Tough love with marathon training and TANGENTS!.

I have been reading your blog for years and only recently started one myself (well about a year ago, but still pretty new to it in the grand scheme of things). I think your blog is amazing. You keep doing you girl! You won’t ever be able to make everyone happy, so you keep doing what’s best for you and your family. I only use my handheld during long runs, because I’m just not a fan of carrying it all the time. I think that was a pretty gutsy move to dive. I don’t know that I would do it myself, but you have to admire her willing to lay it all on the line.

I don’t really understand diving during a track event, it seems mostly like a really good way to injure yourself, but I get it. I feel so bad for Alyson Felix though because she lost out to a dive in another Olympic qualifier too, which is such a bummer. I just don’t want it to become a thing you have to do to win. The last thing we want is a million people hitting the pavement after a race. All in all, not my favorite thing but if you have to do it to win, so be it.

I started reading blogs because I loved to hear about people who were going through the same experiences with me in their training and I was looking for a little motivation. It’s always nice to see you’re not the only one on this crazy fitness journey. I started writing one because even if one person can connect with what I’m saying, I can say I’m doing something good. I have a lot of knowledge and strongly believe in life long learning, so I like to share that on my blog whenever possible.

Janae, we readers feel like distant friends. We enjoy reading about your fitness and your life, and are happy to support you in using your writing to provide for your family. But in exchange, we ask for transparency and your being truly up front and honest with us – not just to the letter of your contract with a sponsor a la the Westin issue. We would have the same issue if tv networks tried to pull the wool over our eyes regarding their sponsors. Without reader support, these opportunities would not be possible for you, so please grant us respect via transparency and addressing our comments rather than hiding from them and we’re happy to continue to follow your journey!

It bothers me that you feel you have to limit your sponsored posts to three a month. You provide entertaining and informative insights into your life and running DAILY. No one has to pay to read your posts. If it is a product or service that doesn’t interest someone, skip it or skim it. I have a hard time thinking of a post (sponsored or not) where I didn’t learn something, smile, or, even on occasion, shed a tear. You have every right to take advantage of the opportunities given to you. I honestly don’t know how you do it. I can’t even remember to write in my running log every day!

I have no issue with sponsored posts…they’re cool products a lot of the time and it’s not like readers don’t know they’re sponsored. I don’t know when readers became so entitled!! As if you owe us something (fewer sponsored posts, more personal details, etc. etc.).
That said..I DO want more details on the Westin trip! I don’t need to know all the details of what you were paid/what was compensated to you, but I was clicking around on their website and didn’t see anything about a running guide, or having the concierge run with you – I was just wondering if this would normally be an added cost or if he usually just gives guests details on where to run? I’m guessing that’s it and he ran with you guys as an added perk of the trip from Westin, which is awesome! Just wondering what to expect. We were in BC this spring and ended up finding a bike shop with a closet ultra runner employee (LOL) who was able to tell us about all the cool routes locals run. We were in Sechelt at the time on Vancouver Island and would totally recommend it there too with the kiddos! Small, beach town vibe with some cabin-type cottages available for really reasonable prices through air bnb. I digress… Thanks for sharing your life with us Janae (& fam!).

Janae! I love your blog and I have noticed the increase in product placements, but you do them very naturally. I know that you would only endorse something you truly believe in and want us to know about. And, most importantly, you do try really hard to INTEGRATE your sponsors into a normal blog post – and still give us some fun tangents! So I think you are doing awesome. ROCK ON WITH YOUR BAD SELF!!

I’ve been reading your blog for a couple years now and never thought there were too many sponsored posts – most “mommy blogs” I follow are 100% sponsored posts so I guess I thought it was normal! :) Love your running tips and Costco recommendations! :)

I love your blog! You should just do things the way you want to. Just keep being you!

I love seeing the pics of utah, race recaps, and the good food you eat! I don’t have a problem with the sponsored posts I just skip over them or don’t read as often. I’d do the same thing if someone was offering me money to review their product. I unfortunately will not purchase the products you sponsor because I was unhappy with naturebox and threadup. I only tried them because of your recommendation. Girls gotta do what a girls gotta do! But this girl doesn’t have a ton of money!

