I am so thankful!

  I skipped out of work a little bit earlier today for just one reason - to get in a run.  I had planned to do just a few miles, but found myself in the midst of a perfect Thanksgiving Eve day and a perfect run so I did 5 instead.  Look at that sky!  Man we live in a big beautiful world.  See those little building in the background.  That is where I spend much of my daylight - I think I like it on the trails much better.  Heck with getting Thanksgiving Dinner #1 on the table on time - this run was just what I needed.

And as I ran, in the back of my head, I had my son's "I am thankful" picture he had brought home from school.  He is thankful for family, friends, food, water and shelter - pretty basic stuff.   But pretty profound.  Because as I ran today, I was reminded not to take those things for granted.   At mile 1, I passed by a husband and wife who were obviously living in their car.  And between miles 2 1/2 and 4, I passed by a growing homeless camp.   Years ago I remember seeing a few tents but today I saw at least a half mile worth of campsites.

  I am so thankful for my own home.  And humbled.   And reminded to continue to find ways to help those in our community.  And with that my thoughts shifted to our Runners' Lounge community.

I am so thankful for the Lounge.   Not the physical web site or blog or podcasts - but more so the friendships, the support and the knowledge.  I had someone ask me a pointed question a few days ago about when I thought the Lounge would be "successful" or "popular".   They were looking for me to give them answer in terms of Google search results, traffic, page rank, twitter rankings, podcast popularity in iTunes, number of members - they wanted something specific.  

And while I am so thankful that those measures continue to grow, that is not what makes me thankful (nor will it make it successful).  I am thankful that runners are connecting with other runners.   Everyday I am lucky enough to get an email from a runner - most I haven't met - who asks a question, needs to connect with someone or something.  I am thankful that I know all of you and can point them in the right direction.   I am thrilled out of my mind to read a current thread and hear the connections you have made with other runners and know some of that was because you met them through the Lounge.

A nonrunning friend sent me a quote this week related to my nonrunning work life.  It should be a cheer for the Lounge.  It is an African proverb:

If you want to get there fast, run alone.

If you want to go far, run together.

Today I was able to run 5 miles instead of 2 because of you. 

I am so thankful to have the constant inspiration, support from you.  And I am thankful that the Lounge is providing a way for others who want to "go far" have a way to "run together" even though we may never be on the same physical road, path or race.

Have a great Thanksgiving! 

Comments

[nwgdc]

Wow, that's a great post, Amy.

Thank YOU for always providing a positive and uplifting message, whether I want it or not...it's always available. I love this place!

[Brian (Big B)]

Awesome post, reminds me of some things I should be thankful for. Awesome Podcast too!

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