Category: military

Marine Corps Marathon / Next on the Agenda

The 44th annual Marine Corp Marathon (MCM) will be held on October 27, 2019 in Arlington, VA. As I’m sure many of my readers had no idea, this might possibly be the largest and most inspiring marathon one ever runs. I have plans to run the MCM; don’t rush me! MCM is the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, instead celebrating the honor, courage, and commitment of all finishers. Navy Shout-Out: Honor, Courage, Commitment.

Everyone, please welcome Cheryl

Now meet Cheryl. Cheryl has been running for many years. The 44th MCM will be her first marathon in quite some time. As I watch her diligently train on the treadmill several times a week, I’m reminded it’s time to get my own rear in gear and commit to my next race. It’s called a race no matter if you’re racing as an elite competitor or against yourself. To be clear, I’m the latter. Oh you thought I was elite? Why thank you! Cheryl is a hero of mine. From afar, I admire her persistence and dedication. Not being able to run outside in this dangerous Texas heat can be a huge deterrent to runners. Waving my own hand around. And dreadmill running can suck at times. But the show…errr, run…must go on! Cheryl and many other incredible men and women I know personally will be leading the way at the MCM in quests for their own PR (personal record) and sense of accomplishment. There’s nothing crazy about chasing your aspirations as long as you feel your heart explode with thankfulness at the finish line. I’m so proud of you all – training in this brutal heat, making plans to attend as a first time MCM participant, and proving your strength can be uplifting for others.

Cheryl laughing at me taking her photo

Since I enjoy committing myself to outlandish things on this blog (ahem, the tattoo is still happening, people), what better way to prove to myself and the whopping 3 people who read this (am I right?) that I’m ready to begin training is to make this announcement:

I HAVE FOUND MY NEXT RACE!

The Texas Double is hosted in Dallas, TX on 12/21 and 12/22 at 7am. Combined, it’s the marathon distance (26.2 miles); each race is a half marathon (13.1 miles for the mathematically challenged). So, no, I’m not running a marathon. Yet. However, the distance I will cover is a marathon’s worth. Do I get extra points for this? Why not?!

Shortly I will begin training. I’ll probably be a little grumpy for awhile. I’m sorry everyone. Do you know what it takes to get up at 4am and run?! Do you?! But we do it because we love it and because we’re stronger mentally when we run. We. The collective of runners and all people who put one foot in front of the other each day. Unsurprisingly, it was difficult to locate a training plan incorporating long runs on both Saturday and Sunday. Most often, long runs are planned for a weekend day (singular) because normal people only run one half or full marathon a weekend. Therefore, training plans are designed with this in mind. I had to do some serious modifications to the plan for the Texas Double to train for a half each day. There goes my weekend plans for 17 weeks.

I’m looking forward to running again. My extended break is over and although I won’t be pounding the pavement until it cools off outdoors, I know my trusty treadmill will encourage me in the way only she knows – by not stopping. There will be days when I ask myself why I’m doing this, as well as days when I forget to “trust the plan”. Please feel free to provide encouragement and cookies. Mainly the cookies. I also enjoy your stories!

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I ask you this –

What’s next on your adventure journey? Humor me!

Do you have any music suggestions?

Leave a comment with supportive remarks for Cheryl!

Customer Service + Plan of the Day

In the Navy, our daily tasking was called POD (pronounced pee-oh-dee), not to be confused with pod (of the tea or low hanging fruit variety). In my infinite, worldly experience (don’t laugh now, the jokes get better), I have found not every corporation runs like the well-oiled machine of the US government. Unfortunate, I’m certain. “eye roll“

So even though we don’t call our daily tasks a fancy name like POD, businesses, like the military, strive to deliver excellent customer service. Ok, ok, the military doesn’t really put customer service at the forefront of its plan. Let’s be real. We serve to protect our country and those of our allies. Period. Customer service? Eh. Not so much. But I digress.

Is it a secret if it’s written for everyone to see? Hmmm…

My goal is amazing customer service – to give each member and guest an experience like no other. Business owners will tell you this is the top priority, as it should be. People want to feel like they are the only ones who matter when standing in front of you. You are the expert. They the eager learner. It can be tough to balance wants/needs of a customer, but a good listener can almost always decipher what’s being said vs not said. We must read the body language and other non-verbal cues of a member/guest to give them what they came for. Sometimes humor doesn’t sell. I’m more upset than you!

Listening is the hallmark trait of customer service. What did you say?! I say again… Navy speak. It’s not so much about information you are providing, but delivery of said information and the only way to accurately convey it is to listen first, speak second. Imagine a world where humans considered then re-considered what they’d like to say before eliciting a single syllable. Just imagine!

Customer service is much like chess.

My entire point is this: in order to form a connection with members and guests in a customer service field, one must open their ears and close their mouth to give the customer a chance to state what it is they need. The POD will never serve a purpose if we don’t feel heard, truly heard. It should include amplifying information necessary for the reader to understand what is expected.

At Anytime Fitness, we strive to be the best at giving our attention to our members. Without a POD, the Navy is just floating aimlessly. Are you prepared to answer the proverbial call?

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I ask you –

Do you think some people are more suited than others for customer service professions?

Are you introverted or extroverted?

Tell me a time you received exceptional service!