Attention Saturday morning Buffalo Runners!
We’ll continue our marathon & half marathon training starting at 6:30am in the morning instead of 7am. Hopefully the earlier start time will allow us to avoid some of the predicted heat! We’re going 2 hours tomorrow morning so don’t forget your sports drinks and fuel replacement “food.”
The BEST people in Memphis: the members of USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP!!!
July 25, 2012 Morning Crew 1
My favorite Esquire magazine feature is called “What I’ve Learned.”
It’s not written by a magazine staffer. It’s written by famous non-staffers. Guys like Robert De Nero, Bruce Springsteen, Brad Pitt, and Tony Ludlow.
OK, I threw that last one in just to see if you were paying attention. I thought that Esquire would ask me to write for that feature by now, especially since today is my birthday and all. But so far the phone isn’t ringing. Their loss.
Until it does ring, I’m going to update and republish my own feature on my birthday. So here’s the 2012 installment of …
“What I’ve Learned, “ by Tony Ludlow
The best advice my mother ever gave me: “Son, you can do anything or be anything you want … if you put your mind to it.”
That sounds pretty parental. Your mom and dad probably said the same thing to you too.
Worst advice my mother ever gave me: Basically everything mom told me about girls was wrong, wrong, wrong. Sorry mom, but “be nice, be sweet, be complimentary, give them gifts” was a little flawed. How did you jack that up, you being a woman and all?
My grandfather told me that it was unnecessary to tell others “how smart you are, how much money you have, or what you’ve accomplished in life.” They’ll know without you telling them. And if they don’t know, telling them will only bore them and make you look like “that guy.” Don’t be “that guy.”
What my grandfather told me about being smart: the person who speaks last, or not at all, is the smartest person in the room. You’ve got two ears and one mouth.
What he told me about money: the love of it is ridiculous. Obsession over it will ruin your life. Opulence and extravagance are misguided behaviors. Live below your means. Pay off your credit card bill at the end of the month. Be a good tipper.
What he told me about personal accomplishments: accumulate them for your own benefit because no one is going to be that interested in hearing about them.
Helping others reach their goals and ignite their ambitions is the best way to make a difference in the world.
More than what you believe, or claim to believe, more than what creeds you espouse, dogma you declare, things you consider true, or political views you hold, it’s what you do that defines you. Everything else is pleasant parlor conversation. Everything else is cheap talk over cocktails. What you do defines you.
The universe rewards action, not intention. But without intention, action is unfocused and ineffective.
Most profound thing I was told at 18: “Your country has provided you with 18 years of freedom, opportunity, security, and happiness … now it’s time to give something back. Join the Marine Corps or the Peace Corps, but find a way to serve your country and your fellow man.”
What the Marine Corps taught me: the meaning of self-discipline, perseverance, courage, pride, leadership, honor, loyalty, sacrifice, and the power of humor. My academic resume will not be on my headstone, but “Marine” will be.
For my sons and the players I coached I composed a list of 50 Things Gentleman Should Be. Here are 10 of those things:
1. A Gentleman stands up to greet a woman, an older person, or a superior. When in doubt, get to your feet.
2. A Gentleman dresses appropriately for the occasion. When in doubt, dress up.
3. A Gentleman reads books. He knows that the written word feeds his soul, expands his mind, gives him pleasure, and helps to make him a more interesting man.
4. A Gentleman places great value on honor and loyalty.
5. A Gentleman’s handshake is as good as his word and his word is as good as a signed contract.
6. A Gentleman is confident without being arrogant.
7. A Gentleman can say “I’m sorry, I was wrong” and mean it.
8. A Gentleman knows the names of those who serve them – the janitor, the clerk, the salesperson – and treats them respectfully and without condescension.
9. A Gentleman doesn’t stare, leer, or gawk at an attractive woman. Act like you’ve seen one before.
10. A Gentleman doesn’t scratch, yawn, spit, or make “body noises” in public.
Women who are confident and clever are the most attractive women I know! And if they like to smile and if they have a great laugh … well, that’s the best! Party girls are a dime a dozen.
If I’ve been dating a woman for a couple of months, and she “out of the blue” doesn’t want to see me anymore, (like THAT’S ever happened! hahaha) it was probably something I did. If she was attracted to me at one point, and then suddenly wasn’t, then I probably did something to kill the attraction. Or she was just an idiot. Yeah, that’s probably it.
Attraction is not a choice. But it can be sabotaged, blinded, and assassinated. It can also be enhanced and nurtured.
I don’t trust extremes, political, religious, or social activist. I avoid one dimensional people.
I don’t trust people with agendas.
I don’t trust people who don’t have many friends, especially not many long-term quality friends.
I don’t trust people whose friends all come from one gene pool, one interest group, one religious affiliation, one political party, or one ethnicity.
I don’t trust people who don’t like dogs and I don’t trust the people who aren’t liked by dogs.
There is no accounting for taste (“WHAT does she see in THAT guy?” has been asked since the Stone Age).
The true measure of a man has little to do with bank accounts or possessions.
I admire people who live by a code, who value loyalty, who are discerning, who won’t suffer a fool.
I think that everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt, a second opportunity, and a chance to be forgiven. There are two sides to every story and every situation. No matter how flat you make a pancake, it’s still got two sides.
One of the hardest things to do in life is establishing boundaries to keep toxic people at a safe distance. Removing people from your life is like a coach cutting players from the team. You’re the coach of TEAM YOU and the only players YOU should have sitting on YOUR bench are those who want you to win and are committed to your success! Everyone else can sit in the stands.
Defending yourself and explaining yourself, especially when you’ve done nothing wrong, is a sign of weakness, not strength. Your true friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it.
A great smile, like a great laugh, all come from the heart! I can’t think of anything better than those two things.
I’ve learned the difference between style and substance. Good conversation trumps good looks every single time! Every. Single. Time.
I’ve learned to define “enough.”
When I meet someone for the first time, I fully expect to like them. New people start out with an “A” in my grade book.
I’ve learned that someone’s attitude, the way they process the world around them, the spirit and enthusiasm that they use to engage life, and the energy they exude everyday are more important than looks, money, beauty, or education. A good attitude will compensate for a lack in those four things. Beautiful, rich, and educated never compensates for boring, foul, and negative.
Knowing who you are is the most important knowledge you’ll acquire. I am not my khakis, my bank account, my car, my house, my status, my age, my job, or my family name. It took me a long time to figure that out.
Everyone has these three things in limited supply and they must be respected and treated with care: time, energy, and money. Don’t waste anyone’s or your own.
Not even God can change the past, so forgive yourself and move on, as best as you can … and purpose to do better. And distance yourself from anyone who prefers to shackle you to a past that you can’t change.
Find out what the right thing is to do, and then do it.
Getting older is simply an accumulation of years. Acting old is a mindset that can happen at 25 or 55. Look at Bruce Springsteen.
When you quit laughing and when you quit physically moving, it’s over! Laugh a lot, push yourself, and run like you just stole something!
– 30 –
We return to “Adventures in Blind Dating” next week.
———————————
SATURDAY MORNING RUN – 6:30 THIS WEEK!
———————————
RIVER PIRATES SETTNG SAIL – LAST SIGN UP NOW!!
WHITEWATER RAFTING VOYAGE IN AUGUST
The River Pirates of USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP set sail on August 25th! Wanna join the crew?
Would you like to go to the Ocoee River and do some whitewater rafting?
We’ve taken groups in the past to the Ocoee and had LOTS of fun! You don’t have to be experienced at all. Beginners have the best stories to tell!
If you’d like to go, contact me today! Today is the deadline!
——————————————-
AUGUST IS ANNIVERSARY MONTH!
Next week we celebrate 13 years of USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP!!!
To mark the occasion we’ll have a come and go party later in August. More details to follow!
——————————————-
AWOL
Have you been away from USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP for a while? Comfortable in Turdeville, are ya? Wanna come back? C’mon then!! I won’t bite you! I promise!
I know how it is. You miss a day or two … and then it’s been a week or two … and then it’s a month or two …
Get back on track. Come back to the Quarterdeck! No matter how long you’ve been away, you do NOT have to pay the initiation fee again!
——————————————-
PAYING THE PIED PIPER … a message from the Accounting Dept.
Just a reminder that payment is generally expected on the first of each month, but always appreciated whenever it shows up! Check your records and see if you’re due. Thanks everyone!
