On February 18th, members from all four Back on My Feet Chicago teams laced up their sneakers for the 2nd Annual Indoor Track Meet at Lakeshore Sport and Fitness! Attendees were divided into two teams and competed in relay events that had participants speed walking, skipping, side shuffling, running backwards and sprinting! We all learned that Uptown Team Coach Jim has some swag in his skip and Uptown’s newest non-residential member Michelle should take up professional speed walking! While Team 1 ultimately won the overall competition, everyone’s team spirit and energy was second to none!

Thank you to Lakeshore Sport and Fitness for hosting our event and giving all non-residential members in attendance a free one-month gym pass!

View more pictures from the 2nd Annual Indoor Track Meet here.

The St. Leonard’s Back on My Feet team kicked 2012 off with hard work and dedication while training for our January half marathon. Despite winter’s late but definite arrival, our team worked diligently at sticking to our training program to ensure that we would be able to complete the icy 13.1 miles!

And complete it we did! In the middle of winter in Chicago, the St. Leonard’s team had a great showing at the F3 Lake Half Marathon and 5k! Robert S., Donald, Jerry, Akbar, and Charles all completed their very first half marathon! All were in great spirits after an exciting race. Now veteran runner Mingo also completed the half with ease. Several of the St. Leonard’s non-residential members joined in and ran the half with the rest of their team. Alex completed her very first half marathon as well! Training together and racing together was a very valuable experience for all those involved. Also participating in our frozen race day were Mayo, Dyron, and Howard. These three also had great race days and stuck around to cheer on their teammates who were completing the half. It was a truly unforgettable day. Read more…

Shane (blue BoMF shirt) and Patrick running the Legacy Loop 5k

Nearly three years ago, Shane experienced an accidental overdose, including getting shocked back to life. Shane went into a coma and because of this the Oxygen supply was cut off to his brain. As a side effect, he lost all coordination to his hands and legs. He spent much of the next few months relearning things most of us take for granted. Shane didn’t believe he would even walk again, let alone run a half marathon!

Running Shoe Size: 10

Hometown/Family: From Southport, His family- Mom, Stepfather, Stepsister and Brother- live in Indianapolis.

Favorite Athlete: Jeff Gordon, Peyton Manning–I have a different favorite athlete for each sport. I tend to base my likeness on what they do for the community and how they are as a person and their overall persona more than their athletic ability.

Favorite Music: Old school rock, Kiss, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones

What brought you into Progress House? What were you overcoming?

I always knew that I had a problem and knew that I would need help getting off the drugs and alcohol; I just didn’t know how to approach the help. I came to visit my brother who was already in Progress House and saw he had a different light in his eyes. I instantly knew this is where I would get clean.

Why did you join BoMF?

My brother was on the team and he was telling me how much fun the people are and told me how much it had helped him. He sold me on the idea of joining the team.

How difficult was it having your brother living in Progress House and how did you approach this relationship?

Before I came to Progress House, my brother and I had a rocky relationship for the past few years. Progress House was a blessing in disguise because it has made our relationship stronger and brought us back together.

You work at a restaurant that serves alcohol, is this difficult being in recovery?

It doesn’t bother me anymore, if anything it repulses me. My managers understand and support that I am in recovery and do not push the alcohol at me.

What races have you completed with BoMF?

Monumental Half Marathon, Santa Hustle 5k, New Year’s Eve 5k, Legacy Loop 5k, Ground hog 7

In your spare time, what do you like to do?

In the little spare time I have, I try to spend as much time as possible with my kids. I love to be outdoors whether it is running, walking, or biking. Being outside offers me a serenity I can’t get anywhere else. My favorite coffee drink is a White Chocolate Mocha, which is often times my reward for being outside!

BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals):

I want to go back to school, get my license back, and be able to provide for my kids and keep doing better for myself.

