There are so many benefits to running, but this Thanksgiving I’m grateful that running gets me out there in nature. I won’t run through everything, but I have run in some pretty hot conditions, in a Nor’easter, into the single digits, into wind that almost blew me into Lake Champlain, occasionally in snow storms — which is very peaceful unless it’s slippery.
I thought about this yesterday on my run. We had another dusting of snow overnight. The skies were absolutely a hazy shade of winter. The sun was nowhere to be found.
Beauty was everywhere to be found, if you just got out there and looked for it. That dusting of fresh snow clinging to the evergeens and the bright red holly berries. The creeping ice on the lake. The fall leaves still peaking out of the snow. The interesting foot/paw prints in the snow.
I would hole up in my house, barely getting out to walk the dogs, if it weren’t for running, and my days are better for those runs when I do get outside and brave the elements.
I won’t keep you long, as I still have a Thanksgiving dinner to get together, but I will leave you with a few scenes from my run yesterday. I’d love to see what you’re seeing on the run!
Running may push us outside of our comfort zones, but it also narrows down our focus to things we would never notice if we didn’t run. This Thanksgiving I am grateful for the things I see on the run.
— Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy
I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.
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
Tell me in the comments:
What are you grateful for from your runs?
What are you grateful for in your life right now?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
100% agree with you. This is why I run outside all year long. I grew up in the country and running outside keeps me in touch with that part of myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There was no running outside for me growing up, although I definitely did play outside as a kid.
I do run outside year round, but I obviously make good use of my treadmill as well when the weather is nasty.
LikeLike
Great pictures! I love seeing the winter scenes. I guess I have to admit they are beautiful, even though I am not a winter person.
I am so grateful for running, too. I can’t even imagine my life without it. I have met so many positive, interesting people, both in person and online, through running. It has been such a positive force in my life. Happy Thanksgiving, Judy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am not a winter person either. I was really happy in TX, although in the end those summers get to you.
But the truth is I without the dogs & running, I would probably hole up inside during the winter. OTOH, I did still often walk outside when I lived in VT!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Man, you have lived a bunch of different places. I have lived in the same county my whole life!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, not like a military person: just 4 states. NY, MD, TX & VT. 3 different towns in NY though (if you count college).
We don’t plan to retire here, so hopefully some day there will be a fifth state.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am grateful for all the people I have met through the running community! Such a great group:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s amazing how running brings together people who are so very different and probably would never have met if we didn’t run!
LikeLike
Those are the ingredients of my two runner’s highs last week. Connecting with nature and the earth that way is so good for the soul…and soles..,sorry I had to go there. Happy Thanksgiving!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Soles — good one! Happy Thanksgiving! Try not to let the MIL get to you too much. 🙂
LikeLike
Such beautiful pics!!! There’s a reason I shun ‘Milly and opt outside 99.999% of the time. The tranquility of the outdoors cannot be imitated on a treadmill. Happy Thanksgiving!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I’m pretty sure I’m not doing a Turkey Trot this year. It’s been an odd year. It’s not just going to be cold, it’s going to be cold and windy. If I didn’t have a houseful of people coming I would still probably do it!
LikeLike
Beautiful photos! I usually opt for indoors if there’s snow on the ground because I can’t always find a place that’s well cleared enough to run. People aren’t that good about shoveling here sadly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’d think people would be good about shoveling here but no! But usually after a few days, if you’re cautious, you can run in the neighborhood (mine is not a high traffic area).
But the places you can actually run — especially run long — really dwindle in winter. And it’s only fall!
LikeLike
I agree with you. There is something peaceful about running outside (even during those hard runs). The scenery is often interesting, beautiful, etc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Summer running — at least when it’s hot & humid — it’s hard to find the peace then. 🙂 But otherwise . . .
LikeLike
Great time for this post. It’s hard to always remind ourselves how lucky we are to get to participate in such a wonderful and healthy life long activity. I love the peace of a cool run, after I get warmed up of course.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Running keeps me sane in a job I loathe. Without running I would be holed up in a hotel room. Instead I’ve run in some beautiful places.
Otherwise like tennis I’ve meet some wonderful people who have become my friends.
And in the winter since I hate cold, running gets me outside.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree! running does get me out there all year around to enjoy the beauty of nature and get much needed fresh air. I know I did not spend nearly enough time out there before I became a runner. Hope you have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a great Thanksgiving, Deborah! As I was saying to Laurie, I do remember walking outside, even in winter, when I lived in VT. And I didn’t even have dogs then! But I would for sure hole up inside a lot more without running.
LikeLike
As runners we are so lucky that we get to see the world differently than other people. Whether it is a daily sunrise, an appreciation of our own backyard, or the chance to explore a new city by foot, it’s truly wonderful and something to be thankful for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it’s so true that you see things so differently when you run vs in a car.
LikeLike
Love the pictures especially of the holly. I don’t see that herein Wisconsin.
What are you grateful for from your runs? Low stress, improved moods & improved health.
What are you grateful for in your life right now? Good health & aloving husband.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Holly is everywhere here!
Low stress is something to be grateful for, for sure. Unfortunately I can’t claim that.
LikeLike
Beautiful pictures, thank you for sharing those. Running gives me time to appreciate nature’s beauties and even just the crispness of frost on the local roofs and berries in people’s gardens.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! Although I do walk Scooby most mornings, running is the main thing that gets me outside enjoying the scenery. And on business trips, its often the only hour I spend outside.
Happy Thanksgiving!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Business trips are so hard! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
LikeLike