It’s 9:30 a.m. – What are YOU Doing?

Today I got call from one of my long-time clients (who’s also become a close friend) and I hear him chuckling when I pick up the phone. He says to me, “There’s no easy way to say this but this morning I was soaking in the bathtub at 9:30 a.m.” (on a side-note there IS something funny about visualizing a grown man soaking by himself in a bathtub).

Now, prior to the call my day hadn’t started out so good – my drycleaner’s opened 40 minutes late with no apologies (always a good business practice for a retail store), the stereo in my car was malfunctioning and I somehow managed to permanently seal our DVD player (with a rented movie inside) by an invisible button called “open lock.” By the time I got his call I was just schlepping through my day.

Taken aback a little – it’s not every day that your clients call you to tell you they took a bath at 9:30 in the morning - I simply reply okay to the comment (again, I was angry-pants). He continues, “Gina, how many people REALLY have the luxury of soaking in their tub at 9:30 in the morning on a Thursday?” Now he had my attention – very valid point. He goes on to say that because his business is RUNNING so well (who knew, the media has everyone believing that no one is thriving in this economy) somewhere along the way he had created this great life!

First and foresmost, it is SO nice to hear clients’ success stories – especially in this economy AND in the middle of a Chicago winter. To know that you impacted someone enough to make them stop in their day to call and laugh with you – that’s success.

Secondly, it’s not everyday that you hear in general (and not just from your clients) that someone is really enjoying what they do and their life. Most of the time it seems everyone is complaining about not having enough “stuff” or enough time or not seeing their kids enough or not enough money, etc. Remember to pause and be thankful for things like your health, your family, someone you love.

And lastly, if you do happen to run into a ”successful” person, they’re KILLING themselves to do it. When success comes with a high-price can we really classify it as success?

So, to all of you out there who are living your dream – ROCK ON! To all of you out there (including myself) who are living your dream but need a reality check to realize that the DVD player being indefinitely closed is small potatoes, may this make you a little more grateful. And, finally to all of you out there that wish you could live your dream, only YOU can make the choices and decisions in your life that will allow you to soak in the bathtub at 9:30 a.m. on some random Thursday!

I Dare You

Last night was the annual holiday party for our local women’s shelter. When I got home, I rushed right up stairs and started to blog about it. By the time I was done I didn’t like it - something didn’t sit right with me. The details of the event and the fabulous donations were all detailed there but after re-reading it, I realized my experience had nothing at all to do with the gifts…..

The reality is, it had everything to do with the moms realizing that real people with real faces cared about THEM – them as individual people and not them as a charity event receiving donations from people wanting to feel better about themselves. Last night each gift was hand-picked and hand-wrapped for each child – we knew which kid LOVED Tinkerbell, which boy REALLY wanted a Leapfrog system, which teenager had a DS system and which one needed a Playstation game. And although the gifts were meaningful, more importantly over everything else – it was our TIME that meant the most.

This year I dare you to get out of your bubble and make a PERSONAL contribution and investment of  TIME in the coming year to someone not related to you. Whether it’s Big Brother/Big Sister, educational workshops for a specific group, helping out around your shelter, reading to the seniors at a local home. I’m not referring to a drop and run for a tax deduction but rather a PERSONAL relationship where you know their name(s).

Let me warn you right here and right now that this is no easy feat! Getting closely involved with a charity group takes REAL time and REAL effort. I was lucky enough to experience last night because my dear friend works side-by-side with them (in addition to running her own company). The case-workers of the homes fiercely protect their families from judgemental people and curious minds wondering how the others really live. But over time, if you help out when they need you and show you really have an interest in their organization, they’ll begin to trust you and let you in.

So, in honor of this post and the season I leave you with a portion of one of my most favorite quotes – “…..to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition…..to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – this is to have succeeded.” Waldo Emerson

2009 Race Calendar

 

Pre-Race Craziness

Before I get too carried away with “bad weather,” “the holidays,” “the new business,” I figured I better commit AND publish my 2009 triathlon schedule. This will help hold me accountable and all my tri buddies and cheerleaders can follow along (and nudge me when I’m not training)!

