Well, so much for posting chronological order. I’ve got another blog post that was supposed to go before this – but priorities change.
Backstory:
Many or you may or may not know – but I’ve participated in Operation Boot Camp as a camper, assistant instructor and lead instructor over the last two years. I’ve gone through some fitness ups and downs in my life. I’m happy to say getting involved with Operation Boot Camp has been a transformative event in my life. Within the last two years – I ran my first 5k and many that followed, 5-milers, several 10k and my second half-marathon. Now before OBC – I loathed running. Now -while I loathe that first half mile – I love the way I feel when I’m done. Collecting race shirts is almost a new hobby but I’m finally passed the point of keeping them all.
OBC has changed my life again. At the end of 2009 – Dale Ann, my girlfriend and I, decided to purchase an Operation Boot Camp franchise. So yes, it’s us behind all of the @OBC_Oklahoma & @WalkItOffOK Twitter and Facebook accounts. And like any small business owners – we’ve had ups, downs, missteps & success.
But what I want to talk about is WHY we do it. It takes a serious time commitment and free time is rare but we’ve become pretty efficient jugglers when we get home. And in case you are wondering – no, we haven’t given up our day jobs.
Simply, we believe in Operation Boot Camp and how it works. We show people that you don’t need fancy equipment or an (unused) gym membership to get healthy. What people need is ACCOUNTABILITY. So many people put things ahead of their health and themselves that they can’t, won’t or simply struggle without giving themselves the benefit of discipline. OBC helps people do that. We provide that accountability. We are going to ask you about your food, homework, water consumption, etc. and we’re going to do it everyday.
I needed it. Dale needed it. Every OBC Instructor needed it and we all still do. It’s what keeps us coming back. Every OBC instructor has been a camper – so we get it. We know about the little food lies, struggling to breathe when climbing more than two flights of stairs and fighting that temptation to stay in bed instead of working out.
Now – I want to clarify something. Yes – we are a boot camp, but it’s really more of a support & fun camp. Campers are never berated, yelled at, cussed. Will we push you? Yes. Will we lie to you? No. Will we make you laugh? Most definitely. Will you be bored? Never. Is this a quick fix to all of your health and fitness needs? Heck no! This is good old fashioned hard work, eating right and establishing the habits of a healthy lifestyle that WE ALL should lead.
But 5:45am? Really? YES, REALLY. When else are you going to do it? I am no morning glory – just ask Dale. Like so many people – my evenings are filled with activity that ranges from chores, civic participation, family obligations, and socializing. We finish early enough after our workouts that you can get home, get cleaned up, go to work and set the tone of accomplishment for the rest of your day.
“But Lanie – my mom, grandfather, sister is too old, too big, has bad knees etc to do boot camp or simply – I’m not ready.”
Dale and I realized early on before we even thought about a boot camp franchise that Oklahoma needed other options. We are one of the most obese, unfit states in the nation. We felt there needed to be a program to get people started and to give them confidence that they could overcome their unhealthy or unfit habits. That is when Dale spearheaded the launch of Walk It Off Oklahoma – a low to no impact walking camp that still provides a supportive environment of accountability.
This program – powered with the blessing of Operation Boot Camp is meant to be challenging and not intimidating. We want Oklahomans to be healthy. (No, we aren’t running for office). This is something we believe in. I am not saying we don’t hope to gain financially. That would be silly. But Dale and I won’t ever be quitting our day jobs either. Our primary motivation is helping people who are struggling with the same things we struggled with. Nothing is more inspiring than to see a camper lose two pant sizes, shave a minute off their mile or eliminate a medication they no longer need.
There are other OBC & WIOOK locations in the state. We’re one of several other franchisers in Oklahoma to demonstrate the strength of OBC which is based out of Atlanta. While we would love for you to join our camps – we understand there are other options out there. Shop around – check out other camps & programs but be sure to try a free preview workout with Operation Boot Camp or Walk It Off Oklahoma. Just check our websites or social media announcements.
www.operationbootcamp.com
twitter.com/OBC_Oklahoma
www.walkitoffok.com
twitter.com/walkitoffok
facebook.com/walkitoffok
Now – off to get ready for the rest of the day – Downtown Dash tonight! Come see us! We’ll have a booth. Maybe a push up challenge? 
Lanie James
