This was not a banner year for my running. In fact, it was an almost nonexistent year for my running. Injuries, then the heart attack kept me off the roads. Not a good 10 year anniversary of my running. So I look to 2015 with a lot of hope.
This morning, I ran 1.26 miles around our new neighborhood. It was darned cold, but once I got going, I felt mildly chilly. Mark rode along side on the bike. It was invigorating, but good to get out. I hadn't run since prior to our move. So now I feel I can get to running again.
I'm working on a race schedule. Of course everything is a bit up in the air for the early part of the year as I open a new running store. Still I have registered for the St.Pats 5K on March 21. From there I slowly build to a half marathon in the fall.
Typically this next year would be a marathon year for me, but I'm not ready for a marathon, but want to do some distance, so a half will do. I've decided to run the Baystate Half Marathon in Lowell, MA in October. Rumor has it that it's about as flat a half as I will find. Hope so.
My optimism also spreads to my new venture here in Providence. The store I'm opening is not ready yet, but it is being built. I am beginning to reach out to area running groups, races, schools, organizations, etc., trying to establish a connection and grow interest in our store.
I'm also excited to explore new places to run. So all in all 2015 is my year of hope and optimism that I will be running the way I want to run.
Happy New Year everyone!
Charlie
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Year Eight
I never get tired of this story, so excuse me while I tell it again.....
Eight years ago I was in a miserable job which sucked my soul out of me. It was called Macy's. I was so incredibly unhappy, and even unhappier that I hadn't found anything else. That changed when I spoke with Dave Zimmer at Fleet Feet Sports in Chicago. Dave is a hugely successful Fleet Feet owner, and a true lover of running. He interviewed me, and told me he would give me a call on Friday to let me know if there was a place for me. It was one of those interviews that you felt sure you nailed.
On Friday, Dec. 18, I went in to Macy's before my shift, and told them I was quitting right then and there. The HR woman seems confused and asked if I wanted to give two week. No I didn't. She told me by doing this I would be eligible for rehire. There are some bridges you burn, and some jobs you decide are worth walking away from - Macy's was that.
Anxious hours went by, and then I got the call from Dave. He told me he knew it was close to Christmas, but would I be able to work some for them until I could leave Macy's. I told him that I had quite three hours earlier, and could be there today if needed. He laughed and told me Monday would be fine.
For 3.5 years I worked in the Lincoln Square location with some wonderful people. I learned so much about the business and how you treat the running customer. I have kept those lessons with me through today, and always thank Dave Zimmer for taking a chance on me.
From there, I moved to Indianapolis, working for BlueMile. Like most jobs, there is a mix of good and bad, but still you learn from your experience. Gareth Wilford and Janet Crofton gave me the chance to be a manager, and I am forever in their debt for giving me the reins to the store in Carmel. I worked with outstanding people, and wonderful customers.
Nobody leaves a job because they are happy where they are. I needed something more. I am now in the next stage of my career. Year Eight has me in Providence, RI, where I am preparing to open a store. This is a new adventure, and at this point, no clue where it will go. If it is like the previous seven years, I think I am going to do well.
There are some constants in the last eight years. I have worked with some incredible people. I have helped countless people with their running/walking goals. I learned more than I thought I ever would. I have loved my career. If you don't love what you are doing, you need to find something else. When you love what you do, hang on to it as long as you love it.
Earlier this year, I looked at other things to do, but my heart told me that running specialty was something I hadn't finished, and am glad I hung in there.
Here is to eight years in the business, and to many more.
Charlie
Eight years ago I was in a miserable job which sucked my soul out of me. It was called Macy's. I was so incredibly unhappy, and even unhappier that I hadn't found anything else. That changed when I spoke with Dave Zimmer at Fleet Feet Sports in Chicago. Dave is a hugely successful Fleet Feet owner, and a true lover of running. He interviewed me, and told me he would give me a call on Friday to let me know if there was a place for me. It was one of those interviews that you felt sure you nailed.
On Friday, Dec. 18, I went in to Macy's before my shift, and told them I was quitting right then and there. The HR woman seems confused and asked if I wanted to give two week. No I didn't. She told me by doing this I would be eligible for rehire. There are some bridges you burn, and some jobs you decide are worth walking away from - Macy's was that.
Anxious hours went by, and then I got the call from Dave. He told me he knew it was close to Christmas, but would I be able to work some for them until I could leave Macy's. I told him that I had quite three hours earlier, and could be there today if needed. He laughed and told me Monday would be fine.
For 3.5 years I worked in the Lincoln Square location with some wonderful people. I learned so much about the business and how you treat the running customer. I have kept those lessons with me through today, and always thank Dave Zimmer for taking a chance on me.
From there, I moved to Indianapolis, working for BlueMile. Like most jobs, there is a mix of good and bad, but still you learn from your experience. Gareth Wilford and Janet Crofton gave me the chance to be a manager, and I am forever in their debt for giving me the reins to the store in Carmel. I worked with outstanding people, and wonderful customers.
Nobody leaves a job because they are happy where they are. I needed something more. I am now in the next stage of my career. Year Eight has me in Providence, RI, where I am preparing to open a store. This is a new adventure, and at this point, no clue where it will go. If it is like the previous seven years, I think I am going to do well.
There are some constants in the last eight years. I have worked with some incredible people. I have helped countless people with their running/walking goals. I learned more than I thought I ever would. I have loved my career. If you don't love what you are doing, you need to find something else. When you love what you do, hang on to it as long as you love it.
Earlier this year, I looked at other things to do, but my heart told me that running specialty was something I hadn't finished, and am glad I hung in there.
Here is to eight years in the business, and to many more.
Charlie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)