Thankful Thursday

It’s race week…..

Let me try that again…It’s RACE WEEK!!!!

Nope, still not really feeling it.

As you can guess, it’s race week. I’m running the Columbus Half (it sold out!) this Sunday, and I am really struggling to feel the ~~nervousness~~ ~~anxiety~~ ~~excitement~~ ~~anticipation~~ enthusiasm that usually comes the week before a big race. I usually can’t wait to race.

This has been a difficult week – again. I haven’t felt well (like I might be fighting off a cold), I haven’t run, I haven’t really worked out much, I haven’t been eating right, and my knee is hurting – again. It’s getting dark way too early, which means I will be spending more time on the dreadmill, which depresses me even more.

I have known since mid-August (see my post about it here) that I would not be running the Full Marathon on Sunday, but deep down, I am still struggling with that decision, and running the Half instead feels bitter-sweet. So, I’ve been feeling down this week and really struggling to stay positive.

My glass has been half empty for a long time; in fact, it feels like it has been that way for most of this training season. After reading this post from my blogger friend Robin over at Running Circles Around the Turtles, I have decided that maybe it is time I make at least a small effort to look at my glass as half full. What more could it hurt?

So, in honor of Race Week, here are 13 things I am thankful for:

I am thankful that I am able to run 13.1 miles when some people can’t.
I am thankful for supportive family and friends who encourage me to do my best.
I am thankful that my knee injury is mild compared to some of my running buddies.
I am thankful for my friends at MIT, who are always there to cheer me on, no matter what.
I am thankful for strong women in my life who serve as role models for me.
I am thankful for my husband, who always reminds me that I am not a failure.
I am thankful that my pre-diabetes is under control, thanks to running and getting healthy.
I am thankful that I am still able to train for a Full marathon next year, or the next year.
I am thankful to know that I have inspired other people to start running.
I am thankful for the person that believed in me enough to even start running.
I am thankful for the hours of daylight I do have to run.
I am thankful for the races I have run this year, and my accomplishments in those races.
I am thankful for the setbacks, because they remind me of the triumphs