This morning I took the plunge. I joined Weight Watchers! This is a trial period for me. I am giving myself 3 months of the online program to see what I can do. I've gained a lot of weight, and I feel bad, and unhealthy. So I needed to do this for myself.
Weight Watchers is based on a points system. According to my assessment, I can have 42 points a day. The more processed food, the higher in point total. Zero points for fruits and veggies. You can get extra points for being active.
This will help me be more accountable to myself. If I think it's working after 3 months, I will continue. I think though the 3 month trial is a good way to gauge success.
I will keep you all posted.
Charlie
Monday, December 26, 2016
Sunday, December 25, 2016
How to Begin
Running is something we do all our lives. As kids we run to get from place to place, or in playing games or sports. As adults, the joke goes, we run if we're being chased. I think for those who don't run all their lives, it's a challenge to begin.
So how do you being to run? As most of you know I break it down to right foot, left foot, repeat. The truth is it's a bit more than that. It's deciding when to go outside for a run, or head to the gym. It's a matter of making sure you have proper shoes(don't underestimate this point). Figure out if you want to run for fun or health, or both!
Running can be intimidating. Don't let it gt to you. Yeah, I know those amazingly fit people in spandex and shorts look graceful. In the end, it doesn't matter what you look like. It matters that you do it. Go to that local running store and be fitted for shoes. Go to a park, a lakefront, a trail, or even your neighborhood and run a bit.
My best suggestion is start slowly. Sorry to tell you this, but unless you are a gifted athlete, or Kenyan, you don't want to just jump into 5-10 mile runs. I started one mile at a time. I also started walking. So try running a couple minutes, and walking for one minute. Don't try to set land/speed records. If you think you are going to fast, simply talk out loud to yourself. If you are breathing heavy - you are going too fast. Not everyone breaks the 4 minute mile, so why are you trying?
Another suggestion.... if you have a secret lifelong goal to run a marathon, that's great. I suggest NOT jumping into that until you even see if you like running. Make a 5K your first goal. Trust me mile 18 in a long run or marathon is the wrong time to figure out you hate running, or hate running that distance. Build your miles, stamina, patience, and running in general. You'll know soon enough if you like running.
Have fun! Listen to music, or just run with the noise around you. It doesn't matter. If you got running shoes or a gift card for shoes this morning.... make plans to go for a run this week(if not today). Start slow and build, but above all - enjoy!
Merry Christmas!
Charlie
So how do you being to run? As most of you know I break it down to right foot, left foot, repeat. The truth is it's a bit more than that. It's deciding when to go outside for a run, or head to the gym. It's a matter of making sure you have proper shoes(don't underestimate this point). Figure out if you want to run for fun or health, or both!
Running can be intimidating. Don't let it gt to you. Yeah, I know those amazingly fit people in spandex and shorts look graceful. In the end, it doesn't matter what you look like. It matters that you do it. Go to that local running store and be fitted for shoes. Go to a park, a lakefront, a trail, or even your neighborhood and run a bit.
My best suggestion is start slowly. Sorry to tell you this, but unless you are a gifted athlete, or Kenyan, you don't want to just jump into 5-10 mile runs. I started one mile at a time. I also started walking. So try running a couple minutes, and walking for one minute. Don't try to set land/speed records. If you think you are going to fast, simply talk out loud to yourself. If you are breathing heavy - you are going too fast. Not everyone breaks the 4 minute mile, so why are you trying?
Another suggestion.... if you have a secret lifelong goal to run a marathon, that's great. I suggest NOT jumping into that until you even see if you like running. Make a 5K your first goal. Trust me mile 18 in a long run or marathon is the wrong time to figure out you hate running, or hate running that distance. Build your miles, stamina, patience, and running in general. You'll know soon enough if you like running.
Have fun! Listen to music, or just run with the noise around you. It doesn't matter. If you got running shoes or a gift card for shoes this morning.... make plans to go for a run this week(if not today). Start slow and build, but above all - enjoy!
