Happy Birthday, Meals and Miles!
Four years ago today I opened my first wordpress account and started this blog. Back then I had no idea what I was getting myself into – I was recently single, had just moved to Orlando, and didn’t know the first thing about writing a blog! But I was determined to keep it real. I wrote about what was ever on mind and slowly, but surely, the blog started to grow, as did my passion for the blogging community.
Eventually my little hobby led to some amazing opportunities and, 4 years later, I wouldn’t trade any of it for a second. Starting this blog was probably the best decision I’ve ever made. Thank you to all the readers, commenters, followers, friends, and family members who have supported my little blogging endeavor the last 4 years. It has been one hell of a ride!
In honor of 4 years of blogging, I thought it would be fun to take a little walk down memory lane to see just how far this blog has come since 2008. This was a fun post to pull together, I hope you enjoy looking back as much as I did!
September 2008
- 9/11/08: Meals and Miles begins as “Inner Workings of a College Graduate” at http://graduatemeghann.wordpress.com.
- First blog post “Welcome to my World“
- Joins Foobuzz ad network. Makes approximately $10 the first month.
- First “blogger” dinner.
- 9/27/08 – First 15k (Miracle Miles)
- Develops a “Perfectly Portioned for One” series
October 2008
- 10/10/08: First product review – Karnea Nutrition Bars... are those even around anymore?
- 10/28/08: Creates a “reader challenge” to see where everyone was reading from – had over 135 responses!
- Discovers “Google Reader”
November 2008
- 11/28/08: Leads a round of “Blogger Secret Ingredient” a weekly challenge where bloggers came up with a dish using a secret ingredient picked by another blogger.
December 2008
- Creates a Blogging: 101 series
- 12/6/08: Runs first half marathon (OUC Half)
- Becomes a Mac girl and discovers the wonders of blogging via Ecto
- Creates a list of resolutions for 2009. At the top:
Go on Dates – Hell I would even be happy with talking to just talking with a guy. I had my heart broken this past year, but I believe its time to move on. I’m enjoying being single, but a free meal every once in a while would not hurt either.
January 2009
- 1/6/09: Purchases first domain www.graduatemeghann.com
- Feels inspired after volunteering at the Disney Marathon (1/111/09), attends an informational meeting for Team in Training (1/17/09), registers for the San Diego Marathon (1/19/09), and begins fund-rasing via the blog for LLS
- 1/18/09: Reconnects with Derek over some hurricanes
- 1/22/09: Purchases first bike “Blue“
February 2009
- Hosts first Blogging Bake Sale with 26 bakers and raises over $1300 for Team in Training!
- 2/8/09: Turns 24
- 2/11/09: The first giveaway! A Gracie’s Gear Sports Bra.
- Email chain begins that leads to the planning of the first Healthy Living Summit.
March 2009
- Sister is hit by a car while riding her bike. She survives with little more than bruises and cuts; promises to live day to the fullest.
- 3/14/09: Finishes first triathlon
April 2009
- Featured on WomansDay.com: 10 Greatest Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- 4/6/09: Hosts second “Blogging Bake Sale” with over 40 bakers, which raises over $1700 for Team in Training!
- 4/8/09: Reaches TnT fundraising goal with over $4,731thanks to online bake sales and reader donations.
- Completes Jullian Michaels 30 Day Shred Challenge. Posts review, which becomes one of the highest searched blog posts to date.
- 4/20/09: First reader survey is posted to gauge interest re: the yet-to-be-named “Healthy Living Blogger Conference.” Response is overwhelming and survey exceeds number of expected responses in first hour.
- 4/25/09: First out-of-state blogger meet-up in Long Beach
May 2009
- 5/31/09: Finishes first marathon in San Diego. Highlights include first YouTube video of the race and a “Marathon Reflection” that carries through future marathons
June 2009
- Officially announces the first Healthy Living Summit after partnering with Stonyfield and raising $15,000 in sponsorships. Tickets are $30 and sell out less than 20 minutes after they are released.
