Residential Member of the Month: Andrew W.

SoBo Team Leader Jared points out Andrew W.

Andrew W. joined Team SoBo in February 2013.  He recalls his best moments since joining the team as the first miles he ran with the whole team and his recent relay race at the Nikia Half Marathon and Relay.  He says he is challenged to continue running and would like to run a 10K in the next three months.  When he’s running, Andrew thinks about not stopping and giving his attention to whoever he is running with, which he finds helps him not think about the running.  His next race will be the MCVET 5K in a few weeks.

“Andrew has been excited about Back on My Feet since day one. His enthusiasm is certainly present at 5:30 am circles and there’s no doubt he’s the reason that some non-res members come out and run. You can tell from his competitive spirit that he wants to keep improving and that’s evident in his attitude week in and week out. If that’s not enough, you can always count on him to keep things light-hearted.” – Jared Rigler, Team Leader

Non-Residential Member of the Month: Ryan C.

Ryan C. with his fiancé Ali

Ryan C. started running with Back on My Feet in August 2010.  Last October, he celebrated running his first full marathon with the team, which he calls his best moment with Back on My Feet.  Ryan says, “Running is therapeutic. I try not to think too hard while running.”  His next race will be the Back on my Feet AT&T Sneaks Come Out at Night Presented by Thomas’ in August followed soon after by the inaugural Charles Street 12 Miler.  After his races, he likes to drink chocolate milk and enjoy the runner’s high from a great workout.

ʺRyan has been a rock in Team SoBo’s transition from two teams to one last July. For example, he circles up several times a week and is always willing to run out of his comfort zone. You can always count on Ryan for the ‘stuff off the pavement’ – donating items for pasta/party pot lucks, bringing goodies to the circle for birthdays, and the numerous core roles he’s held over the last few years and in his new position as Alumni Services Core.ʺ – Jared Rigler, Team Leader

Shoe Size?  Running shoes – 9; non-running shoes – 7.5

Favorite post run food?  Coffee since it’s usually early in the morning!

Why do you run?  I love the challenge and the “me” time to clear my mind, and I love my friendships that have developed from running.  My closest friends started out as running partners before we really knew one another.

How many marathons/half marathons/5ks have you done?  Zero marathons; 6 half marathons, lots of 5Ks

Favorite race you’ve ever done?  Nashville Half Marathon

Bucket list item you plan to cross off soon?  Completing my first full marathon this year, along with getting married and turning 30!

Favorite music?  Anything with lyrics, I like it all!

Favorite vacation spot?  Anywhere by water- I love the beach, northern Michigan, my parents’ lake house!

Family?  Getting married in April- so that will make a husband, Peter!  I have one sister who is marries with 2 kids.

What is your favorite memory of a time with BoMF so far?  I really enjoyed the 42K relay last October, and I have a particularly fond memory of one of the resident members laying out his plan on how he was going to better his situation during one of our Saturday morning training runs.

Advice for people who might want to start running with BoMF?  You don’t have to be a runner to join!  But it’s difficult not to be motivated when you’re surrounded by a group of runners.  It’s a great way to meet all different types of people and help a great cause while you’re doing it.

Pack the yogurt covered pretzels, sketch out the perfect indie playlist and grab the “run buddies” for a weekend in Austin. The Back on My Feet in24 Austin Race Challenge Presented by Ace Cash Express will have four unique races over the course of 48 hours that you’ll regret you missed. In24 takes place May 11th and 12th in Austin.

Besides racing for an incredible local cause, this weekend has something for everyone!

Five-Person Relay Challenge – Instead of competing against your friends, compete with them! This race offers options ranging from 5 to 30 miles per person. So pick your dose of crazy and loop the Camp with your friends after some classic Austin breakfast tacos (but before your dip in Barton Springs).

