If you’ve been following my blog, Run Away With Me, at all over the past few years you’ll notice something different today: this blog is now called Mountain Maven!
Why? Well, in the past four years of blogging a lot has changed in my life. I ran, traveled, ran some more, moved to Alaska, ran, and then got injured. My running injury has been keeping me from running for almost two years now, and while it doesn’t sound like one of those injuries that keeps you from running forever, it seems to be doing that for me. I’ve started PT treatment three different times with varying levels of success, but even my most recent super talented and optimistic PT has come to the conclusion that something weird is going on. I’m able to do any other kind of outdoorsy activities including hiking, biking, and swimming without any pain, but as soon as I run for a minute I’m immediately in horrible pain. After getting my hopes up and having them horribly smashed so many times, I think I’m taking a break from running for a long time.
But before you think I’ve given up, let me explain! During my time off from running I’ve started learning new sports that don’t hurt. I’ve done triathlons (with walking instead of running), cycling, swimming, skiing, and even mountain biking! I’ve been able to hike long distances without worrying about hiking getting in the way of my “long run” days. I don’t have the pressure to train for a stressful race, where my focus is always to go faster and farther. I can spend time outdoors in my kayak or on my bike just enjoying the outdoors. And honestly, it feels pretty great.
Not being able to run felt like a terrible breakup. My heart was broken and I felt helpless and alone. I was honestly really depressed for months as I tried to come to terms with the fact that not only did I have to stop my plans for running my first marathon, I couldn’t run at all. And when running is your main form of stress release and relaxation that’s really tough. It took me a long time to start to heal physically and emotionally and to feel like myself again. And without running, blogging felt weird. I’m not running, so how can I continue to have a running blog anymore? Who am I without running?
And that’s why I knew I needed a change. After thinking for months about blog names and ideas, I realized that my identity is wrapped up in the mountains. They’re my home (they’re literally in my backyard), my playground, and my safe space. And when I stumbled upon the word “maven”, I knew it was a perfect fit!
I may not be an expert at outdoorsy things yet, but I’m working on it. I’m constantly trying new things and deepening my love of the mountains and the outdoors. And I like the Yiddish definition because I understand the mountains and feel the most happy when I’m there.
So this is me moving forward. I’ll continue blogging about my outdoor adventures, living in Alaska, trying new things, and even some races. I haven’t been blogging about running in a long time, and now I finally feel like my blog matches who I’ve become over the years. Thanks for reading this since 2013 and for sticking around to see what happens next!
Have you ever changed your blog name? If you could change it, what would you choose?
Mom in the Mtns 
I love the new name! I’m glad you’ve found something that’s more representative of who you are now instead of holding on to the past. I think about changing my blog name sometimes because it’s very non-specific, but I have no idea what I’d change it to.
Thanks! It was so hard to find the perfect new name! I seriously thought about it on and off for weeks. If you do change it, good luck! I decided to stay with WordPress so switching the name was easy and it’s super easy to change names on insta and twitter.
Love the name switch! It really fits you & your crazy adventures!
Thanks!
That’s so amazing that you have done triathlons! I have had injuries take me out of running for a period of time and it has felt devastating–sounds like you’re incredibly resilient. Way to keep going and even reinvent yourself, really cool. x
Thanks! Well my particular injury (my SI joint) makes running painful but I can still bike and swim. So I just walked the run section! It was annoying to have to walk but in the process I learned how to bike and swim so it was worth it.
I was so confused to see the new name in my reader! I like it though; I think it fits you well 🙂 I actually need to change my blog name but I have no idea what to change it to.
Haha thanks! It was really hard to come up with a new one. I think I drove my friends and husband crazy running new names past them all the time! It was super easy to actually change my domain and insta and twitter names though.
Love the new focus! Was “something weird” a professional diagnosis? 😉
Hahaha! No, sadly it’s a big more serious and depressing than that, but summing it up I just have a weird body that doesn’t want to use the right muscles to run. 🙂
congrats on the new name!! cant wait to continue to follow your adventures.
Thanks!
So excited for this change! I’ve felt a serious “call” to the mountains lately and have been living vicariously through your posts because of it. I’m also so glad you aren’t feeling defeated by not running. Falling in love with new sports activities is fun, and I’m so glad you found things you enjoy!
Thanks! I’m glad you’re being called to the mountains too – that call is hard to resist!
I am going through the exact (sort of) same thing! Tests revealed I have hip dysplasia and running long distances is pretty much done. I have also been able to hike and climb! Love the new name! Currently thinking about what to do with my blog name as well. Much luck to you on your journey and finding joy in this new path!
Picking a new name was tough, but I’m glad I finally did it. Good luck with your journey – it sounds like we have a lot in common so I’m cheering you on!
Sorry that your injury has made your running so painful and given you such a hard time! 😦 I love the new blog name, and look forward to continue reading your mountain adventures!
Thanks!
Fun rebranding! I definitely think it suits you and the changes you’ve been through the past few years! 🙂
Thanks! I think so too!