Author Archive
   Jarius G., Residential Member, NJN“Jarius has been one of the key figures in making my new role as Team Leader a lot easier to manage.  He is always one of the first people out in the morning and he always greets everyone with an enthusiastic hello.  His easy-going demeanor keeps the atmosphere light and he has shown steady growth as a runner, passing milestones as he goes.
  Leigh Ann S., Non-Residential Member, NJN “Leigh Anne is a regular runner at our morning runs, and she always brings a positive energy with her.  Leigh Anne has been always offered to help out in anyway she can, which has been greatly appreciated as I have taken on more responsibility as Team Leader.  It has been fun getting to know Leigh Anne, and it is always nice to see a fellow University of Scranton alum coming out to run with Back on My Feet.”
 

Nick R.

“I love Back on My Feet because it motivates me to work harder on myself”  -Nick R., Residential Member, OBP
 

Eleni S.

 

“Joining BoMF has been an amazing physical AND mental motivator, as a runner, as a member of the community, and as a former night owl turned morning person! The sense of kinship and joy I feel after sharing a run with my OBP teammates keeps me energized in every possible way…right up until the next time we circle up.” -Eleni S., Non-Residential Member, NJN
 

Brigid & Les

 

“I enjoy the physical and spiritual aspect of it. It puts me in a better state of mind.” -Les S., Residential Member, RWA
  “I think my favorite part about running with BoMF is the genuinely caring environment.  I actually get excited to wake up at 5 a.m. for a run, which is not something I ever expected to enjoy.  It is awesome coming back from a longer run and seeing all of our teammates not only waiting for us, but clapping and cheering us on as we finish up a run” -Brigid B., Non-Residential Member, RWA
 

Ramona

Ramona, Residential Member, Sheila Dennis “Ramona knows how to work hard and also give a great hug! A hug from Ramona makes you feel like the center of the world, which is just encouraging to drive you to keep up with her.” – Evan C., BoMF Member Services Manager
   
  Residential Team, Somerset “From the first day, everyone at Somerset pushed themselves to do better than the day before. With a team like this, it’s difficult to pick just one person. Congratulations to the whole team!”
  “Running with Somerset 2 days a week has changed my life in small but important ways.  I’ve never been so consistently ready and able to get out of bed as I have been since joining BOMF to spend time with the res and non-res members.  It’s a perfect way to start the day!” Megan V., Non-Residential Member, Somerset
 

St. John's Hospice

We’d like to highlight all of our res who rocked the Philadelphia half-marathon (most for the first time!) Congratulations to Ron, Mike, Chris, Joe, and Troy!! – Deirdre D., Team Leader, St. John’s Hospice
 

Faye & Chris

“It has been such a pleasure to get to know the St. Johns team the past few months.  I feel truly lucky to be a part of this team and to share this experience with people from all different backgrounds.  I am excited to build many more friendships and memories in the future with Back on My Feet!” -Faye H., Non-Residential Member, St. John’s Hospice

  Jackie, Residential Member, NJN “Running with BoMF gets me in shape!”
  Kara S., Non-Residential Member, NJN “I like running with BoMF because of the residents!  It is a delight getting to know each of them and to start my morning off in the quiet of the day with their sweet smiles.  They motivate me to run consistently each week.”
  Tyrone S., Residential Member, Our Brother’s Place “BoMF changed me a lot –how I think and things that I do. When I’m around the team everything is easier-I don’t have to try as hard to prove anything and I can just be myself and be good with that.  It makes it easier to run when you’re around people that you’re comfortable with that you learn to love and care about. During that race [Running for Answers 5K], I got down on myself and that just showed how much our team cares because they pushed me through and told me to finish, really believing in me…and I haven’t really had anyone believe in me in a minute other than my sister, so it’s good to be around people who believe in you and push you to do better things. And through running with Back on my Feet one of my dreams came true: getting to meet Eagles cheerleaders.”
  Bob P., Non-Residential Member, OBP “5:25 A. M. A dark and abandoned Corner at 10th and Spring Garden Streets, Philadelphia.  Hugs, smiles, greetings, and both exited voices and withdrawn sleepiness arrive in place and time together.  “Hello, world.  How you been?  Glad to see you my old friend.” Life intersects with coldness, infusing into it the affirmation of a common oneness, shared dreams, and hopes for a better day. Souls sharing what unites us rather than what divides. Light pierces darkness as unspoken words offer courage, understanding, acceptance.  An unbroken circle of arms forms.  “God, grant me the serenity…”  The sounds of silence remain strong under the surface while chatter and then running shoes provide a backdrop of quickened heartbeats that unite and strengthen the mind, the body, the soul.  Smiles emerge, the running picks up its pace.  Wind on my face.  Yes, I can do this. Cheers wait at the Corner as each set of running shoes, carrying their force, returns.  A circle forms again.  The bond of the moment unites in symbol, in space, in time.  An unlikely order of the Universe has been created in the rays of the rising sun.  Voices and running shoes become silent and a good moment on the earth is known. The Corner and running shoes quickly again becomes empty, unaware of what they done, but fulfilling their grand purpose. Humanity reunited.”
   Todd, Residential Member, RWA
  Scott, Non-Residential Member, RWA “I’m just happy to have been given the opportunity to run with such a great group of guys!”
  Betty, Residential Member, Sheila Dennis“We can do it!”
  Georgia, Non-Residential Member, Sheila Dennis “I was a little nervous about what to expect when I joined Back on My Feet, but I have felt so welcome by all the women on the Sheila Dennis team since my first run. In such a short amount of time, it has become a truly inspiring experience and I am continually impressed with the strength and determination of each member of the team. Every run reminds me how important it is to come together and support one another.”
   Emerson, Residential Member, Somerset “Emerson has made great strides in the short couple of weeks he has been on Team Somerset. He is always cheerful and willing to push himself further each run, and is looking forward to racing a 5k in the near future. Way to go, Emerson!!”- Amina W., Team Leader, Somerset
   Chaz, Non-Residential Member, Somerset “Chaz has quickly become one of the most admired volunteers at team Somerset. Residential and nonresidential members’ love running and joking around with Chaz, and we can always count on him to dress to the nines for our famous Theme Fridays! Chaz has a heart of gold and is a great asset to the team.” -Amina W. Team Leader, Somerset
   Chris W., Residential Member, St. John’s Hospice“B0MF is an added sense of belonging and a connection to extended family.  It is a structured routine that supports discipline and encourages accountability. It has given me a goal to aim for and achieve a blessing and a family, a support circle start to finish. A oneness.”
  Kati S., Non-Residential Member, St. John’s Hospice “My St. Johns teammates are always cheering for each other – not just when we’re running but in every aspect of life.  It’s such a positive, encouraging environment because your teammates make sure that no accomplishment, big or small, goes unnoticed. Every time we meet there is a new opportunity to celebrate each other’s most recent achievements, and I always leave our runs feeling inspired. And we laugh together A LOT – that’s the best part.”
Adam C. – Residential Member OBP