Cash is fine, or course. And checks are easiest for me. And you can also pay online on the website (www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com)
Additionally, if you would be so kind as to write in the “memo” section of your check, or the memo section of the online pay section, what month(s) the check is for, I’d really appreciate it. “Services rendered,” “Torture,” “Abuse,” “Pool cleaning,” and “For marijuana” are all very funny … but a month stated would be helpful too!
If you prefer to pay in cash, let me ask you to put the money in an envelope with your name and month(s) you’re paying for on the outside of the envelope? This will hopefully ensure that my bookkeeping is accurate. Thank you very much!
———————————
FACEBOOK REMINDER
When you check-in on Facebook, be sure to check in on our OFFICIAL PAGE. That would be “USMC Fitness Boot Camp” and it has my picture on the page. The other pages are those that other people created without looking for the OFFICIAL PAGE and are duplicates. Those pages refer to us, but aren’t the authorized page.
Thanks, all!
————————————
VISORS, T-SHIRTS, AND BROOKS RUNNING SINGLETS
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP t-shirts and visors for workouts and running are available!
Visors are $25, t-shirts are $20, and the Brooks singlets are 30.
——————————————
Next PFT is Tuesday, July 31 at 5:30am.
——————————————
SUB SEVEN CLUB CHALLENGE!
Congratulations to the following members of the Sub Seven Club:
Lance Corporal Lee Chase, Staff Sergeant Patrick Moore, Rob Johnston, Sergeant Andrew Stolnicki, Lance Corporal Chris McLelland, Gunnery Sergeant Bart Thomas, First Sergeant Matt Green, and our first female Club member, Staff Sergeant Dory Sellers!
5:45PM EVENING SUB 7 CHALLENGE
We’ll meet at the U of M track on Thursday, July 26 at 5:45 for the 1 mile challenge. (Weather permitting: no rain and heat index below 100)
All Boot Campers are welcome to challenge the mile!
———————————————-
VETERAN BOOT CAMPERS!
Your rank insignia t-shirts looked AWESOME on you this morning. (Don’t forget to wear yours this afternoon, evening crew!) And remember, EVERY WEDNESDAY IS T-SHIRT DAY!
And please go to
http://www.birthdayalarm.com/dob/76952967a424079603b362
And enter your boot camp anniversary date. If that information is already there and correct, you’re good to go.
Every Wednesday is our Official BOOT CAMP T-SHIRT DAY! You can wear your rank insignia shirt anytime you‘d like, of course, but always every Wednesday!
The Rank Structure of the Quarterdeck:
Under 6 months is a Private
Six months to 1 year is a Private First Class.
Over 1 year is a Lance Corporal
- Amber Jackson
- Sherri Thompson
- Carrie Schule
- Mary Bauer
- Paul Bauer
- Robin Scott
- Chris McLelland
- Courtney Phillips
- Randal Rhea
- Cindy King
- Bevan Lee
- Melissa Thompson
- Wayne Henderson
- Michelle Moss
- Lee Chase
- JD Dombroski
Over 2 years is a Corporal
- Emily Melonas
- Cecelia DeLacy
- Beth Mills
- Ashley Hofeditz
- Anne Marie Wyatt
- Jenni Harris
- Tim Romanow
- Ashley McClure
- Wendy Shea
Over 3 years is a Sergeant
- Teresa Faulk
- Meg Cannon
- Cameron Mosley
- Karen Massey
- Paul Tronsor
- Jessie Flanders
- Andrew Stolnicki
- Jonathan Phillips
- Ben Killerlain
- Sarah Vickers
- Shena Clemons
- Robert Hunt
- Albo Carruthers
- Jeremy Harris
Over 4 years is a Staff Sergeant
- Buddy Daves
- Anne Mead
- Dory Sellers
- Patrick Moore
- Oscar Adams
- Anne Kenworthy
- Alan Schaeffer
Over 5 years is a Gunnery Sergeant
- Mike Ryan
- Leslie Garey
- Henry Kenworthy
- Michelle Dunn
- Frank Jemison
- Bart Thomas
- Matt Prince
- Beth Rehrig
- George Rose
Over 6 years is a Master Sergeant
- John Winford
- Kay Ryan
- Megan Warr
- Gary Thompson
- Kay Shelton
- Leesa Jensen
- Rob Norcross
- Mike Barta
- Anne Emmerth
- Jeff Lee
- Ralph Braden
Over 7 years is a First Sergeant
- Melissa Moore
- Louis Glazer
- Scot Bearup
- Matt Green
Over 8 years is a Sergeant Major
- David Townsend
- Hank Brown
- Andrew Forsdick
- Teri Trotter (4/2004)
Over 9 years is a Warrant Officer 1
- Pat McGhee
- Amy Singer
- Peter Pettit
- John Whittemore
- Buddy Flinn
————————————–
0645 CLASS IS FIVE DAYS A WEEK!
—————————————
– THE GREENLINE HALF MARATHON
– THE GOOFY CHALLENGE
– ST. JUDE FULL MARATHON
– AND ST. JUDE HALF MARATHON
Interested in running The Goofy Challenge in January 2013?
Want to run the St. Jude Full Marathon on Dec. 1, 2012?
How about The Greenline Half Marathon on Oct. 14, 2012?
The third training run for the Goofy Challenge, the St. Jude Full Marathon, AND The Greenline Half Marathon will be THIS SATURDAY!
Meet me this Saturday at 6:30am in front of the Visitor’s Center at Shelby Farms!
Cost is $150 for boot campers and $225 for non-campers for the Goofy and the St. Jude Full. Cost of The Greenline Half is $75 for active duty boot campers and $125 for “friends of boot camp.”
Your first training run is a freebee if you’re not sure!
Training for the St. Jude Half will begin on September 1st. More about that later!
Following are two links. The first one is the Disney link with all of the registration info and so forth. The second link is to Boot Camper, and Goofy Challenge Finisher, Margaret Caffey’s travel website. Margaret is an Independent Vacation Planner with MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel, specializing in Disney Destinations.
Using Margaret to plan your trip to Disney is FREE and no one knows Disney like she does!!! She can give you rate information for the costs of your trip to Orlando for the Challenge.
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/wdw-marathon/
www.facebook.com/MouseFanMargaret
——————————–
ARE WE FACEBOOK FRIENDS?
We should be!
HAVE YOU “LIKED” THE USMC FITNESS BOOT CAMP FACEBOOK PAGE?
You should totally do that!
———————————–
TUESDAY / THURSDAY EVENING CLASS
The Tues/Thurs evening track runs are back! We’re running at St. Mary’s School track at 5:45pm. (St. Mary’s track is behind the school/church at Walnut Grove and Perkins)
Running the track, speed work, and running in the neighborhood are options! None of the above are requirements and you are free to do your own thing. I’ll be glad to give you an assignment based on your running goals and experience!
———————————-
BOGA tomorrow morning at 5:30am – No chanting. No patchouli.
BOGA-lite at 6:45am tomorrow.
Mt. Fuji Workout on July 17 at 5:30am at the U of M! Meet in the parking lot in front of the parking garage on Zach Curlin.
——————————————–
NEW BOOT CAMP DISCOUNT
If you set up an automatic payment at your bank (Boot Camp mailing address is 4888 Southern, Memphis 38117) you can subtract $10 off your fee! That’s right, instead of $75, you can pay $65!
—————————————
USMC FITNESS BOOT CAMP CLASSES – NEW STUFF!
0530 Monday through Friday
(First and second Tuesday of the month are M-16 Workouts at CUMC. Third and fourth Tuesdays are Mt. Fuji Workouts at the U of M)
0645 M-F
5:45 PM: Monday and Wednesday, and 5:30 PM on Friday. (Tues/Thurs – track runs at 5:45am at St. Mary’s track.)
————————————-
BOOT CAMP DISCOUNTS AND FACEBOOK EXPERIMENT!
First of all, find me on Facebook and make me your friend. (Also, be sure to “like” USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP on Facebook.)
Here’s how the discount works!
It’s simple: make a Facebook status update and get a discount!
For every status update that you make that references:
“USMC Fitness Boot Camp,”
“Sgt. Tony’s Boot Camp,”
“Tony’s Boot Camp,”
or something similar, you can take $2.50 off your next reenlistment fee for each update!
You can take up to $20 off for any given month!
Your status update has to be a specific reference to USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP or to me specifically by name.
BE SURE TO TAG ME!