So here it goes!

My first race of 2009 with be the Iron Girl Las Vegas on May 9th. I did it last year and was amazed at how hard it was but I really want to go back and conquer (myself of course)! This will be my A race of the season (crazy since I live in Chicago) but at least this time it’s in May and not April. An extra month on the bike outside will really help make a difference! The training prep for this race is Zone 1 and 2 through the end of February with weights “maxing out” in February. March and April are when it starts to get really fun and the workouts start to get a little crazy – did I ever tell you that I LOVE bricks?

On a side note, last year I bought a shirt that says, “Does this shirt make my butt look FAST?” Well 2009 is the year where I AM going to be fast so I can actually wear it!

The next race (yes, I need climb right back on the horse or else I end up where I am right now….) will be on June 14th in Madison, Wisconsin. Just like Vegas it’s an International and 2009 will only be the race’s second year. I wanted to do it in 2008 but my schedule was already full - I actually met some of the race directors at their store in Madison and was really impressed. Another side note – Zoot introduced their new ”tri” shoes last year and I really wanted a pair. When I visited the Endurance House they put me in the shoe, on their treadmill, and video-taped my feet – a REALLY cool thing to see. My left foot was completely collapsing and I got to see my foot-strike in slow motion. If you need shoes and live near Madison – go there! As far as the race, it’s in Madison and Madison is just plain beautiful. The run is on a trail and I’ll be adequately prepared this time since I’m trail running for Vegas.

July’s race will be the Lake in the Hills triathlon. This one literally takes place in my backyard and I’ve never done it. EVERYONE we know does it and I figured it could be my “fun” race. Plus the race director, Trudy Wakeman, does a great job organizing the event (which has two transition areas – never done that before).

And then finally, I’m off to Baltimore for my final race of the season hosted by Iron Girl in August. My 63 year old yogi does one tri a year and she is totally in love with the idea of racing in Baltimore. So without much discussion, we registered and committed to race it (and it’s already sold out). Plus it’s a Sprint and I LOVE shorties!

So folks, there it is. I am fully committed and dedicated to reaching these goals so if you have any input, advice, or guidance please share it.

And, Mr. John Boy, if you can find a place to squeeze in a half IM, please let me know – hah!

Where’s the Love?

Seriously, especially in this economy, can anyone afford to provide bad service? No matter how many times it happens, I am always floored when I experience it. It’s such a SIMPLE thing and provides a HUGE return in profits – yet so many businesses miss the boat (the recurring-business-money-boat to be exact). In just this week, I experienced it and heard about it in two random places - my veterinarian and Starbucks – the small brick and mortar business to the huge corporation – neither of which I think can afford to lose my business!

Last week before Thanksgiving I called the vet to reorder the missing-pancreas dog’s medicine. She can’t eat without the medicine because her body won’t digest the food – AND - the receptionist knows this because we already had one issue when I first adopted her three months ago. Further, I have been going to this vet for years, have spent over a thousand dollars (yep, the other dog had no hair and it’s sort of a necessity since we do live in Chicago – Hair Club for Dogs?), and drive over an hour to get there (really I’m not a crazy dog lady - it just so happens that I adopted two really high-maintenance dogs). Normally the medicine arrives within a day or two and I have them just ship it to my home. Well, Monday came around I noticed her medicine was getting really low. I had not heard from a single soul at the vet’s office. I called to follow-up and all she said was it wasn’t there yet (from past experience I know they forgot to order it). She said she would call when they got it. Tuesday comes around and again not a peep from them – again – I have to call them. This time the UPS man left it on his truck and they weren’t going to get it – and – they were only open a half day on Wednesday which meant the delivery may not make it there on time and even if it did, they closed at noon. I forgot to tell you that the stupid medicine also costs over $100 and it lasts about 5 weeks (didn’t really know that when I adopted her). So, Wednesday comes around and the receptionist calls at 11:00 to say they just received it. I have to drop everything that I’m doing because the dog won’t be able to eat and drive an hour there and an hour back and try to make it home in time for a teleconference. Needless to say, I’m changing vets. Lesson #1: If you botch something, fess up to it and let the customer know. Lesson #2: Over communicate – it eliminates the frustration from the client. You should always be calling them before they call you regarding an issue – be proactive (hate corporate words but it works here).

