Running Away from it All

People have many different responses to pain – some run in fear, some face their fears and become fierce and others practice complete denial – refusing to admit there is a problem. My response has always been anger first, ask questions later, but dear woman I know, when facing extraordinary circumstances, opted for the first course of action…she ran.

An artfully intelligent CPA, my friend Anne wears an expression of compassionate pain. It was over breakfast one sunny morning that we reconnected after an extended period of time. I always look forward to sharing stories with Anne – a person who misses nothing when it comes to the details she always surprises me with a remark or insight – one that often changes my own perception of what occurred.

Over breakfast Anne was smiling but somber. We dug in and when she looked up and began telling me about a job offer that she had received from a current client and how she was ready for a “change” I knew instantly that she wasn’t just referring to her career. Anne went on to tell me about the offer, lightly seasoning the conversation with her dissatisfaction and her current husband’s job status.

As she continued on, telling me about the position available, I wondered to myself if she was really hearing what she was saying. You see, Anne, in so many words had shared that after thirteen years in a second marriage, she was considering divorce. It turns out, she didn’t.

The next year was a whirlwind for Anne. She began facing demons and challenges one at a time – drawing upon the Taurus warrior within to rise up and move on. It was during a critical time in the “proceedings” when Anne started running. We would meet early in the morning and run for an hour on the treadmill. At first, Anne could only run for five-minute increments. Today, with the help of a dedicated trainer and nutritionist she has completed three half marathons and run more miles than I can count.

Anne’s tenacity and dedication to fitness has created a “safe place” for her to grieve and conquer her own fears. One mile at a time, my friend Anne is re-creating her life - extraordinary for this grandmother of three and mother of two. By running away, Anne has actually returned to herself and has come to realize that after all these years, she is exactly who she has been waiting for.