BlogFest

I got back home from my BlogFest adventure on Tuesday and now that I’ve had a day to get back on east coast time, I’m ready to write. Ready? Here goes nothing…

When I heard about BlogFest from the lovely Chantal Brodrick (of Fitness Business Podcast fame) I decided I was going to attend. I NEEDED to be part of this experience and once the excitement of being invited to attend settled, the anxiety set in. I’m going to have to leave my kids for a week! I’m going to have to get out of my comfort zone and network! I’m going to have to try to fit in in a room full of fitness bloggers! What the hell was I thinking?!? Imposter syndrome reared its bitchy head, but Mel Robbin’s advice on reframing anxiety as excitement did the trick and I was one excited mama boarding that flight last Wednesday!!!

I set a few intentions before I left to keep me focused (cuz if you know me, you’ll know I’m all about focus):

• stick to my half-marathon training schedule
• meet Chantal Brodrick
• genuinely connect with as many people as possible
• connect with some vendors
• spend some real time by myself and clear my head
• pay attention and be inspired

 

My first 90 minutes in San Diego were rushed because I needed to check in to the convention, check into my hotel and make it back to the convention centre in time to meet the Marathon Kids 5k Fun run! I ended up running to the run but I made it in time and a sticky run ended up being the perfect kick off to a life-changing experience.

Why on Earth would I find a hot 5k run after a full day of traveling to be energizing?

Well, I’m a runner and we be a little crazy.  It served as a training run. It was my first time in San Diego and running the waterfront was a beautiful introduction. I got to meet some pretty amazing runners (seriously check out Jenny Nakamura, Christine Parizo, and Jamie King!) and badass female entrepreneurs. Talk about girl power! I was tired AF but I got to run with Runny Legs herself and the cutest little girl kept pace with me and outran her mom…pretty inspiring stuff! Thank you Marathon Kids and Sweat Pink!

 

I met my BlogFest companions bright and early the next morning for a workout with coconuts. Yup…real coconuts! (Thank you Fit Bodies, Inc!) Getting sweaty and friendly with tropical fruit is one helluva way to launch a conference. We attended the IDEA World opening ceremonies, met Heidi Powell, learned about podcasting, creating online courses, and upping our video game. Each of these sessions deserves it’s own post so I’m going to use today to share my highlights and takeaways.

• the only block between me and my audience is own inner critic (thank you Petra Kolber)
• if you’re happy, you’ll be successful (Robert Holden, PhD is my new spirit animal)
• focus on who’s really and truly with you: your true tribe (Sadie Nardini)
• I want a relationship like Gigi Ashworth has with her husband (seriously, they’re ridiculously adorable and there’s no doubt he’s her #1 fan!)
• passion for why you do it needs to be at the core of what you do (Heidi Powell is as beautiful a person in real life as she is on tv)
• create a personal connection with your audience, whether that be through the blog, a podcast, or my Instagram posts

I learned so much, and the above are just the start. I could seriously go on for days and days and days but I’ll keep to the highlights today,  (you’re welcome) . I learned a ton about myself, too, and here are some key lessons:

• when I’m determined to do something, I hustle my butt until it happens
• reaching out to industry leaders can lead to real-life connections (I have wanted to meet Chantal Brodrick for over a year now…and it happened!)
• I am exactly where I’m supposed to be in this wonderful world of blogging and fitness entrepreneurship an I’m doing it for the right reasons
• I stuck to my running training plan
• It’s not selfish to invest in yourself: in your business and personal growth
• I really miss dancing

 

I am so grateful to the SweatPink girls for having me at BlogFest. I connected with bloggers and speakers and vendors. I took notes and was inspired and I’m a better me for having attended. I can’t wait for BlogFest 2019!

*Stay tuned for more posts because I’ve got loads more to say.