We work hard, log hundreds of miles each month, and have a lot to celebrate. This year we rallied the troops together a wonderful holiday party, full of food, awards & our very own rendition of the 12 days of Christmas Running!

Our BoMF DC crew is something to be proud of, and we had a great time passing out certificates, singing, picture-snapping & eating all of the seasonal goodies. Thank you to all who came, supplied food, ate, belted out Stephanie & Jaime’s lyrics, and supported our amazing team!

This month launched into the winter running season! We have been spoiled with unusually warm December weather, and the usually-busy holiday weeks. Our members maintained their weekly mileage, enjoyed celebrations & new achievements, and are ready to carry us into the new year!

The following runners deserve an extra spotlight for their BoMF dedication:

Clean & Sober Streets

Erica C., Non-residential member: Social coordinator, who planned both our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners!

Alvin B., Res-member: Amazing effort, dedication, and positive attitude.

Emery

Wayne D., Non-residential member: Wearing the Coach hat, carrying us through the morning miles!

Marque, Res-member: who earned his spot as the Team Captain this month.

Blair House

Lymor & Grant, Non-residential members: selected by fellow team members to share this months M.O.M. honor because “they’re so cute together!” and have shown extra commitment by running with res-member Antoine in the evenings.

David G., Res-member: ran his first 5-mile race this month, i.e. “a marathon!“, and has consistently kept up with the group!

La Casa

Kait F., Non-residential member: As one of our new volunteers, she has already bonded with all the res-members & proven to have top-notch baking skills.

John B., Res-member: He ran over 150 miles, showed up for the workout even when feeling under-the-weather & always has a great attitude!

As always, a huge Thank You goes to these selected members of the BoMF DC crew that showed their support & love! In a sneak-peak photo from our BoMF DC holiday party, the group shows their appreciation for all:

Osie had a difficult childhood, and spent most of his teenage and young adult life in prison. When he got out, he was determined to make better choices. He moved into St. Leonard’s, and Back on My Feet immediately caught his attention. It had been years since he had been able to run freely outside, and given his energetic personality, he naturally developed a passion for it. Even more importantly, he gained the support of his Back on My Feet team members. It was this support that gave Osie the confidence to begin searching for permanent employment. The St. Leonard’s team has also helped him get through some difficult times. Knowing that his teammates will always be there for him has given him both solace and hope.

Through Back on My Feet, Osie has gained important knowledge in employment preparation and life skills. Since joining the team seven months ago, he has accrued over 200 miles, participated in four races, and attended Harris Bank Financial Literacy and Accenture Skills to Succeed courses. He also worked at the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and obtained employment. Though his work schedule keeps him on the job until 1am most nights, he still maintains 95% attendance!

Osie’s determination and self-discipline have made him an important part of the St. Leonard’s Back on My Feet Team. We are confident that Osie will meet whatever goals he sets for himself and we hope to remain a part of his plans!

As Osie can tell you, his experience with Back on My Feet has been:

“Rejuvenating! Back on My Feet has introduced me to a whole new way of life, with emphasis on self-sufficiency and great health. This organization consists of many wonderful individuals who have been great motivating factors in the uplifting and advancement of my current situation. Back on My Feet has not only rejuvenated my body and mind, it has completely renewed my optimistic views on life.”

It was cold, our hands were numb, but the costumes made us smile and we had a lot of fun running in our Santa beards! Back on My Feet was represented well, with over 40 res and non res runners!

Milton, Beth & John ready to run!

Milton and Mike from Team Warmen ran their first race with Back on My Feet and many others set new PR’s, but most importantly enjoyed the fellowship with their teammates.

Photo Credit: IndyStar Charlie Nye

Pictured in the front center is our very own Boston Qualified Mitch Rightor from team Progress House. Mitch placed 5th in this race.

Mike & William Team Warmen!

Congratulations to all of the runners at the Santa Hustle this weekend! Thank you to the Santa Hustle for donating bibs to our members and allowing runners to donate to our program!

Don’t miss out on our next Holiday race:

Planet Adventure New Year’s Eve 5k: Acts of ’5K’indness Masquerace!

Saturday, December 31, 2011, 10am at Traders Point 7400 Hunt Club Road, Zionsville IN 4607

Only $10 to enter and half of the proceeds benefit Back on My Feet Indy!

On Thursday, December 15th, Back on My Feet team members graced the Warren Barr Pavilion, a senior nursing facility specializing in rehabilitative services and Alzheimer’s care, with their beautiful singing voices! Donning Santa hats, beards and other festive garb, Back on My Feet residential and non-residential members sang holiday carols to the senior residents at the nursing home. This service project has become an annual tradition for Back on My Feet Chicago and provides members and volunteers with a great opportunity to give back to the community. What a fun way to spread some holiday cheer!

View more pictures of our caroling service project here.

Team Warman Runners Will, Jamie and Mike prepare to run the Drumstick Dash

This month we feature Indy BoMF, Team Warman runner Mike Copper.  Mike has been running with our team for months, and always sets the example of a good warm up, cool down and pacing during our team runs.  He’s also leads by example in that his attendance is a stellar 96% and he’s clocked just over 175 miles.  Here’s more about “Outta-Site” Mike.