Definitely writing my own (tiny) blog got me more into reading them. I actually don’t mind your product placement posts, if it’s not something I’m interested in I just skip it. NBD. I like your blog and in order for you to keep blogging you need money, that’s just the way it is. :) Plus there’s a difference, some bloggers I’ve stopped reading entirely because EVERY post is sponsored and I just don’t believe them anymore. I can basically go to shop bop or something and see the exact same thing. Lame.
I’ve been looking into hand held water bottles. Is the amphipod a good one? I like my hydration pack but it’s a bit excessive sometimes….I look like I’m running an ultra when really I’m turtling 5 pregnancy miles. :)
I might be alone here, but I did not like the finish line dive. I admire her for wanting to win SO bad but it just seems more dangerous than anything, I really thought someone was going to trip on her.

Dude. I love your sponsored posts. It’s introduced me to some pretty awesome things. If I see and need it, I’ll try it.
I’m on the fence about the whole diving thing. It felt awkward but it’s legal :/
Also, I use a handheld bottle during Longer runs. They are amazing!

I’m not philosophically opposed to sponsored posts at all. I totally get the business side of blogging and respect it as an industry and enjoy reading your blog (and have for years!).

What bothers me is the lack of effort on sponsored posts (not just you, many bloggers). If you are viewing blogging as a job that supports your family, that’s great– treat it like one. Advertising firms spend lots of resources and effort crafting well-done commercials that air on prime time (not saying they never make misteps), they don’t post home videos with outtakes. I know that’s not an apples to apples comparison, but I hope you understand the sentiment. If you are lucky enough to work with interesting brands, take the steps necessary to put out a well done product yourself. Don’t write stream-of-conscious style (it’s ok to do Tuesday Tangents that way, that’s the point of that feature! You can have different styles for different purposes). Have a proof reader– even have Andrew or your Mom take a quick look at a bunch of posts in a row as you’re scheduling them to run. An extra set of eyes never hurts, no matter how experienced a writer you are. Try the project out for a few days, weeks… and maybe even photograph that. You have your camera with you ALL the time! It sounds like you often know about sponsored posts weeks/months ahead of time (not always, but often), so take the time to use the product and jot some notes down, you could even use your phone’s notes feature. Finally, try to stay true to only accepting products that you really are interested in/use. And, try to incorporate them into your actual routine (maybe buying Blue Apron on your own dime some time? Staying at an expensive Westin next time you travel and it isn’t comped… if it’s truly worth the money?). Athletes and celebrities who are sponsored by a brand are often seen using/wearing that brand A LOT. Sure, they’re probably paid to… but then they actually do it.

Ok, I’m done! I do truly enjoy your blog and following your story. All those suggestions are meant to be constructive food for thought from a long time reader. If you’d like to continue blogging into the near future to support your family, it would serve you well to spend some time thinking about the product you’re producing.

I know life is crazy for you right now. It’s ok to slow down a bit. Marriage is for a lifetime. You don’t need to cram in every experience in the next few months. Some time to slow down and breathe is ok, too. I have consciously tried to say no to the “cult of busy” recently… you might enjoy learning about that movement, too :)

Take care.

Like many, I love your sponsored posts too – gives me lots of new ideas / products to evaluate and try! Rather than feedback for you specifically – I actually have some feedback (as someone who works in Marketing) for your sponsors. I get frustrated when I read the same sponsored post across 2-3 blogs in a day or two. The content ends up feeling a little less fresh simply because some of the feedback and thoughts on the product are similar across users. My guess is that they may guide you toward the types of things they’d like your thoughts / comments on – and then all bloggers end up covering some of the same perspectives. I think these sponsors should consider giving their bloggers a target timeframe to share their thoughts / ideas (and spreading these out a bit), so that for folks like me, who follow a handful of blogs, we’re not getting hit with 3 posts on the same product in a matter of days. Just food for thought. I love Hungry Runner Girl, your writing style, etc!

I see the sponsored blogs as part of your job. Yeah, sometimes it seems there are a few at once but then I notice there aren’t any for a while. We all need income.

Brooke looks blissed out with the foot massage. I like how Beretta also had your foot with her back paws, our dog does that too. You will stay right here and rub the belly. Who can resist?

