Zappos Marathon, A New Puppy, and Celebrating a 60th Birthday
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Chapter 1: Zappos and the Marathon Adventure
In my previous blog (#238), I discussed Zappos' acquisition of 6PM and Nike's new initiatives. This time, I want to share my experiences related to Zappos sponsoring a marathon, the arrival of a new puppy, and celebrating a significant birthday.
Zappos decided to host a marathon in Las Vegas, featuring a route that included sections along the famed strip. The performance team had a designated area to showcase merchandise. It was exciting to witness the enthusiasm surrounding the event. Although I’m not an avid runner, I opted to participate in the half marathon, which is 13 miles long.
To prepare, I turned to the wealth of information available online. I began training in September, and before I knew it, December arrived. Unsure if I could complete the entire 13 miles without stopping, I chose to alternate between running a mile and walking a mile. My main goal was simply to finish. I found others who shared this approach, and together we maintained a comfortable pace, ultimately finishing my first half marathon in a respectable 3:30. I felt content with this result, especially since Chris from the performance team completed the full marathon in a similar timeframe, which was quite impressive.
My son, James, had recently been living with me. I had taken him on one trip to China, but my frequent travels meant he occasionally had to stay home alone. To keep him company, we decided to adopt a puppy. Having owned dogs throughout my life, including a poodle/terrier, several collies, and a lab, I knew the joys and challenges of pet ownership. However, I ruled out getting a long-haired collie in Vegas due to shedding concerns. I briefly had a German Shepherd, but our small backyard was unsuitable for him, so I found him a new home with ample space.
Ultimately, we chose a Pug. I underestimated how much they shed due to their triple-layered coat, thinking their short fur would be low-maintenance. James and I visited a puppy adoption center where he found a playful little Pug that seemed perfect for our family. I left it up to him to name the puppy, wanting him to observe the pup's personality first. Since I was heading to China soon, I decided to let him take the lead.
Not long after, Richard and I set off on another trip to seek out new factories and reinforce our existing partnerships. Richard expressed interest in visiting the Sun Yat-Sen Museum during our layover. Sun Yat-Sen is revered in China as the "Father of the Nation," much like George Washington in the United States. Touring the museum, which was his former residence, was fascinating. At one point, a young girl asked to take a photo with me, likely due to my height and American background.
The following day, we visited several factories, but none met our current needs. We stopped by Chainson, Titan, and Markon, all of which we maintained strong relationships with. Our reliable guide, Johnson, usually accompanied us on these tours. I had arranged a surprise birthday dinner for Richard, who was turning 60, to show our appreciation for him.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, I presented Richard with a gift from the team. They had signed a card to celebrate his milestone birthday. The factory owners ensured we had a wonderful multi-course meal, complete with a few beers. To top it off, they brought out a sizable and delicious cake. Richard was genuinely surprised, and it warmed my heart to make him feel valued on such a momentous occasion. He had been an exceptional travel companion, and I wanted him to know how much he was appreciated.