We have bragging rights this month! i) We have survived some bitter cold runs, sloshing through snow and sliding on ice. ii) Michael was the first Chicago team member to reach 100 miles. iii) Ramiro, Elton, Mingo, and Keith all surpassed 100 miles. iv) Darren, Elton, and Ramiro all successfully completed their education programs. v) Darren was accepted into machinery school. vi) We have started training for a half marathon that takes place January 29. vii) Maurice has lost over 10lbs. viii) Javiar is approaching his 50 mile medal mark. ix) Ramiro started a new job.
We welcomed three new members to the team: Issac, Jorge, and Frank. They have all joined the team with enthusiasm. Our race this month was the Santa Hustle 5K. Michael, Elton, Ramiro, and Mingo braved the first snowfall of the year to run this fun and festive race. Not only was it fun but, BOMF was the official charity of the race. We celebrated the holiday season with two other events. We joined the other two teams for a party at Mad River Grill for pizza & cake to celebrate the holiday season and to celebrate a successful first 3 months. Back On My Feet also gave back to the community by caroling at the Warren Barr Pavilion.
Despite the cold and snow, we have had excellent participation and a great team spirit. We have also been successfully increasing the mileage at our Saturday runs to prepare for the half marathon. We are now at 10 miles for our long run. Congrats to Domingo for being residential member of the month. Since the launch, Domingo has been a pillar on our team. He is a strong runner and also takes the time to encourage other runners.
We look forward to a successful 2011!
Residential Member of the Month: Domingo Perez
As a frequent runner even before his participation with BOMF, Domingo knew the benefits that running could provide. He was skeptical of the program at first, and wasn’t sure how he would take to running with others. But that all changed as Domingo quickly became one of the most vocal and reliable members of the St. Leonard’s team. In his own words, “I like Back on My Feet. I like running. At first, I was leery because I didn’t know too much about it, but now I like the program. I like the people in the program and meeting the newcomers. Running helped me a lot with my social skills and talking with people. I was very shy. People see me now and say, “Mingo, you different now. You never used to say nothing to nobody.” So it’s good. I like that everyone is running. Running’s good for everything – your mind, your body, stress, when something is bothering you and you go for a run and it just clears your head.”
Non-residential Member of the Month: Sandra Wood
As one of the first Chicago non-residential member to attend orientation, Sandra has been an integral part of BOMF since the start. Her support and generousity have been unmatched, and its hard to imagine the St. Leonard’s team without her. As she would tell you, “My expectations with Back On My Feet have been exceeded. It has been truly inspirational for me to see the transformation of our team members go from non-runners to runners and also develop a passion for the sport. Sometimes when my alarm rings so early I contemplate why I get up so early to run. That question is easily answered when I arrive to a smiling, hugging, motivated team to run with. Several times after our runs I’ve heard various members say, “Now that was a good way to start the day”. That sums up mornings with BOMF perfectly!”
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