Merry Christmas!
Charlie
Friday, December 23, 2016
Running in a New Age
It's easy to pick on Millennials. They are typically viewed as not very social, all hooked into social media, and they don't understand any pop culture references. They have also turned the running world on its ear.
Running has been on a down turn of late. Race registrations are down. Running store business hasn't been as great. A minor panic has set in. Younger people simply don't want to just run, they want running to be a part of something. They want social runs. They want to Tweet from their activities. Taking a selfie at the finish line of a marathon is passe.
So what is in? Obstacle course runs are in. Relay races are in. People are searching for races which don't invest a lot of time training. They want to be challenged and have fun. I get it.
Don't cry for half and full marathons. I think their day is not done at all. Running, as most things in life, has cycles. It wasn't too long ago the minimal shoe was all the rage, and now people want maximum cushion - go figure.
The key is to stay on trend, but don't give up on the tried an true. Invest in those training programs, but also develop the fun stuff. Cheer on the mud runner, but also celebrate the marathoner. Pass the beer, and still have time to train couch to 5K. It's a balance.
Who knows, we may yet see a Beer Mile at the Olympics!
Charlie
Running has been on a down turn of late. Race registrations are down. Running store business hasn't been as great. A minor panic has set in. Younger people simply don't want to just run, they want running to be a part of something. They want social runs. They want to Tweet from their activities. Taking a selfie at the finish line of a marathon is passe.
So what is in? Obstacle course runs are in. Relay races are in. People are searching for races which don't invest a lot of time training. They want to be challenged and have fun. I get it.
Don't cry for half and full marathons. I think their day is not done at all. Running, as most things in life, has cycles. It wasn't too long ago the minimal shoe was all the rage, and now people want maximum cushion - go figure.
The key is to stay on trend, but don't give up on the tried an true. Invest in those training programs, but also develop the fun stuff. Cheer on the mud runner, but also celebrate the marathoner. Pass the beer, and still have time to train couch to 5K. It's a balance.
Who knows, we may yet see a Beer Mile at the Olympics!
Charlie
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Dyad 9
The Brooks Dyad 9 is now out, and I finally got a pair in my strange size 8.5 4E. Initially I was told it was a softer ride, and a wider fit. I've now run twice in them. I'm not too sure about either.
I think part of the problem is they have taken away a bit of the volume of the shoe. This is a continuing effort by shoe companies to make shoes lighter, so the mesh upper is closer to the foot - snugger fit. I find that feel irritates my foot. To offset this, I've re-laced the shoes, so it doesn't come down so closely to my foot(remember you don't have to have the lacing the way the company does it).
As far as the cushion goes, I'm feeling a firmness I haven't felt previously. No one will ever confuse this shoe for a soft cushy ride. I like a firmer feel, but this is feeling a bit too firm.
Do I like this version? Eh....it'll do for the moment. I have few options, though I am always willing to try something else. I wish I had different feet, and then the choice of shoes would be more wide open for me.
Charlie
I think part of the problem is they have taken away a bit of the volume of the shoe. This is a continuing effort by shoe companies to make shoes lighter, so the mesh upper is closer to the foot - snugger fit. I find that feel irritates my foot. To offset this, I've re-laced the shoes, so it doesn't come down so closely to my foot(remember you don't have to have the lacing the way the company does it).
As far as the cushion goes, I'm feeling a firmness I haven't felt previously. No one will ever confuse this shoe for a soft cushy ride. I like a firmer feel, but this is feeling a bit too firm.
Do I like this version? Eh....it'll do for the moment. I have few options, though I am always willing to try something else. I wish I had different feet, and then the choice of shoes would be more wide open for me.
Charlie
Sunday, December 18, 2016
My Success and the Future
For the last few years, the economy of the running store hasn't been great. Running is down, running stores are closing or the business is consolidating. The internet has been the running store of choice for a while. Yet I see optimism.
