“I am thankful for my best friend, who is running this race with me… and beer.”
In the spirit of Thanksgiving and that feel-good time of the year, I’d like to share with you Run Oregon readers some things I’m thankful for, which are all related to running.
-I’m thankful for dry-fit apparel. Especially black spandex athletic leggings. I might kind of wear those like they’re pants. Maybe almost every day. Don’t judge me. I’m also a huge fan of anything with thumbholes.
-I’m thankful for hills, for track workouts, and for any other workout that makes you feel like you’re going to die. While they’re terrible and sucky, they make you into a better runner. I avoided speedwork because I wasn’t keen on doing a workout that would probably make me puke or at least make me feel like I was going to puke. So I didn’t run my first track workout until this year, because Coach Ron made me. And so now, I kind of love track (and kind of hate it too). It’s mentally and physically challenging yourself with these kinds of tough workouts that makes you better, stronger, faster.
-I’m thankful for the running community, for all of the runners and walkers who have ever told me that I inspire them, and for all of the runners who have inspired and encouraged me. Runners are amazing, welcoming people. I wrote a blog post earlier this year titled “So you don’t know anyone at the group run“–about how painfully awkward it can feel being there, but how welcoming everyone is if you’re willing to just put yourself out there a little. People don’t tend to think of me as shy since I can be loud and chatty.
-I’m thankful for all of the running-related opportunities that I’ve had this year. I’ve been able to work with race directors, local businesses, bloggers, volunteers, and runners, and it’s been so incredible. I’ve had so much fun swapping ideas, talking about running, and getting others excited about running. I’m so grateful for all of the races that I’ve been able to take part in this year (52 and counting!), and group runs, and running-related events.
-I’m thankful for being able to do things I never thought I’d ever be able to do, for my muscly thighs, for finish lines, for good race shirts, for the BLING, and for post-race beer.
-I’m thankful for the opportunity to write for Run Oregon, and to all of you Run Oregon readers!
