I have always struggled with writing articles for scientific purposes. As you can see, if you are a follower of mine, a lot of what I write tends to have a journalistic feel to it. When it comes to science, there are more formal rules and regulations, and your writing is much more carefully monitored and fine combed for errors or inconsistencies by your peers.
In fact, for a master’s project it was required as a credit to get something published in a peer-reviewed journal. Something like “The Journal of the American Dietetic Association,” or “Medical Journal of Sports Nutrition.” I personally had to submit a bunch of attempts before I got something accepted. Funnily enough, I have been commended many times on my chatty, newsy letters home, to friends and family that love to get the happenings of my exciting life and experiences with this second career of mine here in the US.
With all this said, I continue to write, as good practice for my career in this scientific field. And oh yes, I am continually trying to get my name in lights. I was so proud of myself today when my peer, and in a sense “boss,” paid me one of the best compliments yet to date. Before I reveal my honour, I have to disclaim why I say “boss.” I am on Matt Fitzgerald’s editorial board for http://www.Poweringmuscles.com (great resource, by the way – training and sports nutrition tips… and yes, you will even see “yours truly” regularly published there, with every attempt to keep up with my science).
Matt Fitzgerald is a journalist and author specializing in the topics of health, fitness, nutrition and endurance sports training. His work appears regularly in publications such as Runner’s World, Triathlete, Her Sports and Running Times. He has also authored and coauthored numerous books, including Triathlete Magazine’s Complete Triathlon Book, which has sold more than 60,000 copies since its publication in 2003. Matt has been a competitive runner since age 12 and competes in triathlons.
So, yes he is a peer, and yes he does edit much (or rather tear apart) of my stuff. Well today, I submitted one of my personal favourite topics. Metabolic Efficiency after all, is partly the reason sports nutrition interested me so much and why I chose to go into this second career. Not only was it posted right away on http://www.Poweringmuscles.com, but Matt also wrote me a complimentary email, and then went on to put my great article on http://runningCompetitor.com too (and yes, I get paid for this 🙂 ) – Maybe I should consider a third career change… freelance journalist….mmm… nah!!!
Here is Matt’s email to me on receiving my article – and hey, feel free to read this one, as well as last month’s feature called “fat loading” both now on poweringmuscles.com, and don’t forget to check out http://running.competitor.com/ while it’s still hot off the press.
Ilana,
Very interesting article. I like how you mix the personal and the scientific and tell a bit of a story. You’re getting pretty good at this writing thing. I’ve already posted it on Powering Muscles and I’d actually like to use it on Competitor Running (http://running.competitor.com) as well, with your permission, but first I’ll need to send you a form and a contract to fill out, as we do things a little more formally here at the Competitor Group!
Matt
