Thank you everyone who came out for the 2nd annual Back on My Feet 42K Relay! As always, we are thankful for your support and hope you enjoyed the race!

Teams Keep on Runnin’ and The Brothers Thornberry

A big thanks to ALL of our volunteers from AT&T – there were 33 AT&T pioneers out supporting us for morning set up, registration, the water stop and working the course! We couldn’t have done it without them!

Congratulations to all who ran! Below are the rankings for the top three teams in each division!

All Race Results

A BIG CONGRATS to our Solo Runner  – Jack Gackenheimer, who ran a 3:29:48!

We also said a very special goodbye to Alumnus Member Mike. Mike ran with team Warman and after many great milestones is moving back home to Washington D.C. – we are so thankful and excited there is a Back on My Feet chapter in D.C., our friends over there are awfully lucky to get to have Mike in their lives.

Mike’s last lap of his last run with Back on My Feet Indy. (13.1 Miles!) Executive Director, Jamie and Program Director Brian right behind Mike, cheering him in!

We are all going to miss you so much Mike!

Back on My Feet Staff with Planet Adventure Staff. We had a great time working with our PA friends!

Thanks everyone for a great time! We are already looking forward to next year. All proceeds from this race directly benefit the Indianapolis Chapter of Back on My Feet, helping Members of our community overcoming homelessness move toward self-sufficiency.

Check on more pictures on our facebook page!

Thank you to all of our sponsors, including Title Sponsor:

OrthoIndy, Baldwin & Lyons, DOZ, Monarch Beverage, Endurance IT, Accenture, BlueMile, Carmel Marathon and Monumental Marathon

It’s our BIRTHDAY!

We have had an incredible year and can’t thank all of our supporters enough. There are so many people who have helped make this year so successful and we are grateful for every single one of you.

Thank you to all of our partner facilities HVAF of Indiana, Progress House, Resident Members, Core team members, Non-res runners, FundRacers, Volunteers at races, Corporate supporters and anyone else who has been involved in nurturing and growing this amazing chapter.

Purchase tickets for our upcoming Birthday Luncheon!

2012 in a nutshell:

• 3 Partner Facilities
• 45 active resident members
• 3 active alumni members
• 80 volunteers
• 77 members served since March 8^, 2011
• 49 members who have completed a competitive race
• 13 members who have completed a half-marathon
• 3 members who have completed a full-marathon
• 8 members who have obtained housing
• 25 members are currently employed
• 56 members have enrolled in financial literacy, job training programs or schooling
• 83% of members in Next Steps

Check out the year in pictures:

Our first circle as a team- at the first of many BlueMile shoe fittings! Thank you BlueMile for being such an amazing supporter.

Members from team HVAF Warman at the launch luncheon at JW Marriott.

White Lodging helping us get our chapter started! Thank You!

Heading to the start line of our first race!

Jamie with Outta Site Mike at the Drumstick Dash

Jamie runs with team HVAF and has been a constant supporter of the Indianapolis program since she started as a volunteer.

We are so thankful for her presence on the team and the heart that she brings to the program.

Running shoe size: 9

Favorite post run food: Frozen Yogurt (Yogulatte’s)

How many half marathons/marathons have you ran: 12-15 half marathons, 1 marathon

Favorite race you’ve ever done:

Dances with Dirt Relay and Back on My Feet 42k Relay. I enjoyed running the relays as it gives me a chance to hang out with good friends and meet new people throughout the day.

Favorite music: All, but ipod run list consists of Christian, 80′s, Country, Rap, Pop.

Favorite athlete: Magic Johnson

Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere warm with a beach, especially the Caribbean!

Bucket list item you plan to cross off soon:

I just crossed off one of the biggest last summer–I went on a mission trip to Zambia, Africa with Alliance for Children Everywhere.

Why do you run: I run to clear my head and to stay fit.

Tell us a little about your family:

I say “8 is Enough”–my parents, older sister, younger brother, brother-in-law, niece and nephew, along with a large extended family.

Where do you work:

My sister, JoBeth Zimmerman, co-own Cox Zimmerman Public Relations. We specialize in PR and Marketing consultation.

Tell us what BoMF has meant to you:

BoMF has meant so much to me beyond running. I wanted to get involved the minute I heard about the organization. The residents at HVAF are so appreciative and loving. If I miss a few days, I feel like I haven’t seen family in awhile. BoMF HVAF entire team feels like my second family.

All-time favorite BoMF memory: My most memorable run was my first run at HVAF.

