LOLZLetter 255 | The Future of the LOLZLetter and End of the Year Wrap Up
Welcome,
Hope you are having happy holidays. I was indecisive about whether I wanted the newsletter to come out on the 24th, 25th, or 26th. It felt weird to have it come out on the 26th, as if I'm late to my own party, but I figured most people were getting ready for Christmas on the 24th, and, really, no one misses the newsletter on Christmas. Unless you woke up and thought: "Wow, it's Christmas, why hasn't the FueledbyLOLZ newsletter come out yet?"
The next week I'm spending in Park City, Utah with friends. I'm looking forward to relaxing and sleeping in. I'm not looking forward to running in 10 degrees later today.
The end of the year is often a time for reflection. This is more of a rambling, thinking-out-loud kind of newsletter. For the last decade, around this time, I've asked myself: Do I want to continue with blogging/newsletter/social media? On January 1, I have to renew my blog domain, which, spoiler, isn't cheap (around $400 when all is said and done). Is it worth it? I ask myself that every year from a time and money standpoint. Time is as busy as ever, but yet, I enjoy it, so here I am, ready for another year.
I always appreciate feedback or anything you WANT to read about, so feel free to leave a comment about topics you're interested in.
Here are some of the most-read posts of the year:
2024:
Hoka Clifton 9 was the king this year, followed by the Brooks Glycerin 20 Stealthfit and Hoka Solimar. The Solimar and Glycerin 20 Stealthfit were more of a surprise, although a lot of people didn't realize the differences between the Glycerin 20 Stealthfit and Solimar.
"How to know you need a wide running shoe" was written almost 2 years ago and maintains one of the stronger posts on the blog.
Where is the FueledbyLOLZ newsletter and co. going in 2024?
As I usually say, I want to evaluate what's worth it to me, time and financially wise. 2024 taught me I don't have the time nor the energy to dedicate to blogging that I once did. I've backed down from several posts a week to maybe a handful, depending on the week. Shoe reviews are constant. The newsletter is still once a week. But other then that: trails, hikes, recipes, gear reviews, diners, and personal life are all sporadic. When I first started blogging there was only one medium of communication: blogging. Now there are newsletter, facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Tiktok...and I'm sure I missed some.
I know I don't want to go to the paid format of newsletters. Ideally, I would like to line up sponsors for the newsletter, but it's hard because many brands sponsor the same 5 newsletters, and it can feel repetitive or not genuine. I would also like to grow the newsletter more.
At just over 2000 subscribers, I can't believe that many people care enough to dedicate some space in their precious inbox (and for real, this year's sales feel exhausting that way). Maybe bring back some newsletter giveaways because those were always fun. Anyway, if you are a brand or know of a brand interested in sponsoring the newsletter, send me an email.
What's Coming in the Running Industry in 2024?
90s Style is coming back: If you're not a fan of big chunky white soles, you might need to try a different sport because brands are continuing to make them, and midsoles are continuing to get bigger.
Expensive: Shoes are only getting more expensive, so don't hope you'll find many trainers in the $100 price point anymore.
Supertrainers: Supertrainers like the ASICS Superblast or New Balance SC Trainer are going to continue to rise. More brands will make similar offerings.
Custom midsoles: Speedland first created a shoe that you can actually customize the midsole to your desired feel. In 2024, expect to see more of that, even in road shoes. Are people paying $300 for a customizable midsole? Only time will tell.
New Updates I'm Excited About:
The first Brooks Hyperion Max is getting updated. I liked the shoe, but for me, it wasn't as durable as I hoped. It's getting a new midsole, so you can feel fast but also have some durability.
The Hoka Mach X is getting a HUGE update and is going to look and feel like a beefier Hoka Cielo Road.
Hoka Tecton X 3: Whew, this shoe is going to fit and feel a lot different and is $50 more.
The Nike Alphafly 3 is coming on January 3rd. It's getting lighter (hurrah!).
Salomon is getting more into road shoes: I've been a big fan of Salomon in 2023, but in 2024 they have the S/Lab Spectur, a carbon-plated shoe coming out made for those running above a 3:30 marathon.
Those are just a few updates coming soon, so stay tuned. This newsletter actually turned out to be longer than I thought. Thank you for reading and supporting the LOLZLetter the last 4 years. :-)
What's Keeping Me Entertained?
ASICS Tri Noosa 15 Shoe Review
HEYCHY Cute X1 Mini Massage Gun Review: A massage gun under $50? And it's actually good.
How 21-Year-Old Elite Runner Katelyn Tuohy Became A Marketing, Social Media Star