It’s cold and windy today, but I’ll still head out for my run. That’s because whether I’m running on the beach, in the cold, in the rain or on the treadmill, I’m always feeling thankful by the end.

I’m grateful for running and the peace and calmness it brings me when I’m feeling stressed. Running allows me to hit the pause button on everything else that’s going on in my life. From the moment I tie my running shoes, I’m no longer a mother, a wife, a coach, a writer—I’m just a runner. I can focus on the sound of my feet hitting the pavement and let my mind wander to wherever it wants to go. When I return from a run, I feel refreshed, re-energized and more confident to tackle my to-do list and face whatever problems emerge.

I’m grateful for running and the bonds that it’s helped me form and strengthen with family members and with friends, both old and new. My husband and I are both runners, and although we don’t frequently work out together, running gives us some common ground. We support each other through the highs and lows of running. My mom started running several years ago, and our relationship has deepened as a result. We’ve run races together, swapped running tips and laughed about embarrassing running mishaps.

I’m grateful that running keeps me healthy and reminds me not to take my physical well-being for granted. I know there will be a day when I won’t be able to run. But that’s not today. Today I’m grateful to run.

Why are you grateful for running?