that inspiration to you!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 4, 2017 · 11:31AM:
      Thank you so much for reading Amber! I do have someone who helps me with some of the behind the scenes stuff, but taking off the pressure to have perfect posts all the time has been the real key - I'm already enjoying it more again. :) Thank you for your thoughts!
      Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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