July 2009
- 7/5/09: Derek’s first guest post
- 7/10/09: Joins Twitter! @mealsandmiles
August 2009
- Loses Abbie and welcome Maddie to the family
- Attends first Healthy Living Summit in Boston (also, first blog conference!)
September 2009
October 2009
- Enters the NatureMade Sam-E Complete Good Mood Blogger contest (10/20) and, thanks to reader votes, makes it to Top 20 (10/22). Creates a killer application video, but ends up finishing 4th overall.
November 2009
- Attends first Foodbuzz Festival in San Francisco
- Purchases first DSLR and 50mm lens (blog photography improves SIGNIFICANTLY)
- Quote appears in November 2009 issue of Self
December 2009
January 2010
- 1/10/10: Runs Walt Disney World Marathon
February 2010
- 2/8/10: Turns 25 in NYC
- 2/9/10: Participates in “Kelly’s Cake Off For a Cause” with Electrolux and Foodbuzz in NYC
March 2010
- Becomes a “Chevy Girl On The Go” and blogs about adventures with the Chevy Traverse
April 2010
- 4/3/2010: Runs first ultra-marathon
May 2010
- Joins “Chevy Girls On The Go” again. This time with the Chevy Malibu
- Healthy Living Summit tickets go on sale for 2010 – sell out in an hour.
June 2010
- Appears in the June 2010 issue of Shape under “Success Stories”
July 2010
- 7/22/10: Upgrades to first smartphone
- Contributes WomansDay.com: 10 Better-For-You Comfort Recipes
August 2010
- Executes second annual Healthy Living Summit in Chicago This is the last summit officially planned by all 5 founding members.
- 8/26/10: Attends first “Ladies Who Blog” dinner in Orlando. The group eventually evolves to become “Central Florida Lady Bloggers:
September 2010
- Celebrates two years of blogging with a complete blog overall. Good-bye graduatemeghann.com, hello MealsAndMiles.com. The blog is completely redesigned and moved to a self-hosting platform.
- Open Meals and Miles fan page on Facebook
October 2010
- An article is published that turns my world upside down. My response post is still my highest viewed post to date.
- 10/6/10: Opens Meals and Miles Shirt Shop
- 10/10/10: Runs Chicago Marathon
- 10/20/10: Writes first “My Period Post” that turns into a 3-part series
- 10/21/10: Auditions for first blog related reality tv show
November 2010
- Attends 2nd Annual Foodbuzz Festival in San Francisco
December 2010
January 2011
- Announces leaving job to blog full time. Says good-bye to role as a marketing assistant after over 2 years on the job.
- Starts filming “The Meals and Miles Show” with iZonOrlando
- Begins a Project Move & Mix series on the blog that chronicles the journey of moving in with a boy
- Accepts role as an Attune Brand Ambassador that carries through the remainder of 2011
February 2011
- 2/8/11: Turns 26
- 2/8/11: “The Meals and Miles Show” debuts on IzonOrlando
- Attends Social Fresh
March 2011
- 3/5/11: Moves to Tampa
May 2011
- Starts the New Rules of Lifting for Women Plan and chronicles results over the next year. The NROLFW page becomes one of the most viewed pages on the blog.
- Begins training for August Half Ironman and creates weekly training check-in series that follows 16-wk journey.
June 2011
- 6/6/11: Registration for 3rd annual Healthy Living Summit in Philadelphia opens. Sells out in 12 hours.
July 2011
- 7/6/11: Appears on Florida Swim Network with other Central Florida Bloggers
- 7/16/11: Speaks at Central Florida Blog Conference on how to monetize your blog
August 2011
- The third annual Healthy Living Summit takes place in Philadelphia.
- 8/22/11: Reflects on three years of planning HLS
September 2011
- 9/11/11: Meals and Miles turns 3
- 9/25/11: Crosses finish line of August 70.3 (first half ironman)
October 2011
- Makes television debut in 1.5 sec spot on Cupcake Confidential on the Cooking Channel
November 2011
- Travels to California to learn more about Dole
- 11/5/11: Runs Savannah Marathon
December 2011
- 12/4/11: Runs Las Vegas Half Marathon with Attune Foods
- Reflects on all the adventures from 2011
- Joins FitFluential
January 2012
- Derek proposes at the finish line of the Miami to Key West Ragnar Relay
- Wedding planning begins! A wedding tab is added to Meals and Miles.