You can do the same thing by “checking in” at USMC Fitness Boot Camp either by using Facebook “places,” Foursquare, or any of the other “check in” apps that show up on your Facebook News Feed.
So log on and start getting your discounts now!
————————————-
FREE MONTH OF BOOT CAMP FOR YOU!
Remember that when one of your family or friends joins the program at full price because of your recruiting efforts, YOU get a free month of Boot Camp!
———————————-
WANT TO LOSE 15 POUNDS BY THE END OF NEXT MONTH?
Take Shape For Life is the BEST weight loss program I know of. If you’d like to lose weight talk to me. This is the program I used to lose the almost 30 pounds I gained after knee surgery. Let me help you!
You can also go to www.combatchallenge.tsfl.com/
——————————————-
CALENDAR
A calendar has been added to the official USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP website.
http://www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com/calendar.html
For you visual learners, you’ll find this an easy way to glance at the week or month and see where the workouts will be, if there’s a venue change.
—————————————————
What would you do if money was not an issue, fear was not a factor, and failure was not an option?
To your optimum health and fitness!
SEE YOU ON THE QUARTERDECK!
Tony
Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
Mailing address: 4888 Southern Ave., Memphis, TN 38117
Cell Phone: 901-644-0145
I’m shallow.
Or put another way, I’m as shallow as the next man when it comes to the things that initially attract me to someone of the opposite sex.
Men are visual creatures. We’re attracted to women, initially, because we find them physically attractive.
I know, breaking news, right?
And it’s true of me too. I’m attracted to certain body shapes and sizes, certain hair color, certain facial shapes, and even certain smiles. (I really like eyes and smiles!)
That said, all of that attraction will disappear if there’s nothing much going on in-between the woman’s ears. A lot of people assume, because of what I do for a living and the lifestyle I lead, that I would only date women who were aerobics instructors, or super triathletes, or elite athletes. That “may” be an initial attraction, but if the woman isn’t smart, isn’t clever, isn’t well read, isn’t educated, doesn’t have a good sense of humor, doesn’t have a variety of life experiences and achievements beyond her physical appearance … the attraction will fade pretty quickly.
Gwen was that kind of woman.
Gwen was thin and athletic, great facial bone structure, strikingly good looks, pretty eyes, and had a lot of positive energy. And she had a great smile. Things were looking good.
Gwen was a runner, a former fitness model, and a graduate of Ole Miss … (that Ole Miss part was actually a strike against her! Hahaha)
After about 15 or 20 minutes of interesting conversation about our common interests in fitness and athletics, the conversation started to drag a bit, for me anyway. She was interested in telling me all about her workout routines, running schedule, up-coming races, results of other races, the different wheels she used on her bike in training versus the ones she used in a race, and even a play by play of races that she’d run that I’d never heard of.
Unfortunately, she was not a very interesting storyteller. Some people are. Some people aren’t. It’s not a character flaw or anything. But I think if she had been a less attractive woman she’d have developed a better sense of storytelling as she was growing up. But because she was so pretty, she’d been able to maintain a male audience to her stories because of her looks. I know less attractive women who are wonderful storytellers because they developed a personality and a gift for interesting conversation to sort of enhance what they may have lacked in natural physical beauty. And to almost highlight that point, Gwen showed me pictures from her fitness modeling days. She still looked about the same. Very pretty and all … but …
She didn’t seem to mind listening to my tales, but when I finished a story, she never asked a question about it, but just went right into what she had been waiting to say while I was talking. You know what I mean? You’re talking to someone. They’re nodding their heads and all … but it’s obvious that they aren’t really listening so much as they’re just waiting for you to stop talking so that they can talk about themselves.
After 30 minutes of this, I was ready to move on to other topics. Fitness and athletics are a huge part of my life, for sure, but I’m interested in a lot of different things. Not so much for Gwen. At least that night she didn’t seem to have any other interests.
For example, Train’s song “Drops of Jupiter” was still pretty much in the air in the summer of 2002 and I asked if she liked to “listen to Mozart while doing Taebo” … cricket noises. Even after I said, “you know, that song … by Train … ‘Drops of Jupiter’?” Nothing. I thought the lyrics of that song were interesting and thought provoking. Gwen really didn’t do “thought provoking.” She said that she’d never really given that song much thought.
She smiled and laughed, sort of a forced laugh, when I said things that she sensed were funny, but not with any genuine acknowledgment of why those things were funny. Kind of like I was when I lived in Japan and I didn’t understand something that a Japanese friend said but because they laughed at their own comment, I’d laugh too. But it wasn’t a “knowing” laugh. It was a “I know this is supposed to be funny, but I don’t get it, but I’ll laugh too” laugh. And the other thing about her laugh — and this is another aspect of my own shallowness – I didn’t really like it. It wasn’t a good laugh. You know what I mean? Some people have a wonderful laugh. When they laugh, you laugh more because theirs is so infectious. And some women have adorable laughs. Unfortunately, Gwen’s laugh was neither infectious, nor adorable. And that sort of demotivated me to be funny.
But the end of the date for me, and the end of any interest in Gwen, came when she made an off hand remark that she probably thought meant nothing, but to me, it was the biggest turn off. No, it wasn’t anything about potty humor, which I find to be so totally vulgar. It was this little exchange:
“What do you like to do in the evenings?” I asked.
“Besides training, not much … mostly I’m easily bored,” she answered.
You know the sound of old turn table record players when the electricity goes out while a song is playing … and the music and singing slooooooows …. dooooown … aaaaandd … stoppppppppps? That was what happened at that exact moment. Everything slowed and stopped.
I am NEVER bored. I have shelves of books to read, DVDs to watch, blank paper waiting for a drawing or words to be written upon them. I have a house that almost always needs to be straightened up. I have laundry always in the washing machine and dryer. I have tons of emails to answer. I have bicycles to ride. Roads to run. I have an endless list of things I want to do, need to do, ought to do. Ad infinitum.
I am never bored.
And for a woman to say that … well, she’d have stood a better chance with me had she passed gas, lit a cigarette, and spit on the sidewalk.
Few things scream loudest about the depth of someone, or the lack of depth of someone, than that person’s admission to boredom with so many interesting options available … in their own home! And when you add all of the myriad of things that can be researched or discovered on the internet … I can’t even wrap my mind around “I’m easily bored.”
And second to “I’m easily bored,” is “I can’t be alone” on the list of “Check Please, We’re Done Here!” Someone who says that they “can’t be alone” and must always have someone — anyone — in their life, is someone waving a big, big, BIG RED FLAG! This was the picture of Gwen coming into focus.
At that point, any interest I’d had in Gwen evaporated pretty quickly. My experience has been that I’m not really very compatible with women who engage life, fail to engage life, that way.
Somehow Gwen and I managed to finish the hour without too much effort or any chemistry. We said goodbye and that was that. I saw her a couple years later at a 10K and she seemed pretty happy … surrounded by several doting men … all of whom she’d be satisfied with … well … good luck, fellas.
– 30 –
———————————
FACEBOOK REMINDER
When you check-in on Facebook, be sure to check in on our OFFICIAL PAGE. That would be “USMC Fitness Boot Camp” and it has my picture on the page. The other pages are those that other people created without looking for the OFFICIAL PAGE. Those pages refer to us, but aren’t the authorized page.
Thanks, all!
——————————–
WHITEWATER RAFTING!
It’s that time, RIVER PIRATES!
On August 25th, you could be a part of the crew of the mighty River Pirates of USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP! We’ll be sailing down the famous Ocoee River, near Chattanooga! This is part of our BOOT CAMP ANNIVERSARY MONTH CELEBRATION!
We’ll be going down the same river that was used for the Olympic Kayaking event during the Atlanta Summer Olympics!
Make plans to attend!
Boot Camper’s friends and family are also welcome. Minimum age is 12 years old by August 24. The cost is less than $100 per person for the all day rafting and includes all gear, equipment, lunch, and the river guide. Learn more by going to www.ocoee-outdoors.com
Sign up is going on NOW! The deadline for signing up is Saturday, July 21. Space is limited, so sign up ASAP! Call Ocoee Outdoors (our outfitter) at 1-800-533-7767 or 1-423-338-7767. Ask for Dawn and tell them you want to pay for the Tony Ludlow Boot Camp all day trip for August 25, confirmation #203.
