When you’re running, you start to appreciate the little things. On Saturday, I ran 6 miles which is one of the longest distances I have run. It was hot.

I had decided to try to run without my hydration pack, thinking that people do it all the time and it would be great to run without the extra weight. Very early on, I realized that was a bad idea.

Then I saw this wonderful sight (see pic above). There was a porta potty and a watering station. I attacked that water fountain like a bat outta hell. Water never tasted so good and, unfortunately, I was only about a mile into my run! I kept going though.

I started dying of thirst again soon after. About a mile later, there was another water fountain. Thank God.

This continued on throughout the rest of my run. There were water fountains placed in mile increments. I was so thankful.

My gratitude made me think of other things that make a run better and brighter: obviously, water fountains, porta potties (sometimes I have to pee!), a wave and a smile from another runner who knows what you’re going through, a kind word from a passer by (on this particular day, a man commented “you’re ambitious!”), taking my sneakers off and cooling my feet in some comfortable sandals after a tough run, a hydration drink after a long run, beautiful views, lucky sightings of wildlife, the list goes on.

Feeling gratitude– especially for little things–is such a gift. It gets you through tough times and makes the happy times even more joyful.

Whether you’re struggling through a long run, or facing any challenge in life, look for the good things. No matter how small. You will realize that there is always something to be thankful for in life. Even in times of tragedy, if you dig deep, you can find something to be grateful for– a memory, a hug, a song– something.

What are you grateful for? Please share in the comments below.