Today, as a marketing consultant, I deal with people who really need to call Mr.  Martinez.  They seem to think they should get exactly what they want and how they want it.  I have not read the entire Bible, but I’m quite certain God didn’t make this a Burger King world for a reason.

If more people would simply look at where they are,  at what their current position and actions entail, maybe they would see things differently.  Then again, maybe not.   I am not the smartest man in the advertising world, but I have a firm grasp on what my product can do, if it’s used properly.  I have some customers that just can’t comprehend what a marketing plan looks like, or how it would work for them.   They see brand management as a waste of money.   I just sit back and watch their sales struggle.

One particular client told me that he doesn’t think our product hits his “target market”.  I kind of read right over this at first.  Then I saw the arrogance in the statement.  If you are marketing for a business that has items for every single American, how can you say you have a “target” audience?  In today’s economy, businesses have to reach out to every single buyer in their area.  My newspaper covers 11 different counties in NW Oklahoma and I would tell you that I reach your target audience, especially when you carry a rather large array of products and services.

People need to put their arrogance aside and engage their common sense.  It’s too bad our schools can’t teach common sense, it really is lacking in most people.  You can’t sit on your throne and dictate what comes your way.  Business in 2012 can’t be done that way.

When in doubt, set your arrogance aside and look for common sense.  It’s never too far away.

Be blessed.

Americans are so quick to blame the other party for everything wrong with this country.  The Republicans think the Democrats have ruined us, and the Dems point the finger right back.  That is just non-sense.  With our political system, no one party can truly ruin this nation.  It takes all of them to put things in motion.  Why can’t they simply work together for a BETTER America?  Why can’t they stick to what our founding fathers deemed necessary?  This country truly lacks moral leadership.  Hold on!!!  I know they try to legislate our morals, but I am referring to them leading morally.  Truth should be their plumb line.   It seems that the men in Washington can’t pass one bill without having some silliness attached.  That silliness usually appeals to a very small population and doesn’t benefit America.  Come on guys.  Get out there and vote for better moral leadership.

Locally, we have the same types of issues.  Smoke and mirrors.  Lack of disclosure.  Proceeding with projects that have seemingly divided the city to a degree.  I fully supported the Renaissance project at its conception.  The more I learn, the less I approve.  City leaders should lead for the betterment of the people.  I believe the Renaissance project has great potential, but I am seeing things that will also create huge problems.  I pray for our city leaders, that things are done properly throughout this project.  I pray that Enid turns that corner and becomes the city it once was.

Don’t get me started on office politics.  One thing said on Tuesday, doesn’t hold water on Friday.   I think we all know about the “ivory tower syndrome”, but why do men in suits, far removed from the field, dictate what happens in the field?  Some decisions look great from the board room, but have zero traction on the street.  Know what I mean?

This is just my political rant for 2012.  I wanted to get it out before the year got away from me.

What are your thoughts?  Who’s to blame for this mess we’ve made?

Be blessed.

When I hear people suggesting that I buy locally, the first thing I ask is why?  I ask this because I want to know their reason.  Currently, the City of Enid is building a trail system.  I support that, and I hope my tax dollars are as well.  They are also in the beginning stages of a downtown development that is critically opposed by a good number of Enid citizens.  I’m afraid my tax dollars aren’t being used wisely in that instance.  Let me share my other thoughts.

There are many businesses in this town that I will shop first for anything that I think they may have.  I love their store, their philosophy, their people.  For instance, if I were in the mood for a pair of boots, or a felt hat, Way Out West wins.  Great people, great history in Enid.  There are many businesses like that here, but there are many others that simply expect me to shop their store.  They don’t earn my business.  Why should I shop there if they don’t care about me, the customer?

We are all guilty of running to the city, or Tulsa, to shop at Sam’s or another big chain.  This really doesn’t help our local economy, but sometimes it just makes good sense economically (for the family).  If I can buy the bulk items in OKC and same money doing so, I will continue.  A lot of times, we run to OKC for running gear and just get the other shopping done while we’re there.  Better choice of family restaurants and much better shopping choices.

Enid has a great selection of higher end restaurants with Panevino, Callahan’s, and a few others, but we don’t have much selection of family type eating establishments.  Outside of Chili’s and Applebee’s, what are the good choices for a family?

When it comes to shopping, we have the same dilemma.  Can anyone point out a good men’s store, besides Gary Hulse?  The women have plenty to choose from, but what about kids and men?  Do we have a good place to shop for teens?  NO!!

I honestly hope our city management can lure better choices to our lovely little town.  We need it.  We need it now.

Until then, I ask all local businesses to treat their customers with respect.  Respect their time, their money and their effect on your bottom line.  Show them that you WANT their business, don’t expect it.

