For those who have followed me over the years, they know how devastated I was when I left the running biz, add to that the coping with my arthritis, you can imagine how depressed I've been...and to a point still am. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
I am back in Carrboro, NC, working for Fleet Feet Sports. I am the new manager of the store in Carrboro, which is the flagship store for the company. I've been on the job almost a week. When last here, it was over a year ago, and I was in the Leadership Development Program, ready to tackle the store in Vancouver, WA. So coming back here is a very familiar feel, though there are still things to learn.
Never underestimate the power of people who believe in you. My friend Ben is the Operating Partner of the store, and he needed help. He also knew how much I missed the industry. While I am so happy to be working, I'm even happier to have a friend who is saw a chance for me to begin my road to happiness again.
Portland, OR is a wonderful place, and I loved living out there. I am also appreciative for the few months I worked at Foot Traffic. The folks there work hard, have fun, and bring a great spirit to everything they do. My problem was, no matter what I did, I could not get over the negativity that happened. I saw it as I watched people run. I saw it when read about races. I dealt with it as tech reps would talk to me about Fleet Feet. The pain was horrible.
Ben knows me pretty well, and knew what I needed - a fresh start, and back with family. While it breaks my heart to end the dream that Mark and I had, we can start over, and create a plan for our next goal. Many of you know Portland was our ultimate destination. I think that is what has made the last few months so difficult. It seemed almost cruel that we had it, and now had to leave it.
I have been welcomed back in Carrboro with open arms, lots of smiles, a few laughs, and a ton of love. I'm so glad to be back.
The staff I have is a good group, and my boss is pretty good as well :-)
I look forward to the challenges ahead, and what the future brings. I feel I am in the road again.
Charlie