The Lake View YMCA team was excited to welcome two new members this month, Stephen and Marvin! It is refreshing to see such new positive enthusiasm in our coldest time of the year yet. We considered ourselves lucky for most of this winter so far, but we sure had a couple of frigid mornings this month! The anticipation of the F^3 Half Marathon offered good motivation for many members during the last few weeks. Five volunteers ran the half marathon, along with Joe who ran an impressive race in less than 2 hours and 7 minutes! Steven and Stephen also ran in the 5k event and cheered the half marathoners into the finish. The conditions were not to be forgotten with 20 mph winds and many slippery patches of ice. This is one milestone that will not soon be forgotten. Here’s to hoping the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow! Read more…

Emily and 'Outta Site' Mike preparing to run the New Year's Eve Masquerace 5k!

Emily started running with HVAF Team Warman every Wednesday and almost every Friday in October. She has committed to being the Volunteer Coordinator of our new facility and we are excited for her to take on a stronger role in our little family!

Running shoe size? 8

Favorite post run food? Chocolate Milk

How many 5ks have you completed? Santa Hustle 5k, Acts of ’5K’ indness New Year’s Eve Masquerace, and Legacy Loop 5k

Favorite race you’ve ever done? Santa Hustle 5k

Favorite music? I like many different artists but feel auto tune and techno are the downfall to music and radio as we know it.

Favorite athlete? Well, my favorite team is the Chicago Cubs! I love baseball!

Favorite vacation spot? Grandma’s house

Bucket list item you plan to cross off soon? Run a half marathon! Also travel somewhere warm.

Why do you run?

After participating with BoMF for three months now, I no longer think about the running but the familiar faces I get to spend time with. The wellness aspect of BoMF is just a bonus to all the relationship building and networking going on. I have made many meaningful friends and connections because of this organization. With all BoMF has done for me, I can only be excited to continue my journey with this organization.

Family and work? I have a great family! I am a Bilingual Women’s Advocate for women and children in transitional housing at The Julian Center. The Julian Center is a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

What is your most memorable BoMF memory?

I have several memories, but my favorite was completing a service project with the HVAF Warman Team guys gutting a house for Hearts and Hands. This was the first time I felt part of the BoMF team.

What has BoMF meant to you?

I was initially drawn to BoMF as possible programming for the women I work with in transitional housing her in Indianapolis. I was sold when I met a few key individuals here in the Indianapolis chapter who shared their personal journey to being part of the organization and why they believe so firmly in the mission. Just as those key individuals shared their passion for BoMF, I too feel very strongly now in promoting BoMF to continue bringing individuals to success. I have met a great deal of amazing individuals who are all like minded in simply that they want to help their community however that may be through BoMF.

How is BoMF helping you with your future career?

BoMF is an exemplary model in volunteerism and community building. As I am working to build a better community, BoMF provides an existing framework to outline. The organization works to further other community initiatives by partnering with them, strengthening not only the Indianapolis chapter but the possibilities for both organizations.

Advice for people who might want to start running with BoMF?

BoMF is not about speed, pace, running the fastest or longest. BoMF is about building character and social capital. Each person needs and wants to have meaningful connections with others. BoMF provides a safe and welcoming environment of intentional friendship-making. The rapport building and formation of these friendships have helped me personally and professionally. I have met and listened to the triumphs and struggles of residents and non residents. BoMF offers support where one may not have it, an ear for someone to listen, and several laughs to keep you smiling. I am privileged to be part of Back on My Feet, Indianapolis.

The Uptown team spent the month of January preparing for the F^3 Half Marathon and 5k! Between the snow, cold, wind and rain, it was a tough month, but it was all worth it when the team crossed the finish line! A BIG HUGE, “THANK YOU” to everyone who came out on race day to support us in the F^3 Lake Half Marathon:

·  Dave, for running up to Foster and then running the first few miles with Charles.  You are wonderful and our team would not be the same without your energy and your spirit.