Sunset Run – Nothing is more satisfying than racing and beating the crap out of your friends during a legendary Hill Country sunset. This 5-mile race starts at 7:00 p.m. and ends with a pretty cool party. Stop by the beer garden post-race, stay for food from Austin’s legendary food trailers and check out groovy tunes that only the live music capitol of the world can provide…. all at in24!

Pajama Loop Run – Let’s hope you don’t sleep naked! Runners are encouraged to roll out of bed and stay in their pajamas for this 7:00 a.m. race around the 5-mile loop at Camp Mabry. This race for early risers has some serious prize money to be won!

LoneRanger Ultra-Marathon – The Lone Ranger is a true test for any long-distance runner who has tackled a marathon and is looking for something more. Challenge your will by running as many 5-mile loops inside Camp Mabry in the allotted 24-hour time period.

Whether friendly competition or changing perception is your motivation for running, we want you at in24 Austin. And here’s the best part – a hot discount!

We’re proud to be partnering with the Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin North/Parmer Lane. The hotel is just 15 minutes away from Camp Mabry. Runners who reserve their room before April 23, 2013 and use the promotional code bombomb when making their reservation get a discount. Camping at Camp Mabry is also welcome.

April showers haven’t stopped these Members from running and improving their lives one step at a time! Their endurance and perseverance is down right inspiring.

Jason Smith, Non-Residential Members, Dallas LIFE “I love being a part of Back on my Feet for a lot of reasons. The diverse stories across all members is refreshing. The confidence building, hope and determination is motivating. It’s a truly heart touching organization. I’m so proud and grateful to be a Member.”

Albert, Residential Member, Dallas LIFE Albert joined the Dallas LIFE Back on My Feet family about a month ago and has been committed ever since!  He has maintained high attendance while participating in the nine month program at Dallas LIFE.  Albert has brought honesty and positivity to the team!

Melissa Waters, Non-Residential Member, Salvation Army “I started running only about four years ago. Once I developed this running habit and ran a race or two, I realized that there are very few things in life that can make you feel more encouraged, positive, and confident than reaching running goals. I feel that being able to run is a gift from God that I never knew was there. Now that I know, I want to share it! I love Back on My Feet because I get to do that very thing. Everyone needs some encouragement at some point in life. BoMF is a great way to encourage others and help them develop the confidence to get back on their feet. And It’s fun!”

Katherine, Residential Member, Salvation Army Katherine is going three months strong as a dedicated member of the Salvation Army team! Since day one, Katherine has never missed a single run! She has challenged herself to start running and is making great strides towards accomplishing that goal!

Ginger Becker, Non-Residential Member, The Bridge “Many people falling on hard times in their lives lose confidence in their abilities to succeed. And it’s completely understandable. We help people get through these trying times by giving them tools to succeed and providing important social integration through running. It’s through running that a person can learn a lot about themselves. These lessons in building physical and mental endurance, learning to push yourself beyond what you thought is possible, and even proper breathing technique easily translates to every day survival skills in life.”

Claudis, Residential Member, The Bridge Claudis has been a part of the Back on My Feet family for about a month and has had a smile on his face the entire time!  He brings such a positive spirit to Team bridge!  Claudis has challenged himself and has gone from not being able to run much at all to almost running 2 miles in the past month!  He has shown his commitment through 100% attendance and is the first to volunteer when given the opportunity.  He is an inspiration to many and on his way to his first 5K in the coming months!

Jeff Kuhn, Non-Residential Member, Veterans Affairs I love Back on My Feet because I truly believe that taking those first couple of steps to improve oneself is the hardest part to changing. I have truly enjoyed becoming part of the BoMF Family and enjoy my Wednesday’s Runs.”

Barry, Residential Member, Veterans Affairs While Barry has served our country and survived a difficult past, he is looking towards his future! Barry has maintained 95% attendance with the Veterans team and is looking forward to moving out of the facility. Barry is the first to crack a joke, just ask his teammates!

