As I am getting ready for Thanksgiving–reviewing my recipes, getting the house ready for company, hitting several grocery stores for special holiday ingredients–I am taking time to appreciate and be thankful for all the blessings in my life. First on my gratitude list is the health and well-being of my family and friends. Second is the time we have spent together, creating new memories and cherishing old ones. As I keep taking stock, I find that a number of things that I am thankful for could be on any runner’s gratitude list.
Having running friends to support and motivate me. This was my first full year of being involved with my Moms Run This Town group, and it really changed my running life. No matter what the weather, I could find someone to run with, and just hearing about what others are doing sparks my motivation to lace up my shoes and get out there.
Sunrise runs in every time zone. I had a lot of business trips this year (three more to go!), and I am grateful that I had an opportunity to get out and go running on many of them.
Lovely runs in my backyard. Taking time to appreciate the scenery when I travel has made me appreciate the gorgeous places I have to run at home. Before I started with my MRTT group I really only ran on the Mount Vernon Trail, but now I have expanded my running routes to other fantastic options in the D.C. area.
Gear to keep me comfortable in all sorts of weather. When I was forced to join the cross-country team in high school in the 80s, I hated it. Looking back, I blame cotton t-shirts, polyester shorts, and chafing. 🙁 Since then, running gear has come even farther than I have, and I am grateful for technical fabrics that breathe in the summer, keep me warm in the winter, block the wind, and let me shake off the rain. I love my Knuckle Lights that help me see the road at o’dark-thirty, and my CamelBak that keeps me hydrated on long summer runs. And, yes, I am thankful for Body Glide!
My husband, the willing sherpa. Most of all, I am grateful for the love, support, and encouragement of my husband. He buys me the coolest gear even when I tell him I don’t “need” anything else, he drives me to my races so I don’t have to stress over parking logistics, and he understands when I decide to go to bed early on a Friday night because I’m meeting a friend to run at 5:30 Saturday morning. 😉
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What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
I am also thankful for an understanding husband. There are many of days when I feel sore or just need to rest ( when I should be doing other stuff : aka housework) but he never says anything about it and gives me the time I need. Oh and he listens to me complain about how sore I am!
Yeah, housework is not a priority when I’d rather run, ride, or recover! 😉
I love your list!! Health and fitness is definitely something to be thankful for. I’m so thankful for MRTT as well-definitely a life changer and a great way to meet new friends 🙂
I second everything that you have on your list! Running is a gift all of its self.
Yey! So glad you found MRTT!!
Me too! I’ve loved getting to know so many BAMRs 😉
It looks like you have run in some beautiful places this year! I’m also very thankful for my husband. He is a great sherpa/cheerleader/supporter.
Beautiful photos! Being injury free is definitely something I relate to this year…it’s such a blessing to be able to do what you love. It’s also great to have great people to run with!
What a great list! I’m grateful for my husband, too. A good support system is so important! Happy Thanksgiving!
Yes, running wouldn’t be fun without the support of my husband!
Great list.
My number one would be getting healthier this year.
What a wonderful list! We all have so many things and people in our lives to be grateful for, love the reminder. And I just loved your photo galleries of places you’ve run. I got to run in San Diego last month and it was just gorgeous! Thanks for linking up with us today!
Thanks! San Diego is gorgeous any time of year!
Love your list! I agree with your last point, I also have a super supportive husband when it comes to running and it’s so awesome to know he’s always down for my crazy running ideas 🙂
That’s so interesting that you say you were “forced” to join cross country in the 80s when my girl friends and I were BEGGING for a girl’s team in 1970….we were finally “granted” a track team in the spring of 1971- I am thankful for that and have continued to run ever since then! Thankful for 43 years of being able to be active! Headed towards my 44th year of running and 34th year of competing in triathlon!
my health.
and for the smile that our um… friend commented above me.
Love this list! So much to be grateful for and I love all your photos! Happy Happy Thanksgiving!
Great list! The understanding and supportive husband is a big one for me too! Makes all this running and racing so much easier when you’re supported. Happy Thanksgiving!
What a lovely post with all that you are grateful for – it’s so warm and fuzzy! Thanks for linking up with us!