Sergeant Tony's Blog

I heard the “pop” and I knew it was going to be bad. It sounded like someone had snapped their fingers in my ear.

Then things started to happen in slow motion after that. In the couple of seconds it took for me to go down, I had enough time to know that I was going down and that getting back up would be next to impossible.

This was the beginning of my knee surgery odyssey.

In the days that followed I would learn that I’d torn my right quadriceps tendon. I learned that I was in for an extensive surgery. I learned that my life was about to be altered in ways I’d never choose. Ever.

After surgery my entire right leg was immobilized in a full leg straight brace. I was on crutches. I was in pain. I got very little rest because I had to sleep in that brace sitting in a recliner. I was also depressed.

Physical therapy began the week after surgery and was tortuous. Nothing about my life was normal. Did I mention that I was depressed? Everything took twice as long to do. Showering was a comedy of errors where I got more water on the bathroom floor than on me. And going to the bathroom? You don’t want to know.

And everywhere I looked … I saw runners. (Have you ever noticed that when you can’t run, runners are on every sidewalk in packs.) And did you read the part about me being depressed?

The only thing that got me past all of that misery was the kindness, charity, and generosity of you all. I am blessed to have the support and friendship of people — probably YOU reading this — who did everything from bring me food, to loaning me a car that I could drive, to sending me cards, emails, and text messages, calling me to make sure I hadn’t gone to the Hernando Desoto Bridge and jumped — er, ah “hobbled” — into the river. In addition to your care and concern, my youngest son, Nathan, moved in with me and has proved to be a horrible roommate, but a terrific companion and helper.

My rehab is far from over. But yesterday I did something I hadn’t done since September. (NO! Not THAT!!!)

I ran.

Yesterday I got on the treadmill at Campbell Clinic. And under the watchful eyes of those who have tortured me and promised me for over three months that there would be light at the end of the tunnel, I ran … with the biggest grin on my face that you’ve ever seen!

It wasn’t pretty. To say that it was awkward would be an insult to “awkward.” Imagine what zombies would look like if they ran. Or imagine what Frankenstein would look like if he tried to run. That was me.

But for 10 glorious minutes I ran with the joy of Forrest Gump and Eric Liddell all wrapped in one! I had accomplished the goal I had set three months ago. Though I was a week behind, the accomplishment was no less sweet. I only wish you had been there! I may have been the happiest person in Memphis!

For your kindnesses, your love and support, your concern, your encouragement, your patience, and your friendship that has made this possible, I thank you from the depth of my heart. I could not have made it without you. You are wonderful and a treasure to my life. I am grateful for you. Thank you so much!

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SCHEDULE ALTERATIONS — IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!

Beginning tomorrow, the 0530 class will meet every Thursday inside the gym (the one we always use). There’s been a request from several for the “Boga Workout.” And we just can’t really do that outside. If you’re new to that workout, it’s a combination of Boot Camp and Yoga!

And until further notice, the Tues/Thurs evening classes are on hiatus. We’ll crank them back up probably in March. Stay tuned!

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BOOT CAMPER BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT!

“Courier Service, Inc. Immediate Pickup & Delivery… Guaranteed! Serving Memphis & Metro area for 15 years! Small package delivery for business or residential. Call Scott Morton at 761-2299 or see Debbie Morton at 0530 Boot Camp for more details!”

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LOSE THE WEIGHT — The Body You Want in July Begins With a Strategy in January!

Take Shape For Life — weight loss program!

I’ve written a short description of why I’ve chosen to partner with the Take Shape For Life program on the website blog: http://usmcfitnessbootcamp.com/blog/2009/12/01/take-shape-for-life/

As a personal testimonial, after I had knee surgery I spent the next 2 months doing little that resembled my normal level of activity. Result? I gained 10 pounds. I started Take Shape For Life in early December and lost those 10 pounds in two weeks!

As further testimony, 6 of your fellow Boot Campers who started TSFL a month ago have lost a combined total of OVER 100 POUNDS!

