My in-laws have a Thanksgiving tradition that I'm sure is not original. We hold hands around the dinner table and we each name one thing for which we're thankful.

It's a big family, so we all keep it short and talk fast so the gravy is at least lukewarm by the time the circular litany is complete.

That means there's no time to include my thanks for all things running (not that anyone in my family would be interested). So here's my list of what I'm truly thankful for this year.

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Rail trails. They're almost level, almost straight and easy on the legs. Increasingly in our hurried, automobile-obsessed world, rail trails are a safe haven where runners can practice sprints or daydream without fear of being run over or twisting an ankle while diving into a ditch.•

Deer Lakes Park. The trails through Deer Lakes Park are rugged, convoluted and sometimes hard to follow. But last summer, those trails offered shady solitude for long runs.Lottie and I tripped over roots and scaled steep stream banks, all the while talking about everything and nothing. Those runs are so much sweeter as my daughter leaves this weekend for a new phase in her life away from Mom and Dad.•

Sequel to "Once a Runner." At my first race, the Pittsburgh Magazine Marathon 10-Miler in 1978, author John L. Parker Jr. offered a free book to anyone who could beat him in the race. He gave away few books. I bought a copy and was enthralled by the adventures of college runner Quentin Cassidy.The paperback "Once a Runner" is out of print and a collector's item, but Parker has written a much-awaited sequel, "Again to Carthage." The new book is available now in hardcover for about $17 while an original paperback of "Once a Runner" sells for $150 to $1,000.•

ChampionChip. This little device has revolutionized road race timing and remains the most reliable and accurate way to time races large and small. While this small transponder threaded through the shoelaces ensures accuracy, its real value is in safety as it eliminates the pushing, shoving, kicking and trampling at the start of major road races.•

Snow in November. It would be too much to ask to get many sunny days during this month in Western Pennsylvania. But if the temperature hovers just above freezing, snow is a blessing compared to almost freezing rain or sleet. Sometimes it's the difference between getting out the door and hiding under the covers.•

Chocolate milk. It might be just another fad, but chocolate milk is a delicious, nutritious after-exercise refresher. It has carbohydrates for energy, protein for rebuilding body parts, antioxidants galore, and it tastes great.•

Recovery and renewal. I'm back on the road, albeit older and slower, after my snow shoveling injury of last winter. Likewise, Mom is still chugging down the road with me after several injuries and setbacks. Neither of us is posting world class times, but, as the saying goes, we're in pretty good shape for the shape we're in.•

Those who provide and protect. Not counting the everyday stresses of job and family, I can run pretty much carefree. That's because I have the men and women of the U.S. military and government service watching my back, modern medicine and good nutrition on my side, a network of family and friends paving the way for my success at whatever I decide to do, and a God who covers me in undeserved blessings. Thanks, everyone.Upcoming eventsSaturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. 724-898-2525Saturday, 9 a.m.: Treesdale Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, Gibsonia. Run through Treesdale neighborhoods benefits Make A Wish Foundation. 724-625-2220 or terri.smith@ourclub.comNext Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.: Running Wild Group Run, Hartwood Acres. Fun run on park roads and gentle trails. 724-444-5311Dec. 1, 9 a.m.: Jingle Bell Run-Walk for Arthritis, Allison Park. Choice of 5K run or 1- mile fun walk. Music, food, holiday costume contest, prizes. Leashed dogs welcome in fun run. 412-566-1645 or sshields@arthritis.orgDec. 1, 9 a.m.: Race for Grace 5K Run-Walk and Family Fun Day, Pittsburgh. Starts at Woodland Hills High School, runs through Forest Hills neighborhoods. 412-478-0454 or Race.forGrace@hotmail.comDec. 1, 10 p.m. : Holiday 5K Run, New Brighton. Run through holiday lights of New Brighton. 724-495-9417 or jhilfinger@beavercountypa.govDec. 2, 10 a.m.: Nittany Valley Half Marathon, State College. Begins at Ag Arena. 814-571-1960 or www.nvrun.comDec. 8, 9 a.m.: Jingle Bell 5K, Greensburg. Also 1-mile fun walk. Music, food, holiday costume contest. Dogs on leash welcome. ccapra@arthritis.orgRace resultsChamber Classic 5K Oct. 6: Dan Monhemius, 1st Overall M, 19:07; Shanon Malone, 1st Overall W, 20:47; Nathan Murslack, 22:44; Matthew Costigan, 2nd 25-29 M, 24:12; Dell Bowen, 1st 60-64 M, 28:31; Jamie Matteucci, 1st 35-39 W, 28:43; Paul Wojciak, 3rd 555-59 M, 29:03; Kathy Bowen, 2nd 50-54 W, 29:23; Eric Hilliard, 2nd 30-34 M, 30:22; Lisa Murslak, 2nd 45-49 W, 31:52; Robert Heithoff, 2nd 60-64 M, 32:35; Bruce Hall, 24:53; Thomas Puskar, 25:55; Jeffrey Yannuzzi, 26:05; Christy Gregori, 29:51; Tom Matteucci, 32:14; Richard Gregori, 34:44

