Thanksgiving ii tomorrow, and even though I didn’t really feel in the celebrating mood, the holiday will come whether I want it to or not. Of course, I can salvage my less-than-stellar attitude by remembering all the reasons I’m grateful for running. Somehow, it’s hard to be negative when you’re being thankful.
Strength
Running has made me so strong, stronger than I ever though I could be. It’s taught me how to persevere and overcome. I’ve learned how to conquer pain, and the voices in my head that tell me I can’t. Through my experiences in running, I’ve claimed victory over injury and found myself able to keep moving to the next goals. These are such valuable lessons, for which I am so grateful.
Health
Initially, I started running to support my husband in his journey to getting healthier. Of course, a side effect of that is that I got healthier on my own. For the most part, running helps me sleep better, encourages me to eat better, and helps me stay well (obviously the pandemic messes with the eating and sleeping, but we take what we can get). I am so grateful for that gift.
New Adventures
One of my goals is to run a race in every state, which helps me see so many incredible new things. I’m only at seven states, so far, but once things are opened up again, I fully intend to increase that number, and fast. I am so grateful to get to travel, and get to see so many new and beautiful things, while doing something I love.
Community
The running community is truly incredible, and I am so grateful. Before I started in the sport, I assumed runners would be closed off and standoffish, and, man, was I wrong. I found myself welcomed with open arms, and I so appreciated that acceptance. From the community, I’ve gotten tips, advice, and so much support. There’s really nothing like it.
Friends
Most importantly, I am grateful for the friends I’ve made along the way. Never in a million years did I think I would find such incredible people through one sport. There are so many women and men who have been such an integral part of my life, and I don’t know what I would do without them.
What are the reasons you’re grateful for running?
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I have been so grateful to have running this year when everything else feels so uncertain. Before this year I had a rough few years of running with injuries, then being pregnant, and returning to running postpartum. I felt like this year I finally got back to where I wanted to be and now I just hope that there will be races to run in the next year! But even if there’s not, I’m just grateful to be able to run every day!
I am sure we will start having races soon. I really am.
Not only am I grateful for running, but I am also grateful for this year of running. This has been my highest mileage year since my diagnosis with RA. Running has been the one constant in a year of uncertainty. All the other things you’ve mentioned are the icing on the cake!
i think my mileage has been up there, too. I count walking for right now, along with the running, but still. I have never moved forward quite as much as this.
I love the community too! Especially with the pandemic, the virtual running community has become even more important to me. I love all the tips, advice and encouragement.
Where is that monument which and Mr Pugs are standing? It’s impressive!
Incredible how we have all pivoted to make the sport work.
Running sure does help us to realize what we are made of! You definitely persevered this year and I know you are coming back stronger than ever. The friends= priceless
Oh, these are some of the greatest friends I’ve ever had.
I am always grateful for running, Even more so this year. For all the same reasons that you mentioned.
It’s no third to remember the things running has gifted us.
Even in this awful pandemic year, it is good to remember to be grateful. Your comeback from injury has been amazing and so inspiring to follow! I am grateful for the running community too – both my real-life friends and the virtual running community. We are such a positive, supportive bunch of people. It has made this year just a little bit more bearable!
The community is truly inspiring. I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many awesome people.
I agree with everything you said about running, especially the community. All the health benefits and strength/endurance have just been luxurious byproducts 😉
Crazy how such a small thing can have so many benefits. <3
The running community and running friends are very special to me too. As is the therapy that I get from running, especially needed during these times.
That therapy is priceless.
Running has been amazing for me too. I never thought it would take me on such a journey, getting to travel and meet new people and make wonderful friends 🙂 I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
The journey is incredible. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
You’ve been amazing. I keep thinking a few months ago when you couldn’t run, could barely walk, and here you are back in the game again!
I’m so grateful for running because of how accessible it is! Gym closures etc did not affect it. I’m also grateful for the mental benefits of running during such anxious times.