By now we’ve prepared to eat at least one Thanksgiving feast, pick the bones clean and move on to leftovers and Christmas shopping.

For many runners, the holiday tradition includes an organized turkey trot or gobbler gallop or an unorganized tradition of a few miles alone or with friends and family.

Giving thanks is a lot like running. It feels good when we do it and most of us should do it more often. My thanksgiving list is long, but since this is a running column, I’ll keep it focused.

Running freedom. I, like many middle-class Americans, take freedom to lace up my shoes and hit the road for granted. But around the world, runners in war zones risk harm or death. Women are at risk if they challenge the social norms of society.

Even in our own country, women running alone, runners of color, and people exercising in religious garb feel particularly vulnerable and wary, even in their own neighborhoods.

Health. In the words of the great songwriter Joni Mitchell, “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone?” I’m thankful for every day that I am healthy enough to run, especially after enduring a months-long recovery from injury.

I hope I will always remember that running is a gift to be enjoyed or squandered. I’ll try to run each step as a thanksgiving and to avoid the hubris that nearly permanently ended my run.

Friends and family. Although I savor the miles in conversation with myself and in communion with nature, I also enjoy the energy of running with a partner or with a group large or small. Whether in the intimate friendship of one or two training partners or as a droplet in a surging river of humanity at a major road race, running together cements the social bond with our chosen tribe.

We also owe thanks to our non-running friends and family who put up with our quirky habits, sweaty clothes and sometimes annoyingly selfish priorities. As I’ve been reminded many times by patient family members, “Not everyone wants to know about black toenails and socks.”

Worldwide caring. From the local 5k supporting the high school cross country team or food pantry to the international organization that aims to cure cancer, charities do good work with the help and support of runners. Although it sometimes seems like charity overload, choosing to support a charity by running an event is a great way to “pay it forward.”

Volunteers. As runners and racers, we’ve come to expect a certain level of support at events large or small. Remember that those events would not take place if not for countless volunteer hours.

Be sure to thank that person who stands for the entire morning to serve you water along a hot marathon course or folds your t-shirt just so at packet pick-up and the race director who curtails training to offer you a good experience.

It’s not all about you (or me.) Once in a while, volunteer for an event rather than run it. You’ll gain a new sense of perspective and appreciation serving others rather than being served and the satisfaction of giving back to the sport that’s given you so much.

Running is a choice and a challenge. If you choose to run on this weekend (and beyond), I challenge you to make each step a prayer. Be thankful for your blessings, hopeful for the future and generous in giving your best to others.

Upcoming events

Friday, 1 p.m.: #OptOutside Kids Trail Run, Hampton Community Park. Free 2-mile non-competitive run/ walk for kids (and accompanying adults) on Rachel Carson Trail. Post run cookies for all kids. 412-298-8037 or www.rachelcarsontrails.org/events/2018/optoutside-kids-trail-run

Saturday, 9 a.m.: WALKer Run 5k, Conneaut Lake. Starts at Fireman’s Beach, benefits Hospice of Crawford County. 814-382-3839 or www.walkerrun5k.com

Dec. 1, 10 a.m.: It’s a Wonderful 5k, Indiana. Run around the lake at Blue Spruce Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Indiana/ItsAWonderful5K

Dec. 1, 10 a.m.: Lakeview Area Public Library’s Jingle Dash 5k Run/Walk & Kids Fest Fun Run, Stoneboro. Chris www.runsanta5k.com Kids’ Fun Fest and Santa visit following. 740-310-2117 or beckiwilliams@hotmail.com

Dec. 1, 11 a.m.: Oil City’s Christmas Past Jingle Bell Run/Walk 5k, Oil City. runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/OilCity/OCJingleBellRun5k

Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m.: Run Santa Run, Cranberry Township. Run starts and ends in Graham Park. Costumes encouraged. www.runsanta5k.com

Dec.2, 10 a.m.: Deerslayer Trail Run, South Park. Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club run with choice of 4 miles or 8 miles. 724-348-6012 or bmcglothlin@hotmail.com

Dec. 2, 9 a.m.: Nittany Valley Half Marathon, State College. 570-690-3772 or nvhalfmarathon@gmail.com

Dec. 8, 10 a.m.: Snowflake 5k, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle State Park’s Rotary Pavilion. 814-774-3209 or erierunners.club/event/snowflake-5k-2/2018-12-08/

