Turkey Day Run!

When you are about to consume thousands of calories in one meal, what do you do? You go out and exercise! Go out for a morning jog to get the blood going. Sounds good right? How about your alarm clock going off of at 6 AM on Thanksgiving morning. You and your girlfriend get u; get your running gear on; stretch out a little bit ( I got in the hot tub to warm up my joints and muscles); you grab a light breakfast; and you head down the street to the local Spring Training Baseball Park to take part in the Annual 10 mile race for charity. Thats right 10 mile race on Thanksgiving morning! We weren't the only crazy ones there. There were at least 2,000 people there for the 10 mile race, 5K race and 1 mile walk. The race was raising money for the West Valley Child Crisis Center. They were also collecting toys.

A few weeks earlier, I thought Kelly was CRAZY to sign us up for the race. As the race got closer that changed and we were both excited. We're running our half marathon in about 2 months. The race started at 8 AM. We were off. Around mile four me and a few other runners almost got blown up by the group of 20 people launching bottle rockets and fire works in the park we were running in. Hmmmm, park, a couple thousand runners, wind.....hey kids lots go shoot off some rockets! The one rocket landed infront of me and a female runner, we scattered when we saw what it was, then it exploded. Crazy! Would I make it home to eat turkey?

I did the Gallway run and walk technique. Run a mile, walk for about two -minutes and repeat for the race. The course was hilly and by the time I got to the last two miles I had a lot of energy still. My knees didn't feel so good though. The finish line for the race is inside the ballpark the hosts the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres. It was cool to run in the park and having people cheering in the stands as people crossed the finish line by the third base dugout. I had a lady sprint past me coming in the park. She had a great final kick. I wanted to catch her before the finish line, but that didn't happen. I was in a full sprint and the two of us probably passed about 10-15 runners on the way in. I crossed the finish line;my trip to the men's rooms; and went back out on the course to find Kelly. I got to her with about 3/4 of a mile to go. Her foot started to bother her at the 7 mile mark, so all she wanted to do was finish the race. We we got inside of the ballpark, she was ready for the race to be over, then we saw the clock. She was 5 minutes ahead of her goal and on pace to finish under two hours! She found enough energy for a final kick and she finished under two hours!

After the race it was off to the hot tub and a bottle of Aleeve! A bottle of wine for Kelly!

We'll have offical times next week. I finished around 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Howtostretch.com

I going out to Arizona in about 11 days to visit my girlfriend. (Yay!!!) She asked me if I would run in a 5K with her when I get out there. I agreed. I really haven't been running much lately and when I do, I do about a mile to a mile and half. Today I decided to see how far I could puch myself. To my surprise, I ran/jogged six miles. I ran it in about 50 minutes (8 1/2 minute miles). I can't complain about that. There is a park about 3 miles away from my place, so I ran to the park, then walked about 2.5 miles of the trails, then ran back. I'm happy!

After running for extended distances, especially on hard surfaces, my joints and other body parts hurt. I made sure to stretch before I ran and when I got home. I wanted to make sure I was streching right and I found a cool website called howtostretch.com. I know a couple of runners read this site, so click on the title above and check out the site.

Day #1

I have a hand written journal I'll be keeping on the trip. When I can I will transfer what I wrote to the website. This is what I wrote on the airplane:

We just got the message that we are one hour away from Melbourne. The trip has been long and short. Here are a few things I've learned so far.....

#1 I'm traveling with a great group of people. They are funny and smart at the same time. I'm going to learn a lot, just by being with them.

#2 747's and all airplanes are not made for people over 5 feet tall. If you're over 5 feet tall, you're in trouble! Sitting 15 hours in one spot isn't good for the "rear!" I stood up and walked around for a bit, so the feeling is starting to return to my backside. 350 people shoved into a metal box with wings....Nice!

#3 Qantas is a great airline! I'm going to have a tough time flying domestic in the future. The food has been really good and the in flight entertainment can't be complained about. I love the little toothbrush, socks and eye mask we got.

#4 I'm getting used to the Australian accents. The people I've met on the plane have been friendly and shared a lot of information about their country. There is a very diverse group of people on the plane.

#5 Watching the sunrise behind the plane this morning was beautiful. I took a few pictures ( I posted a few on the my other page)

#6 It takes 25+ hours to get here. Cleveland to Los Angeles took 5 hours. We waited in Los Angeles for another 5 hours and the flight to Melbourne is 15 hours.

