Sergeant Tony's Blog

I love July.

There are two sports events in July that make it one of my favorite months of the year:

Wimbledon and The Tour de France.

I’ve been a fan of Wimbledon since the days of Borg, Conner, McEnroe, and Evert. And long before 17 year old Lance Armstrong passed me on the bike in a triathlon — and then went on to win an unprecedented SEVEN Tour de France titles — I had a poster on my wall of Belgian rider Eddy Merckx who won the Tour 5 times in the late 60’s and early 70’s.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Tour, it’s a lung burning, heart pounding, leg exploding bike race that lasts for almost the whole month of July, circumnavigating France, and covers over 2,000 miles. The Tour also includes climbs over the Alps and the Pyrenees mountains.

I mentioned both of these events a few weeks ago.

I said that I’d never win either one. Here on the last day of my 50th year, I am resigned to the fact that I’ll never hoist the champion’s cup on Centre Court in London, nor will I ever wear the Tour’s Yellow Jersey (maillot jaune, the jersey worn by the winner) on the podium in Paris.

I can’t be like Rafael Nadal or Lance Armstrong … but I would very much like to be like Bob.

I don’t know Bob’s last name. (Maybe one of you do?)

Bob was at St. Mary’s track Tuesday night running wind sprints.

Bob was moving fast! I mean FAST!

Bob is almost 80 years old.

Bob was on fire.

Bob rocks!

I want to be like Bob!

Eddy Merckx is now an overweight cherub-like 63 year old businessman. But Bob … seventeen years older …

Well … Bob is da man!

“Simply put: If you can’t move, you grow frail. Grow frail, you die.”
— Dr. Walter Bortz, 78 year old clinical associate professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine and the author of “Dare to Be 100.”

Said another way:

If you CHOOSE not to move, you choose the consequences. Slow, lazy, sluggish, weak, frail, feeble consequences.

LET’S MOVE PEOPLE!!

MOVE!

MOVE!

MOVE!

MOVE!

MOVE! ——————>

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RUN FROM THE SUN 5K

Several of you have mentioned this 5K to me.
When: August 1
Time: 7 PM
Where: Ridgeway Loop
All proceeds from this race will go directly to the Melanoma Research Foundation to help educate and promote awareness for Melanoma. Memphis Dermatology Clinic will be at the race to provide FREE skin screenings to all participants who would like to be checked.
http://www.paleisthenewtan-sla.com/RFS2008.html

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TUESDAY MORNING SPEED WORK

In addition to the regular weight workout at Christ Methodist (CUMC) on Tuesday mornings, until further notice, there will also be a speed workout option too! Runners will meet at CUMC, jog over to St. Mary’s and stretch there, and then do some speed work. We’ll cool down by jogging back to CUMC.

Tuesday morning lifters will meet at CUMC as normal.

TUESDAY EVENING SPEED WORK & CARDIO

The Tuesday evening class (5:45 PM) will meet, until further notice, at St. Mary’s track (Walnut Grove and Perkins) behind the church. This will be for speedsters and non-speedsters alike. There will be a speed work as well as a non-speed work option!

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MIGHTY MITE TRIATHLON

Last Saturday was the 25th running of the Mighty Mite Triathlon in Forrest City, AR. (I was there for the very first one!) USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP was well represented by the following Boot Campers: Wendy Ludlow (winning 2nd place in her division!), Daniel Shaffer (coming in 1st in his age group!), Andrew Forsdick, Scot Bearup, and John Pender! Congratulations everyone! You guys ROCKED! Wendy, Scot, and Daniel also did the Dragonfly Triathlon in Sardis, MS in June!

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COMBAT CHALLENGE #2
$5,000 COMBAT THE FAT WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

To date, the 10 members of the First Challenge have lost over 500 pounds!!!

In September this first six month challenge will end and the winner will receive a check for $5,000!!!

I’m taking applications for the Second Challenge! I’ll conduct interviews during the month and the Second Challengers will be selected in early August with the Challenge officially beginning on September 6.

Do you know someone who should be in this Second Challenge?

- The Second Challenge will be limited to 10 people.
- Men must be 65 pounds or more over their ideal weight; women must be 50 pounds or more over their ideal weight, each knowing that those who are heavier have more to lose and a slight advantage.
- Each Challenger chosen will be required to get their doctor’s okay to participate in the program.
- Entry fee is $1,000. Each Challenger must get at least $500 of that entry fee from at least 5 sponsors: family, friends, co-workers.
- Entry is open to ALL, Boot Campers and non-Boot Campers alike.
- The Second Challenge is a six month program beginning on September 6 and ends on February 28.

Pass the word!! Forward this email to someone who might be interested in this highly successful, life altering, awesome program!!

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USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — COLLIERVILLE!

Battalion Commander Sergeant Les Bonnett launched USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — Collierville on July 1 at Faith Lutheran Church, at the corner of Byhalia Road and White, is the location; this is just down the street from The Home Depot. There is currently one class there at 0530, Monday through Friday!

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USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP — MIDTOWN!

at Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 0530 to 0630, Monday through Friday,
under the direction of Battalion Commanders Theresa Andreuccetti and Holly Guthrie!!

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WEEKEND RUN AT U OF M

Mike Barta and Anne Emmerth are organizing an informal run on Saturday morning. Great way to complete your weekend homework! We’ll meet at 8am on the University of Memphis campus. From Central, go S on Zach Curlin to the 4-story parking garage. The group meets right in front of the parking garage. We’ll warm up and then run for 1 hour, using the 5 minute run/1 minute walk program. With a possibility of some speed work at the end! All fitness levels welcome.

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ANNIVERSARY MONTH DISCOUNT

Starting August 4, new recruits joining USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP can join for the Buddy Program rate of only $90 per person. This is a part of our Ninth Anniversary Celebration! Tell your friends and family!

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“When you stop moving, it’s over.”
~ Don Wildman, 75 year old athlete and adventurer

To your continued good health and fitness!

Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
5358 Denwood
Memphis, TN 38120
901-644-0145

www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com

www.shaklee.net/tonyludlow/main