Being Thankful for Running

It’s my hope that everyone has had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was certainly enjoyable. Amy and I shared it with a wonderful combination of friends and family. (And that is not the basil martini talking!)

Given the nature of this holiday, it’s only appropriate that we give thanks for what we have in our lives. It also has me thinking about Olympic runner Deena Kastor’s insightful and inspiring biography, “Let Your Mind Run.” In the book, she often refers to starting out each run with a "thanks" for some aspect of her life. Her thanks could be for the simple beauty of an early morning sunrise amid the Colorado peaks or the comradery gained through a tough high-altitude workout with other runners. Ms. Kastor's gratitude also touched upon the challenges in running. This gifted runner understood that even the most demanding trials she endured resulted from her personal skills and good fortune.

Her words have had a greater resonance over two months. When I was in Oregon last week, my Nike Winflo's hit the pavement by 430 each morning. Although part of that stemmed from a hectic schedule dealing with a personal matter, truth was that I needed that time to myself. Having the time to run allowed me to process everything, consider our options and determine the best strategy going forward. On those three days, running became something more than fitness. It became an essential means of coping.

Needless to say, I was quite thankful for being able to run on those days. If I consider Ms. Kastor’s words, I have a great deal to be thankful for when it comes to running. Assuming there are no objections, let me share my list.

I Am Thankful For:

• The Opportunity to Run. Taking long walks last week would not have done it for me. I needed the exertion and release that running provides in order to deal with the whirlwind of events. That's reason enough to be grateful that I was able to put in some miles. It's a reminder that we should cherish each day that we are able to run. Whether that's on a nice trail, bicycle path or treadmill, whether it's on a hot, sticky afternoon or running into an icy wind, we need to cherish each opportunity we have to run.

• Everyone Who Helps Keep Me Running. Most of my running may be done on my own, but that I am able to do so with any degree of success is courtesy of several talented and wonderful individuals. First off, there’s Tim Ives at the Body Project. I wouldn’t be doing what I do now without his outstanding coaching. Next up, my thanks go out to James Laughlin, Todd Schemper and Kaity Hall at the Kinetic Edge. Whether it's my IT band, frozen shoulder or troublesome left hamstring wanting attention, they’ve helped me get back to my early morning pre-coffee addiction. Also keeping my legs moving is Sarah Messengarb from Hands On Sports Therapy. Not only do I receive first-rate massage therapy, but it’s also accompanied by great music, engaging conversations as well as cool-looking bruises from the cupping. Also added to this is Ellen Davis from Davis Sports Nutrition who's nutrition program is helping me provide my body with the fuel necessary to keep me on the bicycle paths each morning without forcing me to eat Brussel sprouts.

• A Perfect Neighborhood for Running. No two ways around it. If I hadn’t lucked into this part of Suburbia, with its network of well-lit bicycle trails, I’m not sure I’d be running like I do now. With my work schedule keeping most runs in the wee hours of the morning, I need streetlights, smooth sidewalks and a safe neighborhood.

• Social Media. Considerable attention is being focused on the myriad problems of social media - and deservedly so. At the same time, when I think of all of my old friends whom I stay in touch with through Facebook as well as the new ones that I have made from various running groups and other connections, I truly appreciate this remarkable gift that today's technology has provided me. I'm looking forward to broadening that in the coming year.

• All My Running Friends. Much as I am grateful for all my social media friends, we can never lose sight of the value of those friends we can talk with and share experiences. I hope to broaden this area as well in '23. The only ground rules are not to bring up politics or shoe loyalty.

• My Parents. I'm sure they thought it was just a passing phase when I said I was going out for Cross Country my freshman year in high school. But both were behind me then and have maintained that support for all these decades since - impressed whether I've run two miles or a half marathon. Just knowing that means everything to me.

• Amy’s Patience with My Running (And Everything Else!). To paraphrase a cliche, this may be last, but it's most certainly not least. There could be times that I just may ramble on a teeny tiny bit about running to my poor, suffering wife. Then again, if she didn’t politely listen, I’d likely pivot to alternative music from the 1980's and/or Marvel Cinematic Universe movies.

That’s my list. What about you? What’s something you’re thankful for related to running? You can comment below or on Facebook. And while you’re thinking about it, go ahead and enjoy some more leftovers. (BTW, Deena Kastor's "Let Your Mind Run" truly resonated with me. As a result, I'm open to any and all suggestions for similar books. Please share any recommendations below or on FB. Thanks!)