Back on My Feet staff wanted to share this inspirational story of Tina (name changed) a Residential Member with Team Bridge in Dallas to show the collaborative effort required to assist individuals to self-sufficiency. While running is a huge piece of what we do, much more goes on behind the scenes…

This is her story as told by Dennis Strickland, The Bridge’s Homeless Recovery Manager -

Tina has experienced much in her 24 years before becoming homeless and showing up at The Bridge. She came to us in August of 2011, did intake and was referred to Austin Street Center for shelter. She enrolled in our care management and we started to learn more about her: With an 11th grade education and limited skills, she had resorted to prostitution on the streets.

There was also a history of hospitalizations at Terrell State Hospital. She had a schizoaffective diagnosis, but at the time of her intake she was not receiving treatment; we linked her to LifeNet Clinic at the Bridge.

Tina has come a long way. Following months of care management, and with her behavioral health care intact, Tina was moved to our Transitional Shelter and encouraged to join Back on My Feet (BoMF) for both physical exercise and peer mentoring. She has done well with that program.

Her BoMF case manager reports,

She has gone from being very timid, shy and closed off to one who has been committed, engaged and the first to give her morning hug to our members! I know Tina has been through a lot, and I am so encouraged by her commitment to our team. Her smile gives me hope and I believe she is making strides towards a bright future.

Tina has most recently become job ready, working with the on-site Texas Workforce team. She has just obtained part-time employment, but has aspiration for more. Tina is not home, yet, but we believe she is very close to finding her way home. Our partnership is making it possible for our Guests like Tina to recover from homelessness.

Back on My Feet is honored to be a part of Tina’s recovery!

Residential Member of the Month: Tim G.

Tim G. joined Team Helping Up last November and has run over 200 miles.  He says his biggest challenge is, “Forcing myself to take it easy once in a while and give myself a break.  I’m always pushing myself to do more.”  His effort and hard work have paid off too.  He set a personal record of 21:02 at the recent MammoJam Jug Jog.  When asked about his performance, he says, “I never thought I’d be able to run that fast and I think I can do even better.”  His next race is the Nikia Half Marathon this weekend—his first 13.1 race!  In the next 3 months, he hopes to be gainfully employed.

Quote from Helping Up Team Leader Nathan: “Tim’s dedication to BoMF, his teammates and achieving his personal goals is truly admirable.  He’s had nearly perfect attendance since joining last year and he’s always staying connected to his teammates by running with different groups, enjoying our social events and a slight fascination with Facebook.  He’s already achieved great mileage and personal accomplishments with BoMF and we’re thrilled to see his performance at the upcoming Nikia Half Marathon and future races.”

Non-Residential Member of the Month: Jocelyn S.

From left to right: Hannah (now HUM), Jocelyn, and Christine (now SoBo)

Jocelyn S. joined Back on My Feet in 2010 and started running with Team American Rescue Workers.  While taking some time off to heal an injury, she moved to Patterson Park and started running with Team Helping Up.  Her best BoMF moment to date is from last year’s Philadelphia Marathon.  “There was a Baltimore BoMF cheering section somewhere within the last mile of the race,” she recalls.  “Someone must have recognized me and started cheering… loudly.  As I ran by, I smiled.  It was the first time I had smiled in ten miles!  And it made the finish line so much sweeter to have shared that moment with them.  I have no idea who was in that cheering crowd, but I am so grateful for their support.”  Jocelyn’s next race is the Nikia Relay, which she is running with two of her closest friends who have never run with BoMF.  Jocelyn says, “I am so excited to introduce them to the warmest and most supportive running group out there… and by that I really mean the most awesome!!”

Every year, a diverse group of runners from across the country join together to form the esteemed Back on My Feet Boston Marathon Team, Team Running Home. This April 15, team members will descend upon Boston from as far away as Georgia to run one of the world’s premier marathons while raising money and awareness for the Boston chapter.

