Whatever floats your oats
This week’s blogger interview is with Emily from Whatever Floats Your Oats. (Blog no longer available in 2019). I’ve been reading Emily’s blog for a while and thought you might like it.
- Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I grew up in California but have spent the last year and a half in Texas. Last year, shortly after my 29th birthday, I decided that I wanted to run a half marathon before I turned 30. I signed up for a race (which will be here in just a few weeks), started training and haven’t looked back! I’m nervous but incredibly excited for the race and to meet my goal. I also don’t eat sugary foods or desserts. Some people are surprised to learn that I request fruit each year instead of cake on my birthday.
- How would you summarise what your blog is about?
Whatever Floats Your Oats is about my experiences in fitness, healthy eating, training for races, hobbies and life general adventures.
- When and why did you start blogging?
I started reading blogs about two years ago and felt inspired to adopt more healthy habits – regular exercise, less processed food and more peace in my life. After receiving such great inspiration from others, I wanted to give back and share my experiences. I started Whatever Floats Your Oats hoping to make a difference in someone’s life.
- Are you still blogging for the same reasons?
Yes. I am so grateful for the help I received and want to inspire others to believe that they can make healthy changes in their lives too.
- Which three blogs/bloggers have had the most influence on you and why?
1) Julie at Peanut Butter Fingers – Peanut Butter Fingers is the first health and fitness blog I read. Julie’s enthusiasm for exercise was so contagious that I started working out regularly. She also introduced me to my favourite breakfast … overnight oats!
2) Anne at fANNEtastic Food – I started reading Anne’s blog when I began working full-time and needed help balancing my life. Anne shares quick, healthy recipes and great tips for managing a healthy lifestyle with a busy schedule.
3) Janae at Hungry Runner Girl – Janae is such an inspiring runner. Her great attitude about life always makes me smile. As a new runner, I appreciate her tips on injury prevention, long run fueling and keeping training fun.
- Are there any particular bloggers that you look to for inspiration?
I love reading Michele’s blog at NYC Running Mama and Monica’s blog at Run Eat Repeat. Both have an honest, friendly style and combine helpful information with heartfelt sharing.
- How would someone describe your blogging style?
Informational and inspirational. I like learning from others’ successes and in turn, hope that readers can learn from my experiences that I share on Whatever Floats Your Oats.
- Which of your blog posts has generated the most discussion and why?
My Dreaming Big post in which I announced that I want to run a marathon. This announcement came as a surprise to those who’ve known me for a while since I wasn’t a fan of running for most of my life.
- What tips would you give to anyone thinking about starting to blog?
Write about what is interesting to you. If you don’t like writing about your topics, reading the blog will not be as enjoyable.
- Who do you think the main audience is for your blog?
Individuals trying to live healthy, happy lives. I also have a loyal group of family and friends who read my blog – thanks, guys!!
Are you writing with any specific person in mind?
Yep. I write to two audiences – my family/friends who want to know how I’m doing as well as anyone who is trying to stay fit and healthy in a busy world.
- How do you decide what is ‘blogworthy’?
If it’s something that I would like to read about on someone else’s blog, I figure that it’s worth blogging about. I write about experiences that I think might help someone else.
- What do you find most challenging about blogging about sports/health? (running/cycling/swimming/triathlon/diet & nutrition)
I’m new to the running scene. Sometimes I’m hesitant to share my experiences because I’m afraid I’ll sound naive or inexperienced. I try to remind myself that everyone has to start somewhere.
- What do you do when you aren’t blogging?
Spend time with my husband, exercise and work.
- What challenges/races/events have you got lined up for 2014?
A half marathon in June, 15K in September and half marathon in October.
- What skill do you hope to master over the next year?
Run a 10k in less than an hour and survive the marathon I’m hoping to run this coming spring.
- What is something you would like to ask the next featured blogger?
When you are short on time what is your favourite exercise??
- What is your favourite gadget and why?
My Garmin Forerunner! I love that it tracks my pace, distance and overall workout time. I wouldn’t be able to do outdoor runs without my Garmin.
- What’s the furthest from home you’ve travelled for a sporting event?
I travelled 3.5 hours for a special 10k race at the University of Texas.
- Do you listen to music when training? What music motivates you?
Sure do! I love songs with catchy lyrics and a great beat. My husband helps me find fantastic running songs. Music is a necessity during hard workouts, especially songs with a strong beat. I particularly like hip hop and pop songs because I can zone out and keep pace with the beat of the music. At the moment my playlists include songs by B.o.B., All American Rejects, Black Eyed Peas, Timbaland and Parachute. During races I love to listen to music but while training, I occasionally alternate between music and books/inspiring speeches. Sheri Dew is one of my favourite motivational speakers.
- What’s your favourite food/recipe?
I love overnight oats and eat them almost every morning for breakfast. I vary my yoghurt flavours and toppings – so many options! Some of my other favourite foods are chicken fajitas, fruit (especially berries and peaches), tomatoes and avocados.
- What is your strategy for dealing with an injury? Have you ever had to put it into practice?
I want to run for the rest of my life. When I’m dealing with an injury, I remind myself not to push too hard – I would rather take a week off from running now than never be able to run again ten years down the road. I do struggle on and off with knee pain, especially if I increase my mileage too quickly. It’s gotten better now that I’m working on strengthening my hips and core. When my knee pain flares up, I rest, ice, foam roll/stretch and do lower impact exercises like walking and using the elliptical. I’ll also concentrate more on strengthening my arms and core so that I can give my knee a break.
- Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?
I have to lay everything out the night before the race – my clothes, shoes, Garmin, music, energy gel, etc. The last thing I want to do the morning of the race is stress about forgetting a necessity.
- Describe your philosophy for life in a six-word sentence…
Express love and gratitude each day!
- What is the most important advice that you can give to readers?
Make time to take care of your physical, emotional and spiritual health. I am a better wife, sister, daughter, friend and employee if I take a little time each day to exercise, eat healthily and pray.
- Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Be honest. It’s okay to write about a training run that goes badly or a day where you didn’t eat as well as you’d hoped. Someone else may need to hear that you are human too.
- Aside from your blog, do you have any other social media presence where you are happy to be followed? (Twitter, Pinterest, scoop.it!, Instagram, Facebook, Bloglovin, Strava, Garmin Connect etc). Please add details.
Definitely! Please follow me on Twitter (EmilyWFYO), Instagram (EmilyWFYO) and Bloglovin.
Thanks to Emily from Whatever Floats Your Oats for answering my questions.
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