Every Wednesday, Debbie from DebRuns provides a word prompt for us to write about. The Wednesday Word link up has been going strong for a few months now, and I always look forward to it each week. I feel like each word really gets me thinking, and I end up writing about things I probably wouldn’t otherwise. It’s also really neat to see the different perspectives and different takes others have on the word. Click the button below to see who else is linking up today.
Today’s word is cherish.
The first thing I thought about when I think of the word ‘cherish’ is being grateful for the things we have, and realizing they are precious. Health, happiness, family, a roof over our heads. It’s important we don’t take these things for granted. Another thing you don’t want to take for granted in life is the ability to run and participate in races.
Sometimes everything goes perfect on race day, and it’s all sunshine and rainbows and you get to have this celebration of all of your training. But we all know that is seldom the case. More often than not, things don’t go as planned. But that doesn’t mean you weren’t successful. You may not hit your A goal, but that’s the point of having B goals, C goals, and so on. If things went wrong, use it as a learning experience for next time. Otherwise you’ll just go out there and make the same mistakes over and over again.
No matter how poorly or wonderfully a race goes, we need to remember how lucky we are to be out there. It’s truly a gift and it’s important not to take it for granted. And at the end of the day, don’t forget to appreciate the miles. One at a time.
What do you cherish?
Turkey Runner 
Bingo! Cherish the ability to run! You never know when it may be taken from you.
I know you know that all too well right now. Hang in there!
I had to turn my thinking around and adopt this attitude during my race last weekend. My ITB was acting up, but … it still was a lovely day to be out running a beautiful course.
It’s all about your perspective and attitude towards your currently situation.
I finally learned this lesson with my 3rd Chicago marathon in October. It isn’t always about finish times (well, ok, a little bit…), it’s about being able to run.
It’s about both 🙂 It just depends on which one takes more precedent in a given situation/race.
You and your sister.
LUD.
And here I thought I was just a rotten kid 😉
What you say is the absolute truth and it is helping to put my less-than-ideal MCM experience in perspective. I read somewhere that for every unhappy five-hour marathon finisher there are a thousand who only wish they could do a five-hour marathon.
I really do need to cherish all the good things!
You make a great point! I always try to have a positive outlook on things, for that very reason.
I agree, even the rough runs I have never regretted I did them. I am with Hoho, I have had to sit out, it is not fun.
It’s very rare to regret a run after getting out there and actually doing it! And having to sit out for any reason will definitely make you appreciate the ability to run.
Aw so true! Last winter’s six-week-long injury break reminded me of how much of a gift running is!
Thanks for linking up!
It definitely is, and an injury or other inability to run definitely drives the point home.