As of today, the team has raised over $44,002 towards their collective goal of $81,000. We’ll be highlighting runners from Team Running Home until April 15 so everyone can get to know this phenomenal team a little bit and cheer them on from near and far. I asked each runner to answer three short questions about themselves, and I’ll share those with you here. You can help support the 2013 Team Running Home here.

This week’s featured runner is … me. Bridget Horne. This is my fifth marathon, but my very first Boston and I could not be more excited. Here’s a quick intro to who I am and why I’m running the 2013 Boston Marathon for Back on My Feet.

I’ve been a part of Back on My Feet since July 2009. I first joined the organization as a Non Res member in my hometown of Philadelphia. Less than a year later, I found myself moving to Boston around the same time that BoMF was launching the Boston chapter. I was soon hired as the Director of Communications and Corporate Relations, and have dedicated not only my volunteer hours, but my career to Back on My Feet ever since.

2012 was a particularly tough year for me with a few serious health scares (two major stomach surgeries within 11 months) and some personal issues that turned my life upside down. Throughout it all, BoMF and my running helped me keep my head up and stay sane (usually).Today, I’m proud to say that I’m cancer survivor with an officially clean bill of health who is running the 2013 Boston Marathon — I never dreamed that would happen six months ago! Back on My Feet has changed the course of my life and I am proud to be a member of this year’s Team Running Home. When I’m not “BoMFing” you can usually find me on the beach (come on, summer), curled up with a good book, or spending some time with my good friends.

Q1: If you had to sum yourself up in 140 characters or less, what would you say?
A1: Loving of running, words, and late night dance parties.

Q2: What does running mean to you?
A2: Running has literally been a life saver for me. During the days I was too sick to get out of bed, I longed to feel the pavement beneath my feet (I keep reminding myself of that when I’m out there cursing winter on a 20-mile training run). While I’ve been going through personal issues, it’s helped me make sense of my life and gave me concrete, attainable goals during a time when I felt like I was spinning out of control – like running the Boston Marathon. It keeps me fit; it keeps me happy; and perhaps most importantly, it allows me to eat all the pizza and donuts I want without feeling guilty.

Q3: Why Back on My Feet?
A3: I’ve been a part of Back on My Feet for almost four years and can honestly say it has changed my life. It’s brought some of the most amazing people into my life and formed lasting friendships. It’s showed me that there are second chances and that everyone is deserving of them. It’s taught me as much about myself as it has about the issues and challenges of homelessness and addiction. I will forever be thankful for what Back on My Feet has been for me.

I’ve currently raised 45% of my fundraising goal of $5,400. Help me get to the finish line!

Knocking out some snowy miles with my favorite trail running partner, Roo!

Every year, a diverse group of runners from across the country join together to form the esteemed Back on My Feet Boston Marathon Team, Team Running Home. This April 15, team members will descend upon Boston from as far away as Georgia to run one of the world’s premier marathons while raising money and awareness for the Boston chapter.

As of today, the team has raised over $34,000 towards their collective goal of $81,000. We’ll be highlighting runners from Team Running Home until April 15 so everyone can get to know this phenomenal team a little bit and cheer them on from near and far. I asked each runner to answer three short questions about themselves, and I’ll share those with you here. You can help support the 2013 Team Running Home here.

This week’s featured runner is Brian Cotter.  Brian hails to us from the Back on My Feet D.C. chapter. We are always thrilled to welcome fellow Back on My Feet family members from across the country to our Boston team and are honored that Brian chose the Boston Marathon to make his miles count for more than just distance.

Q1: If you had to sum yourself up in 140 characters or less, what would you say?
A2: Native New Jersey-an who pumps his fists, not his gas. Joined BoMF La Casa (D.C.) in January 2011 and have been a part of the org. ever since.

Q2: What does running mean to you?
A2: Running gives me a great opportunity to socialize with new people in a new city while staying fit. There is nothing like going out for a long Saturday run with a great group of people who take your mind off the next 20 miles!

