Dear Running: I’m Thankful . . .

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

bdearrunning

Dear Running,

I’m thankful that I found you. I’m thankful for  the obvious reasons, and the not so obvious reasons.

Dear Running, I’m thankful for the sense of well being that I almost always get after a run, whether the run was good or bad. You give me the energy to get on with my day and you make me a nicer person too.

Dear Running, I’m thankful for all the friends you’ve brought into my life. Almost 10 years ago I moved to a city where I knew no one, except for Mr. Judy, of course. My circle of friends is still small, but without running, making new friends would have been even more difficult.

Dear Running, I’m thankful for all the friends I’ve made not just all over the country, but all over the world. Running and blogging has put me in touch with some incredible women — and men. We may live in different countries, time zones, and cultures, but running brings us all together and shows us that we’re not so different after all.

Dear Running, I’m thankful for all the places you’ve taken me to. Everywhere I go, you are there for me. You are the best way to explore new places; except for maybe food tours. I just had a light bulb moment! We need running food tours. Need. Feel free to run with that idea.

Dear Running, I’m thankful for all the things you’ve taught me about my body. You’ve taught me to listen closely to it: to back off when I’m pushing too much, to push harder when I’m reaching for new goals, to take rest so that I can push harder, to fuel my body with the right foods, to seek out help when something doesn’t feel right.

Dear Running, I’m thankful for the confidence you give me every time I tackle a new goal: a new distance, faster speedwork than I thought I could do, races over terrain I thought I couldn’t handle. Every time I take on a new challenge and come through the other side triumphant, my confidence increases.

Dear Running, I’m thankful that you allow me to enjoy a little more food than I might if I didn’t run. I won’t lie — while food isn’t the only reason I run, not by a long shot, it’s nice to know I can indulge every once in a while because I’ve worked my body hard courtesy of you, running.

Dear Running, you are not an easy companion. Too often it seems you break me down to build me up. While you give me energy, you also make me tired. You demand time away from my loved ones. And sometimes you really do break my heart. In the end, though, I’m thankful that you came into my life. You have brought far more into my life than you have taken from it.

Tor-box

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

What has Running brought you that you’re thankful for?

What else are you thankful for today?

38 thoughts on “Dear Running: I’m Thankful . . .”

    1. The bling seriously doesn’t really excite me. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good medal, but it’s just incidental to the other things I look for in a race.

      And since I never win AG awards, I have far more jewelry than bling. 🙂

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    1. I’m just sorry it’s been so long since we’ve been able to get together. They dangled Monterey in front of us yet again this year, but nope, it didn’t happen. 😦

      I had half a mind to just go anyway, but the prices on the hotels that weekend are insane because of the conference!

      Someday I’ll do a half in CA, but it could be Socal. I think I need to do one both south & north. 🙂

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  6. I love that running has brought me way more self-confidence than I ever thought I would have! Plus, it’s taken me to places I never thought I would see, much less run in. 🙂 And, the eating is a definitely bonus!

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  7. Great post! I definitely relate to a lot of these and while running isn’t an easy companion at times, I’m always thankful that I’ve added it to my life 🙂 I guess the challenge is part of its charm!

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  10. Running has definitely taught me to listen to my body. I had to push through injuries in high school and college since the seasons were short. Now I can take my time, and there’s no pressure to get back out there.

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