If you have been following along my running journey for a little while, you probably know that I’ve had my share of setbacks over the years. Each of these has made me even more grateful for the times when I can run. Unfortunately I have learned that I may do everything right and still have issues pop up. While I am hoping to be on the right track to avoid any future injuries, you just never know when running can be taken away.
Regardless of weather or not you have had to give up running for any amount of time, it’s important to recognize all the things it brings to our lives. When training is tough or motivation is low, it can be helpful to think about why we run and take a moment to give thanks for running.
So, here are 5 reasons why I am grateful for running.
1. Individualized sport
I appreciate that with running, each run is yours alone. Your distance, pace, workout, etc. are all up to you. Sure, you can run with other people, but you don’t have to. 99% of the time, running is my time to be alone and clear my mind. I don’t need to depend on a gym or an instructor or a team. I can truly just run for myself.
2. Running community
If that above statement sounds selfish, I also want to point out that the running community is nothing less than amazing. I don’t think I could have gotten this far with my running if it weren’t for the connections I made with other runners. This sport gives me the flexibility to train on my own and however I want, but I can also connect with other runners as much or as little as I want.
3. Stress relief
The #1 reason that my time off this summer was hard was because I no longer had my go-to way to relieve stress. This summer was a really stressful one at work. It was hard to not have that way to relax and focus before starting the day. Now that I am back to running I feel like I can really manage whatever the day throws at me.
4. Nature
If it weren’t for running, I would probably never be outside (other than in the summer months when I can sit out on the deck or go to the beach on vacation.) There is something rejuvenating about being out in nature, and running gives the opportunity to experience that throughout all the seasons.
5. Daily achievements
Often times as runners we are working towards a goal. This may be a race, hitting a certain distance, or losing weight. However, achievements can be much smaller than that. Each time we got out for a run it’s a new opportunity to achieve something. It can be as small as getting out the door when it’s cold and rainy or powering up a steep hill or running a certain amount of miles without stopping. There are so many ways to recognize achievements with our running each day.
Even during the hardest runs, I try to remember how grateful I am to be able to run. These are just a few of the reasons I am always drawn back to running, but I’m sure there are a million more.
What is one reason that you are thankful for running?
Do you prefer to run alone or with others?
I’m linking up with Lacey, Meranda, and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0!
There are so many reasons! The one i appreciate most in the moment is being outside and enjoyIng the scenery.
Its such a great way to be outside at all times of year!
I like running alone most of the time. I’m thankful to running for the variety it offers: short runs, long, runs, easy, hard, indoor, outdoors…you get the idea 😉
Yes, I definitely agree!
As much as it can be fun to run with others, I do prefer t run alone so you can just run at your own pace and distance. That way I do not feel like I am holding anyone back and vise versa.
Yep, its nice to be able to just go at whatever pace feels good!
I am thankful for all my sports…not just running. Mostly I just love the movement and getting fresh air. I always workout alone–no one gets up quite as early as I do 🙂
I wouldnt want to have to plan to run at the same time as anyone else! Its nice to just head out when Im ready.
This year I’m thankful that I CAN run. What a roller coaster this year has been, but running has kept me sane. Even when I struggled.
I bet! Even when running is a struggle, its still my favorite way to handle stress.
I’m thankful for the reasons you mentioned and also how it improves my health. Since I stopped running my blood pressure has gone up! I never had blood pressure issues before, and maybe it’s because I’ve been very stressed lately, but I have borderline high blood pressure now!
Wow! Yea, I bet the stress has something to do with it. Hopefully you can get back to running more soon!
I love this post so much. I am so grateful I am able to run. Running is my biggest stress reliever, I’m almost always running solo. The running community is incredible!
I love that its something that can be done alone but we also have this awesome running community to back us up!
I so agree with you that I am most grateful for running when I’m coming back from injury. There’s always that nagging voice that whispers “maybe you’ll never run again”. I’m a lone runner 99% of the time as well, not that I don’t love the community. Running is the gift I give myself!
Isn’t it so weird how every time we’re injured we usually question if we will get back to running? Its so hard to not be able to do something that makes you so happy.
I do love running because it gets me outside in nature and gives me my “me” time. I suppose I could get that other ways- through walking and hiking!
I just cant myself to spend nearly as much time outside doing anything else! I feel like I have about a 30 minute max with walking.
#4 is my absolute favorite about running! I had never spent so much time outside! Especially when it gets cold. I am so glad that running gets me outside!
Theres no way I would spend any time outside in the winter if I didnt run!
It’s always my stress release too. I had to keep up with cardio when I’m stressed, otherwise I feel more stressed.
Same here!
The time outside and stress release are my favorite things about running. I’m so grateful for it everyday!
There are so many great benefits, and its so important to remember how much running gives to us!
Great post! I agree with everything mentioned 😉 As you know, when running is taken away from you it’s painful. It’s tough watching others run, and it’s even tougher hearing them complain about it (the weather, their speed, the hills in their neighborhood, etc.). I am so thankful for the simple gift of running, and try to appreciate every opportunity I have to do it.
Couldn’t have said it better myself!!
It depends on my mood. Sometimes I like to run alone and sometimes with a group. I am thinking for being able to run because I know that not many people have that chance.
So true, running is such a gift!
Completely agree! I am so thankful for all of the friends and virtual friends I have met through the running community
It’s such a great community!
I love earning that sore feeling the next day — so empowering!
Thats such a great feeling!
This is such a great reminder. I am thankful for running for all of the same reasons!
It’s a sport that gives so much to us every day!