From Buffalo, N.Y., to Fort Erie in Canada, and all the way to magnificent Niagara Falls, Meggan Franks recently ran 26.2 miles to place first among all women runners in the world's only international marathon.
Running long distances takes lots of preparation, training, determination, and focus. However, while logging hundreds of miles of training, she says many thoughts of thankfulness flash through her mind. She has good health, but without hesitation she says she's most thankful for her family.
Franks' husband, Houston, MSU's head cross-country coach, has the special privilege of training his wife. Along with running, the husband and wife team share another love: their young daughter Madison.
Meggan said no matter how many finish lines she crosses, her family will always be her favorite prize.
"Without them, I couldn't do anything, really," she said.
As program coordinator for the university's Office of Student Leadership and Community Engagement, Franks also feels thankful for her role in helping others. She and fellow staff members coordinate about 10,000 volunteer hours annually at the Maroon Volunteer Center. This semester, nearly 1,000 students have volunteered to help at dozens of community organizations.
During the time of year when people try to show extra gratitude and appreciation, Franks said she doesn't take her family or job for granted.
"We get to see the differences we make," she said of the MSU team of volunteers. "You can see changes taking place in people's lives."