Thats all for now, more to come soon!

New Program Descriptions from the BAD BAD Apples

I've been working hard over the last couple of weeks with Rodger Campbell to redesign and introduce new programs for 2011. As "The BAD BAD Apples," we are a comprehensive speaking duo. We offer a variety of programs that provide everyone with the sweet taste of success.

Below are the descriptions of our programs:

“Are you a B.A.D A.P.P.L.E?”

Producing a Dynamic Life

Is your life a celebration or a chore? The choice is yours! Many wish to celebrate life, but just don’t know how. With the right attitude, anything is possible! This amazing, high energy and interactive keynote experience is the perfect kick off for any conference, convention, orientation or retreat. The BAD BAD Apples will take you and your organization from ordinary to extraordinary! Come experience why being B.A.D is a way of Life!

Audiences will:

• Discover their significance in life
• Examine the Three stages of a Dynamic Life
• Encounter the Three characteristics of Progress
• Devise a Five-step battle plan for personal or professional success

“It’s Ok to P.L.A.Y”

The O. S. W. Method to learning

Everyone participates in this game called LIFE. Whether we are successful depends on how we play. The only way to improve is to participate and play. Games provide amusement and an education. Great for office staff, administrative teams, entry level employees and volunteers. Supply the BAD BAD Apples with your vision and they’ll facilitate an experience which will Build and Develop your skills in Communication, Diversity, Leadership, Relationships and More!!!! Provide us with a flexible space and we’ll show you “It’s OK to Play”.

Audiences will:

• Participate in “Attitude Adjustment Exercises”
• Utilize effective communication skills
• Develop strong relationships with co-workers and participants
• Learn the Applesauce Philosophy of Life

“It’s Ok to P.L.A.Y”– College edition

The O. S. W. Method to learning

Life is always “Game On!!!!”. Whether we are successful depends on how we play. Games provide amusement and an education.Improvement and Excellence come through participation. Great for Freshman, New Student and Leadership Orientations. Supply the BAD BAD Apples with your vision and they’ll facilitate an experience which will Build and Develop your skills in Communication, Diversity, Leadership, Relationships and More!!!! Provide us with a flexible space and we’ll show you “It’s OK to Play”.

Audiences will:

• Participate in “Attitude Adjustment Exercises”
• Utilize effective communication skills
• Develop strong relationships with students, staff and advisors
• Learn the Applesauce Philosophy of Life

“Grow Some Apples!” The BAD BAD Apples Retreats

People and Apples are amazing! They are valuable resources which have the ability to produce limitless amounts of products individuals want, need and desire. They just need the proper environment to GROW! Our retreats provide the proper nourishment and resources needed to grow a healthy and thriving crop of Apples. Our retreats are tailored to meet your individual needs. Invite us for a few hours, an entire day or as long as you need.

The following topics can be incorporated into any retreat:

Conflict Resolution Networking

Customer Service Organizational Development

Diversity Presentation Development/Public Speaking

Event Production Recruitment and Retention

Goal Setting Relationship Building

Interpersonal Communication Stress Management

Leadership Team Building

Motivation Time Management

The Little Things to Leadership

To be an exemplary leader you must have the ability to recognize the little things. LITTLE THINGS can turn into BIG THINGS quicker than you can imagine. Frank Kitchen will teach you the “Lucky Seven” skills you must posses to excel as a leader. Prepare yourself to create the environment everyone desires to work in. Learn why it’s better to be lucky than good!

Audiences will:

• Uncover the seven skills every leader must posses
• Generate a formula to create a winning leadership style
• Collaborate with other participants on creative ways to recognize and reward the efforts of the people they work with and lead
• Perfect techniques that build and develop relationships based on respect and responsibility

The Electric Slide - The Dance of Leadership

Dancing and leadership are about movement, action and progress. In order to move correctly, one must know and understand the steps. Leadership is challenging in any environment. However, exceptional leaders understand that things are accomplished when we work together. Prepare yourself to sweat, learn and dance as Rodger Campbell teaches you the steps needed to get into the Leadership Groove!

Audiences will:

• Identify the major requirements of exemplary leadership
• Discover the four stages of leadership
• Recognize key environments for leadership
• Realize how developing their own unique style can add to the fun

Leadership S.U.C.K.S.

