|
Now for the rest of the story…after graduating from GHS, I attended Pittsburg State University, earning a BS degree in accounting. I began my career in Kansas City working for a company now called BP Amoco. After four years in KC, I was given the opportunity to work in the corporate headquarters located in Chicago. Although I wasn’t that excited about living in Chicago, it was a career opportunity I couldn’t turn down. Life in Chicago was the pits for the most part. The commute to work took over an hour and half, via auto, train then a long walk across the loop. If that wasn’t bad enough, in winter add -20 degrees and a 20 MPH wind…bone chilling cold. The upside, I traveled extensively throughout the US, Canada and overseas and didn’t spend that much time in the office. In the beginning I enjoyed the travel but after four years in the fast lane living out of a suitcase I wanted a more traditional life so I accepted a middle management position in the Denver office. Life in Denver was great to say the least. Scenic mountains, camping, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, skiing…all you dreamed the great outdoors to be and more. Then, thirteen years later, the company consolidated operations and I was transferred to Houston. Disappointed? Let’s just say you can still see the fingernail marks down the middle of the asphalt, as I was being dragged. The family wasn’t too thrilled about the move either, dog included. But that’s life in corporate America. However, after a few years down here in tropical paradise, we adjusted, somewhat, to the mosquitoes, fire ants and flying cockroaches, Texas size. Houston summers are hot and humid but the winters are great. On Christmas Eve we throw another log on the fire and turn down the AC, then go jump in the pool. A few years ago the company offered an incentive package to those eligible for retirement. A financial deal I couldn’t refuse. So after 29 years of dedicated service I started enjoying the fruits of my labor. However, after several months of watching the grass grow I came to realize I wasn’t ready for the rocking chair and decided to enter the field of physical fitness…my passion. Over the past years I’ve worked as a Physical Fitness Specialist in Compaq, Texaco, Minute Maid and Duke Energy fitness centers, touting the benefits of exercise and diet. Along with weight management, I coached and lectured on marathon running and triathlon training. I love to talk shop. As for my personal life, I’m married with three children. Our youngest son is a senior at Southwest Texas University in San Marcos. My wife, Theresa, is a Physical Therapist Assistant for the Humble School district, working with the physically challenged. In her spare time she teaches yoga…a real pretzel. She’s a wonderful mother, terrific wife and best friend. We enjoy an early morning bike ride together through the countryside. Most of my past time is centered on endurance sports; running, biking and swimming. I became involved with the sport over 20 years ago when the aerobic class my wife and I attended decided to do a 5K race. That race literally changed my life. Although it was a struggle, I did surprisingly well. Six months later I ran my first marathon that qualified me for Boston the following year. A few years later I was looking for variety in my training program and started biking, then swimming. Put them all together and you have a triathlon, the ultimate in endurance sports. Running is great, but is can’t compare to the thrill and excitement of a triathlon, not withstanding all the war stories, e.g., getting pulled out of a lake, suffering from hypothermia, passing out in the boat and coming to in an ambulance…all those fun experiences. Over the years I’ve had more than my fifteen minutes of fame on the winners podium, with a den filled with trophies and accolades. Some of my accomplishments:
But then came the agony of
defeat. A few years ago I went down on my bike, suffering extensive
muscle damage. I’m still recovering and hope to be back on the triathlon
circuit next year. As I was flying over the handlebars, looking up at
the rear tire, the only thing I could think of was my bike (see picture).
I was looking at $3K about to go down the tube. But my body cushioned the
fall, saving the bike...lucky me.
In my quiet moments, I enjoy playing the guitar. I’m not that good…just enjoy playing. One of my prize possessions is a Gibson, Chet Atkins, electric guitar, in mint condition. Reflecting back over the years, life has been good. Of all that I’ve achieved, nothing is as important as the inner peace I’ve maintained throughout life’s challenges, striving to succeed. I owe this to the values instilled in me as a boy growing up in a small town in southeast Kansas. Born and raised on country sunshine, we didn’t have all the material things that money could buy, but we had food on the table, a roof over our heads and love in our hearts. That along with family and friends is the essence of life. Nothing more. We were rich…just didn’t know it. I’m truly blessed! Looking forward to seeing everyone in June! I’m sure no one has changed a bit.
CZ
PS. I no longer sleep walk…or run, as the case maybe.
|
