On Friday, August 19th, four Back on My Feet Chicago residential members, one representing each Chicago team, attended Accenture Skills to Succeed. The focus of this event was Mock Interview and Resume Review and the program included presentations and Q&A on effective resume writing and interviewing basics and preparing for interviews. Following the presentations, each member got to be part of a mock interview and was provided with feedback from Accenture employees. Residential members also got the chance to have their resume reviewed.

As Joe, one of the residential member attendees, raved, “This morning’s Accenture Skills to Succeed turned out great. There were points that I received praise on, as well as suggestions to work on. A great decision for me to attend, as this will produce positive results.”

Thanks, Accenture, for taking the time to provide our members with this helpful program!

July brought many great things to the Back on My Feet REST team! We started out the month by volunteering at one of the CARA Marathon Training runs. A number of non-residential members, along with residential members Charles and Edwin, woke up bright and early to greet the marathon trainees pre-run at Montrose Beach. Team members passed out snacks post-run to grateful runners. They represented Back on My Feet Chicago wonderfully and roused a lot of interested in Back on My Feet amongst the marathon trainees!

Read more…

Early July brought a slight break in training as the Baltimore 10 miler was last month and the Baltimore Running Festival is still a few months off.

On July 9th, a scavenger hunt designed to test how well everyone knew Baltimore was held.  A small but smart and dedicated group of BSTAT teammates braved the heat running around downtown Baltimore to get pictures of various landmarks based on a series of clues.  We even managed to score style points for being the only team that had a mini tripod for our camera.

On July 10th, team BSTAT left the friendly confines of paved roads to take up some trail racing.  The Sweet Air Trail Race, put on by the Baltimore Road Runners’ Club certainly lived up to its reputation as a tough trail race.  Complete with steep hills, mud, and multiple stream crossings, it was certainly a change of pace for many of our runners!  Kenny M. ran a 60:18, Len L. a 1:09:01, and George H posted a 1:27:04.  They were joined by non rez members Victoria G, Greg S, and Amelia C.  The race was advertised as “approximately” 7 miles.  It can always be hard to tell for sure with trail races!

The following week brought 20 in 24, one of Back on My Feet’s largest fundraising events.  Various racing events all centered around an 8.4 mile loop around the Schuykill River in Philadelphia.  BSTAT sent a nonrez team to take part in the Gold Category Relay Challenge.  A team of 5 people were required to run a total of 126 miles over 15 laps; 25.2 miles per person.  It was certainly milder than years past, but still a tough event!  Station Nation Domination managed an 18 hour 52 minute time, and an 8th place finish overall.  Victoria G., Chris C., Kevin F. (a “free agent” from team CP), and Dan M. made up the team.

In non running news, Sam M. has been quite busy with an early morning job lately.  In a couple of weeks, he will be rejoining BSTAT for regular morning runs.  His job involves supervising children in completing various tasks in the local community.  As he best put it, “I think they are the ones keeping me in line!”  Roy T. has been very busy working, using his construction and handyman skills in many different ways.  Despite working long hours, he still finds time to make it out in the mornings when he can.

As July comes to a close, training for the Baltimore Running Festival is starting to gain momentum.  Despite brutally hot temperatures, even early in the morning, it is not stopping us from getting our miles in!  Len L, Gary A, and George H. are all targeting the half marathon.

BSTAT’s next race will certainly be an adventure as we are taking our running skills to the multisport world.  A brand new duathlon is being held in Howard County the first weekend in August, “Du the 2.”  The USAT (USA Triathlon) sanctioned event will feature a 2 mile run, a 26 mile bike ride, and a 4 mile run, complete with transitions and everything else that makes up the multisport world!  Kenny, Roy, and Len are all planning on doing the whole race and taking their bikes out for a spin.  It should prove to be a unique experience!

BSTAT, July 2011

RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: LEONARD “LENNY” L.

July Member of the Month, Lenny L.