You can go directly to the Take Shape For Life website and poke around there for a bit. You can also sign up there as well. Go to: www.combatchallenge.tsfl.com . If you’ve got questions, let me know. I really want to help you! As one of those who started the program told me yesterday, “Tony, thank you for getting me started on this journey!”

I’m excited by the success that these have already had in just the first month! Let me know if you’re interested or if you’ve got questions. I’d be glad to sit down with you or talk on the phone. I can help you with this and even be your coach.

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SNOW DAYS!!

In the event of snow, we will follow Memphis City Schools. If MCS shuts down, we will stand down.

If the snow comes while MCS is on a holiday break, check the blog on the USMC Fitness Boot Camp website where I’ll post my decision at 0500 of that day.

Also, if MCS shuts down in the morning and we stand down, but the streets clear and are fine by the afternoon, I’ll post my decision regarding the evening class on the blog by 1600 (4 PM).

Q: “Tony, what if the Memphis City Schools have a delay in their start (like starting 2 hours late) what will we do?”
A: “We will workout!! We will be rockin’ and rollin’!”

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FACEBOOK

Find me on Facebook and make me your friend! (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=629618416)
I’ll make you mine! Then join the USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP Group! I can communicate snow day decisions through that group too!

While you’re on Facebook, you might see an ad for USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP pop up. Do not click on it! Facebook charges me for every time someone clicks on it. That’s an ad for prospective Boot Campers! You knuckleheads already know how awesome it is!

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BOOT CAMP SWEATSHIRTS

The black and gray zippered hoodie have arrived! Embroidered BOOT CAMP sweatshirts are the way to show your coolness! Sizes are available in S to XXL!

Get yours ASAP! $35 each or two for $65!

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BOOT CAMP GIFT CERTIFICATES

For the month of January I’ll make these gift certificates available to you to give to that friend or family member who really needs to be on the Quarterdeck with you!

As you know, the first month of USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP is $180. Then it’s $75 per month after that. BUT a Boot Camp gift certificate that YOU purchase this month costs YOU only $75 to give to your friends or family members! The certificate you buy takes care of their first month’s fee.

Only members of USMC Fitness Boot Camp can purchase these gift certificates at this savings.

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WHY ARE OUTDOOR WORKOUTS SO GOOD FOR YOU IN THE WINTER?

Q: Tony, why must we workout outside? You’d make more money and you’d have more recruits and you’d make more money and you’d have more recruits (see a theme?) if we worked out inside! So …how ’bout it?

A: Here are the five benefits of cold weather workouts!
1. Strengthens the immune system!
2. Naturally increases the body’s production of saratonin, a natural calming chemical in your body.
3. Increased calorie burn!
4. Runny noses keep the cooties from taking up residence inside your schnozz and making you sick.
5. Bragging rights! You get to tell your sissy “indoor” friends how tough you are!

* If I moved us inside, my Marine Corps buddies, including my Marine Corps son, would abuse me, harass me, and laugh at me. Plus, in shame, I’d have to remove the “USMC” from our name and replace it with USAF. hahahaha

What should you wear? Layers. Layer your clothes so that you can adjust your body temperature as you get warmed up.
One more thing to remember about our outdoor winter workouts: hydrate! Because we’re not hot and sweaty, like in the summer, we often don’t drink enough water in the winter time. So hydrate y’all!

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The Take Shape for Life Optimal Health Program Webinar

Interested in learning how to lose weight and achieve Optimal Health?

Register to participate in this exciting and informative Webinar featuring Dr. Wayne Andersen, Co-Founder of Take Shape for Life and Author of Dr. A’s Habits of Health.

See how you can lose 2 to 5 lbs per week safely - without feeling hungry - and learn how to keep it off for life!

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/167309088

Title: The Take Shape for Life Optimal Health Program Webinar
Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Time: 8:00 PM - 8:45 PM CST

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

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“The only thing that scares me is a succession of ordinary days.”

Make your days extraordinary!

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
www.combatchallenge.tsfl.com