What Hobbies Do You Have and How Do They Help?

Simple enough question. I have two main hobbies: photography and running out (I work out as well, P90X, right now to complement running). Photography helps my career, because if you take a look at pro-level gear, you'll know why. Running clears the mind and I feel splendiferous afterward.

Photography is about as creative as I get. I'm not a graphic designer; it takes me a while to get going when I have to start something from the start. I spent a year shooting for my college's newspaper. I love candid, photojournalistic shots -- my friends get annoyed at me shooting them, constantly, but they astonished at my photos once they see them. And then they stop complaining. I find photography inspirational; hey -- look at that awesome photo! I want to go there to shoot that scene!

Photography is expense. It can be very expensive. (Nikon released the D800E recently and it will retail for ~$3,300, lenses not included.) When amateur photographers, or people in general, state that they don't worry about stuff because they "know" they'll never be able to afford it, I'm saddened and wonder, why? Why not work toward it. As I say, I'm not really even after money as being able to have the means to afford what I want.

I love running. It's not terribly expensive (well, gear can be pricy, but it usually lasts a while); I suppose marathons can get pricy because you might have to travel. Long distance running is more of a life style, so it's something in which you have to put a concerted effort at which to really excel (or to be able to finish, if you plan on entering a marathon). As I previously said, it clears the mind. I'm naturally a high-strung person, who's been told to relax while at bars. Running is one of the times I can relax. And it's something at which I can constantly strive to get better (I started barefoot running a week ago -- yeah, not a quick transition).

So, what about you?