I told myself I was going to do 2 things in September. I was going to get a job and I was going to take up running. I may have set the bar a little high but I have a reputation of being focused so I really needed to put both feet forward to accomplish these two goals.  And one of them required both feet not only going forward but faster.  To be honest,  I was really hoping the job thing worked out so I could use that as an excuse for not signing up for any crazy Chicago runs that are always going on. Clearly if I went back to being a busy executive I wouldn't have the time to train for a race since I'd be climbing a steep learning curve in the business world. On the other hand, I've been walking a lot all summer and figured I put on close to 400 miles on my shoes so running might not be that tough of a transition.  Shoot,  Forrest Gump started out walking and suddenly he was running and running and running and before he knew it, he ran across the country. Talk about focus!  Although, he was also a bit of a simpleton and had a lot of time to run because he would never have the opportunity to become a busy executive like me. Wow, the fact that I just compared myself to him is making me question who the real simpleton is here.  

Anyway, I've been networking a fair amount and planned on using Facebook as a tool. Now I can say it did drum up a bit of attention but for the most part, I've reconnected with college friends and have spent a lot of time in ridiculous and hilarious conversations that were not going to lead me to a job. But, I was still very determined to go back to work so I kept spreading the word.  And as September was approaching, it was becoming more and more clear the running career was going to come first. Before I knew it, August 31 rolled around and there I was at Fleet Feet buying the new equipment...running shoes. The very thorough salesman video taped my running so he could properly fit my feet to the right shoes for my new venture. And shoes aren't cheap, either. So now I still don't have a job and I'm dropping $95 on new shoes for a sport I don't even know if I'll like. Something is wrong with this picture. Hmm, I wonder what Forrest Gump's IQ is.

The first day of September there I was on the lakefront trying out my new shoes.  The shoe salesman recommended reading Runner's World to get beginner training information which I thought was a brilliant idea. I turned 47 a couple weeks ago and there's a high likelihood I could hurt myself  if I don't train properly.  Although I think it's likely I'll hurt myself anyway. But, I got out there and ran.  And now I officially call myself a "runner". I don't think it matters how far or long I go, I'm still a runner. I believe if  you say it enough you own it.  And after the first 2 runs, I realized I really need to step up the networking because I'd rather start calling myself "employed".  

Thankfully, good news broke on the job front during my first week as a runner. It's a temporary position at a not-for-profit that will take me through November. But, it counts and now I get to call myself "employed". Coming off of 22 years in the corporate world I'm not sure what I'm getting into but I know I'm interested because it's a job, it pays and it's still the month of September.  

So, the good news is my mission is accomplished. I'm now an employed runner.  The bad news is, I'm a bit concerned how much Forrest Gump and I may have in common.

Today's EiPod: "Walk a Mile in My Shoes",  Joe South