An insiders guide to creating your ultimate plan for leading people

Leaders are often chosen for their great ideas, their great charisma, and their passion. Then there are occasions when leaders are chosen because they were the last person to enter a room. Leadership can be fun, rewarding, exhilarating and dangerous. Leaders are just like apples. They can get tossed around, pressed and bruised. Welcome to Leadership! Join Rodger Campbell as he takes a look at leadership from the other side and learn how a bruised apple today means tasty apple sauce tomorrow.

Audiences will:

• Discover the “REAL DEAL“ of leadership
• Identify the advantages of the Jagged Edge.
• Master the R & R approach to progress
• Promote a Four-part strategy for Leading with C.A.R.E.

“Along Comes the Drama”

A tactical guide to surviving conflict

DRAMA cost organizations billions annually. DRAMA is defined as a situation or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces. Some individuals love to watch DRAMA, some like to create DRAMA, some just fall into DRAMA. DRAMA creeps into every relationship with silence and stealth until you find yourself caught in its web. In order to survive DRAMA you must have a program guide. Rodger Campbell invites you to sit back, grab a program and learn how to be DRAMA free.

Audiences will:

• Decipher the “Dramatic Equation”
• Discover the nature of Conflict
• Identify the Five common causes of Conflict
• Examine key strategies to working through “The Dramatic Rapids”

“The Trick or Treat Theory” -

The 4R’s to a Sweet Organization

Is your organization a Trick or a Treat? Do you know the difference? In order to have a Sweet Organization you need to have the “4R’s!” You need to RECRUIT the right people; RECOGNIZE how to properly utilize their talents; create avenues to RETAIN them and REWARD their achievements. “Trick or Treat” is about building strong relationships and acknowledging the people you work with as a RESOURCE. Stop by as Frank Kitchen provides Fun and Creative Knowledge on how to Build and Develop the Sweetest House (Organization) on the Block!

Audiences will:

• Explore the four characteristics of successful organizations or businesses
• Discuss innovative and imaginative approaches for recruitment and retention
• Collaborate with other participants on creative ways to reward the efforts of the people they work with and lead
• Walk away with new concepts to make their organization a Treat to work in and not a Trick!

Monday Morning Happy Hour:

Creating an exhilarating work environment

From the moment we arrive at “Work” we are counting down the minutes until we leave.

We are looking forward to the end of the day when we gather at the local watering hole for Happy Hour. We are happy that the day is done; Happy that we have survived; and Happy to be with the people we get along with. What would happen if every Monday began with Happy Hour? Rodger Campbell will challenge you to find the Happy Hour early and keep it going. It’s time to get down to business “Happy Hour Style!”

Audiences will:

• Gain insight on the role of the Happy Hour.
• Evaluate the value of the Happy Hour invite,
• Examine the impact of creating the Happy Hour atmosphere
• Achieve the ultimate level of happiness.....being Happy Together

From Napkin to Celebration -

Turning Your Dreams into Reality

Dreams are born in an instant. They flourish in the moment of inspiration. The moment when great food and conversation create the “What-If” moment. The greatest accomplishments in life are fueled by extreme ideas and the constant question, “What if?” What is your DREAM? “What if” it came true? “Pie in the sky” today can mean Pie on the table of life tomorrow, if you can just find something to write on. Enter the Napkin! Rodger Campbell’s interactive adventure will get your dreams off the napkin and into full celebration mode.

Audiences will:

• Learn the purpose of Dreams
• Discover the true value of a Napkin
• Unlock the challenges to accomplishing Dreams
• Encounter the “Four-year old neighbor “ approach to life

“Death by Presentation”

Surviving, Living and Enjoying Public Speaking

Thousands hope this day will never come. Then it happens, you are called upon to present your thoughts. Your heart starts pounding; your mouth goes dry and you begin to shake. “Great!” “Are you ready to give your presentation?” With a splash of encouragement and a dash of humor, Rodger Campbell will take you from fearing public speaking to enjoying the sweet success of presenting.

Audiences will:

• Understand the true character of F.E.A.R
• Discover the strategy to D.E.A.L. with F.E.A.R
• Learn the M4Q process of developing a presentation
• Participate in the Four-part process to creating a successful presentation

Just five more minutes…

“Sleep your way to Success!”

Hitting snooze five times? Can’t remember where your keys are? Have you ever said, “Sleep is overrated!” Then this program is for you. Sleep is one of the world’s most misunderstood functions. The BAD BAD Apples will expose you to techniques and information on how sleep, rest and stress can affect your performance. Uncover how a simple change can move you closer to achieving your dreams.

