Blog post #1: Jen Bechard

I already posted this in the comments under "Blog Post Question 1", but I'm reposting it since I just figured out how to create my own post (lol). Here it is:

Hi everyone! Anyone whose had a class with me before has probably heard me talk at length about how I'm an amateur long-distance runner. It's a huge passion of mine and my favourite hobby. One thing that makes the sport much more enjoyable for me is the online community of runners, from Reddit to Instagram to YouTube. It's really motivating to feel like I'm part of a worldwide culture of people going through similar training and experiences. Additionally, being part of online discourse around running solidifies the sport as part of my identity. I find that identifying with a hobby/activity makes one much more likely to continue pursuing it, which is important qua difficult things like exercise. For me, a particularly helpful and fun way to feel like I'm connected to the community is by watching professional runners on YouTube share their training and journeys; it helps keep me inspired to see just how committed (and how fast!) these people are and what may be possible in the future even for amateurs like myself. One of my favourite pro runners is a GBR Marathoner named Phily Bowden. She is currently training to make it to the Olympics within the next few years and documents her routine and advice on her popular YouTube channel. I have included a link to it below.

https://www.youtube.com/@PhilyBowden

Comments

  1. Abby ChalmersJanuary 26, 2024 at 1:03 PM

    Hi Jen, I think it is really neat to find content creators and influencers who can speak to our hobbies and interests. I have been in a few of your classes before and it is cool that you are so passionate about running. It is also cool to be able to find a community that you can be a part of and connect with those who share the same hobbies and interests as you. While it is not running, one of my biggest hobbies is reading and I know how satisfying it is to be able to talk about that with like-minded people online. I also agree that making a hobby or passion part of your identity will make you more likely to continue with it. I have recently started painting and, while I am not amazing at it, have started telling some of my friends that I am a painter. It is small but making this hobby a part of who I am not only makes it more enjoyable, but I want to continue doing it. Thanks for sharing!

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