You run with team member “Outta-Site” Mike quite a bit, can you tell us a little about that relationship and how it was established:

I started running with “Outta-Site” Mike my first run and he didn’t talk much throughout the run. I was thinking he didn’t like me and just wanted me to be quiet. The closer we got to the end he started opening up. He had not been running long so he didn’t want to mess up his breathing. I love that every run we do he will run with me and we can keep the same pace until the end– he takes off and sprints to the end. NO WAY can I keep up!

Anything else you want to share with readers:

Getting up at 5am is not something I thought I would do well, but knowing I’m heading to see my team gets me out of bed with a smile!

Ron Gephart, Keith Brown, John Howish (Keith in the middle, never ceases to amaze us with his fun, hilarious outfits at races... we love it!)

Name: Keith Brown

Running Shoe Size: 10

Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Favorite Music: Everything! Classical to Van Morrison, Little Feat to The Rolling Stones.

Favorite Sports Team: All Cleveland teams, even during the continuing rough years!

One Hero: Dr. Bill Thomas out of New York, who started working with seniors and developed the Greenhouse Project, Eden Project, and continuing spin offs.

What brought you to BoMF:

I was a soccer player in high school and college, and saw BoMF as an opportunity to get back into shape, get my metabolism going at a faster rate, and lose weight. The other reason I came to BoMF was seeing the team every morning having fun and joking around, which I thought was something that could help with my recovery process.

I also know BoMF will help me quit smoking, which will make it easier to run, I’m just not ready yet!

What difference has BoMF made in your life:

It has opened doors, provided mental clarity and allowed connections to be made that wouldn’t happen in a regular recovery program. The timing of some of the opportunities I have been given, allowed me to get my health back up.

BoMF has been the most instrumental resource for me in a full recovery and getting back into the community. I will transition close to the facility to keep the friendships and connections I have gained.

What races have you ran with BoMF & what’s been your favororite:

Monumental Marathon 5K, Back on My Feet 42K Relay, Santa Hustle 5K and The Planet Adventure New Year’s Eve Masquerace 5K

The Back on My Feet 42K Relay was my favorite because it was unique and it was my first race!

Most memorable BoMF memory: True friendships

BHAG: (Big Hairy Audacious Goals – thanks Deb for this awesome question!)

1. Find connection between Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Autism
2. Own a Bed and Breakfast
3. See the world
4. Become an Indiana and US Lobbyist

Advice for new members: Don’t give up, never give up! It is easier than it looks and the longest journey starts with the first step! Also the SWAG is pretty cool!

What do you do in your spare time: Between school, work, and running there is little time left for anything! I do enjoy Turner Classic Movies, trying to keep up with current affairs, and of course running 5Ks!

Keith practiced Law for 28 years as a Public Defender, and now has a passion for helping the elderly, especially those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. He also has a passion for holistic and spiritual healing. Keith is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from the Ashford University in Iowa. He would like to use this degree to create an alternative for seniors going to a typical nursing home facility.

Currently, Keith is employed with The Citizens Action Coalition where he visits communities in Indianapolis to ensure people are paying a fair price for their utilities and other government services.

“I have found Keith to be one of the most dedicated members of Team Progress House and thoroughly enjoy having him on the team.” said Program Director, Brian Meyer, “He is always ready with a kind word and a helping hand.”

Kyle McMillan, Shrell Sims, James Boyd

Kyle McMillan is one of the original members of the Back on My Feet Indianapolis Progress House team! He is very dedicated to the team and has remained at 90% attendance or better for nine months! He has successfully moved out of Progress House and is currently very excited about his new job. We are very proud of Kyle and look forward to seeing his progress as he moves forward in a positive direction.

Shoe size: 8.5

Favorite post run food: Pancakes, Eggs over easy, Sausage patties

Favorite beverage: Minute Maid Fruit Punch

Favorite race: Back on My Feet 42K Relay

Favorite music: PHISH……and sometimes a little Taylor Swift!

Favorite Quote: “Whatever you do, take care of your shoes” –Trey Anastasio

Favorite athlete: Nolan Ryan

Bucket list items to cross off soon: Skydive, Half Relay Race

LH: What brought you to where you are today?

KM: Never giving up and the desire to change.  I’ve encountered many trials and tribulations in my life like most people.  For years my life was leading down a path of destruction.  Having willpower and determination combined with the help of others, I finally turned my life around “running” towards a positive and rewarding future.

LH: What have you overcome in the last 8 months?

KM: I got laid off from a job I really liked but I persevered through it and within a couple of days was hired on a much more rewarding job mentally and monetarily.

LH: Why did you choose to get involved with BoMF and what has it meant to you:

KM: Being relatively early in my recovery, I was eager to find ways to spend my time positively and be held accountable. In BoMF I found both as well as a wonderful fellowship of friends.  Having never ran and woken up early in my life, it was a challenge.  Through the support of BoMF members, I stuck with the program and my health and outlook on life continued to improve.  Now, I am upset if life ever gets in the way of me running in the morning.  Eight months ago I could have never imagined that.  BoMF has become more to me than just a running program.

LH: All time favorite BoMF memory?

KM: My experience at the Back on my Feet 42k relay; dressing up with my friends and team members.  My team was titled “The Firm” and our costumes were dress slacks, dress shirts, and ties.  Although our team didn’t win anything, running in that type of outfit was something I will never forget.  Also crossing the finish line of the last leg of the relay with my exhausted dog in my arms will always put a smile on my face.

LH: Why are you still running today?

KM: The first reason would be commitment.  People count on me to show up three days a week just as much as I count on them to be there and support me.  The second reason is the enjoyment I get from the experience.  It’s definitely not just the running for me.  It’s getting to wake up in the morning and enjoy the day starting with what have become close friends of mine.

LH: Anything else to the reader?

KM: Make sure your shoes fit the first time.

October 23rd marked the inaugural Back on My Feet 42K Relay in Indianapolis! This event was a major success in our books and we couldn’t be more pleased with the support of the community.

There were 98 teams who came out to run the race, which consisted of twelve 2.2 mile loops around the White River State Park.

Winning teams:

4 Person Male - Vandalay Industries

4 Person Female – MFers

4 Person Coed - The Postfontaines

2 Male - Hickory

2 Female – It’s Scrumdidilyumptious!

2 Mixed -90 by Winning

Male Solo – Dan Ball

Female Solo - Kelly Vance

What a fantastic day! This is truly a race for all types of runners- from newbies to competitive racers! We are looking forward to an even better event next year- can’t wait to see all of the runners in their costumes!

Thank you to our sponsors- DOZ, Baldwin & Lyons, Harding Poorman Group, Endurance IT, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, NYK Financials, Panera, Caito Foods, Starbucks and Wheeler Mission

Thank you to Hoosier Fat Daddy Food Truck for coming out to the event and serving delicious food!

THANK YOU to all of the runners and volunteers who came out and made a day of this event- we are truly grateful for your support. Without you, there would be no race.

Rodney grew up on the Eastside of Indianapolis and currently works for Roosa Carpet Cleaning. He has two kids, a son who is sixteen and a daughter who is eleven.

He moved to Progress House four months ago when he realized that his life was unmanageable and he needed to stop using. Soon after he moved in he noticed the Back on My Feet community joining together three days a week to circle up and run. He joined team Progress House in July and hasn’t looked back since. He has 100% attendance- hasn’t missed a single day since he started on July 7th!

He completed the Planet Adventure Eagle Creek 5K on August 7th- his first race!  This was a trail race and for those of you who have done any trail running, you know that this is much more difficult than running on the road! Rodney did a great job and even placed in his age group at the race. He had a blast running over logs and climbing the massive hills. When I asked Rodney about the race he said “It was awesome, you never knew what was coming next, it was a thrill ride, like life.”

Shoe Size: 10.5

Age: 37

Favorite Music: Heavy Metal, Typeo Negative

Favorite Athlete: My running partner Jeremy (Pictured on the left with Rodney below)

Favorite Post Run Food: Banana and Peanut Butter

Bucket List: Take a family vacation with both of my kids

Why did you join BoMF? I wanted to get in shape and thought the job training and incentives sounded like a good opportunity! I also thought it would help build my self-esteem.

What is your favorite thing about running with BoMF? Bonding with people, opening up and talking with who I’m running with. Hugging everyone.

Has running helped with staying sober? 100%, running helps. I’ve had times where I’ve thought about using and BoMF is the first thing that comes to my mind, it motivates me to stay focused. I would hate to lose the friendships I’ve made here. I enjoy running, it helps me clear my head and gives me time to pray.

What are your goals now? I have a lot of goals at this point. I want to get my GED, which is something I started a long time ago and now I’m ready to finish it. I am also training for the Back on My Feet 42K Relay and my first 1/2 marathon, the Monumental Half Marathon on November 5th. Prior to coming to live at Progress House, I earned my Commercial Drivers License, but ended up losing it due to some poor choices and that is something I would like to get back. Another lifelong dream of mine is to join the National Guard. I feel like it would be a good way to give back and also build my self confidence. Lastly I would love to take a family vacation with both of my kids.

What’s exciting in your life right now? I just talked to my eleven year old daughter for the first time ever and am really looking forward to building a relationship with her.