Thursday, November 6, 2008

Transition time.

This week's topic for Take it and Run Thursday at Runners' Lounge is running through transitions. It's that time of the year, I suppose, with the time change and the season progressing from early fall to mid.

I've had my share of transitions, as we all have. I evolved from a petulant teen to a self-righteous college student, from a carefree single young woman in the Big Apple to a married, work-at-home mom in the suburbs. I've been fortunate to have running to carry my through my more monumental transitions for the past 15 or so years. (The teen me really could have benefited from the habit . . . but there's no going back now!)

When my husband and I moved from NYC to upstate NY, I wasn't sure we had made the right decision. We were suddenly friendless. My job wasn't all it was cracked up to be. So I ran. I logged my runs. I entered races -- lots of them. I ran and ran. Running helped me settle in to my new life. I learned about the area. I began to feel connected. I credit running with helping me to see that the decision to move was the right one. There were other factors, of course, but running helped.

Running also helped me settle in to my new life as a mom. After Conal was born I didn't really know what end was up. Not only was I now a mom but I was no longer working full time. For 13 years, I had -- at least partially -- been defined by my career. Now I was trying to navigate the world as a new mom and a fledgling freelance writer and editor. These things combined to make 2007 the biggest period of transition in my life and running carried me through. I needed that time alone and would look forward to the evenings and weekends when I would head out for what began as run/walks and improved to long runs, hill workouts and races.

When I would run, I would plan. I would think about what was working and what wasn't. I would recall the special moments I had witnessed during the day. I would zone out. Whatever I needed at the time.

It's been a constant, this running thing. A constant that has helped make my transitions smoother, and that I hope will continue to do so for years to come.

19 comments:

Lori said...

What a great reflection! I really enjoyed reading it. I love reading accounts of healthy habits getting us through our tough times. Hooray for running and exercise in general!

Vava said...

Well, said. I haven't thought about running always being a constant in times of change, but I can see that it can be a wonderful stablilizing force. That's what's so great about running - no matter where you are you can do it! Great post!

Marcy said...

I think I will need running even more when they get into the teenage years. That or crack (JK)

J said...

Haha I love Marcy's comment! Sounds like running will continue to a constant in your life. It really is great to have that alone time.

ncrunner12 said...

I know just where you're coming from, a new move a work at home job that you're not sure about... I'm living all of that now and the transition has actually made for a wonderful 2008.

That was a great post. It sounds like running has really added something special to your life.

X-Country2 said...

Running really is the greatest therapy around. I'm happy the move and new life have worked out so well for you.

Marlene said...

As a relative noob (running <2yrs) I love reading about those of you who have been running for years and years, allowing it to take you through transitions. I know it'll be there for me when it's my turn for mommyhood. :)

Diana said...

Its a great way to look at things...and one that is not realized by those of us starting out! Given that I will have to go through some rough transitions of my own (another move, then across country with a new job...if I'm lucky...and new challenges) I could use something like this to take me through.
Thanks :)

BeachRunner said...

Great post and beautifully written.

Julianne said...

I can totally relate!! My post today is kinda similar! :-)(Or will be, when I post it!)

Nicole Orriƫns said...

I so know what you mean!

Running is the perfect way to run into yourself!

Midwest said...

I feel the very same way. Well said.

Chic Runner said...

Great post! :) It's nice to see other people's reflections and how running has affected their life!

So glad it helped you figure out things and made you a better person, we all love reading about it!

tfh said...

I loved reading about how your running has evolved through some of life's transitions. Right now I feel very much at the "settling into my new life" mode. I do appreciate that running has made me feel more a part of my local community. It is nice seeing a little of what might be ahead, too, if I opt to travel that route. Thanks!

Aron said...

what a great post!!! its nice to know that even through those huge changes we can always fall back on running for some clarity :)

Shoe Running said...

I really think you hit the nail on the head :) Running is such a great constant to have in our lives and it can really keep us grounded in a churning sea of change :)

Casey said...

very nice! your post is like a hug. thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Your post is so true. Running is one thing that we can all do, even when our lives are taking turns.

Anonymous said...

such great reflections (esp the mama part..about helping you to settle in) and make me SO WANNA find my inner runner.
as we do all have one, yes?

YES?

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