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I Am Thankful


Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

The Topic for today is: Tell us why you’re thankful for running this year!

There have been no PRs and the slowest running paces ever but running has definitely made a positive impact on my life this year.

Here’s how:

  • Health and Fitness

I always credit running as the reason that I don’t gain (much) weight and I rarely get sick. But this year (with COVID-19), it became even more important.

Running got me outdoors several times each week.

I also tried to run at least TEN miles each weekend for the first time. Even when there were no races to train for, there were also not many activities on my schedule (so why not?)

  • Friendships

In addition to running each weekend, we brunched together after each run and we scheduled weekly evening hikes.

By seeing each other frequently, we definitely bonded more this year. I feel that I know each runner better.

  • Race-cations

I did not run very many races but I did get away for several race-cations.

I had an amazing real race and other shenanigans in Bermuda.

blogger meet-up with Marcia & Cari

I normally run quite a few races in NYC.  I got one in. One is better than none, right?

Fred LeBow HM with Stan

And although the race was cancelled, my friends and I spent four fabulous days in NH.

ocean vacations are the best

  • Half Marathon Record

I had planned to run 12 half marathons in 2020 – one per month.  The Pandemic, obviously, made that pretty much impossible.

Still I had never run more than 6 in one year (2016 & 2017).

This year, I ran 9!! A New Record.

  1. Fred Lebow, 2. ZOOMA Bermuda, 3. NYC Virtual, 4. Social Challenge Virtual, 5. Steel Rail Virtual, 6. Unofficial Palio Virtual, 7. Smuttynose Virtual, 8. ZOOMA Amelia Is Virtual, 9. Upstate Classic

  • Coping with Tough Times

Unfortunately I lost two close friends to cancer this year. Another friend is currently experiencing complications from serious heart surgery, my mother-in-law, who was in the hospital for a few days, and unfortunately COVID has hit my immediate family. (Hopefully I’ll have good news related to this and will share that on the blog.)

Running has been there when I needed it.

Polar Cap Run to honor my friend Andrea

  • My Virtual Friends

All of you who read my blog even if I have never gotten to meet you, I am thankful for your support.

Hopefully, our paths will cross in the future.

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

Happy Running! How are you thankful for running this year? Please share.

37 thoughts on “I Am Thankful”

  2. I love your list and the lovely photos, Darlene! And well done on the 9 half marathons! Running sure gets us all moving.
    It would be great to meet all the bloggers in real life. For sure it would also be an interesting travel itinerary!

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  3. Unfortunately for me no racecations (or vacation, for that matter) for just about 2 years now. Someday hopefully I’ll have a really awesome racecation to make up for that lack!

    I am still absolutely grateful to running, as obviously I wrote about last week.

    Continued prayers for all your family.

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    • thanks. those prayers are unfortunately needed.

      Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you and family stay healthy.

      We will appreciate those vacations even more once we can take them.

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  4. We have so much to be thankful for! Congrats on 9 half marathons this year! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and that you hear good news about your immediate family. We still need to meet a race someday so I am looking forward to that!

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  5. Running has helped show me the United States, and I am immensely thankful for that. I’m sure I never would have gone to nearly the states I have if not for my goal. Even though I didn’t run any racecations this year, there will be plenty when I can!

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  6. So many benefits from running! The outdoors, the exercise, the friendships, both real and virtual. What’s not to love? Way to go setting a half marathon record this year – 9!!!!! That’s impressive. I hope we can get back to traveling for racecations in 2021!

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  8. This is my first year (since I started doing half marathons) that I have not done any live 13.1’s. I’ve run a few of them virtually (and had to bike a couple of others), but that’s the reality of 2020. Ironically, I’m alright with everything. I’m just grateful to be able to run, even if there haven’t been many live races to enjoy.

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  9. Running has been a gift for so many reasons for me. This year, I am grateful for my highest mileage since my diagnosis with RA. I may not be as fast as I was, but my legs still let me go and that gives me so much joy!

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  10. Running has been more important than ever this year! I’m glad it’s helping you cope with everything you’re going through right now. Crossing my fingers you will have good news to share soon.

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  13. I agree with all of your reasons to be thankful for running. Running has kept me sane this year! And while I did gain a few Covid pounds, running kept it from being too much (and is getting me back to normal fairly quickly). And best of all are running friends and the running community. They mean so much to me.

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