More information on the website blog post, “OCOEE WHITEWATER RAFTING TRIP AUGUST 25, 2012”
————————————
VISORS AND T-SHIRTS
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP t-shirts and visors for workouts and running are available!
Visors are $25 and t-shirts are $20.
——————————————
Next PFT is Tuesday, July 31 at 5:30am.
——————————————
SUB SEVEN CLUB CHALLENGE!
Congratulations to the following members of the Sub Seven Club:
Lee Chase, Patrick Moore, Rob Johnston, Andrew Stolnicki, Chris McLelland, Bart Thomas, and Matt Green!
5:15AM SUB 7 CHALLENGE
If you’d like to join the club, we’ll meet at the U of M track on Tuesday morning (July 24) at 5:15am. That’ll be 15 min before our Mt. Fuji Workout. If you run the mile in under seven minutes, you get to join the club!
5:45PM EVENING SUB 7 CHALLENGE
We’ll meet at the U of M track on Thursday, July 26 at 5:45 for the 1 mile challenge. All Boot Campers are welcome to challenge the mile!
———————————————-
VETERAN BOOT CAMPERS!
Your rank insignia t-shirts looked AWESOME on you this morning. (Don’t forget to wear yours this afternoon, evening crew!) And remember, EVERY WEDNESDAY IS T-SHIRT DAY!
And please go to
http://www.birthdayalarm.com/dob/76952967a424079603b362
And enter your boot camp anniversary date. If that information is already there and correct, you’re good to go.
Every Wednesday is our Official BOOT CAMP T-SHIRT DAY! You can wear your rank insignia shirt anytime you‘d like, of course, but always every Wednesday!
The Rank Structure of the Quarterdeck:
Under 6 months is a Private
Six months to 1 year is a Private First Class.
Over 1 year is a Lance Corporal
- Amber Jackson
- Sherri Thompson
- Carrie Schule
- Mary Bauer
- Paul Bauer
- Robin Scott
- Chris McLelland
- Courtney Phillips
- Randal Rhea
- Cindy King
- Bevan Lee
- Melissa Thompson
- Wayne Henderson
- Michelle Moss
- Lee Chase
Over 2 years is a Corporal
- Emily Melonas
- Cecelia DeLacy
- Beth Mills
- Ashley Hofeditz
- Anne Marie Wyatt
- Jenni Harris
- Tim Romanow
- Ashley McClure
- Wendy Shea
Over 3 years is a Sergeant
- Teresa Faulk
- Meg Cannon
- Cameron Mosley
- Karen Massey
- Paul Tronsor
- Jessie Flanders
- Andrew Stolnicki
- Jonathan Phillips
- Ben Killerlain
- Sarah Vickers
- Shena Clemons
- Robert Hunt
- Albo Carruthers
- Jeremy Harris
Over 4 years is a Staff Sergeant
- Buddy Daves
- Anne Mead
- Dory Sellers
- Patrick Moore
- Oscar Adams
- Anne Kenworthy
- Alan Schaeffer
Over 5 years is a Gunnery Sergeant
- Mike Ryan
- Leslie Garey
- Henry Kenworthy
- Michelle Dunn
- Frank Jemison
- Bart Thomas
- Matt Prince
- Beth Rehrig
- George Rose
Over 6 years is a Master Sergeant
- John Winford
- Kay Ryan
- Megan Warr
- Gary Thompson
- Kay Shelton
- Leesa Jensen
- Rob Norcross
- Mike Barta
- Anne Emmerth
- Jeff Lee
- Ralph Braden
Over 7 years is a First Sergeant
- Melissa Moore
- Louis Glazer
- Scot Bearup
- Matt Green
Over 8 years is a Sergeant Major
- David Townsend
- Hank Brown
- Andrew Forsdick
- Teri Trotter (4/2004)
Over 9 years is a Warrant Officer 1
- Pat McGhee
- Amy Singer
- Peter Pettit
- John Whittemore
- Buddy Flinn
————————————–
0645 CLASS IS FIVE DAYS A WEEK!
—————————————
– THE GREENLINE HALF MARATHON
– THE GOOFY CHALLENGE
– ST. JUDE FULL MARATHON
– AND ST. JUDE HALF MARATHON
Interested in running The Goofy Challenge in January 2013?
Want to run the St. Jude Full Marathon on Dec. 1, 2012?
How about The Greenline Half Marathon on Oct. 14, 2012?
What is The Goofy Challenge? It’s part of the Disney Marathon Weekend at Disney World, Orlando.
You can run the half marathon on Saturday.
Or you can run the full marathon on Sunday.
OR … you can run ‘em both, The Goofy Challenge!
The third training run for the Goofy Challenge, the St. Jude Full Marathon, AND The Greenline Half Marathon will be THIS SATURDAY!
Meet me this Saturday at 7am in front of the Visitor’s Center at Shelby Farms!
Cost is $150 for boot campers and $225 for non-campers for the Goofy and the St. Jude Full. Cost of The Greenline Half is $75 for active duty boot campers and $125 for “friends of boot camp.”
Your first training run is a freebee if you’re not sure!
Training for the St. Jude Half will begin on September 1st. More about that later!
Following are two links. The first one is the Disney link with all of the registration info and so forth. The second link is to Boot Camper, and Goofy Challenge Finisher, Margaret Caffey’s travel website. Margaret is an Independent Vacation Planner with MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel, specializing in Disney Destinations.
Using Margaret to plan your trip to Disney is FREE and no one knows Disney like she does!!! She can give you rate information for the costs of your trip to Orlando for the Challenge.
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/wdw-marathon/
www.facebook.com/MouseFanMargaret
——————————–
ARE WE FACEBOOK FRIENDS?
We should be!
HAVE YOU “LIKED” THE USMC FITNESS BOOT CAMP FACEBOOK PAGE?
You should totally do that!
———————————–
TUESDAY / THURSDAY EVENING CLASS
The Tues/Thurs evening track runs are back! We’re running at St. Mary’s School track at 5:45pm. (St. Mary’s track is behind the school/church at Walnut Grove and Perkins)
Running the track, speed work, and running in the neighborhood are options! None of the above are requirements and you are free to do your own thing. I’ll be glad to give you an assignment based on your running goals and experience!
———————————-
BOGA tomorrow morning at 5:30am – No chanting. No patchouli.
BOGA-lite at 6:45am tomorrow.
Mt. Fuji Workout on July 17 at 5:30am at the U of M! Meet in the parking lot in front of the parking garage on Zach Curlin.
——————————————–
NEW BOOT CAMP DISCOUNT
If you set up an automatic payment at your bank (Boot Camp mailing address is 4888 Southern, Memphis 38117) you can subtract $10 off your fee! That’s right, instead of $75, you can pay $65!
—————————————
USMC FITNESS BOOT CAMP CLASSES – NEW STUFF!
0530 Monday through Friday
(First and second Tuesday of the month are M-16 Workouts at CUMC. Third and fourth Tuesdays are Mt. Fuji Workouts at the U of M)
0645 M-F
5:45 PM: Monday and Wednesday, and 5:30 PM on Friday. (Tues/Thurs – track runs at 5:45am at St. Mary’s track.)
————————————-
BOOT CAMP DISCOUNTS AND FACEBOOK EXPERIMENT!
First of all, find me on Facebook and make me your friend. (Also, be sure to “like” USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP on Facebook.)
Here’s how the discount works!
It’s simple: make a Facebook status update and get a discount!
For every status update that you make that references:
“USMC Fitness Boot Camp,”
“Sgt. Tony’s Boot Camp,”
“Tony’s Boot Camp,”
or something similar, you can take $2.50 off your next reenlistment fee for each update!
You can take up to $20 off for any given month!
Your status update has to be a specific reference to USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP or to me specifically by name.
BE SURE TO TAG ME!
You can do the same thing by “checking in” at USMC Fitness Boot Camp either by using Facebook “places,” Foursquare, or any of the other “check in” apps that show up on your Facebook News Feed.
So log on and start getting your discounts now!
————————————-
FREE MONTH OF BOOT CAMP FOR YOU!
Remember that when one of your family or friends joins the program at full price because of your recruiting efforts, YOU get a free month of Boot Camp!
———————————-
WANT TO LOSE 15 POUNDS BY THE END OF NEXT MONTH?
Take Shape For Life is the BEST weight loss program I know of. If you’d like to lose weight talk to me. This is the program I used to lose the almost 30 pounds I gained after knee surgery. Let me help you!