February 2012
- Joins Verizon Wireless Brand Ambassador program
- 2/8/12: Turns 27
- 2/12/12: Finishes Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Pete Marathon at goal of 1:45:39
- 2/26/12: Runs Walt Disney’ Worlds Princess Half Marathon with RunDisney and FitFluential partnership
March 2012
- Road trips to SXSW with team “Fresh Squeezed” to raise money for Adopt-a-Classroom in partnership with Chevy.
- Joins Pinterest
April 2012
- Starts training with XP Multisport
- Selected as first “Blogger on the Run” featured on WomensRunning.com
- Founds “Tampa Bay Lady Bloggers“
- Hosts Kelly’s Bridal Shower – becomes most pinned post.
- 4/27/12: Develops recipe for Almond Breeze
May 2012
- 5/5/12: PRs at Flying Marathon
- Becomes Yelp Elite Member
- Sets goal of running a marathon in all 50 states.
- 5/20/12: Runs 5k completely nude. Most googled post.
June 2012
- Partners with Healthy Living Blogs for Healthy Living Summit
- 6/12/12: Registration for 4th Annual Healthy Living Summit Opens
- Signs on as Brand Ambassador for Brooks Running
July 2012
- Travels to Washington to go cherry picking with Whole Foods
- Participates in #SurviveOn35 Challenge with Anytime Fitness and FitFluential
August 2012
- Attends first BlogHer in New York City
- Executes 4th Annual Healthy Living Summit in Boston
- Says good-bye to Scooby
- 8/29/12: Hosts Trojan Vibrations Giveaway
What’s your favorite Meals and Miles post?
{ 46 comments… read them below or add one }
What a fun walk down memory lane! Happy birthday, Meals and Miles!!
Krissy @ Shiawase Life recently posted..The Treadmill Diaries.
Great roundup, and Happy Birthday, Meals and Miles!
Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes recently posted..#Runchat
Holy moly, you are awesome! So glad I got to meet you through blogging as well. Happy 4th birthday! ;D
This recap is amazing! It must have taken you so much time but must’ve been fun to put together. Love seeing first post with your “friend” Derek
and the Hurricanes hahaha. That’s the life of a Floridian, right? Happy blog birthday! I was a reader back when it was Graduate Meghann and you inspired me then and you inspire me now!
Caitlin recently posted..Weekend With My BB – Part Two
Wow – you’ve accomplished so much in 4 short years! Your blog was one of my first on the reader list way back in 2010 when I started reading healthy living blogs. Thank you so much for inspiring me to start my own blog! keep it up Meghann!
Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian recently posted..Foodie Survey
Wow! Love the RoundUp! It is so fun to look at the timeline, and see all of your success along the way! Happy Bday to your amazing Blog!!
Mary @ food and fun on the run recently posted..Rainy Day Running
I can’t believe how long I’ve been reading your blog. I remember most of this!
Dori recently posted..What I Did On My Summer Vacation
You’ve really evolved over the past 4 years! I only started reading a year ago so it was great to see everything that happened before I started reading! I also opened up your post on the Chicago Marathon and can’t wait to read it since I’m running it in less than 4 weeks!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats recently posted..WIA-Everyday
As a longtime reader (though only a commenter a couple of times), it’s definitely interesting to see how the blog has evolved or changed over time. However, I have to say I can’t be the only one who finds it odd that you’d go through so much trouble to write this post and not mention the other important thing that happened on September 11. I lived in New York at the time (though I’m in Florida now) and many of us will never be able to forget the trauma of that day. It’s something that affected the entire country (and really, the world), and to see you gloss over it is puzzling, to say the least.
