10 things every runner is thankful for

November 27, 2025

Happy Turkey Trot Day errr… Thanksgiving! We runners have lots to be thankful for in our sport. As you go spend your day with people you care about, let’s take a second to appreciate some of the great things in running. In no particular order, here’s ten of those things.

1. Mobility

We runners often take the ability to move for granted. Day-to-day mobility isn’t a given; appreciate it!

2. Visiting new (and old) places

Whether it’s exploring a new city or plodding down literal memory lane, nothing beats seeing a place by using your own two feet to get around.

3. A 52-degree sunny day

Long sleeve and shorts weather? Ideal.

4. A great fitting pair of shoes

Happy feet, happy running. Thank the running gods for the shoes that carry us miles and keep us injury-free!

5. The runner’s high

We’ve all had the perfect run where you could’ve continued on forever. It’s those runs that keep us coming back day after day.

6. Fresh race kits

Because who doesn’t like looking fast and fierce on raceday.

7. The perfect post-run coffee

Or burrito, burger, or beer. The first sip or bite of something delicious after a race or long run is always immaculate.

8. The quiet mediation

Bad day? Going for a run. Stressed out? Going for a run. Problem to solve? Going for a run. Folks like to say “running is therapy;” I agree — and am thankful for it!

9. The running community

Running connects people in ways nothing else can. From well-attended run clubs to early morning miles with a friend, fellow runners are certainly one of the best parts of the sport.

10. The lessons it teaches us

Running is really just a metaphor for life: There will be ups and downs, but if you work hard, you will see progress. How lucky we are to get to experience this ride training block after training block.

Of course, this list is not comprehensive; it’s really just a warm up compared to all the things we runners can be thankful for. But I — and I’m sure many of you — have a turkey trot to go run. Happy Thanksgiving, and have fun out there!