Thank you for saying Thank you. Notes on Running & Gratitude.

 Instead of twiddling my thumbs thinking about what people might want to read about I have decided to write something in gratitude. Sure, it’s a word that gets tossed around a fair bit. If it’s something you connect with or want to have more of this could be a reasonable read for you. 

I think writing down goals and a daily journal has helped me appreciate and have gratitude for the little wins. Seeing goals become reality is a great way to also be grateful for your own efforts. Here are some journal prompts I’ve been using for the past 6 months or so and it really has helped me remember where to direct my daily energy.

My experience with gratitude since starting the run club has meant a lot and really does help me keep showing up and knowing I’m on the right path. I mean it, I am so grateful for everybody that shows up, buys merch, comes for coffee, wakes up early to run around, shows up in the rain, gets dragged along by their runner mate or just follows our journey on Instagram. 

Bali is full of dreamers and doers who have left the creature comforts of their home countries, however it is still very transient. This can be beautiful because the moments together are fleeting, so I appreciate them more. However, for me it’s hard because I love those long lasting friendships where you can really count on someone. It’s so nice to share goals, dream and see one another grow over time. I have seen first hand on many occasions how run clubs have provided a space for strangers to become friends, lovers, gym buddies, inspired others to start run clubs and break down so many barriers of our own capabilities .  It truly connects worlds through such a simple and accessible act. The most unique thing about a run club in Bali is how international the crowd is. As opposed to a city- run club where most of the attendees are from or live there. Although from experience these clubs have always been open to new members and it’s an easy way to get social if you don't know anyone. 

This upcoming Sunday a crew of friends who met through the local Bali run clubs all met to run marathons in Japan. How cool is that? We’re talking Norway, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, Sweden, America and beyond all travelling to cheer one another on in their goals. I LOVE THAT.

Everything you just read just came out as I was writing, but the original bit of gratitude I wanted to talk about was this. Saying THANK YOU. 

The amount of times someone has come up before, after or during a run and told me that run club made their trip, they have never felt so seen, they couldn’t believe how complete strangers gave them the energy to finish their first 10 km, they hated running before, or they never thought they could achieve a certain distance is really what makes my heart pump and gives me purpose in continuing to show up. 

This small act of vulnerability is something I really appreciate. I’m so glad to witness what sharing endorphins and a coffee together can bring out of people. I’m so inspired to push my own limits and to see others break free and do their version of crazy. It is what makes run clubs so special. 

I will leave you with three unconventional tips to practice gratitude on your next run. 

1- Think about how far you’ve come. Be in running or just in life. = Grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn.

2- Consider how AMAZING your body is and that it can carry you however far you might be moving today. = Grateful for health and the ability to choose to go for a run.

3- If you see something you like or appreciate in someone, stranger or not.

TELL THEM. = Grateful for the people who surround and influence you.

————- So, THANK YOU. For reading this, supporting our little cafe, showing up to run club, doing your best, running when you don’t want to, sharing your smiles and energy with us and most importantly Thanks for being you. The diversity of bodies, backgrounds and running stories is what is and will make this run club continue to grow. 

Flowerboy - Simple Pleasures / Enjoyed Together