I knew this was coming. I don’t think you HAVE to pay any respects in a public space if you don’t choose to. How does this commenter know you weren’t going to do so in your LUNCH post? Your DINNER post? 9/11 was a hug tragedy, but people “remember” in their own ways and in their own time. Not everyone in the U.S. or the world is going to wake up and pay their respects. It can happen at any time throughout the course of the day and it can happen in PRIVATE. SoFlaRunner, what did YOU do to pay your respects? Start a blog and make it known to the whole world that you did? No, it’s not about that. Paying respect and “always remembering” should NEVER, EVER be forced and it most certainly should never be on anyone else’s terms. Just my two cents, Meghann.
I agree. 9/11 was obviously a huge day in the lives of everyone that lived through it and certainly the people who were most affected will have the hardest time with the anniversary. But I think it is normal, and a good sign of healing, that we do not observe the date the same way year after year. I was listening to NPR this AM and they were interviewing some of the people at the NY 9/11 service and it was the first year no politicians were on tap to speak. The people they interviewed said that they felt this year’s service was the most relaxed, and in some ways, the most intimate (since most of the hundreds strong attendees were victims family and friends rather that the thousands strong attendees of past years), and they liked it that way. I think it is fine for people to commemorate it however they like, or if they choose to discuss other topics, I think that is great too. 9/11 will never be forgotten, but over time its impact on our daily lives will. It is the way history has always worked – Pearl Harbor Day is a perfect example. So while I understand SoFla’s feelings, I would also encourage that person to look at this another way – that it is a sign that time is moving on, and soothing sorrows as it tends to do.
BTW, happy anniversary M&M!
Kashi @ Cape Island Runners recently posted..Race Report – 2010 Philly Half-Marathon
Agreed! Just as everybody grieves in their own way, I don’t think anyone needs to regulate the way someone chooses to remember September 11th. At some point, I don’t think that every blogger needs to write the “where I was on September 11th” recap each year.
emily recently posted..One Meal Sunday
You are correct that Meghann doesn’t HAVE to note the real significance of today’s date or do anything to mark the solemn occasion and pay her respect to those who lost their lives and those who were left behind. It is absolutely her choice. Perhaps she didn’t realize that this omission and the upbeat and frivolous tone of her post would upset some of her readers, but I find that hard to believe. No one is saying Meghann is a bad person or that she isn’t remembering the tragedy in her own way today. The ONE post that pointed out this omission just said it was “puzzling” that Meghann did so and I have to agree. I know Meghann prides herself in being uncensored and real, but with four years of experience, I would expect her to show more compassion and more understanding of how her posts will be received.
while i agree that no one dictates what bloggers should do on 9/11, i have to admit i do find it a bit interesting that the significance of the day was lost on the blogiversary. honestly, if i blogged everyday, i would probably avoid the day out of sheer confusion for what to post. i know meg, and i know she didn’t purposely gloss over the significance of 9/11. if anything she probably felt awkward writing another “where was i on 9/11″ post and decided to go this route. i think my confusion stems more from the fact that the post seemed very ME centered, which made the omission of 9/11 even more obvious. i dont know, maybe i’m just not a fan of blogiversary posts in general. if you consider it to be a job, it’s like any other job anniversary (wherein most dont generally spend the day recapping their past years on the job). i hope i am conveying this point semi clearly. overall, if the post wasn’t 4 years of link backs and instead just a normal post with a “happy 4th bday to M&M” i dont think it would have been as glaringly obvious that 9/11 wasn’t mentioned. honestly im not trying to offend anyone…just offering my $.02
allison @ thesundayflog recently posted..Wedding: 13 Months!
