I’m sure this was not a far stretch for any of you that now me to guess.  Day two’s thankfulness goes to running.  This is the most purest, free form of bliss for me.  To lace up literally gives me butterflies, knowing that soon my feet will be hitting pavement.  That it will hurt.  That it will clear my head.  That I can leave every bad day, bad attitude, negative thought, out on that road.  It means I will sweat, and sometimes be sick to my stomach.  Sometimes I will cry.  It means my muscles will burn and hurt to the point of feeling like I could collapse.  It makes me courageous, determined and dedicated.  I see running as a gift.  It can be so peaceful and gives me the time I need for myself.  To pray, think, and work out the World’s problems.  It gives me strength of mind because oftentimes my body is crying out for me to stop; my mind has to be strong enough to tell my body to keep going.  There are days when I feel like something is weighing on my chest, and it’s my duty to fight it off.  Not allowing my body the satisfaction of giving up makes me stronger.   It gives me the most euphoric feeling I have had.  It strengthens my lungs, heart and bones. 

I have been a runner most of my life.  Starting when I was a child. It’s knitted in to the fiber of who I am.  It’s my passion.  It gives me a focus and a clarity.  

I run in the heat of the sun, in rain, in cold, in snow.  Everyday is a perfect condition.  I run by myself, with the Hubs, with friends, with my dog.  Slow or fast, pavement or trails, it makes no difference.  It’s the getting out there that I love.  It’s the connection to the ground and the connection to other runners..my sole sisters.

I am grateful for the ability to run.  I am thankful that my legs can carry me and my lungs hold enough air to get me out there.  I run for those who cannot and those who simply will not.

Leaf number two….The Run

This is one of my FAVORITE Nike adds and has been for years! I love that is brings beauty and strength to the Thunder Thighs…and I love that it says, that I’ll be rocking a grand baby on these thighs, and then will go for a RUN!!!