Q3: Why Back on My Feet?
A3: I heard about BoMF when Ann Mahlum was nominated as a CNN Hero (video here) for starting this organization. I thought it would be a great way to get out there and help people vice the traditional way of just running 5k, 10k etc. that donated to a number of different causes.

Brian has currently raised $2,640 out of his goal of $5,000. Let’s help get him across the finish line! You can support Brian’s Boston Marathon campaign here.

Go, Brian, go!

Name: Richard

Age: 55

Branch of the military: Army, Navy and Marine Core for 16 years; Philippines was his favorite place to be stationed

Hometown: Florida and Ohio. Richard hitchhiked from Santa Barbara in the late 70′s to get to Indianapolis

Favorite Color: Teal

Favorite Movie: Forest Gump

Favorite Music: New Age like Enya, it helps him relax

Favorite place to visit: San Antonio

If Richard could go anywhere in the world, he’d go back to: Southeast Asia

What does he like about BoMF: It wakes me up, gives me a good outlook on life and the day. It’s good for my mental health and physical well being. I’ve also met a lot of great people.

What do you want people to know: How much everyone means to me. I hardly ever see a negative attitude. Everyone is always happy and has a smile on their face, it puts me in a good mood. Thank you!

Richard’s long-term goal is to stay sober, he’s working on his program as he has four months clean.

Every year, a diverse group of runners from across the country join together to form the esteemed Back on My Feet Boston Marathon Team, Team Running Home. This April 15, team members will descend upon Boston from as far away as Georgia to run one of the world’s premier marathons while raising money and awareness for the Boston chapter.

As of today, the team has raised over $27,000 towards their collective goal of $81,000. We’ll be highlighting runners from Team Running Home until April 15 so everyone can get to know this phenomenal team a little bit and cheer them on from near and far. I asked each runner to answer three short questions about themselves, and I’ll share those with you here. You can help support the 2013 Team Running Home here.

Today’s featured FundRacer is Nicole Reilly. Nicole is another dedicated Non Res Member here in Boston. She has been a member of Team Father Bill’s since the team’s inception in Quincy. Her quiet leadership has kept this eclectic group coming back for more every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Due to their location in Quincy, Father Bill’s is a bit more isolated than the rest of our Boston teams and we are grateful for the dedication and perseverance of members like Nicole.

Nicole has previously been a FundRacer for the chapter’s Falmouth Road Race team and is back in bigger and better ways for this year’s Boston Marathon.

Meet Nicole.

Q1: If you had to sum yourself up in 140 characters or less, what would you say?
A1: Mother of five … practical jokes … won ‘Slowest Woman’ trophy … 26.2 sub 4-hour wannabe … faith filled … loves Poor Me Tea … all things purple … cooking … rainbows … child’s pose

Q2: What does running mean to you?
A2: I have discovered that running cures all. Running helps me solve my problems. It helps me find an answer to a question. I run because I am happy. I run because I am sad. I run because it is a beautiful day. I run because it’s raining and I want to feel raindrops on my face. 

I love running for what it does for me. I think that it makes me a better person.

I do not run because I am fast. Because I am not. But that is okay. It makes me humble. I can run alone and I can run with others.

I run because I can. I am grateful for that.

Q3. Why Back on My Feet?
A3: BoMF “had me at hello.”

The serenity prayer…early morning/sunrise runs … giving someone hope … priceless …
My alarm goes off at 4:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I am pulling into Father Bill’s at 5:10 to meet our team. We do introductions. We have a question of the day. We circle up, arms together to say the Serenity Prayer and off we go into the dark morning. I have never, ever regretted waking up for one of these runs. I learn something about myself. I learn something about a teammate. Maybe they don’t want to talk. Maybe they were waiting for someone to care enough to want to talk to them. Every morning there is a story that I bring home with me. Whether it was something I heard, something I said, something I saw. BoMF makes me better and if I can make at least one person’s day better, then it’s more than worth it.

Nicole and all of her kids showing off their hardcore BoMF Boston pride!