For my birthday earlier this year I wrote a post that had a photo side-by-side of every birthday since I was 17. I actually got the idea from another blog and thought it was fun so I posted the same concept on mine. I love reading birthday posts or blog anniversary posts from other bloggers because I love reading the history, especially if I haven’t been there since the beginning. It’s fun to look back with them and see the changes through the years or important stuff I might have missed. Yes, those posts are “me” centric, but they’re fun and I think it’s ok for the other bloggers to brag every once in a while – be proud of the achievements. Heck, we had weekly emails go out at my old job that celebrated office anniversaries and Derek just got a a nice gift from his company for being there 5 years. Anyway, the “me” centric birthday post of photos was not a hit with everyone. There were comments of those that weren’t a fan, but also comments of those who were. It was quite interesting to see how people were divided. I think, as a blogger with these types of posts, you just have to post what feels right for you because you’re not going to win everyone over.
However, you’re right – I did not mean to offend anyone by writing such a celebratory post on 9/11. I honestly was not thinking. I’ve celebrated my blog birthday on 9/12 in the past and I think I will stick with that tradition from here on out.
Actually, I happened to live in downtown Manhattan at the time and witnessed all of the terror and carnage, so September 11 is usually a day of serious reflection for me… And not that it matters, but yes, I did discuss this reflection on my own blog. I didn’t link it here because it’s not a healthy living blog.
Was this in response to my comment? I can’t tell with the way they are layered now.
(if so) I wasn’t implying that “no one should ever talk about September 11th again.” I meant that “bloggers who have no personal connection to the September 11th attacks other than being human Americans probably don’t need to do a giant memorial post after 11 years.”
I think it’s great that you use your blog to help you reflect on major event in your life and I’m sorry that you had to experience the tragedy so personally.
emily recently posted..One Meal Sunday
I’m guessing you didn’t lose anyone close to you on 9/11…
No, I did not, but neither did the majority of the U.S. That doesn’t make the day any less significant. AT ALL. However, that doesn’t mean that every person in the public eye is going to address this day for every year to come. If you lost someone, then that is a lot different and of course this day is going to mean so much more. But like someone else mentioned, there are MANY national tragedies that we don’t all get up and shout from the rooftop about. There is a lot of quite remembering and solitude that takes on a much greater meaning that posting it on some damn blog. I pray every night and reflect on the evils of this world, but the question is do you? Or just on the “anniversary”. See…don’t try to pin someone down because they didn’t “remember” like you did or do. We all mourn and grieve and move on from bad things in life in our own way, and quite frankly, how CLICHE is it that every blogger posts about these things? I, quite frankly, find that OBLIGATION and to me, nothing could be more insulting to the true tragedy and loss that was 9/11.
I would have to agree with that – it seems like a bad day to start a blog, too, no?
Happy birthday to your blog! Yours is by far one of my favorite and most inspiring blogs to me. You have such a great balance of sharing health/fitness and personal! I hope you will keep blogging for more years to come. Cheers, Meghann!
Priscilla P recently posted..monki
happy blogiversary! i loved reading this post and seeing how far the blog has come! i only started reading about 2 years ago so it was fun to click through and see some of the older stuff
Julianna @ Julianna Bananna recently posted..Bangs! {& Homemade ‘Vitality’ Bowl Recipe}
As someone who is (incredibly!) new to the blogging scene, I’d like to thank you (and many others as well, but since it’s your birthday, you get high honours!) for opening so many paths and avenues for us “newbies” by breaking down so many barriers and re-defining the overall societal concept of a “blogger”. Here’s to your happiness, health, and as many more years of Meals & Miles that you can bless us with! (Hopefully it’s a lot — I love your attitude, your smile, and the general joie-de-vie that you bring to your posts!)
Meghann — thank you for giving me something to aspire to!
Chelsie @ Balance, Not Scale recently posted..Ten Reasons …
Thank you, Chelsie.
That means a lot.
Happy Blog Birthday, you have been blessed with so many awesome opportunities
Sana recently posted..Running with Apps
Wow! what a busy four years! After being a blog reader for years I just started my own blog. I hope I have as much fun blogging as you have so far!
Wow, what a busy four years! Congrats
After reading blogs for a few years I just started my own and hope that I have as much fun as you have!
YAY! Happy Birthday to M&M! Such a fun walk down memory lane, for sure
Annette @FitnessPerks recently posted..White Flour & White Sugar
How long did that recap take to post??? All those links are crazy good…who can pick just one?