Shoe size: 8

Member since: May 2011

Miles accumulated: 115+

Best BOMF moment: The Baltimore 10-Miler Pasta Party

Biggest challenge with running: Pacing; not going out too fast at the start

Goal in the next three months: Finish a half marathon and the Du the 2 Duathlon

What do you think about when you’re running?: Not getting hurt

What’s the next race you’re doing with the BoMF crew?: Du the 2

What was your last race and how did you do?: Sweet Air trail race, was happy with the results and overall pace

Favorite post-race meal?: pasta

What advice would you give a brand-new runner?: Pace yourself

“Len joined team BSTAT in May and has proven to everyone how strong of a runner he is.  Since joining, he has run the most miles of all rez members for both June and July.  It shows in his pace on the early morning runs as there are not many people that can keep up with him.  Despite battling some hamstring issues early, he has continued to move forward and gets stronger every day.  Though he was a bit on the quiet side when first joining, he has really come into his own and is a strong presence on the team.  He is certainly willing to take on athletic challenges with ease, having done a 10 mile run already.  Du the 2 and a half marathon are up in his future, and I’m sure he will do well.  His dedication and confidence really help energize our team.”- “Fast” Dan Miranda, BSTAT Team Leader

NON-RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: AMELIA CONLON

July Member of the Month, Amelia C.

Shoe size:  7 or 7.5, depending on the shoe

Member since: February 2011

Best BoMF moment: Pacing res member Sam through the Baltimore 10-Miler

What do you think about when you’re running?: My mind is a vortex, filled with doubt, darkness and fear when I am racing. When I am training, I’m generally thinking, ‘shut up legs.’

What was your last race and how did you do?: I’ve been racing injured…so I am pumped that my legs are still attached to my body.

Favorite post-race meal?: 4 pancakes with strawberries and blueberries, 3 egg omelet with tomato, onion and smoked salmon topped with avocado and siracha, hash browns, turkey sausage, chocolate soy milk, coffee and maybe a fruit cup. (for races marathon distance or greater ☺ )

What advice would you give a brand-new runner?: In the words of Serge [Arbona]: ‘train hard.’ Oh yeah and ice ice baby.

Fact most people would not know about you?: I can bend over backwards and touch my heels. I also make my own bagels.

Running mantra?: Currently shopping around for a positive and constructive one

Favorite workout?: Hill repeats, close second is the Fartlek.

Biggest challenge with running?: resting and nutrition

Running calendar?: Annapolis 10, Baltimore Half, MCM, Philly Marathon and Houston Marathon.

Goal in the next three months?: B-O-S-T-O-N

“Amelia recently took over the role of Non Rez Member Coordinator from longtime incumbent Allison B.  With her willingness to help out on the team, it was a natural fit.  She helped pace Sam M. through the Baltimore 10 Miler and put up with his complaining at the very end all to get him through the line in mostly one piece.  She has also used her background as a yoga instructor to lead BSTAT in a yoga session.  We have now officially commissioned “Fun First Fridays” to make yoga a more regular BSTAT event!  Dedicated nonrez really drive our team, and I am always extremely appreciative of those who step up and really pitch in!  Amelia has been a great addition to our team.” -”Fast” Dan Miranda, BSTAT Team Leader

On Wednesday, August 17th, Back on My Feet hosted its first “Night at the Ballpark.” Close to sixty residential and non-residential team members gathered at US Cellular Field to watch the Chicago White Sox take on the Cleveland Indians. Members munched on peanuts and potato chips, and (most) rooted for the hometown team. Team members Anthony and Javier added to the entertainment when they were selected to participate in separate White Sox team challenges and featured on the ballpark scoreboard. Anthony didn’t hesitate to select ‘hat 2’ in front of the entire stadium when asked which of the three hats being shuffled around on the scoreboard had a baseball underneath it – and he was right! Javier got to show off his dance moves as the Blackhawks theme song played, and correctly guessed which Blackhawks players would win in a race. Both received some great gifts for their efforts and winning guesses!

Thank you to all the Back on My Feet team members that turned out to make the Night at the Ballpark such a fun evening! A special thank you to the Chicago White Sox for donating tickets!

View more pictures from the event here!

Nobody believed in them.  They scored 6 points in 2010.  They were tantalizingly ambushed by water-balloons and they weren’t sure they would even have more than 10 people come out for the event.  Stacked against all odds, Baltimore Station stood victorious at the end of the day on Saturday at the 3^rd Annual Wipeout , not only embodying the spirit of Baltimore, but exhibiting a perseverance in the face of adversity that epitomizes the mission of Back on My Feet.

All teams came rowdy and ready to rumble on Saturday though, not just BSTAT.  Helping Up lived up to their reputation with a victory in the cheer category, (HUM Team Cheer) though ARW stole the spirit award from right under their noses, showing up with green face paint and fetching green streamer wigs.  Back on My Feet DC brought their A-game, particularly in the wheelbarrow event and in the tug-o-war, crushing the referees in a dominating fashion.  Although Team CP gave BSTAT a run for their money for the tug of war title, they truly exemplified their talents in the water balloon toss and leapfrog competitions.  TL Sadie also took home the Mike DiJulia Award for rallying her team throughout the day with the CP battle cry.