Now, onto Starbucks. When it comes to business, I believe there is nothing more powerful or more destroying than a customer testimonial - they build you up or completely tear you down – depending on the experience. This week a colleague and I got on a rant about bad service and she went into detail about her experience at her Starbucks. She said she normally knows the baristas, etc. and they’re always joking around and having a good time. Well this week, none of her normal people were there. Instead she got the angry, bad-attitude, throwing your coffee at you lady. Now, she owns a retail business that happens to be in the same strip-mall as an independent coffee house. While she likes the independent coffee there are just days when she wants Starbucks. However, it appears she will not be frequenting Starbucks anytime in the near future. This just completely reiterates that regardless of how good your product is, people will go elsewhere if they feel unappreciated. Lesson #3: If you are face to face with clients or customers, NEVER forget the power of a smile! Lesson #4: Say please and thank you – regardless of which business you’re in and which role you have (from the CEO all the way to the receptionist).

“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” Zig Ziglar

2008 Race Report

Gina Finishing Iron Girl

Today feels like a new start to me – it could be because we just got the first official snowfall of the season and everything looks brand new and fresh outside or it could just be the wrap-up of 2008 or that I launched the website and there’s some room for other thoughts. Regardless, I feel like today is a great day to reflect on my 2008 triathlon season and gear-up for 2009 (before it’s trendy in January)!

For those of you that don’t know, 2008 was my first official triathlon season. I did one sprint race in 2007 but really didn’t take my training serious until 2008 (and even at that, my “serious” isn’t anything close to what it should be)!

So my first race in 2008 was Iron Girl Las Vegas in April. Not only was this my first race of the season; it was also my first Olympic distance EVER, and the first time I ever swam in my wetsuit, and the first time I ever felt water that was 68 degrees (holy mother of….), and the first time I ever shipped my bike and put it together, and the first time I’d been in a race that was going to air on NBC. So really, there was no pressure. Oh, and did I mention it was one of the snowiest winters on record in Chicago – GREAT for training! 

Looking back though, it was my BEST race ever. Not because I had a stellar time (which I didn’t) but because I felt trained and ready for it (even though the run course was INSANE). There’s nothing better than reaping the rewards of your labor! Lesson #1: Sometimes you’re better off not knowing (a lot of things – like what 68 degree water feels like) and just preparing like crazy!

The second race was Bigfoot in Lake Geneva, WI. I approached this race (another Olympic distance) as a “I’m just going to have fun…..” Well if that wasn’t a complete mistake! I trained right up to the race (I’m a big taper person – what was I thinking?), I did not do ANY trail running (which was the entire run) and I assumed there were not going to be “serious” athletes at this small event – dumb, stupid, and wrong – all the way across the board! Well, I finished with a strong urge to throw-up BUT it was the first race that I didn’t feel like I was going to DROWN – YIP YIP YIPPIEE!! Lesson #2: Train for the race your racing even if you’re doing it to have fun – i.e. practice trail running if the race has trails.

And then there was Chicago – Accenture to be exact - the world’s largest triathlon – at the end of August - parked right at the end of my triathlon season when I started hard training January – brilliant! Even better though, was a last minute decision to sprint Pleasant Prairie the weekend before. As everyone knows who’s ever done Olympic distance, switching back to a sprint (half the distance of an Olympic) is just damn fun especially when it happens to be at a great venue AND you’re feeling like a million bucks because you haven’t raced in over a month – probably would have been great to save that feeling for the real race – Accenture! So, I did Pleas. Prairie and had a BLAST – LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT – and then it happened – right then and there and I didn’t realize it – my 2008 season ENDED.