Your blog was on a list of recommended and I liked that you were serious about training but also had a life. I dislike preachy blogs.

I am not fond of holding the water bottle but I use the belt. Yes, it’s annoying but I am one of the thirstiest people so I like having 3 8oz bottles. (I freeze 2 of them so the sports drink stays cold longer. The humidity and heat have been ridiculous this summer).

I understand the dive is legal but I can’t help feel that it’s not quite kosher. I watched an interview with her yesterday where she said it was not intentional. Her legs were dead and she just kind of fell. Was it the truth? Who knows, I’d like to think so.

Re diving over the finish line – it might be considered a perfectly legitimate strategy by the governing bodies, but it seems unsportsmanlike to me.

Blogs – I prefer very running-focused blogs to those like yours with a heavy lifestyle element. The bits about your blog that I really used to like were your running/training recaps. I think you have a huge natural talent, and I always found it quite motivational to see the outcomes of your hard work. As your running focus has declined to allow for your family/other interests, I’ve been reading less, but I do usually check in once or twice a week and have a scan for the running bits, which I still enjoy reading. I’m looking forward to your forthcoming HM.

Sponsorship and disclosing – I normally only read the running product reviews, but have looked over the last week’s output and will share my thoughts. I think you’re probably being very naïve if you don’t realise that a lot of people have a knee-jerk reaction to feeling like they’re being misled about product advertising in exchange for compensation. If you really want to understand the depth of feeling on this, have a look at the forums on Mumsnet.com (topics about Caroline Hirons and Gleam in particular). I’m an intelligent adult and can exercise free choice around the products and services I use (within reason), but when it comes to researching a product, I know that there’s a difference between a friend giving me a recommendation and a salesperson doing it, and I want to be able to make that distinction. I want to know when a blog post is a paid advert, so that I can factor that into any decision I make. I’m not saying at all that you skew your reviews for money, but I want to know all of the pertinent facts, and the fact that you are being compensated for a review is a factor, like it or not. If you present a blog in a way which doesn’t make it completely clear that you have been paid in some way to promote a product or service, then I’m afraid that I consider that to be dishonest. Your Westin posts fall into this category, in my opinion. I think you should have very clearly stated that you didn’t pay to use these resources, and that Westin had provided you with a free holiday, meals, services in exchange for your review. That would have been the appropriate thing to do. And if Westin (or any other retailer) encourage you to withhold that information and present a post in a way that suggests that you’re just giving an off-the-cuff, uncompensated review for the joy of it, then you should run like the clappers in the opposite direction from them. They’re not the kind of people you should partner with. If I’ve got it completely wrong and you paid for the whole Westin shebang yourself, then please accept my apologies. And kudos on your business model, because you’re obviously stacking the DBs :)

I don’t think there were too ma sponsored posts- just for the record. A girls got to make a living! Haha

I think diving over the finish line should NOT be allowed. I think this would just lead to a slippery slope (soon everyone would be diving over the finish) and would take away from the sport and training.

The blogs I like to read are of very down to earth people, yourself included! There also people whose writing style I like! And I really like pictures!!

One request- do you think you could post your entire marathon/half marathon training plan? Like the whole thing, instead of just the weekly recap (which I also enjoy!) It seems different than other plans I’ve seen and used. It would be interesting to see!

I really enjoy your blog and I hope you keep it up! And if that means doing more sponsored posts- so be it! You’ve always been honest and straight forward about it. Yours is the only blog I read on a daily basis! :)

The drama surrounding your sponsored posts is interesting to me since I think the way to write your sponsored posts makes them not feel so forced. You do an incredible job of showing how you use them in your everyday life and it’s very apparent that you only share the ones you love. While I understand that these kinds of posts may not always be as fun to read as the day-to-day posts, I really do think you do an awesome job with them and I don’t skip them like I find myself doing on a lot of other blogs when they write sponsored posts. You do you – whatever works best for you!