·  Sarah, for schlepping water all day in the cold, wind and ice.  Thank you for being there and having fluid!!

·  Monika, for course marshaling and showing us the way.  You’re new yet you managed to cheer us all along the way and give us a great smile and congratulations at the end of the race.

·  Cory, for standing out in the windy cold and cheering us on at Irving Park (going out) and Montrose (coming back).  Your smiling face gave us all a little boost.

·  Sonja, for making signs and standing near the tot lot.  You were a warm welcome on a cold day.

·  Abby, for running 11 miles, stopping by REST to wish us well, driving to Fullerton to stand and cheer and then coming to the finish line to welcome us home.  Your presence and positive attitude made everything even more special.  The ride home was wonderful!!

·  Danny, you ran with Charles for the entire race. You brought him in with a 9 minute PR.  You supported him through this amazing challenge.  Your dedication and hard work is nothing short of inspiring.

·  Amanda, you ran with Manny for the entire race.  You continue to be a ray of sunshine that constantly shines on our team.  You helped Manny recognize that he held within him the power to accomplish this goal and all you had to do was be Amanda.  We love you for that.

·  Beth (aka Mrs. Ruppe), you always have a positive word and little bon mot to make us laugh.  You are amazing, we love having you on the team and your baked goods are stellar (just ask Greg).

· Jim, for your encouragement and support even on non-running issues.

· Debbie, for being an amazing team leader and making the team special and like a family.

·  To everyone who came out for all of our training runs and continue to support the team in everything we do.   THANK YOU, WE COULD NOT DO THIS WITHOUT ALL OF YOU!!!

And now, the results: Charles – 2:29 (9 minute PR- WooHOO!!!), Manny – 2:46 (his maiden voyage), Kenny Torrella – 1:31 (another first-time and an AMAZING JOB), Terry Ruppe  – 1:50, Beth Ruppe – 2:13, Jim Kelly – 2:13, Debbie Kelly – 2:15, Danny Nelson – 2:29, Amanda Espitia – 2:46, Elizabeth DeAvilla – 2:54

Joe setting his pace at the Legacy Loop 5k

Joe began running with team Progress House in June. He came with his friend Tom and we immediately started calling them the New Pal guys because they are both from New Palestine. Joe and Tom have both taken on leadership roles on the team and we are grateful for their efforts.

Joe is the team coach for Progress House. He is always available for a smile and good piece of running advice. We recently found out  he is a very good cook, when he brought delicious cream cheese bars & blueberry muffins to practice one day!

Running shoe size: 10

Favorite post run food: Ice cream

How many marathons/half marathons have you completed: 3 marathons and probably 30 plus half marathons.

What marathons have you participated in: Monumental Marathon, California International Marathon, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Favorite race you have ever done: Scotibank Toronto Waterfront Marathon because it was my first marathon.

Favorite music: Classic Rock, Country, Jazz

Favorite athlete: I was a catcher when I played little league baseball and Johnny Bench was my idol.

Favorite vacation spot: When I get a chance to take a vacation, where ever I end up is my favorite vacation spot!

Tell readers about your family: I have 4 children- my son John (he goes by JJ) is 22, 20 year old twin daughters Amy and Kay, and Julie who is 17. Amy is a BoMF volunteer.

Bucket list item you plan to cross off soon: My daughter Amy and I are planning on jumping out of an air plane in June together.

Why do you run: I have run since junior high and it is always something I have enjoyed doing. It is a good stress reliever as well.

Tell us about your professional position: I work as a project manager for a multi-family developer/builder.

Why did you choose Team Progress House: The facility location is closer to my home.

What has BoMF meant to you: The program is amazing!

You originally committed to running only one day a week with the team, what made you take on the role of coach and not a lesser position:

I knew after a month or two of running with BoMF I wanted to be more involved. The reason I took the coaching position, well, at the time it was the only position open.

Advise for people who might want to start running with BoMF: Join this program! It will be one of the best things you ever do!