Running Shoe Size: 13

Home Town/Family: Washington, DC/Father of five children

Fav Athletes: Brian Westbrook, Champ Bailey, Michael Vick

Fav Music: R & B (old school), Blues, Jazz

In what branch did you serve? Army, Army Reserve, National Guard. Fav position was a Drill Instructor

Most memorable BoMF memory? Running 5K in the Monumental Marathon

Why did you come out for the BoMF team? Recruited by  HVAF BoMF runners

What difference has BoMF made in your life? I’m healthier and enjoy the group participation and the friendships. I look forward to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Where did you get the name “Outta-Site Mike” From 1967-70 I was a DJ and that was my radio name. At BoMF there were so many Mike’s on the team, OuttaSite was an easy name to remember.

What’s most challenging aspect of your life right now and how are you meeting that challenge? Most challenging is trying to quit smoking. I’m using the patch and also running helps eliminate the sensation and desire to smoke. I’m also having a lot of dental work done right now.

What races have you run in with BoMF? Which one was your fav? The 5K trail run at Eagle Creek was my first, favorite and most challenging. I’ve also run 4 miles in the Ripple Effect Run in Broad Ripple, the 42K Relay, the 5K in the Monumental Marathon Event and 4.5 miles in the Drumstick Dash.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Listen to music; I have a good collection from which to choose. I also like to surf the web.

Outta-Site’s BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals)

These are goals men can’t accomplish on their own, but need the help of a higher power. Thinking “outta the box” they are:

1. Quit smoking
2. Get back into working security
3. Complete school

We give a runner’s salute to Outta-Site Mike for purposefully
leading us in the Serenity Prayer each morning with gusto and spirit, for his
outstanding attendance and his commitment to our BoMF team.

Outta-Site Mike Finishing Strong in the Ripple Effect

On Saturday, December 3rd, Back on My Feet participated in its final race event of 2011 – the Santa Hustle 5k.  Back on My Feet was honored to once again be the official charity of the holiday-themed race, which provides every runner with a Santa Claus hat, beard and dri fit long-sleeve Santa shirt. Despite some early raindrops,  25 Back on My Feet members, 8 FundRacers and countless dedicated non-residential members braved the weather to participate in the race. Back on My Feet runners got in the holiday spirit as they joined over 5,000 Santa look-alikes along the course. The holiday decorations, candy cane and cookie aid stations and live reindeer made for a memorable morning and festive atmosphere. Back on My Feet also hosted an aid station along the course, dressing up as elves to pass out water and cheer on race participants at the first mile marker. A special thank you to all of the non-residential members and volunteers that assisted at the Back on My Feet tent and aid station. We can’t wait to see you at the Santa Hustle 5k next year!

View more pictures from the race here.

Happy Holidays! Let’s celebrate some people that represent the spirit of Back on My Feet this season. Our incredible Non-Residential dedication is exemplified through Kristy Ladner, Bill Borowski and Betsy Orton. Way to go guys! And our Residential Members of the month are some of our newest teammates. Lenard B., James F., Larry S. Larry S. has been with Team Bridge since July 2011 and is as reliable as a clock for Back on My Feet runs. You go guys!

	Bill Borowski, Non-Residential Member, Dallas LIFE “I feel a sense of family and looking out for each other when I attend. The non-judgmental environment is very special as I know it is for the residents. We all face challenges and hard times-it’s great that there is an organization like Back on My Feet that gives people that second chance and sense of hope.”
	Lenard B., Residential Member, Dallas LIFE Lenard is a new Residential Member addition to the Dallas LIFE team and enjoys the morning runs, attends all program courses and looks forward to running his first 5K in January.
	Betsy Orton, Non-Residential Member, Salvation Army “The people are my favorite part of running with Back on My Feet. There are few things I’ll get up that early for, but I gladly do it to get up and run with Team Salvation Army. Those are my favorite days of the week! I get to spend time 3-4 times a week with a fantastic group of friends I might not have met any other way. Seeing the Residential Members achieve goals, get jobs, move out of the shelter, and literally get back on their feet is amazing and something that is great to even be a small part of.”
	James F., Residential Member, Salvation Army James recently celebrated three months sober with his Salvation Army team in December and looks forward to running his first 5K in January. Way to go James!
	Kristy Ladner, Non-Residential Member, Team Bridge “I love starting my day with lots of hugs and saying the serenity prayer … it’s really impossible to have a bad day after such a positive start and a good reminder as to what is truly important! I have enjoyed seeing the residential members setting goals and being motivated to make significant changes in their situations. So many of them have a clear plan for what they want and how they are going to get it that it has been an inspiration for me to do the same in my life.”
	Larry S., Residential Member, Team Bridge Larry, a dedicated Residential Member with Team Bridge, has shown a commitment to the program very rarely seen, he has maintained more than 90% attendance. Keep up the great work Larry!