Thursday, November 06, 2008

Change We Can Believe In


The topic of this week's Take It and Run Thursday is "running through transitions." Transitions and changes are on everyone's mind this week, runners and non-runners alike. The United States just elected a new president who promised us sweeping changes to the status quo. I heard a story on NPR about how incredibly challenging this transition will be for President-Elect Obama (man, do I love typing that). He has the burden of taking office while the country is fighting two wars and is in an economic crisis. President-Elect Obama (look, I said it again!) has the added pressure of a tremendous amount of hope and faith placed on him by voters.

I also think about the huge transition this will mean for the Obama family on a personal level. Dad now has an incredibly challenging new job. Many of his detractors questioned whether or not he was ready to be president, and honestly, I don't think anyone could possibly be fully prepared to take on such an awesome responsibility, though I have faith that he can handle it as well as anyone else could. And then there is the fabulous Michelle, who must leave her Chicago home behind and be thurst even more firmly into the spotlight. And let's not forget Sasha and Malia, who are going to have to switch schools, leave behind their friends, and move to a new house. At least they're getting a puppy out of the deal.

My advice to the Obama family is simple: go running.

When life throws a series of curveballs at you, when everything is in transition, running can be a constant. It can be a time to either sort out your thoughts or to not think at all, focusing only on your breathing and the pounding of your legs. Running allows you to put aside all of the other trappings in your life and just be you. Can we feel better after simply lacing up our shoes?

Yes, we can.

11 comments:

Julianne said...

Wow, great post!!! Very approriate, too. :-)

Julianne said...

Damn, I don't know how to spell... especially "appropriate"!

X-Country2 said...

Everyone will transition in the coming, but no more than him and his family. Great post!

joyRuN said...

"When life throws a series of curveballs at you, when everything is in transition, running can be a constant"

AMEN, girl!

Joe said...

The answer is yes, we can feel better just by lacing up our shoes. Nicely done!

Joe
www.fitnessgeekga.wordpress.com

tfh said...

I know Jill Biden is a runner; hopefully she will inspire the Obamas the way they've inspired us.

raulgonemobile said...

I look forward to seeing how he tackles the many issues facing him. If anyone can, I think he can. But, yes, he (and his family) has many transitions ahead. I like the bit of advice for him.

Shoe Running said...

Oh man, I'm totally imagining the Obama family running together, and they look AWESOME :) They all looked spectacular during his election speech...they were even color coordinated!

Unknown said...

I KNEW I liked you for more than just your name!!! Great post.

Marlene said...

Hey! Thanks for the comment. I felt like death at that moment (crossing the finish line) but was determined to get a good shot. :D

Great post!

Nitmos said...

I believe running can solve ALL of our nation's problems. But I'm prone to overstatement.