Blog #13 – Giving Thanks

By Brenna Cohoon

This past week and a half were different compared to any other time throughout our season.  Despite not knowing whether or not we will be racing at NXN on the first day of December, we have continued to train.  We have focused mainly on getting in more mileage in comparison to the last couple of weeks and just kept exercising our positive mindsets.  

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I thought it was fitting to dedicate this blog post to important things in my life for which I am grateful.

I am thankful to have a roof over my head.  I am thankful for my warm bed, especially after a long, draining day.  I am thankful for the clothes I own, in particular for the various options to choose from for every crazy season thrown at us in the Chicago area!  I am thankful for the food I get to eat to fuel my body…and for the occasional treats I enjoy.  Although these things may seem small or insignificant, they should not be ignored nor taken for granted.

I am thankful for my school and the teaching staff at Downers Grove South.  I feel safe in our building and am able to receive a great education because of the demanding curriculum and the phenomenal job of my teachers.  So far, I have learned not just about specific subjects like math or science, but how to be successful in life by harnessing different skills in the classroom.  The opportunities seem endless - everyone at Downers Grove South High School genuinely wants all students to succeed.

I am thankful for running (obviously) and all that this sport has brought me.  Without cross country or track, I wouldn’t know my best friends, my second family.  Quite frankly, I don’t think I would even know myself as well as I do.  Running has pushed me in ways, both physically and mentally, that I didn’t think were possible.  Yes, it sounds cliché, but it is completely true.  I have had the privilege to challenge my body at practice and in races, while also growing my mental toughness.  I have learned to keep fighting through any adversity that comes my way, both inside and out of running.  It is the greatest metaphor for life, teaching me the importance of dedication, patience, persistence, and so much more.

I am thankful for my friends and the amazing examples they set for me.  How lucky am I to have friends that I can also look up to as leaders and my role models?  I am grateful for the constant support I receive from my teammates.  They encourage me to be the best form of myself in all aspects of life and hold me accountable when I strive to achieve my goals.  They listen to all of my random stories and rants and offer advice whenever I need it.  To say the least, my friends are truly awesome.

I am thankful for my coaches, another group of people pushing me to always do my best.  The training plans they create are done with much time and consideration to help us to improve and test our limits.  I am able to trust their tips and opinions.  As adults, they set great examples for the entire team, showing us how to live with integrity.  They help grow my love for the sport and fuel my dreams.  They guide our team to find success.  Perhaps most importantly, though, my coaches are understanding people who encourage the development of us as women of great character outside of running.

I am thankful for my immediate family - my mom, dad, and younger brother, Patrick - as well as all members of my extended family.  The support I receive for running, school, writing, and basically everything, is phenomenal.  Because of my family, I feel confident to pursue all of my dreams.  I know that they are there to back me up.  I would be lost without them and all they provide for me.  There is so much more I could say about my family, but words are too insignificant to truly describe my love and gratitude for them.

Above all, I am thankful for God.  I do not want to make this super religious, but I do need to thank the Lord for all of these things mentioned previously that I am grateful for.

During this long weekend, I plan to volunteer at Feed My Starving Children with my teammates, providing meals for those desperately in need.  Thursday morning, I will run in our local Turkey Trot, the Bonfield Express.  In the afternoon, I will enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with my family.  

On Saturday, I will be competing in the Foot Locker Midwest Regional and cannot wait for this challenge.  I have never competed in this meet before but am eager to run against such a high level of competition.

I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving and encourage others to reflect upon all that they are grateful for.  Spend time with loved ones, travel safely, and spread a positive attitude wherever you go!

Photo Credit: ©2018 Laura Duffy