The weather in Carrboro today is stunning. Temps are in the low 60s, and Fall is in the air. I headed out to McDougle Middle School, where our No Boundaries group sometimes meets, and hit the track. I had a goal of 2 miles, and 2 miles I did.
I have no expectation at this point. I am simply getting back into running after London. So out I went. My first mile felt comfortable. I didn't feel I was pushing it. I was thrilled to be on a flat surface, as flatness is not easy to find here in this area. Well imagine my surprise when I ran my first mile in 14:17.
I felt good, and I was weaving around little kids were using the track for their bike rides. Parents were also playing soccer with the kids in the infield. So this was a family environment. I had the music playing on my phone, so the kids appreciated Justin Timberlake as I went around them.
My second mile was slower but not by that much - 15:13. So yes I finished 2 miles in under 30 minutes, which for me is phenomenal. I'm working with my personal trainer for the half marathon, and at this moment all things are go to start and finish the half in March.
#ImInItToFinishIt
Charlie
Sunday, November 06, 2016
Friday, November 04, 2016
Wanted: Stronger Heel
Note: The following is NOT about my normal running shoe.
The other day I spoke to a rep from a shoe vendor. They had asked me how I liked the shoes I had on my feet. I told them I liked them, but the problem I found was that the heel was weak, and because I supinate, I found the heel collapsed pretty quickly. In fact, if you were to look at the shoe right now, it would look like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This was after two weeks of wear.
The rep looked at my shoe, and said, "Yeah, we use _____________ which is a soft material in the heel, so it will do that." I get it will do that, but how about getting some months under my belt before it happens. The rep was sympathetic, but added, "I'm sorry it didn't work for you, but that's how we are going to build the heel."
On a personal side, I felt that was an unsatisfactory answer, but I understood from the professional side. People want to feel "soft" under their feet. Since so many people break down the heel, I would like to see a shoe with a sturdier heel(kind of like my normal shoe).
My request to shoe companies is we supinators need shoes with stronger heels. Put the softer material elsewhere.
Charlie
The other day I spoke to a rep from a shoe vendor. They had asked me how I liked the shoes I had on my feet. I told them I liked them, but the problem I found was that the heel was weak, and because I supinate, I found the heel collapsed pretty quickly. In fact, if you were to look at the shoe right now, it would look like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This was after two weeks of wear.
The rep looked at my shoe, and said, "Yeah, we use _____________ which is a soft material in the heel, so it will do that." I get it will do that, but how about getting some months under my belt before it happens. The rep was sympathetic, but added, "I'm sorry it didn't work for you, but that's how we are going to build the heel."
On a personal side, I felt that was an unsatisfactory answer, but I understood from the professional side. People want to feel "soft" under their feet. Since so many people break down the heel, I would like to see a shoe with a sturdier heel(kind of like my normal shoe).
My request to shoe companies is we supinators need shoes with stronger heels. Put the softer material elsewhere.
Charlie
Tuesday, November 01, 2016
Overcoming Being Underestimated
The other day I saw that a lady needed help, so I asked her how I could help her. She told me she was waiting for one of the women on staff to help her. Seeing that the woman she was talking about was busy with another customer, I said, "Well let's see what I can do to help you." She was game. She needed workout apparel, and didn't know if I knew enough about women's apparel.
I not only knew, but she really liked all of the selections I picked for her. She underestimated me, because I'm a man. It's ok. I get underestimated all the time. You have to be confident in what you do, and tackle the challenge of being underestimated.
How do you overcome this? You have to learn the products in your store. As a man, I don't know how women's items fit, but I can sure ask, and I do. Female staff are always happy to help me with my questions. You can't be afraid to ask. If you don't know the answer when a customer asks, I think it's fine to tell them you don't know, but you will get an answer. Depending on the customer, humor is ok. I've joked "from personal experience I can't answer that, but..." Most women are good humored, and know you don't have that experience.
For this customer, I got her set up with a fitting room, then while she was in there, I looked for other items. She liked the other items. I also did involved the female staff member, and we tagged team to help. Never be afraid to tag team. It shows how much you want to help the customer.
In the end, the customer was pleased with everything, and walked out with $472 worth of merchandise. She didn't think I could help her, but in the end, I not only helped her, but overcame the underestimation to do it, and she asked for my name for the future. I will be a go to person for her.
Study, be confident, and tag team....you can overcome being underestimated and be a success.
Charlie
I not only knew, but she really liked all of the selections I picked for her. She underestimated me, because I'm a man. It's ok. I get underestimated all the time. You have to be confident in what you do, and tackle the challenge of being underestimated.
How do you overcome this? You have to learn the products in your store. As a man, I don't know how women's items fit, but I can sure ask, and I do. Female staff are always happy to help me with my questions. You can't be afraid to ask. If you don't know the answer when a customer asks, I think it's fine to tell them you don't know, but you will get an answer. Depending on the customer, humor is ok. I've joked "from personal experience I can't answer that, but..." Most women are good humored, and know you don't have that experience.
For this customer, I got her set up with a fitting room, then while she was in there, I looked for other items. She liked the other items. I also did involved the female staff member, and we tagged team to help. Never be afraid to tag team. It shows how much you want to help the customer.
In the end, the customer was pleased with everything, and walked out with $472 worth of merchandise. She didn't think I could help her, but in the end, I not only helped her, but overcame the underestimation to do it, and she asked for my name for the future. I will be a go to person for her.
Study, be confident, and tag team....you can overcome being underestimated and be a success.
Charlie
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