Walking up to Clean and Sober Streets (CSS) at 5:43am, I hug everyone in greeting and we all huddle close to try and fend off the cold. Across the street though, one of our teammates is already warmed-up and eager for the run to begin. Rodan Hollins is shadowboxing, tall and intent on crushing his imaginary foe.
As we cross the street to join him, he doesn’t stop immediately, but continues his routine until a teammate gently tells him it’s time to circle up. “Alright, where am I going?” He’ll ask the nearest neighbor who will help guide him into the group. After warm-ups, it’s time to hit the road and Rodan keeps close to his guide, Silas Brown. Rodan relies on Silas to lead him through the dark streets of Washington, DC without hitting poles or getting hit by cars because in addition to his passion for staying fit, Rodan is visually impaired.
“I have glaucoma. I thought the world would close me out,” he tells me during the interview for DC’s Chapter Member of the Month. “All my running mates encourage me.” But there’s something more encouraging about witnessing the teamwork, the partnership, which has been created between these two men. To passersby, they may appear like any running duo, but for Rodan, being able to run represents something greater than just staying fit. “I treasure each morning,” he says, “it’s a spiritual gift.”
Rodan is grateful for the gift running gives him each day because it has helped him maintain his recovery from drugs. “Working out was essential to my recovery and Back on My Feet helped me realize my addiction.” Rodan’s addiction had broken up his family and when he came to CSS he needed the tools to repair the damage. When he joined Back on My Feet he was just beginning to rediscover himself and the team gave him that opportunity by opening the door.
“Running is a better high than drugs,” he says with delight. “Running helps me reach goals and being a part of a team brings me joy. My team is a family; they’ve really opened their hearts to me.”
Rodan is determined to stay on the path he’s started traveling down, as he continually states how much running has helped him move forward. When I ask him about his future, he exhales and his face brightens: “My future? God, my future looks wide open!”
We look forward to chasing that future with you, Rodan. Keep running!
I am a friend of Rodans’and he was very excited when “back on my feet” excepted him in the program. His respect for Silas Brown shows in every conversation we have on the days he runs. I laugh because i will ask “how many miles today Rodan” and he’ll answer “oh i just did 5 today”.
Thank you for being in his life BOMF.
Rodan is one of my older brother
I’m proud of him.This new life change is a blessing,As a family we enjoy him. This new life change have made him a better brother,uncle and father. Stay Focus let go and let God continue to work in your life.
I’m Rodan’s oldest sister and was very surprised and happy when he told me he had started running again. I know how important being fit is to him and appreciate the opportunity given to him to join this running team. I’m proud of you little brother.
Great article! I’m honored to call Rodan my teammate. His positive attitude and commitment are inspirational!
It brings me great pleasure to know that my father is working to break the cycle that has crippled our family. I love my father dearly and sincerely wish hime the best. May God’s light continue to be a guide, for you Rodan, in the darkest of places. Loving you always and so proud to know that you haven’t and won’t give up.