My success in running specialty has been built on the following principles: treat your customer as a friend, treat your staff as family, treat running as something special. Notice, I didn't put any fancy economic terms in that list of success.
I've sold thousands of dollars worth of shoes, socks, insoles, etc. over the years. I know how to build a sale. I know when I can and can't discount. I'me learning more and more about the every day economics of the business. None of that though means anything if you don't follow what I outlined in the last paragraph.
I'm told I have an outstanding way of dealing with customers. My interactions with customers are conversations. They are friendly, welcoming, and more importantly, they are focused on the person in front of me. I see this as no different than talking to a friend. If a friend comes to you and is sharing their goals, you listen, encourage and get excited with them. Well, I am the running friend when you come into the store.
While I've never paid anyone to be a friend in a store, I hire people who I can be friendly with, and treat them like family. These are the people making you money, and raising your sales numbers. You need to treat them well. As I get to know staff, I make sure I know as much as I can, so I can do things like celebrate birthdays with them, give them encouragement when they are running a race, teach them what I know, like a parent passing down knowledge to their child. Sometimes, you do become good friends, but that's a bonus.
Running IS something special. It's a way to get fit, relax, pray, release tension, it's whatever you want it to be. When I ask someone what they need shoes for, and they tell me, I talk to them about how cool, important, or interesting their reason is. I do this, because I love running, and I want to pass that love on. I joke all the time that, "I just sell the shoes." I do more than that though. I express a love for an activity I embrace.
In an era of less social interaction(I'm not counting social media), I think what I do may be old fashioned, but it's also refreshing. People seem happy that I am so involved with what they are doing. They want to share what they are doing, and I don't mean by clicking the share icon. I think there is still a desire for person to person interaction in a store that the internet can't do.
I realize the battle I have with the internet, but in the future, I will be using both face to face, and internet with my customers, and I will be successful then, as I am now.
So 10 years is under my belt, and I move ahead for the next decade. I look forward to it with excitement, a bit of nervousness, and some confidence that I will continue to be successful.
Charlie
My success in running specialty has been built on the following principles: treat your customer as a friend, treat your staff as family, treat running as something special. Notice, I didn't put any fancy economic terms in that list of success.
I've sold thousands of dollars worth of shoes, socks, insoles, etc. over the years. I know how to build a sale. I know when I can and can't discount. I'me learning more and more about the every day economics of the business. None of that though means anything if you don't follow what I outlined in the last paragraph.
I'm told I have an outstanding way of dealing with customers. My interactions with customers are conversations. They are friendly, welcoming, and more importantly, they are focused on the person in front of me. I see this as no different than talking to a friend. If a friend comes to you and is sharing their goals, you listen, encourage and get excited with them. Well, I am the running friend when you come into the store.
While I've never paid anyone to be a friend in a store, I hire people who I can be friendly with, and treat them like family. These are the people making you money, and raising your sales numbers. You need to treat them well. As I get to know staff, I make sure I know as much as I can, so I can do things like celebrate birthdays with them, give them encouragement when they are running a race, teach them what I know, like a parent passing down knowledge to their child. Sometimes, you do become good friends, but that's a bonus.
Running IS something special. It's a way to get fit, relax, pray, release tension, it's whatever you want it to be. When I ask someone what they need shoes for, and they tell me, I talk to them about how cool, important, or interesting their reason is. I do this, because I love running, and I want to pass that love on. I joke all the time that, "I just sell the shoes." I do more than that though. I express a love for an activity I embrace.
In an era of less social interaction(I'm not counting social media), I think what I do may be old fashioned, but it's also refreshing. People seem happy that I am so involved with what they are doing. They want to share what they are doing, and I don't mean by clicking the share icon. I think there is still a desire for person to person interaction in a store that the internet can't do.
I realize the battle I have with the internet, but in the future, I will be using both face to face, and internet with my customers, and I will be successful then, as I am now.
So 10 years is under my belt, and I move ahead for the next decade. I look forward to it with excitement, a bit of nervousness, and some confidence that I will continue to be successful.
Charlie
Thursday, December 15, 2016
10 Years? It's a Wonderful Life
Ten years ago this week, I was in a soul sucking, miserable, tiring, low paying, unappreciated at Macy's. I had started off two years earlier as holiday help, and kept me, simply to torture me I think. At the depths of despair, I saw an ad which changed my life. Fleet Feet Sports Chicago was looking for enthusiastic people to work. While I wasn't feeling enthusiastic, I did love running, and why not work in a running store?
I interviewed with owner Dave Zimmer. It was one of those interviews where you came away thinking, "Man I want this so bad, I know I nailed the interview." On Friday Dec. 15, I had a shift at Macy's. I dreaded it, but I also knew Dave Zimmer told me he would call me that day to let me know if he wanted to hire me.
I headed to work, not dressed in my black suit and tie, I went to HR, and I told them I was quitting. The HR person said, "Don't you want to give two weeks notice? After all if you just quit you won't be eligible for rehire." I assured her that I didn't want to be rehired, and was sorry I was leaving in them in the lurch. As most of you know I am not a burning bridges guy, but this was one bridge, I splashed with gasoline, lit the match and ran like HELL out of there. On the way home I was nervous and excited.....I wanted this job!
Three hours later Dave called me. He said he knew it was the height of Christmas shopping, and maybe I could split time with Macy's, but he wanted to hire me, and when could I start. "Dave, I quite my job three hours ago, I could come over tomorrow and start," I said. He chuckled and told me Monday would be great, and I would be working at the Lincoln Square store. I started Monday, Dec. 18. When I walked into the store that Monday and met Sarah Cathcart and Jeremy Schapiro, my adventure began.
By now many of you know the story....I worked with Fleet Feet Sports, then BlueMile, then Providence Running Company, and now Fleet Feet Sports again - the circle of life. You may know that I have worked with amazing people, many of who have become amazing friends. I have gotten to have experiences I never would have had, be it going to my first Boston Red Sox game at Fenway, courtesy of New Balance, or running the famed Hood to Coast Relay Race. I've met legends such as Meb Keflezghi, Dick Beardsley, Ryan Hall, Kara Goucher and Dean Karnazes.
The crux of my career has been meeting and working with runners and walkers of all types. I've learned people's stories. I've celebrated their race successes, and I've hugged them when things didn't go well. I've coached, counseled, partied, mourned, celebrated, advised, and any other thing you can imagine, with runners. That has also been my job.
I've had great highs, but I have also experienced painful lows in this career. Thank God for the friends I made along the way who reminded me who I was, and why I do what I do, or I might be doing something else now. I've resisted talking about the negative aspects of the work I have done, but there are people who know how bad things got.
I will say, the lowest point was when I had my heart attack in 2014, and my staff at BlueMile was advised not to contact me. Many of them still did, because that is what friends do, but it was a horrible point in my life where I could have used more support, and the powers that be decided to make my life worse. I am forever in debt to BlueMile Carmel team for being so wonderful.
I can't list everyone I want to here, and on Facebook, and if someone feels I slighted them, I'm sorry. There are hundreds of people I know, and I can't acknowledge all of them. Just know I am forever grateful for the role you played these last 10 years.
My next decade is being developed now. I am embarking on the new adventure of ownership. This time next year I could be anywhere, but for now I am learning and working in Carrboro, NC, and loving every minute of it. It feels like I am back home with Fleet Feet.
I would be remiss if I didn't thank one person in particular - my partner Mark. When Mark and I met nine years ago, he certainly didn't think he would be moving around like we have. He has been with me, and while he doesn't always understand what I do, he supports me and my goals(as long as it doesn't involve the state of Indiana ;-) ). Next year he and I celebrate a decade together, and I love him very much.