In 2010, I lost a good friend, my father, another friend, and finally, my grandmother.  It was tough to say the least.  This past year, I found myself thinking of my father and grandmother a lot.  I miss them.  Dad and I were never close, but I miss him being there.  I think fondly of our times together.  As  a kid, he made me laugh.  He made me listen to Boston.  He loved me, in his own way.  Dad never said he loved me.  Over the course of 2011, I have found myself wanting to be a better dad.  My girls would say I am a great dad, but I know that isn’t true.  Several years ago I went through a very selfish streak and left.  Today I find myself wanting to be closer to them.  Although I live 6 blocks away, I want to be closer to them.  To be better connected to them. I love them.

Grandma’s passing left a huge void as well.  Her side of the family doesn’t get together for holidays.  Nobody stays in touch.   It’s sad really.  This makes me want to more time with my daughters.  To tell them about grandma, and grandpa for that matter.  Family should be the one thing we hold dear to our hearts.  No contempt.  No anger.  Just love.  I’m not suggesting that it’s all love and peace.  Families have their moments, but we should be able to apologize and move on.  Family matters most.

Growing up as a single child, I was fairly spoiled.  I got what I wanted, when I wanted.  Life was good.  I spent many summer days with my grandma and grandpa and truly miss those days.  To sit in the kitchen with grandma, or play pool with grandpa.  I hope my girls feel that way about me someday.

What I want you to think about, is simple.  Think about your family as you move into 2012.  Think of ways to tighten that family circle.  I pray that God blesses you and your family in the coming months, and years.

Today I celebrated my 44th birthday and discovered how truly blessed I am.  Many messages came my way via social media from people that don’t know me by face, or character, only by a moniker.  I also received messages from high school friends, family and even a childhood hero.  I am truly blessed.

I believe every person has blessings beyond measure.  Some people just can’t see those blessings because they are too busy trying to live life on their own.  They don’t see that God has gifted them, blessed them, and will continue to do so.  Each of us has a gift.  That gift is love.  We are all truly loved by the one that created us, and by many others.  I don’t mean love as in let’s get married, but a true love that means that person will be by your side through thick and thin.  I am so blessed.

We truly don’t deserve any of these blessings.  Each of us fall short on a daily basis.  Arrogance, pride, selfishness and more.  These sins simply get in our way.  Once you let go of the reins, God will guide you to true happiness.  Just let Him.

I pray that everyone finds that true love.  That they let Him love them.  That they can love others.

As humans, we tend to live our lives as WE choose, not by the His command.  We tend to pick and choose where we want to give God control.  But what if God were living among us?  What if he rang your doorbell and asked to discuss your current job, hobby, or passion?

Several weeks ago we discussed God’s calling for our lives.  Everyone has heard their friends, or wo-workers express how they were “called” to  be lawyers, doctors, accountant, or many countless other professions.   Several in my group even said they were called to their current job. 

My argument in all of this is how are you listening to God.  Are you asking Him what you should be doing?  Are you doing His work along with yours?  I contend that you aren’t called to that job if you don’t try to impact lives thru that work.   As a lawyer, you can help a troubled soul with legal issues occasionally.  As a doctor, you can volunteer your medical services to change lives in poorer communities or third world countries.  Somehow, you CAN touch lives in any job or career.  Use your expertise to help glorify Him somehow. 

As runners, we seem to always have a charity tied to the events we participate in.  Those are great ways to help charities, but why not help a child pick up healthier habits, or encourage an overweight co-worker with the knowledge you have gained since you first started to run?

If our ears aren’t open to the WORD of God then how can we truly be ”called” to what we are to do?  I urge you to simply look around you…..look for opportunities to glorify Him in the things you are currently doing.  

It doesn’t take long to impact a life in a positive way…..it only takes trying.

I continued running.  Dealt with the pain as it appeared.  Anti-inflammatories didn’t help.  Ice didn’t help.  Rest did nothing for it either.  It never got better. 

Once I moved to Oklahoma, the symptoms weren’t as visible for some reason.  Could be that I wasn’t running hills anymore….in case you didn’t know…Oklahoma is pretty flat for the most part.  I trained for, and ran, my first marathon in November of 2009 with no pain, no discomfort.   Finally, it caught me.  On 2/13/10, while on a routine 10 mile run… every step hurt like hell.  Once I stopped, the pain did too.  So I went to Urgent Care. 

Let me describe the area affected before I continue.  Feel for your shin bone……and move your fingers toward the outer portion of the lower leg.  Feel that muscle there?  That is where my pain is at that moment.  There are “compartments” in the lower leg.  These compartment house the muscle, blood vessels and nerves.  In compartment syndrome, the compartment doesn’t have room to allow the muscle to swell during exercise.  Follow this link for more……http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-exertional-compartment-syndrome/DS00789

So, while I sat at Urgent Care, I posted a message with my symptoms on Twitter.  In a matter of minutes Josh Holland, a total stranger to me, suggests compartment syndrome.  I Googled it, and sure enough, those were my symptoms.   I told my doctor what I thought, she agreed.  The referral was made.

