When I started my blog in January of 2010 it was a way to write out my thoughts, because somehow they made more sense that way. There was a deep sense of self-revelation that came when my fingers started typing. I was majorly preggo and freaking out about having a kid. and trying to figure life out.
and then she came. and life got busy. and this place became somewhere to share my memories and life. and then there was that one time I thought I was going to be a craft blogger. ha. that was funny.
then began my “lose the baby weight/weight from before the baby” project. I documented it along the way. I started to enjoy running, despite the fact I was horrible at it. I even signed up for my first race, which just so happened to be a marathon. I dove into healthy living blogs. The “popular” ones that I found seemed to feature the women who had already made it… who had a “before and after” story. or the runners “struggled” with their 9 minute miles. I never imagined that I would ever find my after… I figured I’d just always be on this journey.
My running times started out at, no joke, 18 minutes a mile. But you know what? I was trying. and I knew that there had to be others out there trying to. and maybe if I wrote about my struggles along the way then just maybe I could inspire others to join me on the journey.
and so I shared my journey. and I was honest. I put my “before” pictures out there. it was scary. but you know what? people related to it. i made amazing connections with groups of women striving to be their best selves. i found so many others who inspired me. and it made me want so desperately to keep inspiring others.
And then companies started noticing. I got to do some awesome reviews and have awesome experiences. and I’m thankful for that. but I want you to know, that is not what this is all about for me. It is about the community. It’s about showing you that you can do it. You can run a half-marathon. It doesn’t matter that it’s not “fast”… I ran mine in THREE FRIGGIN HOURS. That’s a good FULL marathon time for a lot of people! But I finished. To show you that you can love yourself on this journey.
and that…. that is why i blog.
imperfectly courtney 
This is awesome! And it sounds like we have a lot in common – despite me being so much older than you. I started blogging in 2011 after some personal heartache and I was kind of just trying to find my way. And I’ve been on a similar journey – sometimes my blog is about crafts or recipes, sometimes it’s about losing weight or raising kids. It’s almost like this by blog is one big personal diary out there for the world to see.
My new goal – which I haven’t really blogged about yet – is to run a 5-mile race in September. I am scared to death, though, because I am not a runner. But your story IS inspirational and makes me think I can do it!
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You CAN do it!! Keep up with your training and then trust yourself and your training!
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I love this! Thanks for sharing 🙂 I struggle sometimes with blog topics and I’m like, maybe no one cares so why should I keep doing it? Then I get that one comment that makes me realize that its all worth it, whether it helps me get it out or helps inspire someone!
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I have those days all the time. The “this is more work than it’s worth” or “no one cares” days. But then there are those awesome days. When you helped one person change their life. and that is when its all worth it.
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And this is why we LOVE you! You help me – all the time! Now if we can find a CrossFit event or a running event to do TOGETHER!! Keep it up! I think you help more people then you know! 🙂
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Amen, sister!
I find a ton of inspiration in blogs like yours – where you are ON your journey, not FINISHED! I need some guts mixed in with the glory, you know? 😉 Keep doing what you do best – being YOU.
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❤
That's why I blog too. I only wish I had the foresight to start my blog BEFORE I lost 212lbs, but that's okay. I can still inspire, motivate, and encourage with the progress that I continue to make.
You rock.
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Love your story! 🙂
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I totally relate with this. I am still trying to find my voice on blogging, but I love it. I love reading other people’s stories (especially yours!) and love being held accountable to talking about what I did. Blogging inspires me.
Thanks for all that you do!
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Pretty darn awesome…You are a really great inspiration to me. Just so you know 🙂
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I love your story and I have to say it is your story that has inspired me to step out of my comfort and share my journey as well. Thank you for sharing your story!
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This is so awesome Courtney! You are an inspiration and I look forward to your honest and genuine posts! Keep up the great work!!!
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And THAT is why we follow 🙂 You are an inspiration!! I love when you say it’s not about the before and after…it’s about the journey in between! SO TRUE
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Loved this. I’m glad you blog because I like reading your posts 🙂
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I’m hoping for under 3:00 for my half in October! 😉
I love your journey and love your attitude about everything.. and that you’re so real. If you have a bad day, you talk about it. You don’t hide your struggles, but you stay positive and inspiring throughout it all.
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Hi Courtney, I’m so glad I found your blog on the Healthy Living Blogs tweet link..I am going to run my first half marathon next April and have been running 5K’s for a while now..I really enjoy your posts and look forward to reading more!
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