Dec. 8, 4 p.m.: Jingle Bell Run, Pittsburgh. Run on Pittsburgh’s North Shore benefits Arthritis Foundation. 412-556-1645 or tnewberry@arthritis.org

Dec. 9, 9 a.m.: Trot for Tots 5k & 10k, Oakdale. Out and back on Panhandle Trail. 412-490-0881 or register.chronotrack.com/r/40089

Dec. 9, 9 a.m.: Clint Puller Memorial Toy Run 5k, Meadville. Christmas costumes encouraged. 724-992-9154 or Michael.richards@pa.usda.gov

Dec. 9, 11 a.m.: Reindeer 5k, Zelienople. Also Kids 1 Mile, ½ Mile and ¼ Mile at 11:45 A.M. 724-321-4265 or www.active.com/zelienople-pa/running/distance-running-races/reindeer-race-2018?int=

Dec. 13, 6:45 p.m.: 8th Annual Holiday Lights Run and Charity Auction, Pittsburgh. Run sponsored by Fleet Feet benefits the Fund for Victims of Terror. Starts at Nova Place on Pittsburgh’s Northshore. Doors open at 5 P.M. 412-851-9100

Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m.: Harmony Silvester 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run, Harmony. Out and back course. Part of New Year’s Eve celebration with German food, music and more. Fireworks and New Year’s Ball Drop at 6 p.m. saltemus@zoominternet.net or online registration at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harmony/Silvester

Dec. 31, 4 p.m.: Twilight 5k Run, 2 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Hollidaysburg. Walk starts at 5 p.m. through the lights of Lakemont Park’s Lights on the Lake. fkopriva@hollidaysburgymca.org or .blairregionalymca.org/index.php/race/2014-race-series/twilight-race

Jan. 5, 11 a.m.: Resolution Run 5k Run/Fun Walk, Derry. Run around Keystone State Park Lake. 724-464-0900 or runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=27566

Race results

Butler YMCA Turkey Trot Kids Mile, No. 3: Eva Stutz, 1st Overall W, 8:43; Cameron Smith, 1st Overall M, 9:02; Kathy White, 9:30; Camden Schaefer, 9:38; Cassandra Sklencar, 9:56; Brynn Kuchta, 10:45; Easton Hohn, 10:52; Macie McLister, 10:52; Christian Rhodes, 11:09; Ella Maskal, 11:45; Madison Amerson, 14:05; Johanna Shuler, 14:10; Bradley White, 14:35; Dan Foggi, 16:58

Zoozilla 5k, Nov. 10: Carter Lipscomb, 1st Overall M, 18:08; Sara Zambotti, 1st Overall W, 18:39; Meghan Pohl, 1st 13 & Under W, 26:08; Renee Lichty-Bodnar, 3rd 40-49 W, 29:10; Andrew Franze, 21:46; Frank Wilbert V, 25:04; Andrew Covaleski, 26:06; Taylor Lichty, 29:10; Joe Pohl, 30:06; Elaina Eppinger, 30:55; Caden Hill, 33:33; Deborah Takacs, 35:42; Betty Wright, 38:28; Alise Franze, 41:27; Jodi Condron, 42:14; Wyatt Bowman, 44:02; Kayla Cratty, 49:01; Michele Anderson, 49:29; Skye Hill, 53:34; Sebastian Hill, 53:34; Joshua Rectenwald, 57:11; Katherine Listwak, 58:36; Joanna Listwak, 58:37; Mark Sacco, 1:02:05; Kathleen Vinay, 1:02:05