The orthopaedic surgeon agreed with my diagnosis.  He explained the possibilities that might cause that pain….possible stress fracture (x-ray ruled that out), shin splits (not with my shoes and insoles), and compartment syndrome.  The lumps on my legs gave it away and he began to talk about the “test”.  They say the Pressure Test for compartment syndrome is more painful than the surgery.  Basically, they fill the compartment with fluid, then check pressure in 4 spots.  After a 15 minute run, you repeat the pressure checks.  For me that would have been 18 needles in my legs. The surgery is now scheduled and hopefully I can run pain free in a few short ( or Loooonnnggg) weeks.

 My hope was to come home and begin helping others find their way in this crazy sport of running.  I soon realized that some communities aren’t ready for someone to be a specialist in running.  This town doesn’t accommodate runners and most people think we are simply crazy for getting up before the sun and hitting the road.  

 As I prepare myself for my running future, I hope to spread an enthusiasm for learning more than how to tie your running shoes.   I want people to understand why we do this.  I look around my hometown and most people think you just tie your shoes and run.  They don’t realize that pace can make a huge difference in whether you fail, or succeed.   They don’t realize that losing weight, and keeping it off, can be relatively easy with running. 

 I will soon begin another Couch to 5K program at the local YMCA.  The last one was small but gave me some insight as to how this should all come together.   People don’t need me there all the time.  They need guidance.  They need support and encouragement.   I think that is what I do best.   Running makes me so happy that I believe everyone should enjoy this passion of mine.  

 As I look through my notes, and prepare for a 200 question test, I remember the words of my friend Joe Miranov…… “running is running”.   I think of that as a reminder that not all people want to know about energy systems or molecular structure.   Some people just want to know where to go and how often to go.  

 I hope to change some lives as I move into this new phase of running.   I want to impact people in a very positive manner.

This year brought me friends from the past, new friends across the country, and many new opportunities.   I am thankful for everyone and everything in my life.  God has truly blessed me by introducing me to some of the most amazing people.   Whether they are online, or on my street, I am blessed.  

Physically, I am stronger than I was in 2008.  Running farther and faster.   I completed my first marathon in November and found an addiction along the way.  The long run has truly changed the way I look at myself , my training and my diet.   More marathons are on the calendar for 2010 and beyond. 

Emotionally, I discovered great love.   I reconnected with amazing friends and, most of all, reconnected with my kids.   What a blessing they are.  Love is such a fleeting thing and we are lucky to find the love that can truly change a heart.  I was. 

Mentally, I am more aware of what is around me.  The needs of others are more centered for me and I want to help.   I feel sharper in my work, and life, than I ever have.  Things are clearer. 

One moment stands out in 2009 that will set the tone for 2010.  My friend, Christy Northcutt, shared a vision with me this summer.   That vision is now coming to life with a kid’s fun run and marathon plan to get kids off the couch and running.  I look forward to changing lives in 2010.   For anyone reading this, please pray that Be Fit Kids will change the lives that we think it will. 

I hope that each of you have a truly wonderful 2010.   You have my prayers for a greatly successful year. 

Glenn

The day was perfect.   45 degress with no wind at 630 in the morning.   My friends, and I, gathered near the starting corral.   Nervous.  Anxious.  Ready to RUN.   Once that gun went off I ran.  We moved through some very nice neighborhoods, up and over some hills, around the bend and up and over more hills.  I ran, faster than I had ever run 13.1 before.   I knew there would be trouble ahead.   I was literally on cruise control for about 18 miles.  No pain.  No discomfort.  Breathing normally.   Around mile 19, I guess I hit that wall.   I walked for about 45 seconds.   Luckily, I met a woman named Natalie around mile 6.   She was a marathon veteran of 27 races.   She convinced me to run from water stop to water stop.   I did that.  I ran to each aid station.  

Around mile 24 I remembered all my friends.  Those on Twitter.  Many on Facebook.  Everyone here locally.   I ran to the finish.   Crossing that finish line only ranks behind the birth of my children as the greatest moment of my life.   I will never forget the joy of sprinting .2 miles to the sounds of a great crowd.   I heard my name from both sides.   I heard the announcer say my name.   I was a “first time mrathon finisher”!!!!!! 

As I moved through the finishing chute, a little girl was about to hand me my medal and I politely asked her to turn it around so people could read it.  She laughed.   I was thrilled.  Overwhelmed.   Proud.   Exhausted.  

I never was a runner, but now I am a marathon runner.   Still glowing the day after.  The pain and discomfort well worth the growth that occurs during the training and the race.  

The itch to run is even greater.  The passion burns deeper.  Thanks for your support.