Anything else you want to share with readers: This is an amazing program and I am glad I have the opportunity to be involved with it.

Weather you have a bib already or not-you can FundRace for Back on My Feet Indianapolis for the 500 Festival Mini Marathon! Back on My Feet has bibs for the SOLD OUT race.

FundRace as an individual or with a Team!

We will set up an on-line fundraising page to help with your efforts!

• FundRace as an individual – With 15 individual FundRacers for the mini marathon, we can raise $15,000 for the Indianapolis program! That is a huge contribution! It costs $1,800 to put a member through our entire program, by raising $15,000 we can put 8 new members through the program.

• FundRace with your Running Group  – Do you run with a group of friends who are training for the mini? Why not make it a group effort and raise the money together? With 10 runners, that’s only $100 each! It’s as simple as recruiting 10 people to contribute $10 to your campaign!

• FundRace with your fellow employees – Are there a group of runners at your place of work who are training for the mini? Create a corporate team and FundRace together as a department or entire corporation! What a great team building way to give back to your community!

The fundraising minimum for this race is $1,000 – which may sound like a lot at first, but break it down and be creative!

• Analyze the Goal – Think of it as 25 donations of $40 or 20 $50 donations.

• Examine and Activate Your Network  – Start off by making a list of individuals who would be targets to support!

• Create a Personal Fundraising Plan with Benchmarks – Give yourself goals along the way, breaking it down is less overwhelming!

• Look for “Multiples” – Often times companies offer matching gifts programs and sometimes a family member or friend will match donations as well!

• Step Six: Develop a Communication Strategy – How will you communicate your efforts? How about a blog specific to your efforts -create entries about your workouts and keep supporters updated on how your training is going. Doing this will remind everyone why you are working so hard. Utilize facebook and twitter! Make it a challenge for not only yourself but those supporting you as well! Example Tweet – “In the next 100 minutes, help me raise $100 for my Back on My Feet FundRacing Campaign!”

Still need ideas for fundraising?

• Host a fundraising party!
• Clean out your closet and basement – sell items on ebay or consignment shops with all proceeds going to your fundraising efforts!
• Partner with a local restaurant – often times restaurants will donate a portion of proceeds to a worthy cause, see if your favorite restaurant will partner with you for your efforts!
• Make it a contest for your friends- the first 10 people who donate to your campaign will be in a drawing to win a $25 gift card.
• The best advice is to have fun with it and remember you have joined a special team of people who are all part of helping those overcoming homelessness to become self sufficient.

Benefits of FundRacing:

• Free Entry to the 500 Festival Mini Marathon!
• Opportunity to meet members who benefit from your fundraising efforts!
• FundRaising Kit !
• Team Atmosphere!
• BoMF running gear as an incentive for how much you raise! More details on our website!
• Knowing that there is meaning behind every step you take during your training and race experience!

Are you ready for the challenge? Register today and secure your bib! Do you have more questions? Contact Lindsey@backonmyfeet.org or call at 317.517.8699.

¡Creemos! Support Back on my Feet Atlanta and La Amistad at this year’s La Amistad Buckhead 5k on February 25th, 2012.

LaAmistad is an award-winning nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, that strives to empower Latino students via support through tutoring, mentoring, and extracurricular programs. All proceeds from the race benefits LaAmistad’s youth and family programs, where an astonishing 100% of their students either met or EXCEEDED the CRCT test scores!

We hope you will join our Members in supporting LaAmistad on February 25th. Not only will you run for a great cause, you can also use the race as your Peachtree Road Race qualifier.  As always, if you can’t run with us, we welcome you to come out and cheer for us! Our Residential Members logged an impressive 900+ miles from our launch date of November 11^th, 2011 to the end of last year—with your support, imagine how many miles we log in 2012!

For additional information, click here to learn more about LaAmistad and to find additional details about the race. Back on My Feet Atlanta looks forward to seeing you there!