MCVET proudly boasted the best individual scuttler Greg S., who scuttled like nobody had ever seen before, locking up their victory in the crabwalk relay race.

When the scores were tallied and the field calmed down, teams left to begin plotting their strategy for revenge on the Ivan Drago impostor and the BSTAT team in WIPEOUT 2012.

Back on My Feet Baltimore was graced with the presence of researchers David Epstein and Kenzie Preston who spoke at an Orientation 2.0 that slightly differed from precedent.  Orientation 2.0 is designed to further educate our members, partners & constituents on how to approach and cope with the pervasive issues of addiction, substance abuse & recovery.  Past themes have centered on the personal struggle through recovery as told by teammates from diverse backgrounds.  Read more…

This past Sunday, BoMF Indy made our way over to Victory Field to catch the Indians game! Over fifty BoMF friends showed up to support the home team and have a fun day of socializing with one another.

We made it through four innings before it started raining, but that didn’t ruin our day!

Dan and William enjoying some watermelon and sunshine!

Tom and Mike – good friends and running buddies

The field…. before the rain came down……

Taking cover from the rain…….

We all thought we brought blankets to sit on, but turns out they ended up being the shelter from the rain….

Although the day was cut short due to rainy weather, we still had a lot of fun. We enjoyed the company of one another, the sunshine while it lasted, baseball, yummy picnic food and standing in the rain laughing.

We can’t wait for the next outing!

A BIG thank you to Sandy Knox and Deb Gardner for planning this event! Everyone had a blast!

We welcomed 3 new rez members this month:  Stefan B., Tim B. and Bill Y.!  These are the first new rez teammates to join the team since the beginning of May.

On Saturday July 9^th, THUMB too part in BoMF Baltimore scavenger hunt.  It was a closely contested battle to the end and THUMB took 3^rd place!  The following day some of our teammates took part in the Sweet Air Trail Race up in Baltimore County.  This is a tough 7 – 8 mile trail run that is not for the faint of heart!

Some of our teammates also participated in the Back on My Feet Stroehman 20 in 24 in Philadelphia on July 16^th.  Mike H. ran two 8.4 mile loops and was really strong out there in the heat.  He ran the loops in 1:02:33 and 1:04:01, respectively!  Steady as can be!

There were several more great milestones achieved this month.  Stefan B. got his 5 mile wristband also hit 10 miles with the team.  Tim B. had a big first month receiving his 5 mile wristband, 10 mile hat and medal for running 5 consecutive miles!  Bill got his 5 mile wristband with the team. Mike B. hit 250 miles with the team!  Eric B. and Dave H. received their 50 mile medals this month!

Training for the Baltimore Running Festival has begun!  We have teammates running the various distances.  Some will be competing in the first marathon, while others will be running the half marathon.  We will also have teammates running the 4 person relay and the 5k.  October 15^th is sure to be a special day for our team and the next few months will hold the hard work that will get us there!

Team THUMB, July 2011

RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: DAVE H.

July 2011 Member of the Month, Dave H.

Shoe size: 12

Member since: May 2011

Miles accumulated: 60.5

Best BOMF moment: Every day running with the team.  They make me feel like I am running a marathon each time I am out there!

Biggest challenge with running: My age and the fact that my brain says one thing and my body can only do so much.  Pacing myself is a challenge.

Goal in the next three months: I am going to run my first half marathon!  I also want to get my license.

What do you think about when you’re running?:  Music.  I have upbeat songs running through my head.  I used to run with music, but I don’t now with the team.

What’s the next race you’re doing with the BoMF crew?: Du the 2 Duathlon

“I can see that Dave is working very hard, not only on his running, but on many aspects of his life.  He is very happy being a part of the team and I am excited to see how positive the team has been for him.  He has his sights set on running his first half marathon and with his hard work and dedication he is sure to do great!  I am thrilled Dave is part of our team and always look forward to seeing him at our morning runs.”   Rob Carfagno, team leader

NON-RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: GREG EPPLEY

July Member of the Month Dave E. (with Meredith)

Shoe size: 13

Member since: March 2011

Best BoMF moment: Looking back one of my most memorable moments was the Baltimore 10 Miler and the Friday pasta party.  The Friday pasta party was my first opportunity to see the team dressed up and I enjoyed the chance to sit, talk, and EAT!!!  Then on Saturday morning being in the biggest circle ever was so motivating, i was so proud to be part of BoMF.

