Every November, as the air cools, and the holidays draw near, I find myself reflecting on the things that make me most grateful. Of course, running is usually near the top of that list. It’s not just about miles and medals. It’s about growth, peace, and even connection. Here are a few reasons why running keeps me grounded and grateful.
Running Gives Me Space To Breathe
Life can be loud. It’s full of to-do lists, obligations, and constant hustle. Running gives me room to escape the noise. It’s my chance to breathe deeply, clear my head, and reconnect with myself. Some days, it feels like therapy. Other days, it’s freedom. Every time, it’s exactly what I need.
It Teaches Me Resilience
Running isn’t always easy, and that’s what makes it so powerful. Every tough run and setback teaches patience and perseverance. I’ve learned to show up for myself in every situation, even when it’s uncomfortable. Finish lines (of every variety) are that much sweeter because of the effort it takes to cross them.
Running Makes Me A Better Person
Oh, how true this is. Running humbles me, challenges me, and brings me a deeper understanding of the journeys everyone else is on. It’s taught me to celebrate progress in every form, and to carry discipline and support for others from the pavement into the world. When I run, I’m calmer, more patient, and a better human.
The Community Is Everything
The running community is one of the most welcoming and inspiring groups you could ever hope to meet. From cheering at races to swapping training tips, runners lift each other up. That shared spirit of support and belonging is something for which I am eternally grateful.
It Keeps Me Grounded In Gratitude
As someone who is known to be a bit dramatic, running reminds me that every step is a chance to be thankful. I’m grateful for my health, the movement, and the chance to do something I love, day after day. From gorgeous sunrises, to hard fought finish lines, gratitude is in every stride.
What are you grateful for in your running journey?
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Link Up With Tuesday Topics
Welcome back to Tuesday Topics, as Jenny, from Runners Fly joins Jenn at Runs With Pugs to co-host this link-up! Please join us every week for a new topic! Write on our weekly prompt or choose your own topic! Make sure to add your post to the link up, link back to your hosts, and comment on the other shared posts!
Jenn, this is such a great reminder to reflect on what running does for us! I am grateful for the many wonderful memories in my running journey, the friends I met, the lessons I learned, the moments of accomplishments, the moments of regret… All of it!
The memories are really some of the best!
A big huge YES to all of this!!! It’s actually incredible that running can do so much for us- keeps us challenged, keeps us humble, gives us a chance to accomplish big things, and brings us peace. And, the community is incredible. Runners definitely lift each other up!
It’s really amazing. And I love the community so very much.
Haha, I love that you are dramatic! That’s my kind of person 🙂 Yes, to everything you’ve said so well. Running makes me a better person for sure. I went on a 3-week running break, and I was such a grouch – very impatient with the kids, snappy, and it was just a reminder why I love and NEED running in my life.
Oh, three weeks would have me absolutely goblin-like. I just need to move!