Carmel Half running mates, Lee and Mark all smiles after a great race!

Mark Tracy came to BoMF Indy from Illinois and will be leaving to go back home and graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Programming. While Mark has been in Indianapolis he was a great asset to the Indianapolis Chapter. Mark is always willing to jump in and help out where he was needed and if you throw food in the picture he will be the first in line! We are going to miss Mark, but we wish him luck in his bright future!

Thank you Mark for all of your hard work and dedication to the program. All of our Members, both resident and non-resident will miss having you on the team. Your passion to help others shines through in the work that you do.

When you first came to BoMF, what were your expectations and what did you want to get out of the program?

When I was looking at internships last fall at University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, I really wanted to find an internship where I could help change lives through recreation. I heard about Back on My Feet in one of my classes and went online and said to myself “I want that internship.” When I came to Indy I really did not have any expectations except I knew I would have to get back in running shape fast! I was expecting to interact with the residents a lot, but I am been so happy to have gotten to know many non-residents well, too. I did not expect to meet this many good people, residents and non-residents.

Why did you choose BoMF for your internship in Indianapolis when there is a chapter in Chicago?

Well I chose Indianapolis over Chicago because it is a smaller city without a Program Coordinator, so I knew I would get a lot of hands on experience. Also, Indianapolis is actually closer to school than Chicago for me.

Explain your role in the Indy chapter to readers..

Well when Brian says jump, I say how high. I am just kidding sort of. I am technically the Program Intern. I filled the role of Program Coordinator for Brian. I did new resident orientations, helped with resident retention, and a lot of resident relationship building as well as non-resident relationship building. I also assisted in getting the guys signed up for races, transporting them for new shoes, and even counted a bit of inventory. Also, I did a lot of paperwork for Brian.

What races did you compete in while with BoMF?

Legacy Loop 5k, Big Ten Hoops Day 5k, Bulldog Jog, Carmel Half Marathon

What is your favorite BoMF memory?

There have been so many favorite memories from the races to meeting all kinds of great people. I think my favorite memory would be seeing Will hit 500 miles and after the 13 mile run, Tom and Deb treating us to breakfast afterwards. I still remember the pancakes and the biscuits of gravy!

What are your BHAG? (Big Hairy Audacious Goals, things you can’t complete on your own, you need help completing.)

To spread the word and the love of God to every person I meet through my words and most importantly my actions. I want to spread the good news of redemption told through the Gospels to all people I meet through loving my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as I love myself. I also hope to spread the love and mercy of his only begotten Son Jesus Christ, our Savior who is the way, the light, and the truth to eternal life.

What’s next for Mark?

I am planning on his summer to walk across the country again this summer. Last, summer I walked/ran from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. This summer I am walking/running from San Francisco to Washington D.C.

Manchester Miler member Kevin said, “It is clear Mark has passion and cares about what he does, he would come have lunch with us everyday and ask us how we were doing. He will go far.”

“I get up every morning and look in the mirror and thank God for my great looks,” Mark told Warman Team Leader, Tom while running the Carmel 1/2 Marathon!

Tom hit the nail on the head on how to get Mark to run at Warman, “Tell him we will have food!”

Emilie, JP, and Mark awaiting their volunteer shift at the Polar Bear Doubler. Thanks for volunteering on this cold day!

Mark, Dwayne, Nan, and Andrea at the Bulldog Jog

Finishing the Big Ten Hoops 5k all smiles!

Jeffrey, Mark, Deb, and Andy at the Hearts and Hands Picnic

Tom and Mark chat about the Carmel Half Marathon while Ron listens and thinks I'm sticking to the 8ks!

Mark and a few Manchester Milers awaiting the start of breakfast at the Marriott Downtown.

Shane and Laurence getting ready for the Big Ten Hoops 5k!

Laurence started running with Back on My Feet in February 2012 and has completed several races with the team, each with a better time! We are excited Laurence decided to join our Progress House team and believe he has a bright future!

Running Shoe Size: 8.5

Hometown/Family: Carmel, In

Favorite Athlete: Lawrence Taylor

Favorite post run food:  Apples

Favorite Music: Rock and Roll

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

I relapsed last May from a heroin addiction and eventually ended up in rehab after an intervention. Upon completion the counselors suggested I stay at a halfway house. They recommended the Progress House.

Why did you join BoMF?

I joined because I like running. I had run a little bit in the previous year but stopped after I relapsed. I picked it up again while I was in rehab. I ran 3 miles every other day.

What races have you completed with BoMF?

I’ve ran the Legacy Loop 5k, Polar Bear Doubler, Ground Hog 7, Big Ten Hoops 5k, and the Bulldog Jog 5k.

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

I enjoy working out, going to NA mtgs, and going out to eat with my friends.

BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals):

I want to run a full marathon and maybe run the Boston marathon one day.

They came from all corners of Boston, Somerville, and Cambridge with one goal in mind: to raise money for Back on My Feet. And to eat a ton of b. good burgers in the process. For the second year in a row, Boston’s favorite burger joint b. good partnered with Back on My Feet to bring some extra special sauce to BoMF Boston’s fundraising efforts around the Boston Marathon.

Men and woman from throughout the Boston area came together as this year’s 2012 b. good Burger Brigade to run the Boston Marathon dressed as hamburgers and fries to raise money and awareness for Back on My Feet. This year’s partnership was extra sweet when the legendary Ben & Jerry’s joined the fight against homelessness by creating a completely original Back on My Feet Runner’s Treat ice cream flavor (available at the Harvard Square Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop for the month of April) and pitting it out against b. good for the second annual Ice Cream Truck Battle.

And now the results are in! The 2012 b. good Burger Brigade raised a total of $17,687 for Back on My Feet, inching by last year’s record! THANK YOU, BURGER BRIGADE! THANK YOU B. GOOD! THANK YOU BEN & JERRY’S! We couldn’t do what we do at Back on My Feet were it not for the amazing community partnerships with organizations like you!

Check out some of the great photos taken by Scott Eisen of this year’s Brigade by clicking on the photo below.

The 2012 Burger Brigade

Todd is a huge asset to Team Manchester. He is a true gentle giant. Todd is the tallest guy on the team and has a huge heart to match his height. He  is polite, caring and is respected by his team members; both res and non-res. Everyone looks forward to seeing Todd every morning and he has 100% attendance so far! Todd was very honored to be selected as the first Manchester Member of the month!

Todd and Emily finishing his first 5k!

Shoe Size: 13

Hometown: Columbus, IN

Family: Sister that still lives in Columbus

Branch of military: Navy for 4 years

Occupation: Welder fabricator by trade

Favorite Color: Plaid; any pattern and colors (Todd told me that several times!)

Favorite Post Race Cereal: Life Cereal

Farthest race to date is a 5K – Todd completed the Bulldog Jog with BoMF, Team Manchester’s first race!

Favorite music: Blue Grass/country

Favorite athlete: Muhammad Ali

Favorite vacation spot: St. Thomas

Bucket list includes: Go scuba diving and buy a sailboat

Why did you want to join Team Manchester? “I wanted to get back in shape. Running really helps you mentally. When I miss a run I feel like crap all day. I’m not going to use anything, even a hurt knee, as an excuse not to run. I’m really enjoying it.”

Todd was always involved in team sports. He played football in college and Todd is glad to be back on a team as he’s missed it. Todd says being a part of the program feels so good. We look forward to seeing the many successes Todd is working towards – he is dedicated and motivated to move his life in a positive direction.

March has been a motivating month for the Back on My Feet team at the Lake View YMCA! Joe and Carmelo both started training for the CARA Lakefront 10 Miler race, which will be on April 28th.

This month, we welcome two new team members, John and Howard. They have both proven to be very dedicated members and are quickly getting accustomed to running. They have both maintained over 90% attendance and accrued over 15 miles each!

Joe volunteered at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8k on March 25th. He really enjoyed being on the other side of a race and giving back to the running community!

Joe and Dan attended Back on My Feet’s Scavenger Shuffle, which had them running around the city in search of Chicago landmarks. Both of them had a great time getting in a workout and getting to know members from the other Back on My Feet Chicago teams!

We are looking forward to cheering on Joe and Carmelo at the CARA Lakefront 10 Mile race next month and watching the rest of the team build up mileage and continue to take strides forward in their lives! Read more…

Manny ran a 10 miler this month!  He continues to persevere and did a great job!  He will be well prepared for April’s CARA Lakefront 10 miler!

Fridays have been have been reserved for fun team building activities.  This past Friday we each said what we would do if we learned the world would end in an hour.  Answers ranged from eating unhealthy but delicious foods to calling family members to hosting a big dance party!  The previous Friday, we all discussed what we would say to President Obama if we met him.  I think President Obama should hire Team Uptown as his new advisors!

Beth and Terry Run the 50K!  - As many of you know, Beth and Terry have been training their butts off for the 50K.  We have seen them on the path running miles and miles in preparation for this race.  Most recently, they ran a 27-mile training run – WOW!  So, in support of our wonderful Team Organizer and her volunteer husband, Team Uptown is going to cheer them along the course.

As many of you know, Larry recently graduated from the Inspiration Corporation’s Job Readiness program.  He hopes to find a job as an over-the-road truck driver and has used some of his Back on My Feet benefits to help make that more possible.  Let’s make sure to congratulate him when we see him next. Read more…

As March comes to a close, it is hard to believe that spring has just begun! After so many 80 degree days, it seems as though we should be in the middle of summer! March was a great month for our St. Leonard’s team with many of our team members finding employment and beginning to recommit to new running goals.