Audiences will:

• Compare the interesting facts and myths about sleep
• Discover the connection between sleep and ones success
• Reexamine time management skills
• Be exposed to Rest, Relaxation and Stress Relief techniques and tips

“How to make a LIVING when you’re not SEXY”

Being REAL in a fake world

Lets get real -- SEX sells! That is the reason why you are reading this! The media paints a picture of sexiness which only includes a big houses, fancy cars and good looks. Is this truly SEXY? Does your success in life depend on your level of Sexiness? Rodger Campbell will show you how to get SEXY for Life!

Audiences will:

• Examine past and current media standards of SEXY
• Uncover Myths and Truths regarding being SEXY.
• Review the elements of SEXY
• Develop a plan for LIVING SEXY

Now Hiring.....Just Not You! *

Lessons of a “Professional” Job Hunter!

How can a National Keynote speaker be turned down for a “9-5 job”? Answer: The Recession! Armed with a great resume, killer personality, college degree and long list of accomplishments; Frank Kitchen thought he was ready to tackle the worst job market in a generation. He was greeted with a rude awakening, “The Employment Hustle.” After years of submitting hundreds of applications and resumes, Frank shares his story of the realities faced by many “Eager” job hunters. With a comedic view of the job market, this humorous, insightful and interactive one-man show will educate, inspire and entertain. Frank can’t guarantee you’ll find a job, but you will leave armed with the knowledge needed to successfully survive the employment jungle.

Audiences will:

• Examine the realities of the job hunting process
• Identify the common mistakes made by job hunters
• Acquire insights from the “Employment Hustle “
• Formulate unique strategies to transform work into a personal development tool

*Ask about The “GET Frank” job Challenge

“You are more than a Check Box!”

Celebrating the truth of uniqueness

Every day we use labels created to help us understand one another; to explain ourselves, and to identify our backgrounds. Do labels really define who we are? Do they determine what we can become? Are we defined by a predetermined “BOX” on an application? No! We are defined by the Legacies we create. This humorous and eye-opening program will challenge participants to rise above the labels and stereotypes; identify what creates negative self-attitudes, and discover the steps needed to celebrate a life full of infinite possibilities. Join the BAD BAD Apples and discover how your beliefs and actions produce people who make history versus becoming history.

Audiences will:

• Discuss how negative experiences can influence personal growth
• Learn to accomplish amazing things in spite of labels, stereotypes and your environment
• Examine inspirational stories about people who refused to be defeated
• Devise a strategy to celebrate what makes you unique

More than a Hook UP:

Strategies for enduring love.

Dating today is more complicated than ever. New terms, new definitions, same stories. What happens in the heat of the night, cools by morning and individuals are left craving for something more. What happens when the reality of “casual dating” causes “casualties?” When is it time to Define the Reality? Join the BAD BAD Apples on a humorous and thought-provoking adventure into the world of dating and relationships. Whether single, dating or married, we are all looking for lasting love. Discover why a “Hook Up is just a Hook Up”, but a connection is forever!

Audiences will:

• Unearth the true purpose of dating
• Develop strategies to DEAL with dating
• Recognize the value of Connecting
• Acquire “Dating Recipes” to spice up any relationship

“Are you raising your child to be homeless?”

Creating A Productive Life

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. It is a daily battle for survival. The level of active participation in a child’s life often determines their success. Are you preparing your child for the future or is someone else? Is anyone preparing your child? The BAD BAD Apples provide a humorous and provocative look at parenting in the new millennium. Together we will formulate strategies to keep another child off the streets.

Audiences will:

• Discuss the myths and truths about Parenting in the new Century
• Discover the Steps to Successful Living
• Learn the S.I.I.P.S.Philosophy to Productive Child Development
• Collaborate on Active Parenting Tips

“Get R.E.A.L. and Get Lucky!”

Success tips for a Productive Life

There is a quote that reads “Preparation + Opportunity = Luck!” .Students face an unknown and scary future. Some will be lucky and achieve. Others will need inspiration. Opportunities exist everyday to be successful, but it takes time and effort to succeed. Utilizing interactive attitude adjustment exercises, The Bad Bad Apples will challenge students views on work, school and life. Students will receive quality information, practical life lessons, and be encouraged to “Get Lucky” for life!

Audiences will:

• Be challenged to Get Real about their views on life
• Discover “The Good Luck Seven “things to success
• Create a plan to discover their dream
• Receive a “Recipe Card” for personal success