On this Thanksgiving week, I have so much to be thankful for. Although I am currently healing from a running related injury, I am so very thankful for the many gifts running has given me over the years.
Fitness
There is something about running on a regular basis that keeps me in shape in a different way than any other type of cardio. Maintaining a strong run base, makes me feel strong and able to take on other fitness challenges like relay races and triathlons. Years ago when I first heard about relays like Ragnar, I thought those people were nuts. Fast forward, I have not completed 5 of them myself.
Friends
Those of you who know me, know that my MRTT runner girl gang is a huge part of my social life and my motivation to run. I have met my closest friends through running and have no idea what I did for fun and entertainment before I met them. The community that we have built is priceless and something that I am so very thankful for.
Running Community
I am so very thankful for my other “tribe” of virtual fitness and running friends. They are so very supportive and encouraging. Even though, we may live miles apart, I feel very close to them. I have connected with so many fabulous women through their blogs, facebook groups and Instagram. Looking forward to many more years of friendships and meet ups.
Confidence
I was nowhere near this social before I became a “real runner”. “Running” my MRTT group and connecting with readers near and far through my blog, have given me so much more confidence to put myself out there in so many ways I would not have previously done.
Sightseeing
I’ve learned how very exciting it can be to explore new places by running through them. Who would have thought that running would be the best way to sightsee? So very thankful for some of the most incredible places I have had the opportunity to run in.
These are just a few of the many gifts that running has given me. Truly Thankful and grateful. What are some of the gifts running has given you?
Thankfully linking up with Kim, Zenaida, Debbie and Marc
All of the above! I’m so grateful for everything that running has added to my life. And especially grateful that I can still do it!
Yes it is a gift to treasure
Ha! Great minds think alike! I too am grateful for the many gifts that running has given me.
It is easy to take these things and people for granted!
Yes to all your points! I had completely forgotten about the sightseeing aspect. Running takes us to places we would never have discovered otherwise. I did a mountain race once that brought me to the remotest and prettiest villages I would never have seen otherwise.
It is really is amazing when that happens
Well, running in particular led me to meeting this gal in the DC area…and we now host a fabulous weekly link-up 😉 She has inspired me to try many new foods & step out of that comfort zone in my kitchen. She also is a very gracious host and knows how to throw a party 😉 Yes, running serves far more than just fitness for many of us 🙂
Love my Iowa girl! So glad that we have become such great friends 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving
Running is such a confidence booster and I’m so grateful for that! Few things beat the sense of accomplishment after finishing a tough workout or new distance.
Yes exactly!
I love that you are grateful for running even while you are working through an injury. 🙂
Totally with you on exploring new places on the run — it’s the best (and running tours are even better).
The running community, in person and virtual, is truly the best. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Yes I am very grateful indeed. It’s easy to take our running health for granted
I couldn’t agree more with this list. Running is awesome 🙂
Life changing for sure! Happy Thanksgiving
Yes to all of this and more! I am so thankful for all of these things, and and grateful to running that I can call you my friend! Happy Thanksgiving!
Right back at you Linda! Happy Thanksgiving
Running – and the community, friendships, experiences, and opportunities that have come with it – is one of the greatest gifts I’ve been given in life!
They sure are- I agree 100%
Confidence for sure!
Yes indeed!
I 100% agree with al the reason that you listed – running has given me so much!
Wishing you and your family a happy and fun Thanksgiving 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your Kim
Aw love this post! Such a thoughtful reflection. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks Abbey
Travel and sightseeing are truly such an incredible side effect of running. In addition to the friends along the way, getting to see and explore new places is definitely something for which to be thankful.
Yes they are have a happy Thanksgiving
I agree with everything you mentioned. The running community is simply the best. I love the support and encouragement we give one another. Have a GREAT Thanksgiving!!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours
Love all of this! I’m so glad to have met you through running – we need another meet up soon 🙂
Have a great Thanksgiving!
We sure do!
I don’t do too much running, but I’m definitely thankful for my running buddy (back when we used to run together)! Fitness too! :]
That works too! Happy Thanksgiving
I can relate to this as well! I’m also grateful for the gifts running has given me.
Yes! Everyday
Thanks for sharing this. It’s great to see someone so happy and so grateful. Running is really amazing activity. Not only for health but all the other things you mentioned. I still didn’t experience many things you’ve said, but I hope I will in the future.
Thanks and I can’t wait to get back out there