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General

A Runner’s Plan for Writing a Book

  • Kerrie

Lately, I feel like an imposter.

Many of you have told me that the way I set goals and accomplish them is inspirational. Thank you so much. And, yes, lately it seems I’ve been able to do this in my running.

But there is one big goal I’ve had for YEARS that I have not been working toward. At all.

I want to write a book.

Last year, I had a short push toward it, but it fizzled during a two-week vacation. I even had a blog to try to help me, but I ended up writing more on the blog than I did writing toward my book.

I don’t know why it’s so hard. Maybe because I can’t decide what kind of book to write or what to write about? I love the “chick lit” genre, but I also love nonfiction books about running. Should I combine the two? ย Mostly, though, I need to make time for writing. Just like I had to do for running.

Something occurred to me yesterday: Perhaps writing a book is like training for a marathon. What if I tackled the book the same way I trained for the marathon?

So I looked up a plan, then copied the time I would spend running to train for a marathon into time I will spend writing the first draft of my book.

(And, yes, I also will keep up my running. I need running.)

For long runs…er, “long writes” on Sundays, I looked up my times for the distances listed on the training plan and inserted them into the chart. Rest and cross training days became days I step back from writing to read instead.

Like anything, writing is a habit. And just like running — it’s difficult to get in the habit and so easy to get out of it.

So I’m taking my own advice:

Stop thinking about it and start doing it.
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22 comments
  1. James says:
    October 11, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    That's an awesome idea!! I've been wanting to write a nonfiction book but have been struggling with actually starting it. I may have to give your “training plan” a try!

    Reply
  2. Carrie says:
    October 11, 2011 at 1:31 pm

    Fantastic idea. Good luck!

    Reply
  3. Marlene says:
    October 11, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    GREAT idea. Good luck!!! Make this dream happen!

    Reply
  4. Deb says:
    October 11, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    That's a great idea! I think that philosophy could be applied to other major projects too.I want to read it when it's done!

    Reply
  5. Jill says:
    October 11, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    You are such a fantastic writer, I know you can do it – just take it in pieces like you said :). I went to this blogger conference this summer on health and fitness and one of the topics was publishing a book. Not an interest of mine (cuz I can't write – ha), but I found it fascinating on the differences between being published and self-published. Both had some very strong pros and cons (two woman gave presentations together – one published, one not). The woman that did find a publisher spent weeks in the library writing down publishers and then trying to sell her cookbook idea. Here's her blog in case you had some questions for her on publishing: elanaspantry.comCan't wait to see what you write :).

    Reply
  6. Emily says:
    October 11, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    I love it and totally support the goal and the plan to achieve the goal! I can't wait to be the first in line in DC to buy it!

    Reply
  7. fancy nancy says:
    October 11, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    I love the way you planned this all out! I need to do this for my scrapbooks!! I can't wait to read your masterpiece!

    Reply
  8. Run with Jess says:
    October 11, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    Love your plan!! There is a huge window out there for a fiction novel based on running… hmmm, storyline of a group of ladies who meet with one thing in common – running. They all have different obstacles & challenges in life, but the bond of running holds them together. It would really make a fantastic novel… the life we live every day!

    Reply
  9. Lisa J says:
    October 11, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    what an awesome way to work it into your schedule. I need to start doing that with some of my “need to accomplish” items

    Reply
  10. thefamilypracticeblog.com says:
    October 11, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    Try Nanowrimo. It'll force you to stick with it. I plan on doing it this year for the first time.

    Reply
  11. Amanda - RunToTheFinish says:
    October 11, 2011 at 6:53 pm

    did you write this just for me? I posted awhile back about how my major was journalism because I love to write and read…so I have wanted to write a book forever, but can't get started. a plan might be just the thing to do!

    Reply
  12. mom27g says:
    October 11, 2011 at 1:31 pm

    Great idea!! Oh and my opinion, a combined book sounds awesome. I would read it!!

    Reply
  13. Cook.Clean.RUN.Dream says:
    October 11, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    Love this approach! Good luck! If you write I will buy .. promise!

    Reply
  14. Amanda says:
    October 11, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    Ooooo I would totally read a chick-lit book about a female runner. Can't wait to see what comes of this!

    Reply
  15. track coach and adorable wife says:
    October 11, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    Good luck with the book! I love writing too, but can't do dialouge!

    Reply
  16. Sara says:
    October 11, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    This is awesome! I also have a dream to write a book someday and this never occurred to me – what a great way to tackle this project. I can't wait to hear how it goes. And I am looking forward to your book! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  17. Zaneta says:
    October 12, 2011 at 1:24 am

    Wow! Good luck!! I will definitely read your book when you finish it ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  18. Veronica says:
    October 12, 2011 at 4:14 am

    I love the idea of combining a chick lit with running! Thats what the world needs – a strong, focused, health-minded, female protagonist. Throw in a hot, fast, sympathetic, male running partner (or maybe physical therapist? yowza!) and that is a book I would read!!If there is one thing the last 2 years have proved, its that you can do anything Kerrie!

    Reply
  19. [email protected] says:
    October 12, 2011 at 4:39 am

    Ah girl, you're speaking my language. Maybe I will hire you as my writing “coach” and you can write a plan for me. Write a book about writing like a runner or start another blog documenting your writing training….ha…okay, wrong direction. But really, I'm right where you are at here…I could have written this same post…My husband has really been pushing me to WRITE my book! I have lots of ideas but no direction…not quite sure how to get started…I'm the kind of person that needs to see the big picture…where I'm going after I start…like how does it all work…publishers, editors, ahhhh, overwhelming at times. You go girl!! Do it!!

    Reply
  20. Lesley @ racingitoff.com says:
    October 11, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    Seriously, this is brilliant, and could be applied to so many other things as well. Wishing you much success with your writing!

    Reply
  21. Kris says:
    October 12, 2011 at 1:37 am

    Such a good idea!! I think the book should involve running for sure ๐Ÿ™‚ I would definitely buy your book too…can't wait for it to be published ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  22. Christine says:
    October 12, 2011 at 11:39 pm

    I wish you all the best with your book, this looks like a great plan! Keep us posted ๐Ÿ™‚ And maybe a little preview ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply

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