“God Bless Back on My Feet”

Matt T. – Non-Residential Member OBP

“Running with bomf is an honor; I learn something important every time I’m with the group. I can’t say enough good things about our team and the community in general.”

Henry – Residential Member St. Johns

“What should a person, starting from scratch, who has no particular advantage in the world, who wishes to reach the goals that he/she feels are important to them, and maybe by so doing, make a major contribution to others, tell themselves to do first? Answer: Have a desire to do and then, Get Back on My Feet!”

Max G. – Non-Residential Member St. Johns

I’ve really enjoyed working with Back on My Feet the last two years. I have been inspired by the people I have met and learned a lot about life.  It has been great watching residents develop a passion for running and use it to become successful.  I look forward to running with Back on My Feet for years to come.”

Nikki – Residential Member New Jerusalem

“Running with BoMF clears my head so I can move forward.”

Todd – Non-Residential Member New Jerusalem

“I didn’t know what to expect when I started coming out to New Jerusalem, but everyone accepted me early on to make me feel welcome.  Now I look forward to the mornings I am able to make it out.  I used to do most of my running by myself, but BoMF has provided me an opportunity to meet great new people and establish great friendships.”

Warren – Residential Member RWA

“I never knew I could grow so much, so quickly with BoMF. Confidence, friends & more!”

Sarah – Non-Residential Member RWA

“Back on My Feet has been the best part of living in Philadelphia. I’ve met incredible people and grown in so many ways since I became a member one year ago.”

Calvin – Residential Member Team Ridge

“Calvin has been working hard the past few weeks, gaining strength and speed along the way.  He never fails to make everyone laugh with his crazy stories and antics, and his great personality helps to make the early mornings easier.  He did an amazing job helping to warm everyone up for Yoga with Sheila Dennis and New Jerusalem, and had no problem showing us his awesome yoga moves!  Keep up the great work, Calvin!” – Amina (Team Leader)

Morgan L. – Non-Residential Member Team Ridge

“We can always count on Morgan for a great story, no matter how tired we all may be in the mornings.  She’s a phenomenal runner who helps to push and inspire the res and non-res alike, yet she is still able to keep everyone entertained during the runs!  Thank you for all you do, Morgan!” –Aminia (Team Leader)

On July 1, 2011, Back on My Feet will be celebrating our 4th birthday! In honor of this occasion, we have partnered with Krispy Kreme. As part of the celebration, they will be giving us a doughnut birthday cake and offering a $2 donation to BoMF with every purchase of a dozen glazed doughnuts!

This offer is valid at the Center City Krispy Kreme, which is located at 16th & Chestnut St. Hurry, this voucher expires on July 8, 2011. Head over to Krispy Kreme today and redeem your voucher.

With the same love for fitness (running!) and community, CrossFit Center City and Back on My Feet have joined together for a weekend at the Philadelphia Triathalon Expo June 24th-25th.

So what IS CrossFit? “CrossFit is a strength and conditioning system built on constantly varied, if not
randomized, functional movements executed at high intensity” (Crossfit Journal).  Besides the abundance of frequently used abreviations, like WOD (workout of the day), METCON (metabolic conditioning) and AMRAP (as many rounds/reps as possible), CrossFit is best known for being the vehicle to reaching your highest fitness potential through skills based training in olympic lifting, gymnastics, running and more!