You can also go to www.combatchallenge.tsfl.com/
——————————————-
CALENDAR
A calendar has been added to the official USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP website.
http://www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com/calendar.html
For you visual learners, you’ll find this an easy way to glance at the week or month and see where the workouts will be, if there’s a venue change.
—————————————————
What would you do if money was not an issue, fear was not a factor, and failure was not an option?
To your optimum health and fitness!
SEE YOU ON THE QUARTERDECK!
Tony
Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
Mailing address: 4888 Southern Ave., Memphis, TN 38117
Cell Phone: 901-644-0145
It was the summer of my discontent.
No, wait, that’s not quite right. It was the summer of my endless blind dates, a madness made possible by well-meaning friends – all women — who thought that after a difficult, but necessary, breakup, I needed to “get back out there.”
As promised, I’ve been cataloging those dozen dates during this 10th anniversary summer of that dysfunction. I’ve changed the names of the ladies to protect the guilty and the goofy. Plus, I understand that at least one of those ladies reads these posts, though I doubt that she would even recognize herself in these stories.
I met “Felicia” for our one hour coffee date at Starbucks. It was a typical afternoon crowd at the upscale coffee emporium. There were hipsters, hipster-wanna-bes, hippies, wanna-be hippies, overstressed soccer moms, and college students pretending to study by ignoring their new MacBook that they had prominently displayed for all to see. There were the pretentious people whose drink order took entirely too long to say. (If your single drink Starbucks order is longer than a protracted football play to say — “50 pro right, left option fake sweep dive, on three” – you’re a douche.) There was a small regiment of tattooed and pierced people in one corner acting ironic. There was a tall skinny guy trying to make the Fedora he was wearing look cool. He was accompanied by his girlfriend who had chosen to turn her face into a pincushion full of metal studs and stupid stuff stuck into lips, eyebrows, nostrils, and what-not. She had metal stuck all over her face, including the little silver balls hanging from a metal hook stuck in her nose. All of that stuff hanging out of her nose made her like she had a really bad case of post-nasal drip. Her female friend, also someone whose face had lost a fight with a nail-gun, was a girl who had turned her body into a human note pad as well. And the tattoos they’d gotten on their bodies were too random to be random. But you knew that they were random. One guy was turning his ear lobes into basketball hoops. Good luck with that one, dude. One girl had Sanskrit and Japanese/Chinese character tattoos arranged with no thought to the conflicting ideologies or meanings of those things she’d had permanently inked into her skin. Sort of like having a tattoo of a cute little kitten holding a sign that said, “I hate your mom!” She also didn’t know that two of her Japanese characters were actually applied permanently to her shoulder … backwards … and I didn’t have the heart to tell her. (I may not know all 20,000+ characters, but I know when one is written backwards!) And there were lots and lots of barbed wire tattoos in there. I don’t have any tattoos. Most people assume that I do. I mean, military guys usually get them. I almost got a Marine Corps tattoo on a couple of different occasions, but something always came up. A Marine getting a Marine Corps tattoo seemed to make sense to me. But barbed wire??? WTH?? Most of those barbed wire tattoos looked like the mindless doodles I drew in the margins of my notebooks when I was bored in second period French.
OK, enough about all that. I was just glad that none of those chicks waved at me and said that they were Felicia. Nothing against people who adorn their bodies that way, it’s just not for me.
Instead, Felicia appeared as a diminutive alabaster girl with blonde hair and no other distinguishable features that would allow me to describe her from other women. She was a girl who, in seconds, could disappear into a crowd. She was the kind of girl the CIA would recruit because she could blend in anywhere and no one would notice her. She was neither hot nor cold. She was the quintessential average woman and had never lived further than 10 miles from the place she was born.
She had the outward demeanor and body language of someone who never got chosen first in gym class, who always ate lunch alone, who didn’t go to her high school prom, though she wanted to. She never drew outside of the lines, always sat up straight, always made curfew, and never raised her voice.
And speaking of her voice, it was small and got swallowed up in the buzz of the coffee shop. I strained to hear her. I could see her lips moving, but couldn’t hear the sound.
When I could hear her, it was a quiet white-noise-like-monotone voice. It wasn’t an annoying voice, but was so soft that her words floated in the air like feathers caught in a gentle breeze. But too often the strong hi-way hum of the coffee shop was enough to send that soft voice flying out of control, far away from my ears.
And every word she spoke was only in direct response to a question I asked. She never offered anything of her own. She never asked me any questions nor made any unsolicited commentary. She never made direct eye contact. And when I said something funny, she smiled, but didn’t laugh. It was as if she either didn’t get it, didn’t think it was funny, or was embarrassed to show any outward demonstrative response to anything I said.
Or she was just embarrassed for me.
After about 15 minutes of asking pleasant and generic questions, straining to hear her answers, and then sitting in silence before the awkwardness compelled me to ask another throwaway question, I was quickly running out of material. It was like a job interview gone bad. And I was pretty certain that she did not want the job! She seemed as ill at ease as I felt. I thought that the best thing I could do was to let her leave without further incident, except that our one hour coffee date meter still had time remaining. But I had run out of topics and subjects to talk about. And since she didn’t ask me anything, I thought I’d just have to fill the time with some stories. But just when I thought I’d have to rely on those stories, a miracle appeared! A couple came into the Starbucks in mid-fight!
Jackpot!
These two fools came in talking loud and accusing the other of being a bitch and a bastard, respectively. I was happy to have a distraction. Felicia didn’t seem as entertained as I did though. Oh well. I was pretty tired of doing all of the heavy lifting in this one hour disaster and didn’t mind watching the slow motion train wreck that was this other couple’s current status. It was fun watching two people more uncomfortable than me.
When I turned to her during this tirade and said, “Wow, get a load of these two knuckleheads.” She just gave me one of those closed-mouth-half-hearted-almost-smiles — one notch less warm than the Mona Lisa smile — and then nodded her head as if I were a child who had just pointed at a one-eyed man in the grocery store and said, “Hey mommy, look! There’s a one-eyed man!”
Unfortunately the warring couple didn’t remain unruly and they settled into a quiet simmering ceasefire with anger under the surface. They quit being entertaining. I started praying for more distractions or a fire drill … or maybe a college volleyball team would come into the coffee shop and the girls would be wearing those wonderful volleyball shorts. But no. Nothing. It had started to get painful. For me. For Felicia. She was either having a miserable time or the best date of her life. I couldn’t possibly read her, but I thought she was ready to eject.
It became clear that she wouldn’t do what was necessary and pull the plug on this terminal date. I would have to do it. I checked and there was a DNR on record for this date … so I thought the merciful thing to do was to feign an illness and excuse myself. But what illness? It couldn’t be gastro-intestinal. That would be too crude. So I wondered if maybe a simple headache would do the trick.
Turns out she had a “headache” too and we both made our way to the parking lot to say our goodbyes. But what do you say about a completely miserable “date?”
“Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Felicia,” I said, attempting to sound sincere.
“It was nice to meet you too, Tony,” she said.
Oddly, her speaking my name was the first time I ever felt like she acknowledged me as a person, and not just some guy trying to make small talk with a stranger. The sweet way my name sounded as she spoke it was somehow endearing to me. It’s funny, isn’t it, how the sound of our own name spoken in a kind and considerate way makes us feel special. It reminded me of what Dale Carnegie said about a person’s name: “Remember that a person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” Remembering someone’s name is an important thing.
I smiled a genuine smile at Felicia.
As soon as I got into my car, my headache miraculously disappeared.
Maybe Felicia’s did too.
– 30 –
———————————
WHITEWATER RAFTING!
It’s that time, RIVER PIRATES!
On August 25th, you could be a part of the crew of the mighty River Pirates of USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP! We’ll be sailing down the famous Ocoee River, near Chattanooga! This is part of our BOOT CAMP ANNIVERSARY MONTH CELEBRATION!
We’ll be going down the same river that was used for the Olympic Kayaking event during the Atlanta Summer Olympics!
Make plans to attend!
Boot Camper’s friends and family are also welcome. Minimum age is 12 years old by August 24. The cost is less than $100 per person for the all day rafting and includes all gear, equipment, lunch, and the river guide. Learn more by going to www.ocoee-outdoors.com
Sign up is going on NOW! The deadline for signing up is Saturday, July 21. Space is limited, so sign up ASAP! Call Ocoee Outdoors (our outfitter) at 1-800-533-7767 or 1-423-338-7767. Ask for Dawn and tell them you want to pay for the Tony Ludlow Boot Camp all day trip for August 25, confirmation #203.
