Sergeant Tony's Blog

He was an ordinary average guy. (My apologies to Joe Walsh)

Chubby and unassuming, with crooked teeth and a soft cherub-like appearance, probably in his late 30’s.

His body language gave the impression that he probably lacked self confidence. Shoulders rounded, he hardly stood up straight. He looked like someone who’d been bullied as a kid and still bore the results of that mistreatment decades later, withdrawn and shy.

He was unknown but to a handful of people, family mostly.

He had been ridiculed by his co-workers when he entered a national TV talent show, a show known for the sheer lunacy of so many of those who audition for it. His co-workers were sure that he’d be another of those ridiculous displays of foolishness.

When he shuffled to center-stage and announced to a studio audience, a national TV audience, and the three notorious judges sitting there with stone faces, that he was going to sing opera (opera??), well, you could practically hear the sighs and see the eye’s rolling. What little enthusiasm and interest that might have existed in this guy evaporated from the room instantly when he said “opera.” The wind was completely out of his sails and he was standing there dead in the water. This was going to be embarrassing and ugly. You just knew it was going to end badly. So when the first strains of the music began, everyone started to squirm uncomfortably in their seats, in anticipation of something bad, waiting for the off key wailing that was to follow.

But you also couldn’t look away or change the channel. It was like driving past a train wreck.

Then he opened his mouth to wail.

There’s a narrow range of opera that I can endure, and even less that I like. But when this guy started to sing on the British TV show, “Britain’s Got Talent,” all of that changed. Thirty seconds in, the audience was on their feet cheering!

Even before the end of his aria, Nessun Dorma, Paul Potts was receiving the first, but certainly not his last, standing ovation! There were tears in the eyes of many in the audience and surprise on the faces of the judges. Even your Drill Instructor was choked up. (I’ll deny this if you ever mention it.) Mr. Potts was brilliant, wonderful, and touching.

Weeks later, this quintessential underdog won the competition! He’d be quitting his job as a cell phone salesman and would soon be singing before The Queen.

What I love about this guy, besides his incredible gift, is that he had a dream that few people encouraged him to pursue. But the passion in his soul wouldn’t be denied!

And despite the lack of support and personality, he put himself out there. He took a chance. He got out of his comfort zone. He followed the dream.

Whatever your passion is, whatever your soul desires, whatever inspires you, whatever makes you happy and gives you joy, pursue those things! It might result in a job change. It might require downsizing your life. It might mean a reorganization of your financial portfolio and physical possessions. It might mean a relocation. It might mean redefining your life. Or it might simply mean buying a new bike and doing your first triathlon.

You’ve only got one body, one mind, one soul, and one future. Use them! Nurture them! Protect them!

At the end of the day, it’s the things that you DIDN’T do that will cause you the most regret.

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PAYING THE PIED PIPER — UPDATE!!
Back in the day you could only pay for Boot Camp with cash or check. You still can!! I enjoy taking your “love notes” and telling you thank you, face to face.

NOW YOU CAN ALSO PAY ONLINE!

Just go to the website (www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com) and click on the banner at the top right of the homepage. You can pay by credit card, PayPal account, or bank

transfer. It’s simple and easier than mountain climbers!

By the way, if you pay with cash, may I ask you to put said cash in an envelope with your name and the months that you’re paying for on the outside of the envelope.

If you pay by check, you’re also asked to write on the check, in the memo section, the months you’re paying for. This way both of us know what’s what.

Thanks everyone!

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WHITEWATER RAFTING!
NEW DEADLINE!! — FRIDAY, JULY 20
NEW DEADLINE!! … FRIDAY, JULY 20
NEW DEADLINE!! –> FRIDAY, JULY 20

On August 11th you could be a part of the mighty BOOT CAMP FLOAT going down the famous Ocoee River, near Chattanooga! This is part of our BOOT CAMP

ANNIVERSARY MONTH CELEBRATION!

Boot Camper’s friends and family are also welcome. Minimum age is 12 years old by August 11. The cost is less than $100 per person for the all day rafting. The price

includes all gear, equipment, lunch, and the river guide. Learn more by going to www.ocoee-outdoors.com

Sign up is going on NOW! I’ve got other details for anyone interested in travel and accommodations!

The NEW deadline for signing up is next FRIDAY, JULY 20.

This is a week earlier than what I previously shared with you. The outfitter needs our numbers next week. Space is limited, so sign up ASAP! A $50 non-refundable

deposit will be needed to secure your spot on the river!

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NEXT TRIATHLON TRAINING BEGINS ON SATURDAY, JULY 28
Saturday morning, July 28 at 0800. We’ll meet in the parking lot of the Pizza Hut located at Austin Peay and Singleton Parkway (Covington Pike). The Pizza Hut is just

behind the Walgreens west of Methodist North Hospital. Bring your bike and helmet, along with your running shoes!

This training will be in preparation for the CATS Sprint Triathlon in Conway, Ark on September 16. Cost for the training is $75 per person.
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1385296

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TONY, DO I OWE YOU MONEY?
You can check your reenlistment status as of Wednesday morning, July 11, 2007 on the blog: www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com/blog/

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HATS & VISORS
Hats are IN! Those who “pre-ordered” one have first dibs. As soon as those Boot Campers have their hats, the remainder will be for sale. $25.

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THE 0645 CLASS HAS RETURNED FOR THE SUMMER!!!
The 0645, 0830, and 5:45 PM classes follow a Monday/Wednesday/Friday “WEIGHT DAY,” and Tu/Thu “CARDIO DAY” workout schedule.

The 0830 class will continue for July!

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“There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love to do, there is only scarcity of resolve to make it happen.”
— Wayne Dyer

To your continued good health and fitness!!

Sergeant Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
4888 Southern Cove
Memphis, TN 38117
901-644-0145
www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com
http://shaklee.net/tonyludlow/main