Welcome!
It's newsletter 100; I still can't believe it! When I started writing a newsletter 100 weeks ago, I didn't know where it would take me. Slowly, the weekly forum has created a community, and it's been fun to connect with people outside of the blog. I get a few emails a week from readers, which is always wonderful. I enjoy the Thursday weekly conversation on the forum as well.
So Why a Newsletter? Don’t you Have Enough Social Media?
The newsletter is a different direction than blogging. I've blogged for over a decade, and like everything, it has evolved and changed.
I’ve blogged before dating my husband and even when I still swam competitively. Then I blogged when I entered the whirlwind that is now the military world and my job in the run specialty (which I love!) Heck, I blogged before Instagram and Twitter were “cool.” 2014 was probably the “height” of blogging. Then slowly, blogging has waned down, and most of my favorite bloggers stopped. I wrote about that a few years ago.
With Instagram on the rise, anyone can post a photo with a 10,000-word caption and give advice. I mean, why listen to someone with 2,000 followers when you can listen to someone with 50,000? I’ve been guilty of listening to others just because they have X amount of followers or even being jealous of not being chosen for campaigns because I didn’t have enough followers. That’s all silly and irrelevant, but hey, I’m only human!
I knew I didn’t want to create a podcast or YouTube channel. There are plenty of both out there, and hosting either is not my scene.
I also knew I didn’t want to give up blogging. I know one day I will, but today is not that day. Blogging has evolved more into product reviews, trails, and even diner reviews. The newsletter is more personal with topics I am interested in, knowledgeable in, or interview people who are experts in their field.
How will the Newsletter Benefit You (the subscriber)?
I need to pitch you, the reader, to stay subscribed in a sea of social media, right?
I get it; sometimes, it feels like I delete more emails than I read. My goal with the newsletter is to share things I’m loving, interesting happenings in the running world and industry, and whatever else I find that might benefit you.
As someone who works in the running industry, I have a much bigger knowledge base of current running shoe trends or industry trends. I'm not telling (“influencing”) you to buy a shoe because I got it for free. I'm telling you it's good because I've fit dozens of runners in it and seen it succeed time and time again.
This week I thought it would be fun to link to some of my favorite newsletters.
The first newsletter of course...
My Top 5 (this wasn't easy):
Mental Health: I've written about mental health on the blog, and it's always a topic that is important to me.
Interviewing Tes: I enjoyed the mini-series of interviewing race directors. Tes turned her 1,500 person half marathon: "The Race," into a virtual race with a lot of fun swag (in fact, I ran it!)
How Running Shoes Have Changed in the Last Decade: It was fun to look back at this!
How Your Favorite Running Brands are Affected by COVID-19: While this was not "fun" to write, it was definitely interesting.
Running Coaches: It was fun to interview and talk to a few successful running coaches. If you need a coach, most are still actively taking clients. I need to shout out to my friend and coach, Nick K, who has allowed me to bounce ideas off of him.
Readers Favorite:
Full rest days or active recovery? This early newsletter is another popular one, and it created a lot of conversation.
Is the Nike Vaporfly worth it? One of the earliest newsletters is still one of the most popular.
Most Read:
Differences Between Social Media and the Running Industry If you only looked at social media, you would think everyone is training to run a sub-3-hour marathon or OTQ. That is not the case, and the average female distance runner runs between 10-12 min miles!
Most Underrated:
Last-Minute Gift Guide for the Holidays Who knew tweezers could be so popular? It was one of my favorites to write, but coming out shortly before Christmas made it one of the least-read newsletters.
Most Fun to Write:
In 2019 I wrote about all of the Turkey Trots in the United States, and I really enjoyed doing that.
So thank you for all of your support. Since the newsletter is free, the best way to help is just share.
As requested, here is a list of all of the discount codes I currently have:
All brands and products are of things I currently use and like. I would (and have) purchased many for myself and given them as holiday gifts.
Addaday BioZoom Massage Gun: 15% Off Using code LOLZ15 (Review here)
Aftershokz Headphones 15% Off Using this link(Reviews of XTrainerZ, Aeropex, and Air)
ChicknLegs Shorts 15% Off Using code LOLZ15 (Review of Space Cats here)
rabbit 10% Off Using this Link
Solpri All Natural Anti-Chafe Balm 10% Off + Free Shipping Using Code: LOLZ (Review here)
Coros GPS Watch Free Watch Band using code COROS-Hollie (review here)
Free Shipping at Smart Sweets Using Code Fueledbylolz
Giveaway:
Finally, of course, for Newsletter 100, we need to have a giveaway. I've decided to create a small care package with a few of my favorite things, including a pair of Aftershokz headphones, Vital Proteins Recovery Collagen, and a package of Smart Sweets!
All you need to do is share the newsletter and tag me.
You can share on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or forward the email. If you forward the email, be sure to CC me!
The giveaway ends at 6 am EST Monday 12/21 and I’ll announce next newsletter.
Thank you for all of the support in the last 100 newsletters, and I'm looking forward to another 100.
Stay healthy and safe.
You Can Follow me on