Operation Troop Appreciation 5k, Nov. 11: Matt Gust, 1st Overall M, 17:16; Katherine Fedko, 1st Overall W, 18:42; Dan Hilt, 1st Masters M, 18:37; Kelly Dworak, 1st Masters W, 22:17; Troy Zangaro, 1st 25-29 M, 18:59; Ron Liscio, 1st 30-34 M, 19:11; Thomas Mclaughlin, 2nd 35-39 M, 20:42; Jason Leech, 3rd 35-39 M, 21:03; Amy O’donnell, 1st 30-34 W, 21:12; Kevin Berger, 1st 50-54 M, 21:39; Devan Zangaro 2nd 25-29 M, 21:39; Sabrina Mitchell, 1st 25-29 W, 22:23; Stacey Sahr-Herman, 1st 40-44 W, 22:54; Kristen Suvick, 1st 50-54 W, 22:54; Mitch Radella, 2nd 50-54 M, 23:05; Jayden Stammer, 1st 10 & Under M, 24:22; Corinne Petrus, 2nd 40-44 W, 24:29; David Dworak, 1st 55-59 M, 24:44; Glenn Bartifay, 2nd 55-59 M, 24:55; Eion Mckernan, 2nd 11-14 M, 25:36; Shannon Wishart, 2nd 35-39 W, 27:10; Christine Patton 2nd 45-49 W, 27:44; Barb Zangaro, 3rd 30-34 W, 27:51; Owen Anderson, 3rd 11-14 M, 28:19; Jeremy Pott, 3rd 40-44 M, 29:20; Lucas Pott, 2nd 1-10 M, 29:20; Gracyn Daugherty, 1st 1-10 W, 29:52; Meryn Zangaro, 3rd 11-14 W, 30:38; Sandra Ung, 3rd 60-64 W, 32:41; Debra Kuminkoski, 2nd 55-59 W, 33:15; Chelsea Gray, 2nd 20-24 W, 39:59; Dezso Csizmadia, 2nd 65+ M, 40:41; Judy Fritsch, 2nd 65+ W, 45:23; Judy Fritsch, 2nd 65+ W, 45:23; Luke Choban, 19:44; John Colella, 20:15; Acumal Zangaro, 23:31; Chuck Masters, 28:09; Carol Zangaro, 28:56; Carter Anderson, 29:03; William Daugherty, 29:52; Rhonda Maloney, 29:58; Owen Mckernan, 31:10; Audra Cubbage, 32:29; Mac McKee, 33:27; Jason Mckee, 33:27; Mary Ehmann, 33:48; Joni Clemente, 34:44; Nicole Kinmonth, 36:09; Tre Kinmonth, 36:09; Will Kinmonth, 36:21; Sydney Kinmonth, 36:21; Tricia Staley, 36:34; Melissa Marr, 37:18; Lisa Siwula, 39:38; Stephanie White, 43:47

Buffalo Township Veteran’s Day 10k, Nov. 10: C J. Singleton, 1st Overall M, 37:52; Melissa Conjack, 1st Overall W, 42:30; Stephen Hepler, 1st 50-59 M, 45:42; Gregory Huth, 2nd 20-29 M, 46:56; Chuck Sarver, 1st 60-69 M, 47:15; Kevin Condon, 3rd 50-59 M, 48:10; Bert Gamble, 1st 15-19 M, 58:46; Trista Graham, 2nd 20-29 W, 1:00:49; Kelly Pastoria, 1st 50-59 W, 1:05:12; Nick Barker, 49:27; Brian Davis, 50:11; Matt Wiley, 50:55; James Beck, 51:28; Brian Beals, 56:54; Bob Augustine, 1:00:13; Laney Pastoria, 1:01:52; Katie Fuhrman, 1:06:53

Buffalo Township Veteran’s Day 5k, Nov. 10: Sam Kristine, 1st Overall M, 20:46; Mitch Radella, 2nd Overall M, 23:21; Jacob Kristine, 3rd Overall M, 23:53; Anita Bhat, 1st Overall W, 25:11; Clay Westendorf, 2nd 20-29 M, 37:59; Janet Stewart, 1st 50-59 W, 39:44; Jennifer Randall, 2nd 40-49 W, 39:49; Allysa Walker, 2nd 20-29 W, 41:54; Kelly Hanson, 2nd 30-39 W, 44:10; Rose Cardamone, 3rd 30-39 W, 51:51; Jerrica Waddell, 3rd 20-29 W, 51:52; Ben Pletcher, 2nd 70+ M, 52:09; Betty Pletcher, 1st 70+ W, 52:18; Travis Domhoff, 24:51; Josh Brestensky, 25:08; Kiran Bhat, 25:12; Michael Brestensky, 25:18; Todd Cyphert, 35:01; Jessica Schmitt, 36:28

Fight for Life 5k, Nov. 17: Jonathan Cunkelman, 1st Overall M, 21:02; Jadyn McCleery, 1st Overall W, 26:20; Bob Zukas, 2nd 70+ M, 34:25

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle