Exercise tips and advice

In business, sales and marketing, we are in a marathon, not a sprint.

Sounds cliche, but it is true. That being the case, it is important that you stay sharp mentally and physically fit.

A few months ago, I took a look at myself in the mirror. I had put on a few pounds, felt tired and run down and lethargic.

I needed to change my diet and start exercising - but how to start.

The first impulse all of us have, usually around the beginning of the new year or when warm weather is upon us, is to run out and join a gym. My wife belongs to one and pays thirty dollars and change monthly for the privilege. The problem is getting up and going to the gym.

Even if the gym is close, it is ten minutes to get dressed, fifteen minutes to make the drive and five minutes to get checked in and set up. In that same 30 minutes, I have completed more than half of my workout routine.

My suggestions for exercise from someone who recently got back into "getting in shape".

First, consider running or walking. The equipment is the cost of a decent pair of running shoes. I picked up mine at a big box sporting goods retailer for less than forty dollars.

Today, those shoes are worn and the seams are starting on one shoe, but what a return on my investment.

Next, plan a time and course for a run/walk. For location, I chose my neighborhood because the barrier to entry would be walking out the front door.

For time, I chose the early hours of the day, around 6 AM.

The hardest part was getting up in the morning and getting started. I wanted to sleep in and start the next day. Lying in bed, I told myself, "If I start running today, I will be late to work."

But I got out of bed anyway and got started.

I planned on running for a straight twenty minutes. As I started, I wondered "How many miles will I make today?". Instead, I ended up walking most of the way and only making it around the block, (with shortcuts).

The next day, agony. My back and legs felt like I had been in a car wreck. My head hurt. When I woke up, I could not find my running shoes or shorts. I was starting later than the day before. I almost rolled back into bed and called it a day.

But I got out of bed and went anyway.

And so it went for the next three months. Day in and out. Rain or shine (ever run in the rain?).

Three months later, I still run every day. I change my course and try to add new streets and neighborhoods just to keep it interesting. Despite early meetings, out of town trips and even a short vacation, I stick to my running schedule.

A couple of weeks after I started running, I began lifting weights. Again, I refused to join a gym. Rather, I went into the garage and used those weights I had bought piecemeal over the last decade.

I started with some curls, butterflies and presses.

Again, the sore factor was in overdrive the next day. But I kept on. Today, I cannot imagine a day without some sort of weight lifting or exercise like pushups or situps.

The result of my three month experiment: More energy, less stress, lowered blood pressure and decreased cholesterol. I have been more patient and less angry. My focus has improved as has my critical, long term thinking. I don't know why, it just has happened.

Also, I have lost weight and my spare tire is running on empty. My wife noticed for the first time this weekend, how different I look. Clothes are starting to fit again and my children have not remarked lately on my "fat stomach".

All good in my book.

Remember, exercise is not a gym, expensive equipment or trainers. Pick up those dusty running shoes and get out for a walk, then run. Ride that bike in the garage. Clean off the clothes hanging on the treadmill or machine in the corner of your bedroom and get started.

Just get started. You new body is waiting for you in the near future.

Now get back to work.

Airline Service Frustrations

Travel story for the week of June 18th.

1. Arrive at airport at 6:43 AM for 8:10 flight.
2. Go to self-service kiosk for airline boarding pass (in line with about 100 other travellers).
3. Airline self-service system cannot find ticket based upon my name or destination city.
4. Go back to airline terminal entry and retrieve flight number from monitor.
5. Input flight number in airline self-service kiosk (after waiting turn a second time, there are 100 other travellers in check-in line) - still no workie.
6. Go to airline baggage counter and ask for assistance from airline agent. "We are too busy, get in check in line for assistance" was told. Line is about 20-25 deep and moving 1PPH (1 Person Per Hour).
7. Get in checkin line and call 411 for number to airline reservation desk. 411 operator short with me because I do not know the city of number requested.
8. Five minute hold with reservations. Airlines reservation attendant says try this code for flight at self-service kiosk. Two minutes later, I find my flight reservation. But it is now 7:23 AM, too late for check in for flight. Reservation lady on phone says reschedule for 1:55 PM flight later that same day. Bzzt! Have meeting at noon. That is a no-go so I cancel my flight.

I ended up taking a 8PM flight that evening (on different airline) and rescheduling the meeting for the next AM.

Note to self - print e-ticket before leaving for airport.
Note to airline - Dear Airline CEO, please visit Gate B at your hub. It is a testament to disorganization and customer service apathy.

The next day ... Coming home...

1. Arrive early at airport for 7:15 flight. Rain delay, flight leaves at 7:30 instead.
2. Arrive at connecting flight airport with 20 minutes to take off - 9:20 take off now 10:20.
3. Connecting flight delayed again until 10:55.
4. Pilots not on plane until 10:26, flight delayed; boarding commences at 10:55.
5. Traffic jam at gate prevents the plane from pulling back for 30 minutes.
6. Pull back from gate and wait an additional 30 minutes for slot on runway.
6. Arrive at home airport at 2:30 this AM.

Air travel has devolved in the U.S. from glamourous and exciting to third world conditions. Some days I expect someone to board my flight carrying a goat or a cage of chickens. Nearly every flight I have been on in the past six months has been delayed or cancelled the day of the flight.

When I voice my frustration, my fellow passengers shrug their shoulders and say the same thing, "What can you do about it?".

I don't blame the flight crews. They do a great job with positive attitudes despite having to deal with layoffs, missing benefits and salaries (not to mention surly passengers).

I don't blame the gate or ticket agents, most who do an incredible job keeping a half dozen balls in the air at any time.

Rather, I blame the airline management for squeezing every dime out of customers without showing the minimun amount of respect to the people who pay their salaries.

I blame the FAA and federal government for creating as many idiotic rules and obstacles as possible most of which only serve to incapacitate and inconvinience law abiding, taxpayers.

Hint for airline management: If a flight is late, for any reason, don't blame the feds, the unions or the weather. Empathize with your paying customers and toss them a bone. Maybe a gift card, a sandwich, a few hundred frequent flier miles.. any act which says "I appreciate your business and I realize you are late to a business meeting or getting home. I can't change the world, but I want to make you feel a little bit better by showing our appreciation". How hard can that really be?

As for the feds.. please seek advice from airline gate employees about security, neccessary safety rules and proper procedures. They have some great ideas. Also, apply a little common sense at those security checkpoints. Please.

I will still fly. I have too. My job depends upon it. I would only like to get to my destination on time occasionally and with fewer problems.

Please consider the paying passenger and figure out a way to make travel a little more fun and glamourous. Like it used to be.