WOW! Meghann, huge huge huge congrats on four years of blogging. I’m sure you’ve seen so many things change in the blogging world since then, and I think it’s crazy cool that you’ve maintained a blog for that long. Here’s to another four years!
Bethany @ Accidental Intentions recently posted..13.1
Happy Blog Birthday I enjoy reading your blog each day. Thanks for the inspiration.
Becka @ simplybecka recently posted..new look for fall…
You’ve accomplished so much in 4 years!! What an awesome journey you’ve had. Here’s to many more years of Meals and Miles….Happy 4th!
kim@hungryhealthygirl recently posted..I heart chia seeds
Fewww Holy recap, let’s just say you have had an overall awesome 4 years eh? Happy Blogiversary!
Tessa @ Amazing Asset recently posted..Good For Nothing?
I feel I’m just now catching up with everything you’ve accomplished. This is amazing stuff Meghann. Happy anniversary!
Beth recently posted..Winners!
I really enjoyed this post, I think it’s fun to look back on how far you’ve come and where you first began with blogging! I have to admit, I totally got sucked into that whole Marie Claire article and your response. Totally fascinating, I had no idea any of that happened! I only started reading healthy living blogs recently (this past spring/summer). And now that I’ve been caught in the blog world for a solid 20 minutes it’s time to get back to work!
Meghan @ After the Ivy League recently posted..15 Questions
The Marie Claire situation is initially what lead me to your blog (via CaitlinHTP) and I’ve been hooked ever since! Thank you for all of the inspiration and laughs.
Love some of those old posts from years ago!
Loved this post Meghann! Happy blogiversary. I especially liked the links to many earlier posts. I’ve only been reading your blog over the last year or so, so it was fun to see the earlier posts
Caroline Calcote recently posted..Middle School Open House and 15 miles on the bike
What an amazing 4 years! I can’t wait to see how the next 4+ pan out!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted..11 years later.
Happy blogiversary! It was very cool to read how much your blog has evolved and it made me realize I’ve been reading for almost 3 years now! I read your quote in self magazine and started reading yours and Jenna’s (eat live run) after that. It’s crazy how fast time flies! Keep up the great work – I always look forward to your posts
Coming from a New Yorker who was in the WTC on 9/11 30 mins before the attacks and still lives in the city, it was refreshing to read something not 9/11 related. I am still very much affected by the day and I lay low from Facebook, Twitter, etc. But just because someone posts something other than 9/11 doesn’t mean that they don’t remember the day any less than someone else. Also, if someone starts something on 9/11… no big deal. People are born on 9/11 and other dates that hold a significant meaning. What are we going to tell them? Your birthday is less valuable? That said, happy 4th birthday M&M!
Kasandra recently posted..Motivational Monday!
wow. four great years! so much happened – i can’t wait to follow for four more!
I recently started my blog and I really enjoyed reading about your journey! It made me realize I have so much to look forward to. Congratulations on such success and your anniversary! I look forward to your posts daily
Julie @ runninginaskirt.com recently posted..Marathon Monday! Advice and Stories From Marathoners- Part 1
Really neat post, Meghann! I enjoyed seeing how it all came together since I only started following you in the blog’s 3rd year. Wondering what kinds of things you did to put yourself out there and start gaining that massive readship you have? See my current blog post: Blogging is a tricky business. Congrats and happy birthday to the blog!
Laura recently posted..Blogging is a tricky business
congrats girl! I remember when you were graduate Meghann.
You have come so far and done so well for yourself, you should be so proud!
i totally know what you’re saying. i meant ME centric in an obvious way…as in of course it would center around you and the blog on the blogiversary. i wasn’t knocking the recap post – i like flipping back in blogs too. i was just trying to use that in contextual terms…i.e. i dont think people would be as annoyed about the lack of 9/11 remembrance if it wasn’t a blogiversary post. know what im saying? all in all…its a tough thing to navigate, that’s for sure.
allison @ thesundayflog recently posted..Wedding: 13 Months!