Running With Gratitude
Hey Reader,
I hope you are doing well and enjoying some cooler weather!
I had the chance to be a guest on another podcast recently, and I can't wait to share it with you once it's live! The conversation revolved around mindset, a topic close to my heart. Unsurprisingly, we spend some time delving deep into the power of gratitude – a theme that resonates strongly with me.
As we approach Thanksgiving week, it feels fitting to reflect on this. I genuinely believe that running with a heart full of gratitude transforms not just my mindset but also my performance. There's something magical about it, lifting my spirits and propelling me to run faster and even lighter. I don’t claim to understand it, but I’ve experienced it time and time again.
Let's explore this live and run lighter and faster, shall we? Dictionary.com defines gratitude as "the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness." I'm on board with that!
To cultivate a truly grateful heart, we should ask ourselves a few questions.
- What am I thankful for?
Consider listing these out during your run or take a moment with pen and paper. What blessings in your life bring a smile to your face? Acknowledge and celebrate them.
- To whom am I thankful for these things?
While a general sense of gratitude is fantastic, specificity adds depth. Who deserves your thanks for the blessings in your life?
I’m thankful to God for my family. I’m thankful to Him for my ability to run trails and for His creation we enjoy. I’m thankful to my wife for supporting me in all the things (running, podcasting, coaching, etc.) I’m thankful to my parents for their unconditional love for me.
For me, it's God, my family, my wife, my parents—and the list goes on. I challenge you to identify those pillars in your life.
- How do I show my gratitude?
Let your gratitude shine through your actions. A sincere "thank you" to aid station volunteers, helping out at home, or paying it forward in other ways. Think about how you can express your gratitude this week and then put it into action.
I'm thankful for you, my friends. We've shared trails and trials, endured suffering, supported each other emotionally and physically, and exchanged wisdom on social media. Our ultrarunning community is something special, a camaraderie that surfaces at every race. I'm genuinely grateful to be on this journey with you.
I hope you and your families have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
With gratitude,
David
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