BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Practice Counting Your Blessings

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about this weather. Barring the few cold snaps we've had, November has been pretty amazing. This was something I was thinking about on my morning run yesterday as I watched the steam come off the river that runs adjacent to the trail I was on. With the birds singing all around me, I couldn't help but smile and begin to count my many blessings. To say this "attitude of gratitude" made my run all the more enjoyable would be an understatement. My already joyful heart was overflowing by the time I finished. That's what thankfulness does though. 

Which is the very reason, it's a great time (especially with Thanksgiving coming up) to talk about how gratitude can make us all stronger, happier runners. And don't we all want that? So without further ado, consider this:

As runners, we spend a lot of time thinking about training plans, mileage, shoes, nutrition, pacing, and race-day strategy. But there’s one performance tool most athletes overlook—one that doesn’t require fancy gear or extra time. It’s simple, free, and scientifically proven to make you a better runner:

Gratitude...

Yep—good old-fashioned gratefulness can strengthen your legs, sharpen your mind, and take your running performance to the next level. Here’s how. 

1. Gratitude Lowers Stress—Which Helps You Run Better

When you practice gratitude, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These hormones counteract stress, reduce cortisol, and calm your nervous system. Why does that matter for running?

Because a relaxed runner performs better.

High stress tightens muscles, impairs breathing, increases perceived effort, and slows recovery. But gratitude works like a natural reset button. Runners who regularly reflect on what they’re thankful for report:

• Lower pre-race anxiety
• A smoother, more efficient stride
• More consistent breathing
• Better sleep (hello, stronger recovery)

A calmer mind means a more relaxed body—and relaxed runners run fast.

2. Gratitude Increases Mental Toughness

Mental resilience is the secret ingredient in distance running. When the miles get long and the muscles get loud, your mindset becomes your engine.

Gratitude strengthens that engine.

By focusing on what’s going well—the strong legs you have today, the sunrise on the trail, the friends waiting at the finish line—you shift your attention away from discomfort and toward empowerment. This doesn’t mean you ignore the struggle; it means you control the things you tell yourself.

Grateful runners push through challenges with more:

• Optimism
• Confidence
• Emotional endurance

When your brain believes you can keep going, your body follows.

 
3. Gratitude Makes Training More Enjoyable (and Sustainable)

Consistency is the cornerstone of improvement. But let’s be honest—not every run feels magical. Some days you’d rather stay in bed, skip the workout, or convince yourself that laundry takes priority over miles.

Gratitude turns “have to run” into “get to run.” This change in perspective flips the thankfulness switch!

When you appreciate the privilege of being able to run—the health, the freedom, the time, the community—you naturally look forward to lacing up more often. And when running brings joy instead of dread, consistency becomes effortless.

The more grateful you are, the more you show up.
The more you show up, the stronger you become.
It’s that simple.

 
4. Gratitude Enhances Body Awareness and Appreciation

Runners are notorious for focusing on what their bodies can’t do:
“I’m too slow.”
“My pace is off.”
“My legs feel heavy.”

But gratitude flips the perspective!

Instead of noticing what’s wrong, you begin recognizing what’s working:

• Your heart that pumps faithfully mile after mile
• Your legs that carry you farther than most people go in a week
• Your lungs that expand with every breath
• Your mind that refuses to quit

This appreciation builds a healthier relationship with your body—one that motivates growth instead of fueling frustration. When you love the body you run in, you take better care of it… and it performs better.

 
5. Gratitude Strengthens Community—and Community Strengthens Performance

Running may be a solo sport, but it thrives on support.

Whether it’s your training partners, the stranger who cheers you on at mile 12, the race volunteer handing you a cup of water, or the coach who believes in you—gratitude deepens your connection to the people who help you along your journey.

Feeling supported boosts motivation, accountability, and joy (and joy is good medicine!). And when your head and heart are full, your performance follows.

 

How to Add Gratitude to Your Running Routine

You don’t need an elaborate system or journal. Try one of these simple practices:

• Start each run by naming three things you’re thankful for.
• Finish your run by acknowledging one thing your body did well today.
• Thank someone who helped or inspired you this week.
• Keep a running-gratitude note on your phone for quick reflections.

These tiny habits create major shifts when practiced consistently.

Final Strides

Gratitude won’t magically shave minutes off your pace overnight (although it put a pep in my step yesterday), but it will build the mental, emotional, and physical foundation that leads to stronger running. It helps you stay consistent, stay positive, and stay connected to the joy in every mile.

And there you have it friends. Running is a gift in so many ways. The more thankful we are for it, the more powerful—and meaningful—it becomes. So make it a habit to smile as you count your blessings while running each day and even on your rest days. This practice will not only make your runs better, but will make your life better by reminding you there's always something to be grateful for.  Happy Running!