I’ve been reading your blog for about 4 years and I love it. I am not even a runner, not even one bit. I just love following your story and your family. I think sponsored posts for running/fitness gear that you use and love is an obvious choice because that is, if I had to guess, your primary reader base. However, I imagine that a good portion of your readers, like me, read for your regular life posts. I LOVE how you do your hair and so I was so happy to see the NuMe post the other day and actually bought one to try out. That was the first time I have bought something from your sponsored posts. Whenever you post links to the clothes you wear I usually check them out because I really like your style, but I haven’t ever bought anything. I think if you truly use and love what you are advertising then keep doing what you’re doing!! You’re never going to please everybody.

I have been following your blog for three years and I enjoy reading them. Just remember this is your form of business and you need a form of income for your family. When you write a sponsor post I look to see if it’s something I should research and try. If not I just bypass it and read any running updates you give us.

I liked your post from yesterday because I started wearing a Cooper Joint knee brace to help with wear and tear that has happen over the years. So seeing other products they have to offer was great. So continue being you that’s what I love about your blog.

I love how committed you are to the happiness of us readers, and just wanted to say that personally the sponsored posts don’t bother me at all :) It makes sense from a business perspective but the thing is, when I read your posts (sponsored or no), you come across as very trustworthy and speaking your own truth. It never comes across as “just trying to make a sale.” It’s more of a “Hey, I’m super enthusiastic about this product because of x, y, z, and it might make your life better, too.” I’ve also personally tried out a few of the products you’ve recommended, including vital proteins and CopperJoint (both have been amazing in healing my patellar tendon!) and wouldn’t have known about these awesome things if it wasn’t for your blog. Also, I just want you to be able to keep blogging so I can keep reading , however many sponsored posts that takes :)

P.S. Legs on the wall –> most amazing stretch EVER

I had no idea anyone would complain about your sponsored posts. Just like any content or blog out on the internet that is there for free it is up to me if I read it. It is not as if I am paying you. If I am interested in the post I read it if not I skip it that day. You do a great job letting us know it is sponsored. I say have as many as you like and can incorporate into your blogging business. Good for you and your family. You should be proud of what you created and see the benefits!

I enjoy your sponsored posts! I think it’s so cool this is how you make your living and are able to be a full time momma. Not everyone is lucky enough to get to do that. You do you, girl!

I have a Camelbak hand held waterbottle that I love I have used for mid distance runs. I have been doing a lot more trail running though and just got a Nathan hydration pack (its a racing version) that holds a 70oz bladder on back. I used it last weekend on a 11.5 mile trail run and I LOVED it. I have never been so hydrated while running!! I don’t think I would use it around the city unless I was running 20 miles, but for trails it’s amazing. It even has some pouches on front for snacks/GU/and my cell phone. ;)

Happy Running!

I don’t have a problem with your sponsored posts, make that money! I think it’s a little odd that we very rarely see you use any of these products again after the sponsored post. Like nature box, we see all your tasty treats you snack on but we only see you have those during the sponsorship.

Girl this is YOUR BLOG. We choose to come here. If people do not like what you post, they do not need to be here. Plain and Simple. I LOVE your sponsored posts because it helps me find new things as well.

I am a long time reader and have always really loved reading your blog. I still do! I do think I understand where some people are coming from with the critiques so I wanted to offer another perspective. Please don’t take this as criticism but simply just a different perspective that you can do with whatever you choose! :)

I think a lot of the issue with the sponsored posts is not the number of them but how they come across. This may not be reality, but in most cases it appears that you try something out for a bit and then never use it again, so when you say it’s a wonderful product that you’ll use forever but we never see it again or hadn’t seen it before it comes across as a bit, for lack of a better term, fake. Again, I don’t mean this harshly but just to let you know that sometimes the “optics” of the sponsored posts comes across as disingenuous.

I do really see you as more of a girlfriend, and I have no problem with sponsored posts, I just want to really feel like you have fully tried out the products and genuinely love them.

I think you are doing a wonderful job, and I know that blogging at times must be a real struggle. I also completely acknowledge that you can’t make everyone happy, so you just need to do what feels best for you! <3

I actually don’t mind sponsored posts. I’ve discovered a lot of great products that way. And they pay for running a blog and I know first hand that blogs are not cheap especially as they grow.

I first got into reading blogs because I’m the only distance road racer in my small town and reading the blogs of other distance runners made me feel less alone!