More information on the website blog post, “OCOEE WHITEWATER RAFTING TRIP AUGUST 25, 2012”
————————————
VISORS AND T-SHIRTS
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP t-shirts and visors for workouts and running are available!
Visors are $25 and t-shirts are $20.
——————————————
Next PFT is July 31.
——————————————
SUB SEVEN CLUB CHALLENGE!
Congratulations to the following members of the Sub Seven Club:
Lee Chase, Patrick Moore, Rob Johnston, Andrew Stolnicki, Chris McLelland, Bart Thomas, and Matt Green!
MORNING SUB 7 CHALLENGE
If you’d like to join the club, we’ll meet at the U of M track on Tuesday morning (July 24) at 5:15am. That’ll be 15 min before our Mt. Fuji Workout. If you run the mile in under seven minutes, you get to join the club!
EVENING SUB 7 CHALLENGE
We’ll meet at the U of M track on Thursday, July 26 at 5:45 for the 1 mile challenge. All Boot Campers are welcome to challenge the mile!
———————————————-
VETERAN BOOT CAMPERS!
Your rank insignia t-shirts looked AWESOME on your this morning. (Don’t forget to wear yours this afternoon, evening crew!)
And please go to
http://www.birthdayalarm.com/dob/76952967a424079603b362
And enter your boot camp anniversary date. If that information is already there and correct, you’re good to go.
Every Wednesday is our Official BOOT CAMP T-SHIRT DAY! You can wear your rank insignia shirt anytime you‘d like, but always every Wednesday!
The Rank Structure of the Quarterdeck:
Under 6 months is a Private
Six months to 1 year is a Private First Class.
Over 1 year is a Lance Corporal
- Amber Jackson
- Sherri Thompson
- Carrie Schule
- Mary Bauer
- Paul Bauer
- Robin Scott
- Chris McLelland
- Courtney Phillips
- Randal Rhea
- Cindy King
- Bevan Lee
- Melissa Thompson
- Wayne Henderson
- Michelle Moss
- Lee Chase
Over 2 years is a Corporal
- Emily Melonas
- Cecelia DeLacy
- Beth Mills
- Ashley Hofeditz
- Anne Marie Wyatt
- Jenni Harris
- Tim Romanow
- Ashley McClure
- Wendy Shea
Over 3 years is a Sergeant
- Teresa Faulk
- Meg Cannon
- Cameron Mosley
- Karen Massey
- Paul Tronsor
- Jessie Flanders
- Andrew Stolnicki
- Jonathan Phillips
- Ben Killerlain
- Sarah Vickers
- Shena Clemons
- Robert Hunt
- Albo Carruthers
- Jeremy Harris
Over 4 years is a Staff Sergeant
- Buddy Daves
- Anne Mead
- Dory Sellers
- Patrick Moore
- Oscar Adams
- Anne Kenworthy
- Alan Schaeffer
Over 5 years is a Gunnery Sergeant
- Mike Ryan
- Leslie Garey
- Henry Kenworthy
- Michelle Dunn
- Frank Jemison
- Bart Thomas
- Matt Prince
- Beth Rehrig
- George Rose
Over 6 years is a Master Sergeant
- John Winford
- Kay Ryan
- Megan Warr
- Gary Thompson
- Kay Shelton
- Leesa Jensen
- Rob Norcross
- Mike Barta
- Anne Emmerth
- Jeff Lee
- Ralph Braden
Over 7 years is a First Sergeant
- Melissa Moore
- Louis Glazer
- Scot Bearup
- Matt Green
Over 8 years is a Sergeant Major
- David Townsend
- Hank Brown
- Andrew Forsdick
- Teri Trotter
Over 9 years is a Warrant Officer 1
- Pat McGhee
- Amy Singer
- Peter Pettit
- John Whittemore
- Buddy Flinn
————————————–
0645 CLASS IS FIVE DAYS A WEEK!
—————————————
– THE GREENLINE HALF MARATHON
– THE GOOFY CHALLENGE
– ST. JUDE FULL MARATHON
– AND ST. JUDE HALF MARATHON
Interested in running The Goofy Challenge in January 2013?
Want to run the St. Jude Full Marathon on Dec. 1, 2012?
How about The Greenline Half Marathon on Oct. 14, 2012?
What is The Goofy Challenge? It’s part of the Disney Marathon Weekend at Disney World, Orlando.
You can run the half marathon on Saturday.
Or you can run the full marathon on Sunday.
OR … you can run ‘em both, The Goofy Challenge!
The third training run for the Goofy Challenge, the St. Jude Full Marathon, AND The Greenline Half Marathon will be THIS SATURDAY!
Meet me this Saturday at 7am in front of the Visitor’s Center at Shelby Farms!
Cost is $150 for boot campers and $225 for non-campers for the Goofy and the St. Jude Full. Cost of The Greenline Half is $75 for active duty boot campers and $125 for “friends of boot camp.”
Your first training run is a freebee if you’re not sure!
Training for the St. Jude Half will begin on September 1st. More about that later!
Following are two links. The first one is the Disney link with all of the registration info and so forth. The second link is to Boot Camper, and Goofy Challenge Finisher, Margaret Caffey’s travel website. Margaret is an Independent Vacation Planner with MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel, specializing in Disney Destinations.
Using Margaret to plan your trip to Disney is FREE and no one knows Disney like she does!!! She can give you rate information for the costs of your trip to Orlando for the Challenge.
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/wdw-marathon/
www.facebook.com/MouseFanMargaret
——————————–
Piano for Sale:
Kimball console piano, in good condition, has one repairable problem. Special Boot Camper pricing available! Contact Paul or Mary pbauer1165@hotmail.com
——————————–
ARE WE FACEBOOK FRIENDS?
We should be!
HAVE YOU “LIKED” THE USMC FITNESS BOOT CAMP FACEBOOK PAGE?
You should totally do that!
———————————–
TUESDAY / THURSDAY EVENING CLASS
The Tues/Thurs evening track runs are back! We’re running at St. Mary’s School track at 5:45pm. (St. Mary’s track is behind the school/church at Walnut Grove and Perkins)
Running the track, speed work, and running in the neighborhood are options! None of the above are requirements and you are free to do your own thing. I’ll be glad to give you an assignment based on your running goals and experience!
———————————-
BOGA tomorrow morning at 5:30am – No chanting. No patchouli.
BOGA-lite at 6:45am tomorrow.
Mt. Fuji Workout on July 17 at 5:30am at the U of M! Meet in the parking lot in front of the parking garage on Zach Curlin.
——————————————–
NEW BOOT CAMP DISCOUNT
If you set up an automatic payment at your bank (Boot Camp mailing address is 4888 Southern, Memphis 38117) you can subtract $10 off your fee! That’s right, instead of $75, you can pay $65!
—————————————
USMC FITNESS BOOT CAMP CLASSES – NEW STUFF!
0530 Monday through Friday
(First and second Tuesday of the month are M-16 Workouts at CUMC. Third and fourth Tuesdays are Mt. Fuji Workouts at the U of M)
0645 M-F
5:45 PM: Monday and Wednesday, and 5:30 PM on Friday. (Tues/Thurs – track runs at 5:45am at St. Mary’s track.)
————————————-
BOOT CAMP DISCOUNTS AND FACEBOOK EXPERIMENT!
First of all, find me on Facebook and make me your friend. (Also, be sure to “like” USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP on Facebook.)
Here’s how the discount works!
It’s simple: make a Facebook status update and get a discount!
For every status update that you make that references:
“USMC Fitness Boot Camp,”
“Sgt. Tony’s Boot Camp,”
“Tony’s Boot Camp,”
or something similar, you can take $2.50 off your next reenlistment fee for each update!
You can take up to $20 off for any given month!
Your status update has to be a specific reference to USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP or to me specifically by name.
BE SURE TO TAG ME!
You can do the same thing by “checking in” at USMC Fitness Boot Camp either by using Facebook “places,” Foursquare, or any of the other “check in” apps that show up on your Facebook News Feed.
So log on and start getting your discounts now!
————————————-
FREE MONTH OF BOOT CAMP FOR YOU!
Remember that when one of your family or friends joins the program at full price because of your recruiting efforts, YOU get a free month of Boot Camp!
