I love the world of blogging. It took me awhile to fully embrace it and when it first started, I was a bit of a blog hater. I saw it as pure narcissism and just one more opportunity for folks to focus on themselves and tell everyone else how wonderful they are.

Walter likes reading blogs, too.

And sure, some blogs still feel that way. But more often than not, I find them a great way for a variety of voices and perspectives to be heard. Voices and perspectives that I wouldn’t normally hear and at a volume that could never happen (well, unless I went to amazing dinner parties every night with the most interesting of people, and had plenty of time to fully hear their heart and their passion. Not likely.)

There are a few blogs I find myself drawn to over and over again and I’d like to share them with you! Many are about running, a few are not, some are funny, some are inspiring, but all are worth your time!

About Running

Shut Up and Run – her language and potty humor may shock some of you, but you should get over it. She’s always motivating and reminds me that I am stronger than I think I am.

My No Guilt Life – Patty writes about Run Disney a lot but mostly I just find her loving life and you can’t read an update from her and stay in an bad mood. You just can’t.

We Run Disney – These girls (a mom and daughter) are not only bad a#$ runners but also fun and very real. They have real lives with real challenges and yet still manage to do things like go to Ireland to run a marathon.

The Chi Running Blog – I am fully embracing this philosophy and love the blog. I’m still learning and the website has a wealth of specific info and motivation. I am running stronger than I ever have and I give this book and website a lot of the credit.

Entirely Amelia – Amelia is, officially, my first trans-gender friend (well, if you count really getting along on twitter chats being friends but I feel confident that we would be friends in real life as well). Her blog is funny, motivating and highly entertaining and also teaches me and gives me a different perspective. Love her.

About Faith

Rachel Held Evens – do I always agree with her? Oh for heaven’s sake, do I always agree with anybody? If we start only reading people that we completely agree with we’ve become something very different than good learners. Check her out.

Sara Bessey – Sarah has a beautiful heart and beautiful words that go with it. Even though she’s a mom of pre-schoolers and we are definitely at different stages of life, I frequent her blog for motivation and perspective. She lightens my load with her words.

Ann Voskamp – Does anybody write as lyrically as Ann Voskamp? Truly beautiful words, beautiful pictures, and uplifting content. If you’re down and out, go here.

Jonathan Merritt – Jonathan is a responsible journalist and does his homework. He’s always willing to dive into the tough issues. Again, I don’t always agree with him, but I always learn when I read his blog. Definitely check him out.

Today, I find myself with nothing that I HAVE to do, which is rare and precious. So I will be snuggling in and catching up on my favorite bloggers, and resting my legs for tomorrow’s 10 mile training run. Oh, and as a bonus, here’s my current favorite commercial from Under Armour that I find crazy motivating.
Do you have a blogger that you just adore?? Put them in the comments here so others can see them, too, or head over to the FB page to join the conversation! Have a great Friday. 

Happy Running.

Jen