What do you think about when you’re running?: I usually try to focus on my surroundings and chat with the people i’m with.  I enjoy running in the city because there is so much to stare at.

What’s your next race with the BoMF crew?:  My next race with the BoMF crew is the Baltimore Running Festival where I’ll be doing the 1/2 marathon.  I look forward to training with the team!

“Greg didn’t waste any time jumping in to make a difference on our team.  In the few months since his first run, he had made a big splash with many of the guys.  Greg continually sacrifices his own running to support others on a regular basis and this is the essence of what Back on My Feet is all about.  Greg could choose to run fast and far each morning, but he seeks out his teammates and helps them reach towards their goals, whatever the pace or the distance.  He makes a big difference to many people on our team and I appreciate all that he does!”  Rob Carfagno, team leader

On August 16^th, Back on My Feet FundRacers for the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon gathered to add some fun to their training by participating in the Run to the Plaza presented by Run 312! The 3-5 mile run from Millenium Park kicked off an evening of drinks and mingling. Back on My Feet FundRacers that hung around were rewarded with some good luck in the post-race raffle. Several FundRacers took home great raffle prizes!

Thanks to those that attended! We wish you luck in your last 2 months of training! View more pictures from the event here.

July.  The month where we broke heat records weekly, had team members run for 24 hours, and got everyone on board for the Baltimore Running Festival.  Quite an exciting, if not hot and sweaty, month.

Early in the month we had several teammates run the Sweet Air 7-miler up in Harford County. This trail race took Dominique and his running partners over tree stumps and through streams.  A great time was had by all.

A little later in the month, Team CP members participated in our first BoMF Baltimore Scavenger Hunt around downtown Baltimore.  Team CP showed nicely in second place and we proudly display our trophy, a pink flamingo lawn ornament, to show our Baltimore pride.

Then 20in24!  Our CP Team, “Hills for Breakfast,”  ran the bronze relay and had a great showing.  Jeanne, Preston, Johannah, Claire, and Kim all had a great time up in Philly and made the rest of us back home very proud.  This race was Johannah’s last hurrah with Team CP as she is moving west.  Johannah has been a long-standing member of Team CP and served as our race coordinator so she will be greatly missed!  We’re hoping she comes to visit in the fall!

Half marathon training began toward the end of this month and we’re very excited that Abdullah B has decided he wants to run it.  He’ll be joining Dominique who is running his first full marathon.  We estimate a good showing of CP members at the running festival this year, as we have about  5 teammates running the full marathon and anther 8 or so running the half!

Our nonres member of the month was Kani who just joined us in June but has become an integral part of the team.  These hot mornings it’s been especially hard to keep moving after a few miles, but as soon as we see the finish line at Christophers Place, we also hear Kani cheering us in.  It makes all the difference.

Our team continues to grow with the addition of both res and non-res members.  We should be in good shape to dominate Wipeout in just a couple of weeks.

RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: KANI H.

June Member of the Month, Kani

Shoe size: 12

Member since: June 2011

Miles accumulated: 15.5

Best BoMF moment: Scavenger Hunt with Team CP

Biggest challenge with running: positive mindset

Goal in the next three months: Run 3 miles without stopping

What’s the next race you’re doing with the BoMF crew?: not sure

What was your last race and how did you do?: no races yet

What advice would you give to a brand new runner?: don’t feel bad if you have to walk

“These hot mornings it’s been especially hard to keep moving after a few miles, but as soon as we see the finish line at Christophers Place, we also hear Kani cheering us in.  It makes all the difference. He is quick with a hug as soon as he gets outside and is always pushing himself to run harder and fast…a true inspiration and great teammate.” – Sadie Smith, team leader

NON-RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: ABBIE DAY

June Member of the Month, Abbie

Shoe size: 8.5

Member since: September 2010

Best BoMF moment: Running the Nikia Half with everyone

What do you think about when you’re running?: I really use my time running to destress, so I try to not think about anything. At least, not anything important!

What’s your next race with the BoMF crew?: The Baltimore Marathon!

What would you tell someone considering joining BOMF Baltimore?: As someone who was new to Baltimore, BoMF has become my new family. It’s a great way to build community and do something you love at the same time!

“Abbie is soooo fantastic.  An experienced runner, sometimes you’ll see her eating hills with some of our faster runners.  Other times, she’s helping some of our newer members get comfortable with running and helping them get through their first mile.  She’s made everyone welcome on the team and always knows what’s going on.  Team CP is lucky to have her!” – Sadie Smith, team leader