Gratitude + Running = Magic on the Trails

Hey Reader!

I hope you’re doing well and soaking in the cooler weather!

As we approach Thanksgiving, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on gratitude. I genuinely believe that running with a grateful heart transforms not just my mindset but also my performance. There’s something almost magical about it—it lifts my spirits, lightens my steps, and sometimes even makes me feel faster. I can’t fully explain it, but I’ve experienced it time and time again.

Gratitude can truly change the way we approach life and running. Dictionary.com defines gratitude as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” I love that! But how do we cultivate it? Here are three questions to help us practice a grateful mindset:

1. What am I thankful for? Take a moment during your run or write a list. What blessings in your life bring you joy? Identify them and celebrate them.
2. To whom am I thankful for these things? While general gratitude is great, being specific adds depth. Who deserves your thanks for the blessings in your life? For me, it’s God, my family, my wife, and my parents, to name just a few. I’m thankful for God’s creation that I get to enjoy on the trails, my salvation, and a million other things I could list. I’m thankful for my wife’s constant love and support as I do the crazy things I do. I’m thankful for my parents’ unconditional love throughout my life.
3. How do I show my gratitude? Gratitude is best when it’s expressed. A heartfelt “thank you,” a kind gesture, or paying it forward—these are all ways to show appreciation. This week, think about how you can let your gratitude shine through your actions and then make it happen.

I’m thankful for you, my friends. Whether we’ve shared trails, swapped advice, or cheered each other on from afar, this ultrarunning community is something truly special. It’s a bond that reminds me every day why I love being part of this journey.

I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful Thanksgiving. May it be filled with gratitude, good food, and maybe even a little time on the trails!

With gratitude,

David