I love love love your blog, actually it’s the only blog I regularly check up on nowadays. You’re actually kind of my running role model and I aspire to train and run like you someday. I like reading about your honest struggles along with your triumphs, as well as useful advive concerning subjects such as a loss of motivation and injuries.

I don’t think it’s fair that an athlete can dive still win. That being said, I do agree with some of the commentors that Miller’s dive was an accident caused by fatigue. I watched it live and it just seemed as though her legs sort of gave out before the finish line.

Hi Janae,
I never comment but read your blog pretty much every day. :) You do such a great job raising your family, living your life, running crazy amounts of miles…and maintaining an interesting, informative blog, none of which is easy. Sponsored posts are a given and I, for one, will never have a problem with them. They not only allow you to keep your blog going but they have introduced me to a variety of new products over the years. Keep up the great work!

My only problem with the negative comments is that you provide an e-mail address and “concerns” could be voiced there. It’s a blog. I am reading about your life. If I don’t want to read it, no one forces me to. I enjoy reading about your life!

Love reading the blog, have read for YEARS! Don’t mind the sponsored posts at all. If I’m interested I read it, if not, i skip it that day. But I do think I liked the blog better (and this is going to sound horrible – pre-Andrew). It seems like maybe the intense training has slacked off and the blog posts are more cutesy lovey/dovey vs. hey, I’m a hardcore runner. Don’t get me wrong, I read every day but I find myself saying (to myself) I liked her blog better before. And I’m not an angry single girl either lol

Either way, keep on doing you and I’ll keep reading. just sharing a feeling I’m getting lately while reading.

I’m sorry, but did anyone look at the Westin trip post and NOT think it was all paid for? Who cares! It look beautiful and you looked like you had a blast.

I agree with those that just skip over sponsored posts unless it appeals to me.

The internet is so silly, really. So easy to criticize behind a screen, isn’t it?

First of all, I LOVE THIS BLOG. Thanks for sharing your running journey with us – it’s always encouraging, uplifting, and it’s obvious that you work hard on it. I noticed more sponsored posts than usual, but I really LIKE hearing about the products you like, and my first thought was OF COURSE lots of people/companies want to work with Janae because she’s awesome! I follow other bloggers who do way more sponsored posts than you – and they don’t post content EVERY DAY like you do. If 3 per month is all you want to do, then that’s great. But I think people can definitely handle more than that if you want to do more. We are benefitting from what you share – and we want you to be able to keep providing for your family. Yay for making money doing something you love (most of the time) and providing for little kiddos! You’re a rockstar, woman. Keep up the good work. And I’ll keep reading whatever you decide to post. Yay for running encouragement, fun photos, and products you like! <3

How great of you to address the sponsored post issue, Janae. I’ve been a LOOOONG time reader and noticed over the past month or so that there seemed to be more sponsored posts than usual and I have to say it kind of bummed me out. I think it’s because while I know you would never promote something you didn’t believe in, I still know that you have to craft a post around the sponsor so too many of them start to feel forced.

I continue to read your blog as my first blog read every day because of your positivity. I love to hear about your insights on what you’ve learned about dealing with running injuries, life, and even dating. Basically I read your blog because of you…you’re voice is true and infectious. Thanks for continuing to share all that you do. I’m so happy for you and your new family.

I admire the way you respond to commenters. Your lack of passive aggressiveness is what stands out to me, in comparison to how some bloggers choose to respond to negative or constructive feedback. So, thank you! You seem genuine and with an open mind to hear what your readers think.

I’m not a fan of most sponsored posts, but I understand that’s how the blog is made possible. I just skip or skim those posts. Really like the rest of your blog!

I have to say it boggles my mind that anyone would even comment about sponsored posts. No one is being forced to read this blog in the same way that no one is being forced to read any magazine that includes advertisements and sponsored articles. I read this blog because it’s of interest to me and its lighthearted and a good read. Their have been times that you have talked about products that don’t interest me and I (gasp) don’t finish it that particular day, much as I might not read a magazine cover to cover. So please keep doing what your doing and ignore the naysayers. I wouldn’t even grant them another thought. Although that’s easier said than done ?

