What We’re Thankful For in 2017
Late November is a natural time for reflection and gratitude. At Minneapolis Running, we are thankful for many things – we spoke with a few of our writers to hear what they’re thankful for this season, too.
What We’re Thankful For at Minneapolis Running
Here’s what we’re thankful for this year:
Sarah Hess
I am so blessed to say that 2017 has been filled with countless amazing running memories, including two once-in-a-lifetime experiences: completing my first marathon and running my first race abroad in Lisbon, Portugal. I am thankful for all the opportunities in my education and career, including internships and studying abroad. And as always, I am thankful to my supportive family and friends that continue to cheer me on in all my life endeavors, and to God whose plans for me are greater than I could ever imagine. With my running career just getting started, I look forward to what’s to come in 2018, and to continue to encourage others in my writing and running!
Seth Rima
I’m so thankful for so many things – it is hard to narrow it down. But I think what I am most thankful for is a wife who has encouraged me every step of the way on this journey to becoming “a runner.” I’m thankful to live in the Twin Cities, where there are so many trails to run and so many great races to challenge yourself with. I’m also thankful that this year brought me not only my first marathon finish and first year over 1,000 Miles – but it also brought me another future running buddy! Being a dad and husband is the foremost joy in my life, and I’m incredibly humbled to have three (!) healthy kids and an amazing wife by my side. Happy Thanksgiving!
Cassie Gillgenbach
This year has been one of rebuilding for me. Part of rebuilding has been practicing gratitude for the abundant blessings in my life. I am, of course, endlessly thankful for my family; my 4-year old daughter, in particular, shows me how to find joy in every day. I am grateful for each chance I get to lace up and pound the pavement. Running gives me a kind of confidence and freedom like nothing else, and I know I am physically and mentally healthier because of it. And I also can never forget how thankful I am for coffee or wine, depending on what time of day it is.
Krysta Gunvalson
2017 has been a whirlwind of a year. I am incredibly thankful for the challenging and inspiring experiences running allowed me to have, including running the Boston Marathon for the first time, joining and running with a club of fierce runners, and attending the Wilder Running & Writing Retreat with Lauren Fleshman. I am eternally grateful for my husband and the life we have built together; to have time and support to pursue running and writing equally with passion. And of course, I am thankful for all of our writers and readers that create the little community we have built at Minneapolis Running – I am inspired by you every day!
Nathan Freeburg
2017 has been a year filled with personal, professional, and yes, running challenges. I’m extremely grateful for those challenges because I believe that all of them are an opportunity to grow and develop into kinder, more gracious human beings. I’m thankful I had the opportunity to train for another shot at qualifying for the Boston Marathon. I didn’t accomplish what I wanted to, but it was a good reminder that just running is a gift. I learned a lot about myself in the process, and more so, what to do after plans don’t go as intended. I’m thankful that life with three kids is finally starting to feel normal. Even in days of sheer chaos, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Finally, I am grateful that I have a job that allows me the freedom to get to spend as much time with them as I do. I’m being growing and learning there in professional ways that for the first time (maybe ever), are truly giving life to me. I try every day not to take that for granted.
