Running...A Saving Grace

Well, I'm living proof that no one is immune from the current economic woes. Three weeks ago I was laid off from the job I'd held in the educational publishing field for 12+ years. No warning, just boom! Fourteen colleagues and myself were told to pack up, it was our last day.

It took about a week for the punched-in-the-stomach feeling to subside. During that week I was basically in a daze not knowing exactly what to do. Then I ran. For me running is the best medicine. It provides a feeling of empowerment and freedom that comes with knowing that your legs and body are strong and capable. For some reason I can think better about life's problems as I fly over the miles. The longer the run, the better. Gives me time to work on solutions to those big nagging problems. Speed runs are great for tearing through aggression and anger. Focusing all that emotion into speed work and hills really helped.

You know, I think running through this trying time has helped improve my attitude. During week two, I felt less tension, less depressed, less fatigued, and less confused. Athough I can't completely ignore the fact that I need to find a job, running gives me something else to focus on, allowing me to see something besides being unemployed.

I still don't have a job, but I feel confident about finding one and running (and the support of a lot of friends and family) has helped me gain this attitude. If you happen to know of a job for someone with a background in writing/editing, project management, and some internet skills, let me know!