Sergeant Tony's Blog

The PGA was held last week.

The PGA is a big golf tournament.

I don’t play much golf.

I watch it on TV even less than I play.

But just in case you missed the PGA, Tiger Woods won it. yawn.

But the real story was Arkansan, and sometimes Memphian, John Daly.

If golfers were comedians, Tiger Woods would be Jerry Seinfeld and John Daly would be Larry the Cable Guy.

For the first day of the PGA, played in 100+ degree heat, John Daly was leading. Interviewed after that day’s round, he attributed his awesome play to his pre-tournament training regimen: smoking, drinking and gambling. During the first day’s play, Tiger drank sports drinks and energy bars. John smoked cigarettes and drank diet cokes.

John enjoyed his one day atop the leader board and milked it for all it was worth, clowning during interviews and generally having a good time. Even his controversial wife got in on the attention. When interviewed about her husband’s popularity, she said, somewhat confused, “For some reason … everyone likes John.”

What?

Isn’t that great? A wife who seems confused as to why people like her husband.

Tiger and John are different people.

Tiger practices for hours and works out everyday. He’s a lean, mean, golfing machine.

John practices by playing the slots and hates to work out. He’s an overweight, two pack a day, heart attack waiting to happen.

Tiger is married to a super model who supports his every venture. John is married to a convicted felon who beats him up in his sleep.

I think it’s safe to say that John’s unbelievable talent is attached to a judgement that is slightly impaired.

John’s one day lead during the PGA was just that. One day.

When it comes down to it, the Ferrari Scaglietti beats the AMC Matador. By the end of the tournament, Tiger’s talent and work ethic paid off and John was in a six way tie for ninth place.

Bottom line: few things replace hard work.

Don’t feel bad for John though. He’s been coached, counseled, and cajoled in an endless effort to help him get control of the slow motion train wreck that doubles as his life. A lot of people have tried to help him quit drinking, quit smoking, quit gambling, and quit his self destructive behavior. He’s a likeable good ol boy, but just not interested in reformation. He’s living proof of what author Lee Thayer described when he said, “Most people prefer the problem they have to a solution they don’t like.”

John Daly is like a lot of us. We know better, we just don’t care because the failure of our behavior isn’t urgent or staring at us in the face.

It’s easy to sleep in.
It’s easy to give up.
It’s easy to make excuses.
It’s easy to blame others.
It’s easy to complain and do nothing.
“Most people prefer the problem they have to a solution they don’t like.”

Winners do things that losers don’t do. The winners don’t like doing those things either, but they discipline themselves to do them anyway.

One of the joys of my life is a career that exposes me to winners. Thanks for allowing me to see your daily examples of self-discipline, dedication, motivation, and success! Your winning life style inspires me!!

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WARM WEATHER WORKOUTS!
OK, it’s a little more than just warm. It’s hot! So hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!! Our very own Gunnery Sergeant Hank Hill suffered a serious bout of dehydration last weekend from working outside (he’s a contractor) and NOT drinking like he KNEW to do. It can sneak up on any of us. So get up from your computer RIGHT NOW and go get a drink of water!
During the workouts feel free to drink as you need to.
Drink your water on a regular basis and BEFORE you feel thirsty!

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ANNIVERSARY MONTH DISCOUNT
For the rest of August, new recruits joining USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, without a buddy, can join for the Buddy Program rate of only $90 per person. So tell your friends and family!

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BIG TIME ATTENDANCE RECORD ALMOST BROKEN!
For the past two Wednesdays the 0530 and the 1745 workouts have had awesome attendance! The 0530 class has had 80 present at the last two Wednesdays! 83 is the all time BOOT CAMP record! Just think … if you’re a 0530 BOOT CAMPER and you DID NOT come this morning, you missed out on a great workout AND you missed the chance to help break a record!

The 1745 class beat their previous record two weeks ago! Way to go guys!

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POSITION AVAILABLE: FLEET FEET IS HIRING!
Eric Flanders, owner of Fleet Feet, and 0830 BOOT CAMPER, is looking to hire some new associates. Fleet Feet is owned, operated, and staffed by local runners and running enthusiasts. You don’t have to be a speed demon or age group standout. You just need to be people oriented, friendly, with a willingness to learn new things. Pay is competitive, hours are flexible, and perks begin from day one. You can get more information by contacting Fleet Feet at ffmemphis@earthlink.net.

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Could you help me with a couple of things?

First, I’d like to know if you have any questions for me that you think others like you would want to know the answers to. Email me your questions, and maybe I’ll feature them in an upcoming email newsletter.”

Second, if you’re a veteran BOOT CAMPER, you’ve heard a LOT of my post-stretching pre-workout speeches. I’ve covered all kinds of topics from running shoes to glycogen store depletion. Would you email me with the 4 or 5 topics that you think are most helpful? You don’t need to write the whole thing, but just the general theme of the talk.

Thanks ahead of time for your help!

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TRIATHLON TRAINING
TBA … stay tuned!

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ST. JUDE HALF MARATHON TRAINING
We’ll begin training on September 1. You could literally go from running 3 miles to running 13.1 in three months!! Seriously!

More details to follow!

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“Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither.”
~ C. S. Lewis

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To your continued good health and fitness!

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