We’ve all heard the phrase “pay it forward.” It even has its own Wikipedia page. Paying it forward is all about doing an act of kindness for someone – often unexpected and “just because” – with the hope that one good deed will inspire the beneficiary to do something nice for a stranger. And then that person helps another. And that person another. And suddenly, one simple act of kindness sparks many acts of kindness.

But how often do we really take the time to pay it forward?

Just before the New Year, my colleague Stephanie sent me one of the most thoughtful holiday “gifts” I’ve ever received.

Rather than a traditional Christmas card, $25 gift card or candle (all of which I’ve given to my coworkers), she sent me a card with some very special contents inside. The words on the front of the card said “Miracles are all around us.” Inside, she had included seven small bags that each had a small inspirational card in them. In three of the bags, she included things like a $1 bill or a $5 Starbucks gift card and the words “May this random act of kindness bring you happiness. Pay it forward.” The remaining four cards were for me to create my own message and idea.

I stared at the cards in awe. Speechless. This was such a simple idea, and yet, so profound. Stephanie gave a similar pay it forward package to eight other coworkers, which means if we all execute our seven acts of kindness, she will have inspired 56 acts of kindness. And if each of you take this idea and run with it, well, the possibilities are truly infinite.

This idea got me thinking … what if we created a pay it forward movement for runners? The idea is simple, but with a little twist. Many of us frequent running stores, running paths and group runs where people park their cars together or find themselves near a large water jug. What if we started by doing a random act of kindness for runners in our community?

Here’s how to create your pay it forward kit and some ideas to get you started, Of course, you could do any theme you’d like, but I’m going to start with runners, of course.

How to Pay It Forward to Runners

• Bags: You can find small zip top bags at a local craft store like Hobby Lobby, Joanne’s or Michael’s. My colleague Stephanie says that the best way to find small bags is to look in the organizing/selling jewelry section.
• Inspirational cards: Adding an inspirational card to your bag makes it pretty and gives you something to write your message on. While at your local craft store, purchase some journaling cards. Stephanie suggests a themed booklet of 3×4 cards with a print on one side and a blank space on the other. You can find them in the scrapbooking section, and if you don’t see them, using scrapbook paper works too.

• Choose acts of kindness: What are some thoughtful gestures runners might appreciate? Here are a few ideas you could include in your bags:
  • A $5 Starbucks gift card (or other local coffee shop gift card) for a post-run treat
  • A GU or gel packet to keep you fueled
  • A sample size Aquaphor or body glide
  • A list of running mantras to carry with you to stay motivated
  • A playlist of songs
  • Chapstick or lip balm
  • Wet wipes … because we all know shit happens, literally (I couldn’t help myself. #unladylike)
• Write a short message: On the back of your card, write a short message to the beneficiary. Something like ” May this random act of kindness keep you running happy. Pay it forward.”
• Leave your bags where runners will find them: Make a runner’s day by spreading your running cheer. Consider leaving bags on the windshield of cars where a group of runners meet early in the morning, by a water jug along a running route, in the bathroom at a running store … the possibilities are endless.

In a world where there is often so much negativity and divisiveness, choose to spread happiness. Run happy my friends.

Have you ever done any random acts of kindness? What other acts of kindness for runners can you think to include in the bags?