———————————-
WANT TO LOSE 15 POUNDS BY THE END OF NEXT MONTH?
Take Shape For Life is the BEST weight loss program I know of. If you’d like to lose weight talk to me. This is the program I used to lose the almost 30 pounds I gained after knee surgery. Let me help you!
You can also go to www.combatchallenge.tsfl.com/
——————————————-
CALENDAR
A calendar has been added to the official USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP website.
http://www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com/calendar.html
For you visual learners, you’ll find this an easy way to glance at the week or month and see where the workouts will be, if there’s a venue change.
—————————————————
What would you do if money was not an issue, fear was not a factor, and failure was not an option?
To your optimum health and fitness!
SEE YOU ON THE QUARTERDECK!
Tony
Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
Mailing address: 4888 Southern Ave., Memphis, TN 38117
Cell Phone: 901-644-0145
ATTENTION BC VETERANS & SUB SEVEN CLUB MEMBERS!
Tomorrow is Rank Shirt and “Sub 7″ T-Shirt distribution day! I’ll have your t-shirt to give you tomorrow, Monday, July 9!
Wednesday will be our first official T-Shirt Day of 2012! All boot campers are asked to wear their rank t-shirt or any USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP T-Shirt!
Wednesday will be our official t-shirt day from now on. Of course you can wear your boot camp shirts ANY day, but especially on Wednesdays!
JULY 4 REPORT
We had a HUGE crowd at the workout Wednesday morning! With over 70 boot campers and visitors on the Quarterdeck, we had a great workout followed by our brief ceremony around the flagpole, reading the preamble to the Declaration of Independence and the first paragraph of Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis.” I also taught the troops how to salute! .
Thanks to everyone who came and thanks to Keith Renard for bringing ice-cold watermelon for a perfect post workout treat!
I arrived at Marine Corps Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC as an 18 year old recruit on a crowded bus at 2 AM. The Greyhound was full of recruits like me, strangers, all headed to the same place.
All of us were terrified young men from all walks of life and from every imaginable background. There were farm boys from “the middle of nowhere” Alabama and “Southies,” Irish lads from south Boston. There were some pseudo-tough “gangstas” from Detroit and New York City. There was even a guy from New Hampshire who’d flunked out of an Ivy League college. One blond haired dude was a surfing champion from Miami.
The only thing that we all had in common that night was our desire to become Marines. Not soldiers, not sailors, not airmen, but Marines! We had, on purpose and with full knowledge of our decision, chosen to join America’s toughest branch of the military.
I stood in a barracks along with 80 other terrified Marine-wanna-be-civilians. We were the lowest form of life, Marine Corps recruits. We were issued orders and some rudimentary gear. But for much of the time we were simply standing at attention … and waiting. We didn’t move. We made no sound. I didn’t even take a deep breath for fear that it would anger a swagger stick wielding Drill Instructor. We waited for what God only knew would follow, trying to take in this new world, this new culture, this new set of expectations and not wet our pants and wuss out.
On the walls of this barracks and on the stanchions and support columns of the interior of our quarters were painted our first lessons in what it meant to be a Marine. There were portraits of valiant Marines throughout Marine Corps history hanging on the wall. There were combat murals of Marine Corps victories. And there were words and slogans painted there as well, words that hadn’t meant much to me up until that point:
Determination
Motivation
Dedication
Honor
Courage
Commitment
Discipline
Confidence
Excellence
Now … fast forward three months.
There were only 32 of us left.
Only 32 of the original 80 who had stood there that night wanting to be Marines actually became Marines.
What made the difference?
The things that were written on the walls of that barracks had become realities in our own life. The words had become a part of the fabric of who we had become.
When new recruits join USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, I often wonder if they’ll be one of the 32 or one of the 48. I look for signs that lead to success.
Who succeeds and who fails?
Those who embrace the same things I learned as a Marine will be successful: determination, motivation, dedication, commitment, and discipline. For them, for you, USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP will be a life changing experience.
Who fails?
That’s easy. Those quick to make excuses, fail. Those quick to give up, fail. Those quick to say “I can’t,” fail. Those who’ve indulged themselves in making excuses, who’ve had a lifetime of quitting, fail. Those quick to whine and complain, fail.
At this 236th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, I’m reminded that we stand on the shoulders of generations of Americans who didn’t quit, or give up, or fail, even though it cost so much. Over 8,000 Americans died in the Revolutionary war, securing a unique nation dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Whatever it means to be an American, one of the things we’ve come to represent to the world is a nation of achievers. A country of people who are strong and stalwart. A land whose citizens don’t quit, don’t give up, don’t whine, don’t complain. Doers.
Whatever you are, BOOT CAMP recruit or veteran, recommit yourself to the same things that led you to BOOT CAMP to begin with. Embrace success and the values that lead to success:
Determination
Motivation
Dedication
Honor
Courage
Commitment
Discipline
Confidence
Excellence
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP: more than an exercise class.
“What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly.”
— Thomas Paine, December 1776
– 30 –
My blind date adventures return next week!
———————————
HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT
If the heat index is 100 or higher, we’ll go inside, or if no space is available inside, we’ll use the shaded courtyard at the church.
HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE!!!
———————————-
JULY 4 REPORT
We had a HUGE crowd at the workout Wednesday morning! With over 70 boot campers and visitors on the Quarterdeck, we had a great workout followed by our brief ceremony around the flagpole, reading the preamble to the Declaration of Independence and the first paragraph of Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis.” I also taught the troops how to salute! .
Thanks to everyone who came and thanks to Keith Renard for bringing ice-cold watermelon for a perfect post workout treat!
————————————-
WHITEWATER RAFTING!
It’s that time, RIVER PIRATES!
On August 25th, you could be a part of the crew of the mighty River Pirates of USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP! We’ll be sailing down the famous Ocoee River, near Chattanooga! This is part of our BOOT CAMP ANNIVERSARY MONTH CELEBRATION!
We’ll be going down the same river that was used for the Olympic Kayaking event during the Atlanta Summer Olympics!
Make plans to attend!
Boot Camper’s friends and family are also welcome. Minimum age is 12 years old by August 24. 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! The deadline for signing up is Saturday, July 21. Space is limited, so sign up ASAP! Call Ocoee Outdoors (our outfitter) at 1-800-533-7767 or 1-423-338-7767. Ask for Dawn and tell them you want to pay for the Tony Ludlow Boot Camp trip for August 25, confirmation #203.
More information on the website blog post, “OCOEE WHITEWATER RAFTING TRIP AUGUST 25, 2012”
————————————
VISORS AND T-SHIRTS
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP t-shirts and visors for workouts and running are available!
Visors are $25 and t-shirts are $20.
——————————————
Next PFT is July 31.
——————————————
SUB SEVEN CLUB CHALLENGE!
The “Sub Seven Club!” is BACK!!!
Congratulations to the following new members of the Sub Seven Club:
Lee Chase, Patrick Moore, Rob Johnston, Andrew Stolnicki, Chris McLelland, Bart Thomas, and Matt Green!
If you’d like to join the club, we’ll meet me at the U of M track on Tuesday morning (July 24) at 5:15am. That’ll be 15 min before our Mt. Fuji Workout. If you run the mile in under seven minutes, you get to join the club!
———————————————-
CALLING ALL VETERAN BOOT CAMPERS!
Your t-shirts are being made even as you read this! I’m hoping I’ll have them within a week or so.
Are you a boot camper with more than 1 year of continuous duty? Check this list and make sure you’re on it!
