Running Conference - Next Steps

**Continuation of thoughts about a running conference**

I've still been thinking about getting a running conference together. I think having it as an online, live stream using a video chat (like Google Hangouts) would be the best way for getting people together and to provide the ability for people to ask questions during a discussion.

One possible barrier I see is getting other people involved. I know public (or in this case virtual) speaking can be intimidating. It's really not that bad! Being able to talk about something you're knowledgeable on and passionate about is easy. The topic you talk about is something about running (most likely already passionate about) and something you know has helped you or something you've discovered that's so awesome you want to share it with other runners.

There are many different topic areas for discussions. Though running is a simple sport (just put one foot in front of the other - repeat), it has so many different parts. Some quick things that come to mind:

* Is there such a thing as good running form
* Keeping track of your run (paper or electronic)
* What to eat for a pre-run or pre-race meal
* How to run on a treadmill (speed vs. incline)
* Good gyms to work out at(or avoid)
* Running solo vs. running in a group
* How to get out the door for early morning runs
* How to fit running into a busy schedule
* Essential running clothing every runner should have
* Why getting properly fitted for running shoes matters
* Calling out a specific race that other runners should run (or avoid)

These discussions could be short or long, depending on how long you want to talk about them. The goal is to help share something about running that you know about and use when you run.

If this is something you would like to help out with, please let me know. I'm on Twitter, @deerfoot95 and my email is deerfoot95@gmail.com

Thank you!

Time To Get Things Moving

A year ago I had an idea about a running conference. A one day (or however short or long) event where people could talk and learn more about running. I believe the best way for people to learn is through listening to others talk about their experiences and what worked for them and what to avoid doing.

I know getting a large group of people physically together would be a huge task. My thoughts to get this started would be to have it be a video conference. I've been part of events where you have speakers join in a Google chat and it's streamed live on YouTube. This gives the opportunity for people to speak and share their experiences, and have people listen and give the opportunity to ask questions in a chat during the talk.

With the idea of it being a Google chat, it gives people the flexibility to show their face when they're speaking, show a document or article, or just talk without having to show their face.

I'm not thinking of any set time limits for each discussion. I would hope the discussions last at least 10 minutes before the next person started their discussion. Based on the amount of interest, this idea could last 10 minutes or it could turn into a full afternoon.

Because this is still in the planning stage, I don't have a set date when I'm hoping to do this. I'm thinking sometime in the spring of 2016 would be a good time though. That's when many runners start to get out and start running again after winter hibernation.

I know there are a lot of different areas of running that could be used as discussion areas. I'm not thinking of any particular theme for all the talks except it somehow relates to running.

If this is something you are interested in helping with, have discussion ideas you would like to hear presented, or any general feedback, please email me at deerfoot95@gmail.com or find me on Twitter at @deerfoot95.

Thank you!

More Running Conference Thoughts

Today during my walk with my lil girl, I had more thoughts about the running conference idea.

• Trying to get everybody in the same geographical location would be difficult. There is the option of having a Google Hangout or something like that and have it streamed online.
• There are a lot of different topics that could be talked about. I know there are runners who are very knowledgeable and have a lot of experience with different areas of all things running. 
• The discussions could be just that - discussions. Nothing fancy. The biggest thing would be for everybody to have an open mind.
• I still think something like this would be a way for runners to connect with other runners and learn from each other. What better way to learn than from somebody with experience.

That's as far as I got with thinking more about this idea today. I haven't seen anything like this done before, but I think it could work.

Running Conferences

Earlier this month, I attended a conference for teachers and other people in the education world who use technology in their classroom. The conference was a full day and had hour long sessions. These sessions were presented by teachers, with the content of the session spanning across all different topics ranging from 'How to effectively use videos in the classroom' to 'Here are some applications you might find useful.'

Being at that conference and seeing how all the presenters had an interest and passion for what they were presenting was awesome. There wasn't a 'please buy this product' or 'please sign up for...'. This was just people helping share information.

That got me thinking about the running world. I have been running for over 20 years, and the only thing I've seen that comes close to this are expos at races. Even then, most (if not all booths) are trying to sell you a product. It's great expos exisit, but it's not really a good time for people to learn something.

There are ways to take the same basic concept of the conference I went to and make it relevant to runners. Though running is pretty simple - put one foot in front of the other; repeat. There are so many different parts of running people know a lot about, or people would like to know a lot about.

Things like:

* What technology do you use for running?

* What are good things to use or have for night running?

* What to look for in running shoes?

* How to prepare for a first race?

* How to run with dogs?

* Why training journals a good thing to have?

Some topics like the ones above could easily be turned into a 30-60 minute discussion. I'm sure there are other topics too. The main concept of the topics would be 'I know a lot about...' or 'I found it very helpful to...'

This was just a thought that came across my mind last night. I'm always trying to think of ways of getting people together of all running levels together and share information.