So, one week later off I go to Accenture – I spent the night at my sister’s apt. who had neighbors below that partied until 2 a.m. and our alarm went off at 3:30 – transition at Accen. is NUTS! Oh, I forgot to mention that my other sister got married the day before so that added to the non-race prep too! I was SO not into this race – in any way, shape or form! This was really unfortunate because the weather could not have been ANY better – it was spectacular! My wave didn’t start for another three hours so I thought it would be great to eat Dunkin Donuts (seriously – what was I thinking?) and just hang out with my sister – no need to mentally prepare. Finally, it was time to go. My swim in Lake Michigan was AWESOME – there were no waves and I actually felt like I could hold my own in the water (again, not having the feeling of drowning when swimming in large bodies of water with large groups of people is a REALLY good feeling).

I forgot to mention one other minor detail (or so I thought). I added an aero bottle to my bike the day before. I kept dropping my water bottle during races and figured this would be a great solution. Have you ever heard the line – “Don’t try anything new on race day!” Yeah, I thought that didn’t apply to aero bottles – WRONG.

Back to the race…I entered the transition area and found my bike without any issue (no small feat). Out to Lakeshore Drive I went. Okay, no one EVER mentioned that Lake Shore Drive is like off-roading – no joke. There were people with flat tires EVERYWHERE. What this meant to me was, my genius idea of adding an aero bottle was backfiring – literally (because their stupid yellow net does NOTHING). I had Clif Lemonade everywhere – on my face, my legs, my shoes – not that it matters when you’re totally sweaty and gross but it was just plain annoying. So, my solution? Empty my aero bottle as soon as I could – by drinking it really fast in a bent over position which I had never practiced before. Then, slowly, very slowly, I felt it – a growing a pain in the pit of my stomach. By my second lap of the bike I was PRAYING for a flat tire. I barely made it back into transition area before I threw myself over a garbage can and dropped my bike….and that folks is how my 2008 season ended – DNF’d right then and there. Lesson #3: Chose your races and training logically and DON’T (EVER) add anything new on race day.

Regardless that my last race of 2008 ended with THE mortal sin of triathletes – I’m okay with it – what did I really expect? Your mind is more important in the race than your body and mine was already on vacation. Don’t get me wrong – it SUCKS to know that your name is forever associated with a DNF – HOWEVER I can make 2009 so AWESOME that it won’t even matter….so that’s exactly what I’m going to do….more on my 2009 races (and new cycle club) in my next blog!

Until then, I leave you with this quote “Live with Intention. Walk to the Edge. LISTEN Hard. Practice Wellness. Play with Abandon. LAUGH. Choose with No Regret. Appreciate Your Friends. Continue to Learn. Do what You Love. Live as this is All There Is.” Mary Ann Radmacher

Here We Go!

So, I finally did it - I launched the site last week but couldn’t write to announce it since my eyes were burned out of my head – hah! I’m so excited about what the future holds and can’t wait to see it all actually unfold – check it out at http://gettingyouinthegroove.com – would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanksgiving was REALLY fun around here since I actually disconnected from everything for a few days. Basically did a whole lot of nothing which is exactly what the doctor ordered. I’ll need all my superpowers as we start to “officially” launch the site.

I’m also trying to learn about all this “social media” stuff – I’m not old but certainly feel outdated. Between Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, etc. I feel like I’m soooo far behind – I guess there’s nothing private these days! I’ll have to get used to answering questions like ”What are you doing right now?” and “Do you want to be my friend?” Sort of bizarre but I’m not shy….

As far as the triathlons, I’ve swam twice since August (oops) and I’m starting to feel the pinch of May’s race ALREADY – I know how quick these things sneak up on you. So to that end, I’ve written out my 2009 race schedule and my training schedule – now – if I could only start to implement it!

Besides that, winter officially hit Chicago today and we are awaiting our first official storm expected to put about 7 inches of the white stuff on the ground – gotta love it!

Cheers – Gina

Movin’ Right Along….

Hi All:

Well time has definitely become a precious commodity over here (I’m writing this before 5 a.m.)! All of my time has been devoted to the Groove website and I am SO glad to report that we’re nearly there. After a few modifications to the overall layout, I feel I am really ready to launch this thing so it changes people’s lives. Next week is the date……

The other day I had this “flashback” of me standing on the beach in Jamaica about 5 or 6 years ago. It was there that I first visualized the Groove company and what how it would look. I never forgot that – they say

Where It All Began

once you verbalize something it becomes “real.” But, you know how it goes – life gets busy and it never seems like we’ll come back to it…..but I did (it was always there) and I’m so excited about that. In honor of my beach reflections, I’ve included a photo from that exact resort at that exact beach. The picture is AWESOME – if I do say so myself – hah!