And I don’t have a handheld but really should in this Texas heat. I don’t think I would mind holding it because I always run with my phone in hand. I used to use the arm band, but I like to randomly change my music as the mood strikes especially if that day’s playlist wasn’t working for me ?

There are a looooot of replies here so hope mine doesn’t get lost in the shuffle! I love your blog and I read a number of blogs. I will say you are the only one I read that doesn’t directly say when it’s a sponsored post, almost like your trying to hide its a sponsored post. We as readers like to know when it is sponsored. I strongly encourage you to look at the blog sweet tooth sweet life and pbfingers.com. They both do sponsored posts and I love the way they do them! How they are upfront makes me love their blog even more.

Hi Janae,

I am commenting here to do my part to offset some of the haters. In psychological terms it takes about ten compliments to offset one negative remark correct? So this is my attempt to fill your bucket! I’ve been reading forever! Usually one of my first thing in the morning routines, before I even get out of bed as I’m checking news…
The “piling on” that happened to you here bugged me enough that I came back this evening to leave you a *hug*. I have been thinking about why I read and stay with you and not any others…. One word: positivity. You have it. You even did an excellent job of answering the tough comments politely and to the point. I would bet that is the teacher in you. We, as teachers, need to become pros at that (read: dealing with a difficult parent). You do it well. The sponsored posts are a must and don’t limit them if you don’t want to. You need to make a living. Anyone can tell when they are sponsored whether you say so or not. The Westin drama is rediculous. You didn’t need to say it was comped. Srrrrsly. Also the comment about giving Knox and Brooke “privacy” was so over the line. You are their mother. Nothing gets up my Irish more than someone telling me how to parent. You obviously take parenting as your first job. Much love to you and in the words of TSwift: “Haters gonna hate.” You just shake it off.
?

After reading your blog for years, I feel like we’re friends. :) I’m posting now because it makes me sad to see how critical and self-righteous some of the readers have been regarding the sponsored posts.

You’ve always been honest about the following:
– Your mom deletes mean-spirited comments – I love this! I prefer to read comments when they’re respectful and constructive.
– You make your living off the blog – You’ve even updated us on how this has changed over the years and this provides an outstanding level of transparency.
– How you only promote products that you actually like – I don’t expect for every product you promote, you will use it multiple times per day and then specifically provide evidence in pictures. Also, it’s none of my business how much you earn for these posts and I don’t care to know.
– How you provide a highlights view of your day – I don’t expect to see how you spent every second of your day (i.e. perhaps you foam rolled one day in compression socks and it’s not documented in a picture. That would be reasonable. ;)).

I love your blog and would recommend that you don’t change anything. Ignore the naysayers.

Do you need sponsored posts to generate income for blogging? Undeniably yes. I totally understand this. Post as many sponsored posts as you need/want. However, you need to follow the law and the FTC has clear rules that require you to disclose when you’ve received compensation. The social media platform in your contract is immaterial. Posting about your Westin trip on the blog and not disclosing what was free clearly violates this rule. Your post “Silentish Saturday” from August 13th still lacks clear statements that your Westin trip was paid for – though it references “Shayne (Westin Run Concierge) took us out for a killer trail run”, which I assume you did not pay for yourself.

In full disclosure, I like your blog a lot. I understand it employs you. As such, be professional and work within the law.

Hey Janae,
(Sorry I’m giggling calling you by your real name)
I do agree of late there’s been a few more sponsored posts than normal which I understand. Mostly your sponsors products do interest me (why hello blood orange chobani) but in the past I noticed you’d post an extra post to counteract the sponsor post. Girls gotta do what a girls gotta do so that could be another option…
Keep being awesome!
Kim :-)

I first stumbled across your blog over 2.5 years ago when I googled something about running and I have been a loyal reader ever since. Every single post you do is pretty much amazing! You not only share awesome things about running but I feel like I always end up reading exactly what I needed to hear in terms of advice on getting through tough times, etc. In terms of sponsored posts, some of my favorite products/jewelry/running gear are because of you! Remember Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s words, “You are doing better than you think you are.” Keep doing what you’re doing, Janae! You are such an inspiration!