So if we haven’t sold you yet…

CrossFit Center City will be offering a discounted month membership at the PHLY TRI expo all day Saturday and Sunday! AND, to top off a great deal,$50 of every membership sold will go to support Back on My Feet. What better way to improve your running/biking/swimming, than with pullups, pushups, ring work, deadlifts, snatches, double-unders, handstands….the list goes on!

Want more information? Visit the CrossFit Center City website or email crossfitcc@gmail.com.

When you gathered last year in the corrals for the start of the marathon or half, 13 residential members were there with you—5 to complete the full, and 8 to complete the half. All five, Malik, Eric, Azriel, Stacy and Calvin, were first timers with the goal of finishing with a smile. Everyone did an amazing job!

If you’re looking to have an awesome experience like this one, or for a great way to help raise money for Back on My Feet – consider running the 2011 Philadelphia Marathon for Back on My Feet! The Marathon will be held Sunday, November 20th, 2011, and runs through historic Philadelphia, giving you an amazing view of the Art Museum, Kelly Drive, and the Schuylkill River while running for a great cause. As a FundRacer for Back on My Feet, you will receive the following benefits:

• Entry into the 2011 Philadelphia Marathon
• BoMF EnduraFit Shirt
• BoMF Cotton Shirt
• BoMF Window Sticker
• BoMF Wristband
• BoMF Running hat
• BoMF Hooded Sweatshirt

“I have had such a great time in the past couple weeks getting to know more about BoMF. I had a general knowledge of what the program was, but getting to know the people has been a truly amazing experience.  It’s been less than a month, but every morning I’ve run with BoMF has a been a positive and reflective way to start the day, and something I definitely plan to continue.  I have volunteered in a number of different settings in the past, but I think what has made this experience so unique for me is that the structure of this program blurs the lines of volunteer and resident to create an environment where everyone can learn and grow as people and as runners to achieve inspiring results.” – Deirdre Darragah 2010, Philadelphia Marathon FundRacer.

Log onto www.philadelphiamarathon.com to see what Race Weekend holds in store, such as a health and fitness expo and kids’ fun run, or to view a map of the course. In order to become a FundRacer for Back on My Feet, please email Cathryn Sanderson or call at 215-772-1080 x111. For more information, visit www.backonmyfeet.org. We hope to see you there!

Back on My Feet is gearing up for the Baltimore 10-Miler on June 18, 2011! Come join the Back on My Feet Baltimore 10-Miler FundRacing team and run alongside members, volunteers and supporters to experience the inspiration that comes from helping someone achieve more than just a 10-mile goal!

Registration is now open, and is expected to sell out quickly. Hurry and secure your spot today! Email Cathryn at cathryn@backonmyfeet.org or call 215-772-1080 x111 for more information!

Congratulations to the St. Johns’ team in the 1st week of March Mile Madness!

St. Johns had a great week of attendance from both new and existing active members on the team, totaling 94% in attendance!!

“St Johns is more than a team, they are a family.  Within every family there is a great deal of support and a dedication to be better for those around you.  Each morning these guys wake each other up not only to log the miles, but to support each other towards a common goal.  I’m definitely not surprised to see them leading the March Mile Madness challenge.  They have come together as a unit to succeed, and I think you can expect to see them atop the leader board for weeks to come” – Abby, non-res and former team leader for St. Johns

Learn more about where your team stands in week 1 of the competition HERE. Keep up the great work and attendance!

Get ready for the training season this spring with a team face-off during March Mile Madness! Throughout the month of March, BoMF Philly will be taking advantage of the warm weather to get ready for race season! Cheer your team on and encourage your teammates to participate, as each MWF and Saturday run counts toward your team’s overall attendance! At the end of March, BoMF will announce the winning team, and present them with a surprise social event!

How will it work?

Each day, attendance will be taken for every residential team member. At the end of the week, we will get an attendance average for each person that will then be averaged to create a team attendance percentage. Saturday runs will help individuals who miss during the week, but will not count against people who are unable to run on Saturday.

So encourage your team to get ready for all the upcoming spring races, and work toward winning the exciting, surprise social event!

With only 5 DAYS LEFT until registration opens for the 2011 Broad Street Run, Back on My Feet is gearing up for the famous 10-miler by opening up entries to the 2011 BSR FundRacing team! Reserve your spot NOW as an individual or a team and run alongside members, volunteers, and supporters to experience the inspiration that comes from helping someone achieve more than just a 10-mile goal!

The FundRacing minimum  is $250 and by FundRacing for BOMF you will receive the following benefits:

• Entry into the 2011 Broad Street Run
• BOMF Shirt
• BOMF Window Sticker
• BOMF Wristband
• BOMF Running Hat
• Invitation to Saturday Training Runs
• Personalized FundRacing page

To join the BSR FundRacing team as an individual or with your company, group, or friends, contact Cathryn Sanderson at Cathryn@backonmyfeet.org or call 215-772-1080 x108 to reserve your spot today!