I’m writing this while recovering from a big race in our town. Sitting here sore in a few places, I ponder why I’ve started this whole running-fitness thing. The answer is pretty simple. Beyond the little pain I’m experiencing now, I actually feel great. In reality there is much more to it than that.
As I reflect back on Sunday’s event, I’m pretty blown away by what I can do these days. For years I was a cripple from an old motocross racing injury, which caused the kind of pain that controlled my life. After 10 years of being petrified of the brutal ankle-fusing surgery solution, the thought of things getting worse as I got older was the motivating factor to finally saying yes to the surgery. Looking back I couldn’t be happier that I did it.
Motivated by my wife who got into running and lost a bunch of weight, I started walking, and ultimately running … albeit pretty darn slowly. I did some fun 5K’s, like the Color Run where they pour colored cornstarch on you. My 5K Sunday was a “real” race for time and even though at this stage of my life speed doesn’t matter … my goal was to not be the last older guy out there. Goal achieved!
In addition to the good things that come from a more active lifestyle, we are building quality relationships in a local running group. It’s a great community and one of the things that keep me motivated. Through my own personal experiences, FreePromoTips SuccessFit was born.
I realized that many of the leaders in our industry are very active. It’s easy to see that there is a correlation to fitness as it relates to success. The FreePromoTips.com industry resource program I publish is a content driven resource. It seemed right to share material based on fitness and being active.
As we move forward, people will be sharing their journey through SuccessFit videos. Here is a short inspirational message with a business tip from PPAI Hall of Fame inductee, Paul Kiewiet, MAS. Paul talks about his journey to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Click here for the video. If you have a story to share let me know. Your journey can inspire others!
The FreePromoTips SuccessFit Facebook Group is an easy way for like-minded people to connect. Any industry person who has an interest in being active on any level is welcome to join the group and participate! Share your fitness selfies and whatever you like! This is an opportunity to share, inspire and motivate others.
To kick SuccessFit off we are doing a fun “exercise” at the PPAI Expo to benefit the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF). Don’t worry! You won’t break a sweat. Participation simply enables you to receive things you will use and that you can show your clients in the popular Health and Wellness category. More information on what we are doing at the Expo can be found here.
Companies supporting SuccessFit at the Expo include: SnugZ USA, Fields Manufacturing, Southern Plus, Hirsch Gift, Terry Town, HPI Emblem, Artwork Source, Astor Chocolate, MiLine by Fey, Gold Bond, SanMar, SAGE and Newton Manufacturing.
Regional Associations, Distributors and Supplier Companies are invited to participate in what we are doing at the Expo! Awards will be given to the group with the most participants. This is a great opportunity to raise funds and awareness for PPEF that has helped so many in the industry with education scholarships. NOW is the time to register!
The image above with the red lines on it indicate that I need to get up and move. Fitness-type watches and activity monitors are a hot product these days. I work long hours and most of that is spent sitting. My Garmin watch tells me I need to walk for a bit. That’s not easy to do. How will I get this commentary and the other things I work on done? The reality is getting up occasionally is a good thing and I need to take advantage of this activity tool.
Along these lines, I’d like to share some words of wisdom from Lee Strom, marketing director for SanMar, one of our SuccessFit Expo “Exercise” Suppliers.
Lee talks about fitting in fitness:
“Let’s face it; we’re all super busy these days. In an always on/always connected world, it’s sometimes hard to break free for ourselves to do what we know we need to do—eat better and exercise more.
Experts recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. While that may seem like a lot at first, when broken down it’s essentially 30 minutes of brisk walking, cycling, jogging, dancing or even mowing the lawn five times a week.
Still seem daunting in a world full of meetings, sales calls, taking kids to-and-from soccer games, getting dinner on the table and trying to squeeze in some quality family time? Try to incorporate some physical activity into your workday or your daily routine.
I’m part of a group here at SanMar who jog together most days during the lunch hour regardless of weather. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with co-workers from different departments, share new ideas for improving the workplace or just enjoy some time outside on a (rare) dry Seattle winter day.
If you have a job in an office setting, look for workout partners who can encourage and support you on those days when you’re not as eager to pound the pavement. Simply finding the time for exercise and making it a part of your daily schedule can be one of the biggest hurdles to overcome.
Lunchtime may not be an option for you, but perhaps you can meet up with coworkers, friends or neighbors just before or just after work hours for a quick exercise session. You don’t have to run marathons, or even 5K’s, to make a positive impact on your health.”
Lee has it right. You don’t have to anything big to stay fit. Just do what you like to do and get moving. Walking, running, biking, hiking … whatever? Being active is good for your body, your mind and your business!
Jeff Solomon, MAS is affiliated with a Top 10 distributor company and also publishes FreePromoTips.com, a popular industry resource. The PPAI award winning FreePromoTips.com website and twice a month e-newsletters are packed with beneficial information. On the website, you can opt in to receive these informative twice a month e-newsletters! Check out what’s new in the GP2: Good Products-Good Prices section of the site. Take advantage of FREE end user safe product videos you can share from their YourPromotionSolution.com website. LIKE their page on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and connect with Jeff on LinkedIn. FreePromoTips.com is also on Pinterest!