Chamber Classic Half Marathon, Oct. 6: Eric Anish, 1st Overall M, 1:17:23; Matt Manna, 5th Overall M, 1:27:59; Susan Ruzicka, 1st Overall W, 1:34:16; Dan Nguyen, 1st 25-29 M, 1:28:23; Michelle Choo, 1st 50-54 W, 1:40:41; Laura Hoover, 2nd 25-29 W, 1:42:43; Ashley Brooks, 2nd 20-24 W, 1:44:36; Chris Cutone, 2nd 30-34 M, 1:45:56; Sharyl Relic, 2nd 45-49 W, 1:49:38; Val Wolfarth, 2nd 50-54 W, 1:50:04; Stacy Juchno, 1st 30-34 W, 1:51:36; Kristen Kelly, 2nd 40-44 W, 2:07:51; Dan Ruble, 1:47:08; Mark Blasinsky, 1:47:31; Brian Shuttleworth, 1:52:13; Derek Smith, 1:52:14; Derek Bale, 1:53:58; Lawrence Badaczewski, 1:54:04; Jason Robinson, 1:56:02; Larry Brubach, 1:56:59; Ron Hartle, 2:02:52; Bob Andrews, 2:06:27; Amanda Cagno, 2:24:01; Joan Nic\kerson, 2:31:18; Dave Williams, 2:36:27; Amy Lassiter, 2:37:33

Birdsfoot 5K, Oct. 13: Tom Parenti, 1st Overall M, 24:24; Wendy Recio, 1st Overall W, 27:15; Bill Abbott, 2nd Overall M, 29:18; Amanda Cagno, 2nd Overall W, 30:01

Monster Stomp 5K, Oct. 20: Michael Kifer, 1st Overall M, 18:41; Lindsey Vatter, 1st Overall W, 21:16; Cindy Grimm, 2nd Overall W, 22:01; Mitch Radella, 1st 40-44 M, 19:52; Curt Grimm, 1st 55-59 M, 21:22; Kevin McCaslin, 1st 30-34 M, 21:36; David Suber, 1st 50-54 M, 23:37; Dave Anney, 3rd 40-44 M, 24:08; Becky Miller, 3rd 40-44 W, 25:24; Lee Anderson, 3rd 25-29 M, 25:55; Cindy Suber, 2nd 45-49 W, 27:41; Jon Moon, 24:37; Tom Altman, 26:37; Rob Jackson, 27:42; William Dundore, 28:08; Dana Hogue, 32:45; Al Lane, 34:09; Casey Magdinec, 42:28; Cindy Magdinec, 43:39; Sandra Saad, 43:40; Denise Brain, 58:56

Jack O' Lantern Jog 5K, Oct. 27: Josh Eickmeier, 1st Overall M, 17:06; Anna Beck, 1st Overall W, 20:22; Carrie Snell, 1st 35-39 W, 24:25; Dez Czizmadia, 1st 65-69 M, 25:17; Debra Kuminkoski, 2nd 45-49 W, 34:12; Jamie Wilson, 32:15; Steve Wilson, 32:18; John Carmelito, 34:36

Armstrong County YMCA Fall Classic 5K, Nov. 3: Tim Monfre, 1st Overall M, 17:27; Brian Forester, 2nd Overall M, 18:00; Kelly Check, 1st Overall W, 21:39; Kayla Zboran, 3rd Overall W, 23:06; John Kidder, 1st 40-44 M, 21:22; Megan Kidder, 1st 10-14 W, 23:43; Joe Zboran, 3rd 50-54 M, 24:44; Dez Czizmadia, 1st 65 and over M, 24:46; Renee Decker, 1st 40-44 W, 25:47; Beth Zboran, 2nd 45-49 W, 26:43: Kim Zappi, 2nd 40-44 W, 27:32; Kyle Zboran, 2nd 10-14 M, 29:23; Emily Zappi, 1st 9 and under W, 35:31; Brandon Zappi, 2nd 9 and under M, 35:36; Shayne Zappi, 3rd 9 and under M, 36:55; Donna Vensel, 2nd 55-59 W, 38:12; Rosemarie Gaiser, 3rd 55-59 W, 40:46; Debra Kuminkoski, 31:33; Doug Zappi, 36:57; Hilary Farester, 40:49

Armstrong County YMCA 10K, Nov. 3: Jerry Maher, 1st Overall M, 35:55; Rich Makin, 2nd Overall M, 39:13; Kylee Witchey, 1st Overall W, 49:26; Julia Murray, 2nd Overall W, 49:43; James Mayuric, 1st 20-29 M, 44:17; Bob Crawford, 1st 60-64 M, 45:33; Lou Alaksin, 1st 65+ M, 46:01; John Antinossi, 2nd 60-64 M, 47:31; Buddy Turner, 2nd 55-59 M, 48:56; Brad Zukowski, 2nd 30-39 M, 49:26; Michael Bartos, 2nd 40-44 M, 52:05; Lou Lodovico, 2nd 65 and over M, 55:02; Shauna Zukowski, 1st 30-39 W, 57:11; Chrisina Loper, 2nd 30-39 W, 1:10:38; John Uleski, 56:22City of Oaks Half Marathon, Raleigh, N.C., Nov. 11: Melanie Lutz, 1st 19 and under W, 1:34:44; Larry Lutz, 1:39:46Send comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone or fax: 724-352-4395. E-mail: bigp16@connecttime.netPat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.