The Rank Structure of the Quarterdeck:
Over 1 year is a Lance Corporal
- Amber Jackson
- Sherri Thompson
- Carrie Schule
- Mary Bauer
- Paul Bauer
- Robin Scott
- Chris McLelland
- Courtney Phillips
- Randal Rhea
- Cindy King
- Bevan Lee
- Melissa Thompson
- Wayne Henderson
- Michelle Moss
- Lee Chase
Over 2 years is a Corporal
- Emily Melonas
- Cecelia DeLacy
- Beth Mills
- Ashley Hofeditz
- Anne Marie Wyatt
- Jenni Harris
- Tim Romanow
- Ashley McClure
Over 3 years is a Sergeant
- Teresa Faulk
- Meg Cannon
- Cameron Mosley
- Karen Massey
- Paul Tronsor
- Jessie Flanders
- Andrew Stolnicki
- Jonathan Phillips
- Ben Killerlain
- Sarah Vickers
- Shena Clemons
- Robert Hunt
- Albo Carruthers
- Jeremy Harris
Over 4 years is a Staff Sergeant
- Buddy Daves
- Anne Mead
- Dory Sellers
- Patrick Moore
- Oscar Adams
- Anne Kenworthy
- Alan Schaeffer
Over 5 years is a Gunnery Sergeant
- Mike Ryan
- Leslie Garey
- Henry Kenworthy
- Michelle Dunn
- Frank Jemison
- Bart Thomas
- Matt Prince
- Beth Rehrig
- George Rose
Over 6 years is a Master Sergeant
- John Winford
- Kay Ryan
- Megan Warr
- Gary Thompson
- Kay Shelton
- Leesa Jensen
- Rob Norcross
- Mike Barta
- Anne Emmerth
- Jeff Lee
- Ralph Braden
Over 7 years is a First Sergeant
- Melissa Moore
- Louis Glazer
- Scot Bearup
- Matt Green
Over 8 years is a Sergeant Major
- David Townsend
- Hank Brown
- Andrew Forsdick
Over 9 years is a Warrant Officer 1
- Pat McGhee
- Amy Singer
- Peter Pettit
- John Whittemore
- Buddy Flinn
————————————–
0645 CLASS IS FIVE DAYS A WEEK!
—————————————
– THE GREENLINE HALF MARATHON
– THE GOOFY CHALLENGE
– ST. JUDE FULL MARATHON
– AND ST. JUDE HALF MARATHON
Interested in running The Goofy Challenge in January 2013?
Want to run the St. Jude Full Marathon on Dec. 1, 2012?
How about The Greenline Half Marathon on Oct. 14, 2012?
What is The Goofy Challenge? It’s part of the Disney Marathon Weekend at Disney World, Orlando.
You can run the half marathon on Saturday.
Or you can run the full marathon on Sunday.
OR … you can run ‘em both, The Goofy Challenge!
The second training run for the Goofy Challenge, the St. Jude Full Marathon, AND The Greenline Half Marathon will be THIS SATURDAY!
Meet me this Saturday at 7am in front of the Visitor’s Center at Shelby Farms!
Cost is $150 for boot campers and $225 for non-campers for the Goofy and the St. Jude Full. Cost of The Greenline Half is $75 for active duty boot campers and $125 for “friends of boot camp.”
Your first training run is a freebee if you’re not sure!
Training for the St. Jude Half will begin on September 1st. More about that later!
Following are two links. The first one is the Disney link with all of the registration info and so forth. The second link is to Boot Camper, and Goofy Challenge Finisher, Margaret Caffey’s travel website. Margaret is an Independent Vacation Planner with MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel, specializing in Disney Destinations.
Using Margaret to plan your trip to Disney is FREE and no one knows Disney like she does!!! She can give you rate information for the costs of your trip to Orlando for the Challenge.
http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/wdw-marathon/
www.facebook.com/MouseFanMargaret
——————————–
Piano for Sale:
Kimball console piano, in good condition, has one repairable problem. Special Boot Camper pricing available! Contact Paul or Mary pbauer1165@hotmail.com
——————————–
ARE WE FACEBOOK FRIENDS?
We should be!
HAVE YOU “LIKED” THE USMC FITNESS BOOT CAMP FACEBOOK PAGE?
You should totally do that!
———————————–
TUESDAY / THURSDAY EVENING CLASS
The Tues/Thurs evening track runs are back! We’re running at St. Mary’s School track at 5:45pm. (St. Mary’s track is behind the school/church at Walnut Grove and Perkins)
Running the track, speed work, and running in the neighborhood are options! None of the above are requirements and you are free to do your own thing. I’ll be glad to give you an assignment based on your running goals and experience!
———————————-
BOGA tomorrow morning at 5:30am – No chanting. No patchouli.
BOGA-lite at 6:45am tomorrow.
M-16 Workout on Tuesday, July 10 at 5:30am at CUMC.
——————————————–
NEW BOOT CAMP DISCOUNT
If you set up an automatic payment at your bank (Boot Camp mailing address is 4888 Southern, Memphis 38117) you can subtract $10 off your fee! That’s right, instead of $75, you can pay $65!
—————————————
USMC FITNESS BOOT CAMP CLASSES – NEW STUFF!
0530 Monday through Friday
(First and second Tuesday of the month are M-16 Workouts at CUMC. Third and fourth Tuesdays are Mt. Fuji Workouts at the U of M)
0645 M-F
0830 Class is on hiatus for the summer.
5:45 PM: Monday and Wednesday, and 5:30 PM on Friday. (Tues/Thurs – track runs at 5:45am at St. Mary’s track.)
————————————-
BOOT CAMP DISCOUNTS AND FACEBOOK EXPERIMENT!
First of all, find me on Facebook and make me your friend. (Also, be sure to “like” USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP on Facebook.)
Here’s how the discount works!
It’s simple: make a Facebook status update and get a discount!
For every status update that you make that references:
“USMC Fitness Boot Camp,”
“Sgt. Tony’s Boot Camp,”
“Tony’s Boot Camp,”
or something similar, you can take $2.50 off your next reenlistment fee for each update!
You can take up to $20 off for any given month!
Your status update has to be a specific reference to USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP or to me specifically by name.
BE SURE TO TAG ME!
You can do the same thing by “checking in” at USMC Fitness Boot Camp either by using Facebook “places,” Foursquare, or any of the other “check in” apps that show up on your Facebook News Feed.
So log on and start getting your discounts now!
————————————-
FREE MONTH OF BOOT CAMP FOR YOU!
Remember that when one of your family or friends joins the program at full price because of your recruiting efforts, YOU get a free month of Boot Camp!
———————————-
WANT TO LOSE 15 POUNDS BY THE END OF NEXT MONTH?
Take Shape For Life is the BEST weight loss program I know of. If you’d like to lose weight talk to me. This is the program I used to lose the almost 30 pounds I gained after knee surgery. Let me help you!
You can also go to www.combatchallenge.tsfl.com/
——————————————-
CALENDAR
A calendar has been added to the official USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP website.
http://www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com/calendar.html
For you visual learners, you’ll find this an easy way to glance at the week or month and see where the workouts will be, if there’s a venue change.
—————————————————
What would you do if money was not an issue, fear was not a factor, and failure was not an option?
To your optimum health and fitness!
SEE YOU ON THE QUARTERDECK!
Tony
Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
Mailing address: 4888 Southern Ave., Memphis, TN 38117
Cell Phone: 901-644-0145
OCOEE WHITEWATER RAFTING TRIP AUGUST 25, 2012
WHO: 15 USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP River Pirates
WHAT: All day trip on the Ocoee River
WHEN: Saturday, August 25 at 10am
WHERE: Ocoee Outdoors is the Official Outfitter for The River Pirates of USMCFBC and the top rated outfitter on the Ocoee since 1977. This will be our 8th trip with Ocoee Outdoors.
Ocoee Outdoors is located on Hiway 64 east of Cleveland, TN and about 40 minutes from Exit 5 on I-75 (northeast Chattanooga). (Map and detailed directions to follow) I’ll be staying at the Hampton Inn at Exit 5, 423-855-0095.
COST: $99 per person for the Full Day, Whole River Float. Price includes transportation from Ocoee Outdoors to and from the river, equipment rental, and lunch.
Hotels closer to Ocoee Outdoors are available and tent camping is possible as well. My personal itinerary will be: traveling to Chattanooga on Friday, spending the night, eating breakfast at Cracker Barrel on Saturday morning, rafting on Saturday, spending the night on Saturday, and traveling back to Memphis on Sunday.
Exit 5, where the Hampton is, has a number of other hotels and is across the road from a mall with tons of restaurants.
PAYMENT AND RESERVATIONS FOR THE RAFTING: Reservations are on a first come, first served basis and restricted to the first 15 who call Ocoee Outdoors with payment. Call 1-800-533-7767. Tell the person who answers that you want to pay for a spot(s) on the “Tony Ludlow Group Trip for August 25th, the all day full river trip.” (Be sure to specify that it’s the all day, full river trip.) After you call and pay, email ME and let me know how many spots you paid for (headcount purposes) and let me know how many t-shirts you’ll need and what size(s). I’m getting t-shirts made for the occasion!
Track workout at 5:45pm is canceled today due to the heat index.
At 7pm it might be a good time to run the Stars & Stripes 5K! (See the previous post for more info!)
