I love this week between Christmas and New Year’s Day – there’s always some great time to hang out with the family, time to reflect, and time to plan for the new year.
While I’m still tweaking my goals a bit and will share those soon, today I’m sharing my annual look back at my top 5 posts for the year. It’s always interesting for me to see which posts generated the most interest – so here are my top 5 for 2017 (according to Google Analytics):
5 Tips for Running on the Track — While the track is my favorite place for speedwork, it surprised me that this post from the summer continues to have the highest page views.
Running with Kids — This is actually a post from 2014 but makes the list every year. Sharing my love of running with my kids has been a big part of my running journey, and it makes me smile to know that others are looking to share running with their kids too.
Runfessions of an Injured Runner — This was a hard post to write cause I had to admit that I was too injured to train for my fall goal race.
5 Benefits of Planking — Clearly I’m not the only one who believes in the power of planking as this is another post that continues to draw views.
Five Tips to Become an Early Morning Runner — Honestly, I’ve been struggling to get out of bed lately so I may need to re-read this one!
Given that this year’s top 5 were all Friday Five posts it seems only fitting that I’m linking up with and Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!
Thanks for sharing in the fun around here this year!
Those injury posts are always so hard to write!
I am going to read your planking post 🙂 I am trying to incorporate them more in my workouts now.
Great! I hope it’s helpful!
Great list to look back at! I definitely need to do more planking 🙂
Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five – holiday gifts
Thanks Chaitali.
I often start the planking challenge only to lose it a week in. I have no idea why!
Deborah Brooks recently posted…December Runfessions 2017
Hmm…I guess some challenges are just more appealing than others.
Isn’t it crazy how the tough posts (to write) often have the most influence? One of my posts from last summer, right after the surgery, almost went viral. I think people find comfort in reading the “real” stuff; they want to read about real struggles we have instead of all the rainbows and fluff.
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Runfessing My Reality
I think you are so right Kim.
5 Benefits of Planking has encouraged me to start doing planks more often. It something that I know I need to do, but don’t do nearly as often as I should!
That’s great Kim! Let me know how it goes for you.
I used to plank every day. I’ve fallen off the wagon but you totally inspired me to get back on. Adding it to my goals for 2018!!
Happy New Year, Michelle!
Rachel recently posted…I Runfess: New Year Style {December 2017}
Great to hear Rachel! Happy New Year 🙂
I learned that any posts with numbers in the title do really well with readers. People love lists, don’t they? Injury posts are super popular too. Apparently, misery loves company.
Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year!
Wendy recently posted…Runfessions: December
It is interesting to me that people don’t seem to tire of list posts!
Those were all great posts! Happy New Year!
Coco recently posted…2017 Year-End Runfessions
Thanks Coco! Happy 2018!
Great posts! I really need to look up my top 5 posts!
Clarinda recently posted…I Runfess….
You should – always fun to see what resonated with people.
I do love speed work at the track and planking!
Me too 😉
I need to check out your tips for running on the track. I totally see the value of the track but don’t use it nearly enough!
I hope you get a chance to check it out!
What a great list! I really need to focus on those tips to get my butt out earlier in the day!
I need to revisit that post myself – I’ve slid off the early morning wagon!
I have never been a morning runner. i would rather run before bed if I have to, instead of getting up earlier.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Christmas Goodies
Interesting – I find if I run late in the evening then I have a hard time winding down.
I need to check that planking post again…and remind myself that even though it makes me miserable, it’s a great workout, lol! Happy New Year!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…5 Reasons to Run the New Jersey Marathon
Ha – just keep telling yourself the benefits 😉 Happy New Year!
Looks like a bunch of great posts!!! Hope you have a very Happy New Year!
Toni recently posted…2017 Fit Foodie 5K Clearwater Recap
Thanks Toni – Happy 2018!
Like many others, I always start out planking daily and invariably fall off the wagon. I really don’t know why either …they are not difficult to do and take very little time! My core has suffered this year, so maybe this is just what I need to get me back to the planks!! Happy New Year Michelle!
Teresa recently posted…December Runfessions
I find I’m most consistent when I do them first thing in the morning or right after my run. Happy New Year Teresa 🙂
I just checked out your plank post and it has motivated me to start (again). Hope you have a great and awesome 2018!!
Thanks – that’s great to hear! Happy 2018 Zenaida!
My toddler LOOOOVES to “race” me. I’ll be checking out your running with kids post next!
Andrea recently posted…How to set and keep your New Year’s resolutions in 2018
That’s awesome – and actually how my oldest son started running! He’s now running cross country in high school and totally dusts me 🙂