Are Bloggers Narcissistic?

I am on the Runner's World website quite frequently, , and I tend to spend a lot of time on the discussions boards...its entertaining. The "Rants and Raves" section, let's you sound off about what bothers you...or what you like. The range of topics here carries far beyond running into a wide variety of world issues. I also like the forums they have for "marathoners" and "music".

I browsed into another section just yesterday and saw a post about people who have their own blogs. If you see the signature lines of many participants, they post the link directly to their blogs, where they publish almost anything and everything...typically related to their running experiences. Well, this post claimed that people who have their own blogs are narcissists and are generally really into themselves. I know the person who posted this has a right to his/her opinion and there was some good dialog here, but please. I post to this blog (which hardly anybody reads) because it gives me a good platform to chronicle my experiences in running, which has become a passion of mine over the years.

Am I "into myself". Well, to a point, YES! I mean, if I don't write this stuff down...collect my photos...and keep track of my ideas, who will? If I don't care about my running experience, who will? When I want to look back on how I have trained, what my race experiences were, and where I had both successes and shortcomings, what better place to look.

I don't post this for anyone else...However, if someone does read it and can benefit or just get a laugh out of it, then all the better. To a point, I think all runner's are narcissistic...not just people who have blogs. I mean, why push yourself so hard week after week, for better health and well being if you weren't.

I at least can say that I think many runners battle with bouts of OCD...


Run Happy, Run Strong!

Shamrock 5K

Sunday was the 10th Annual City of Dublin 5K Run and Walk. Louis had me do this instead of runing 24 with the rest of the gang. At first I didn't want to...I am not a fan of 5Ks. Then, the visions and nightmares of my last 5K in December popped in my head. That picture of me coming to the finish line, just gassed and looking out of shape was enough inspiration to get myself out there.

I am glad I did.

First, Sunday morning was cold and windy...not the best conditions for a 24 miler. I could manage to get through a 5K, and go home to my Irish Coffee...this would not be a problem.

Second and most important....I got my PR and put my previous 5K to shame! 19:38! One minute faster than what I ran in December! The first half mile, everything was tight and I just wanted to stop. By the one mile mark, I was in full gear...clocking an even six minutes. The hill half way through killed me...It was not big, but just big enough. At the home stretch I thought I was going to hurl! Then, as soon as it began, it was over!

A great race...I know I can beat 19:30.