If I worked with you, you hold a special place in my heart. If I fit you for shoes, it was my pleasure and honor to work with you. If I trained you for a race, it was a privilege. If I handed you water on the Monon or on Blackstone Trail, it was so much fun to be out there with you, If you were my assistant manager, you are part of my family.
Thanks everyone it's been a wonderful life....here is to many more years to come.
Happy Running!
Charlie
I interviewed with owner Dave Zimmer. It was one of those interviews where you came away thinking, "Man I want this so bad, I know I nailed the interview." On Friday Dec. 15, I had a shift at Macy's. I dreaded it, but I also knew Dave Zimmer told me he would call me that day to let me know if he wanted to hire me.
I headed to work, not dressed in my black suit and tie, I went to HR, and I told them I was quitting. The HR person said, "Don't you want to give two weeks notice? After all if you just quit you won't be eligible for rehire." I assured her that I didn't want to be rehired, and was sorry I was leaving in them in the lurch. As most of you know I am not a burning bridges guy, but this was one bridge, I splashed with gasoline, lit the match and ran like HELL out of there. On the way home I was nervous and excited.....I wanted this job!
Three hours later Dave called me. He said he knew it was the height of Christmas shopping, and maybe I could split time with Macy's, but he wanted to hire me, and when could I start. "Dave, I quite my job three hours ago, I could come over tomorrow and start," I said. He chuckled and told me Monday would be great, and I would be working at the Lincoln Square store. I started Monday, Dec. 18. When I walked into the store that Monday and met Sarah Cathcart and Jeremy Schapiro, my adventure began.
By now many of you know the story....I worked with Fleet Feet Sports, then BlueMile, then Providence Running Company, and now Fleet Feet Sports again - the circle of life. You may know that I have worked with amazing people, many of who have become amazing friends. I have gotten to have experiences I never would have had, be it going to my first Boston Red Sox game at Fenway, courtesy of New Balance, or running the famed Hood to Coast Relay Race. I've met legends such as Meb Keflezghi, Dick Beardsley, Ryan Hall, Kara Goucher and Dean Karnazes.
The crux of my career has been meeting and working with runners and walkers of all types. I've learned people's stories. I've celebrated their race successes, and I've hugged them when things didn't go well. I've coached, counseled, partied, mourned, celebrated, advised, and any other thing you can imagine, with runners. That has also been my job.
I've had great highs, but I have also experienced painful lows in this career. Thank God for the friends I made along the way who reminded me who I was, and why I do what I do, or I might be doing something else now. I've resisted talking about the negative aspects of the work I have done, but there are people who know how bad things got.
I will say, the lowest point was when I had my heart attack in 2014, and my staff at BlueMile was advised not to contact me. Many of them still did, because that is what friends do, but it was a horrible point in my life where I could have used more support, and the powers that be decided to make my life worse. I am forever in debt to BlueMile Carmel team for being so wonderful.
I can't list everyone I want to here, and on Facebook, and if someone feels I slighted them, I'm sorry. There are hundreds of people I know, and I can't acknowledge all of them. Just know I am forever grateful for the role you played these last 10 years.
My next decade is being developed now. I am embarking on the new adventure of ownership. This time next year I could be anywhere, but for now I am learning and working in Carrboro, NC, and loving every minute of it. It feels like I am back home with Fleet Feet.
I would be remiss if I didn't thank one person in particular - my partner Mark. When Mark and I met nine years ago, he certainly didn't think he would be moving around like we have. He has been with me, and while he doesn't always understand what I do, he supports me and my goals(as long as it doesn't involve the state of Indiana ;-) ). Next year he and I celebrate a decade together, and I love him very much.
If I worked with you, you hold a special place in my heart. If I fit you for shoes, it was my pleasure and honor to work with you. If I trained you for a race, it was a privilege. If I handed you water on the Monon or on Blackstone Trail, it was so much fun to be out there with you, If you were my assistant manager, you are part of my family.
Thanks everyone it's been a wonderful life....here is to many more years to come.
Happy Running!
Charlie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)