Besides creating my nook in cyber-space, not too many other interesting things have been happening – my triathlon training has nearly come to a stand-still (although I’m not complaining – but thank goodness bikini season is OVER)! Both of the my “special” needs dogs are well, still special needs. Since I mentioned them, here’s a really quick FUNNY story – everyday I walk them and for the first 5 or 10 minutes they’re a little crazy. Well last week the new dog pulled her leash out of my hands. Because the leash is retractable, it went bouncing towards her and OH BOY – off she went – she was running, then would sit with her ears back – waiting for the “thing” to come get her, then the leash would coming chasing and off she’d go again…..this went on for about 5 minutes until she finally ran into someones backyard (the grass stopped the leash from bouncing). Sometimes it’s just the really small things in life!

Next week I will post my official launch date – I promise! Until then….

Gina

Phew…..

Hi All:

September ended up being a crazy month on all fronts (sorry for not writing sooner)! Get In The Groove continues to advance down the field (appropriate as the Bears won yesterday) and we are VERY hopeful that I’ll launch by the end of October. There are already several people “chomping at the bit” - SO HOLD ON – WE’RE NEARLY THERE! I can’t wait to share all of my “stuff” with financial planners everywhere. It’s great to know that you can positively change people’s lives!

On a personal note, I ran around all month and ended it with a trip to Colorado. What a great experience – Estes Park in September. I attached a few pictures of my trip and highly recommend that you visit there in the Fall! We did everything from yoga (very comical), to bike riding in the Rockies to visiting the Stanley Hotel (where Stephen King wrote and based the Shining). It was definitely nice to get back into exercising – haven’t done so much since the end of August. I better begin to take it seriously because Iron Girl Las Vegas will be here before I know it!

Now I have to get back to the Groove so we can hit that launch date!

Always,

Gina

Down South…

Hi All!

Well this week I am actually in Tennessee getting some things ready for the “official” launch of Get In The Groove. Yesterday I interviewed one of my clients on how we’ve affected his life in such a positive way (talk about being shown your purpose-forever grateful) and today I had a photo shoot! This is a TON of fun but it certainly makes you tired – now I definitely don’t feel bad about going to bed between 8 and 9 every night (no joke) – I need my rest!

The one thing that has definitely amazed me on this journey of launching a business has been the kindness and generosity of people. If you simply ask for help, there are still people out there willing to go above and beyond anything I would EVER expect! Simply from being introduced to a couple and telling them my story, I had my interview done in a musician’s personal studio and photos taken in a dress actually worn to the Emmy’s – all from people just wanting to help and be involved! Sometimes in this doom and gloom economy we forget to take a step back and simply appreciate all the people and experiences we have in our life everyday…..

So to all of you out there that still positively contribute to the larger picture – THANK YOU – you do make a difference!

Gina

P.S. I’ll be sure to post some pictures of the shoot – we ended up taking some funny ones that you’ll enjoy!

She’s Home….

Hi All:

Sorry for the delay in updating you but things have been a “little crazy” around here. Saturday we drove from Chicago to Detroit (left at 5:30 a.m. and got home around 7:30 p.m.) and arrived with one more “ugly” dog (I’ll upload a pic as soon as I have time)! So far, so good but you just never know with a rescue dog. My current dog, Maggie Moo Moo, FINALLY took to her today so things have started to settle down – which is good because I have a boatload of things to do for Get In The Groove! With any luck, we’ll have our new website done by early October (cross your fingers!). This will allow all of the clients in the coaching program to have one-click access to all of my forms, documents and templates. It will also be where we’ll load all of our interviews and teleconferences from specialists in the financial planning world….can’t wait!

On that note, I better get back to Groove because I have a feeling October will be here quicker than I think!

’til next time…..

Gina