Dear Running,

Thank you.

Thank you for always being a challenge. I'm beginning to realize that you never actually become easier, but with practice, you allow me to grow faster and stronger.

Thank you for keeping me humble. You've given me good days just as well as you have given me bad days, but not one day goes by where I haven't appreciated the fact that I am healthy enough and able to stand up on two feet and experience all you have to offer. And each day I am reminded of this.

Thank you for having such a big impact on my life. You've whipped me into shape, kept me on task with my other responsibilities, and have even influenced where I chose to continue my academic career in college. I've met so many important people through you that I may have otherwise not had the opportunity to be introduced to, and for that, I will be forever grateful.

Thank you for being a reliever of stress, worry, anger, and more. You provide such a beautiful escape for the mind, even if only for just a mile.

Thank you for reminding me to never take anything for granted. On the days when I feel injured or sick and cannot run, I think back to healthier days when I complained or didn't fully appreciate you, and know to have a more positive attitude for next time.

Thank you for opening new doors in my life and giving me such wonderful opportunities.

Thank you for being so demanding. There's no shortcuts or cheating when it comes to you, and I have grown into a very determined and disciplined individual because of it.

Thank you for teaching me valuable lessons in leadership and teamwork, and allowing me to feel like an important part of something much bigger than myself. Although you can be quite an individual sport at times, the work ethic and environment you create amongst a group of people, big or small, creates lifelong bonds.

Thank you for allowing me to compete, but also to take a step back and enjoy my surroundings. Whether it be a race, a long run, or a quick recovery run, you always provide a new and unique experience.

Thank you for pushing me to step outside my comfort zone, take more risks, and be the best version of myself every single day.

Thank you for taking me to places I'd never thought I'd go, and helping me achieve goals I'd never thought I'd reach.

Sincerely,

A Runner