Two of our alumni members, Issac and Mingo, both obtained employment this month. We are so proud of all their hard work to get to this point. Issac will be cooking for St. Leonard’s and Grace House and Mingo will be working for a local landscaping company. Both are very excited about the opportunities and we know that they will do an incredible job. Not only did Issac and Mingo find work, but Charles and Dylan also began new jobs this month. March was so busy and full of good news! Read more…

The Boston Marathon is just five days away! We thought it would be good timing to share with you another one of Kelli’s blog entries as she is one day closer to crossing the Boston Marathon off her bucket list. Hopkington, here she comes… better yet, Boylston st. here she comes!

A post from Kelli’s blog during her training:

It was so good to be back at practice this morning.  After the Marathon Trials in Houston last weekend, I had a really hard time getting back into the swing of things.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the weather was a contributing factor to my funk for the past few days.  I came from short-sleeves in Texas to winds in the upper 20 mph’s and windchills in the teens in Indiana.  I felt super-tired and run down.  I was uninterested in training or running, and I felt burnt out.  The idea of taking a week or two off with no running at all was extremely appealing.  All I wanted to do was lay around and go to bed early and sleep in late.  So, unfortunately, I missed my workouts on Monday and Tuesday.  But, fortunately, I would not let myself miss practice with my Back on My Feet team this morning.

Kelli & Rob

Michelle finishing the Bulldog Jog strong!

Michelle joined team Manchester House after hearing about Back on My Feet at a Lunch & Learn at her place of employment- Covance Central Labs. She signed up for a volunteer orientation that day and showed up for the orientation the following day.

It seemed to be perfect timing, as we were approaching the start of our newest team, she was able to begin her BoMF journey on launch day for team Manchester. We have found that other than running, Michelle is also a brilliant photographer and she has graciously shared some of her photos with Back on My Feet after events our Members participate in. We are excited to have Michelle as a volunteer and grateful  for her involvement with Back on My Feet and Team Manchester!

Shoe Size: 9

Favorite post run food?

Short runs: banana

Long runs: bagel

Marathon: Cheeseburger

How many marathons/half marathons have you done?

2 Marathons

7 Half Marathons

Favorite race you’ve ever done?

Columbus Marathon

What marathons have you done?

Columbus Marathon (Ohio)

Grandma’s Marathon (Duluth, MN)

Favorite music?

Folk Rock, Rock

Favorite athlete?

Team Hoyt  (Dick Hoyt and son Rick Hoyt) If you don’t know their story it is definitely worth a Google. They are such an inspiration.

Favorite vacation spot?

1) Any where warm with sun and water

2) Going home to visit my family in Argentina

Bucket list item you plan to cross off soon?

My bucket list usually consists of travel so I am looking forward to a visit to the Mediterranean in June.

Why do you run?

There is nothing like the sense of accomplishment and mental health you get from running and run/walking (or as someone once called it “Runalking”)

Family?

Partner and 1 fur child (a dog named Loca)

Work?

I work in Clinical Development for the pharmaceutical industry

Why did you choose Manchester House over the other two teams?

I chose Manchester House/Rest over Progress House and the other HVAF team because it was new and we could all get to know each other and get in shape together.

What has BoMF meant to you?

Inspiration and connection with a wonderful variety of people. Everyone looking for the “next best choice” as one of our Resident Members told me (Thanks for the inspiration Todd).

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

Do it. You will quickly forget about the early AM starts and find yourself looking forward to starting your day out right with a run and new friends.

Anything else you want to share with readers?

This team is awesome and I can’t imagine starting my Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays without you!

Last week, world famous ice cream slinger Ben & Jerry’s went head to head against everyone’s favorite local burger joint, b. good, in an ice cream truck battle royale to see who had the tastiest treats: Ben & Jerry’s ice cream or b. good milkshakes. And the sweetest part? All proceeds from the ice cream truck battle benefited Back on My Feet Boston!

Members of the Back on My Feet b.good Burger Brigade were on the scene collecting donations from the public as two Berklee student bands set the mood with some background jams.

The Kerin sisters -- Courtney, Katelyn, and Christy -- collected donations with other members of the Burger Brigade (and a little extra help from their "slider").

If you missed your chance at some free ice cream and shakes, don’t fret! There will be an Ice Cream Truck Battle re-match THIS THURSDAY at CITY HALL PLAZA from 12-3:30 p.m. Once again, all ice cream and shakes are free, but Burger Brigaders will be on hand collecting donations for Back on My Feet.

Come on down and support the Brigade. They have less than one week to go before they take on the historic Boston Marathon course in their burger and fry suits — all for Back on My Feet!

Don't miss the final Ice Cream Truck Battle this Thursday!

You can check out some of the press from last week’s battle from boston.com.