Running Shoe Size: 8

Tony enjoying a little of his fave post face food with Jamie Burns.

Home Town:  Shelbyville, IN

Fave Music:  Heavy Metal and Rock N Roll

Fave Post Race Food: Bananas

Fave Food: Pepperoni Pizza

In what branch of the military did you serve?  Marines

Most memorable BoMF memory? “Probably the Joseph Maley Run last July. I set a goal of 35 minutes and I met it.”

Why did you come out for the BoMF team?  “My leg was in bad shape and I thought coming out to run with Back on My Feet  would help.”

What difference has BoMF made in your life? “My leg feel feels better and I’m in much better shape.  The friendships are a positive influence and the volunteers are encouraging. And of course I appreciate the grant money.”

What’s most challenging aspect of your life right now and how are you meeting that challenge? “Getting up in the morning. I am NOT a morning person.”

What races have you run in with BoMF? “A bunch – I’ve been running with the team for about a year. Some of the races are Carmel 5K, Out Run the Sun, Pogue’s Run, Eagle Creek Trail Run, Indy Monumental 5K and the BoMF 42K Relay”

What do you like to do in your spare time? “Well I’m a pretty good car mechanic and I like to play chess online.”

BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) “I want to secure a steady income and my my own place.”

We give a runner’s salute to Tony for his commitment to the team and a pat on the back for improving his running times and distance.

Shoe Size?  Running shoes – 9; non-running shoes – 7.5

Favorite post run food?  Coffee since it’s usually early in the morning!

Why do you run?  I love the challenge and the “me” time to clear my mind, and I love my friendships that have developed from running.  My closest friends started out as running partners before we really knew one another.

How many marathons/half marathons/5ks have you done?  Zero marathons; 6 half marathons, lots of 5Ks

Favorite race you’ve ever done?  Nashville Half Marathon

Bucket list item you plan to cross off soon?  Completing my first full marathon this year, along with getting married and turning 30!

Favorite music?  Anything with lyrics, I like it all!

Favorite vacation spot?  Anywhere by water- I love the beach, northern Michigan, my parents’ lake house!

Family?  Getting married in April- so that will make a husband, Peter!  I have one sister who is marries with 2 kids.

What is your favorite memory of a time with BoMF so far?  I really enjoyed the 42K relay last October, and I have a particularly fond memory of one of the resident members laying out his plan on how he was going to better his situation during one of our Saturday morning training runs.

Advice for people who might want to start running with BoMF?  You don’t have to be a runner to join!  But it’s difficult not to be motivated when you’re surrounded by a group of runners.  It’s a great way to meet all different types of people and help a great cause while you’re doing it.

Erika and Joe!

Shoe Size? 9

Favorite post run food? I would have to say pizza.

Why do you run? I love how running makes me feel happy.

How many marathons/half marathons/5ks have you done? I just completed my 10th marathon in November!

Favorite race you’ve ever done? My favorite race is Tecumseh Trail Marathon because it was my first full marathon, plus I’m a big fan of trail running!

Bucket list item you plan to cross off soon? I would like to someday finish a half Ironman distance triathlon.

Favorite music? Christian and Pop/Rock.

Favorite vacation spot? Anywhere warm and near the ocean!

Family? I have one younger brother who runs the Indy Mini with me every year along with our mom. My dad isn’t a runner, but enjoys walking his dog.

How did you hear about BoMF? What has BoMF meant to you? Why did you stick with it? I heard about BoMF from a friend at church who is a non-resident runner, Andy Chandler. Andy mentioned BoMF several times and I finally went to a meeting to see what it was all about. BoMF has shown me how the power of community can help us become better people. Alone, we’d probably not be exercising outside in the early hours of the morning or building these friendships. However, together, we are able to become healthier physically, as well as emotionally. I stick with it because I am always in a better mood after running with BoMF!

What is your favorite memory of a time with BoMF so far? I remember one morning last spring we were running downtown from Warman and saw a mouse! I don’t want to name any names, but the little mouse really frightened one resident!

Advice for people who might want to start running with BoMF? I think that the most important thing to remember is always give your best. This is easier said than done, but I know that most of us are stronger than we think!

Circle up with Mike, Erika, Barb, and Joe on a freezing cold race day!

Running Shoe Size:10

Joe, Tom and Brian before the BoMF 42K Relay.

Home Town/Family: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, two sisters, one brother

Fave Athletes/Coaches: Tim Duncan, (center San Antonio Spurs), Tom Brady (QB New England Patriots), Bobby Knight (former IU basketball coach)

Fave Music: Easy Listening

Fave Post Race Food: Fruit

Fave Food: Baked Chicken

In what branch did you serve? Navy, four years as a machinist

Most memorable BoMF memory? Climbing what seemed like mountains in the Planet Adventure trail run. Leon and I were jumping logs and encouraging a group of female runners and they were doing the same to us.

Why did you come out for the BoMF team?  To be part of a group and be held accountable. It makes you get up in the morning and run. I like the races, the individual accomplishments and cheering each other on.

What difference has BoMF made in your life? I’m more physically fit and mentally tough.

What’s most challenging aspect of your life right now and how are you meeting that challenge? Right now it’s getting a job.

What races have you run in with BoMF? Which one was your fave? Outrun the Sun, Joseph Maley Run, Drumstick Dash, Planet Adventure Trail Run, Trinity Trot and the BoMF 42K Relay. I’d say the 42K Relay and the Planet Adventure Trail Run were my favorites.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to watch movies, all kinds like action, tech movies and even love stories.  It takes a really funny movie to make me laugh though. I also like to read. Dr. William Glasser is one of my favorite authors.

Joe’s BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals). I’d like to find consistent employment and complete the RN program that I will start in April. It should take about a year. Eventually I’d like to return to Milwaukee to be closer to my parents and siblings.

We give a runner’s salute to Joe
for his commitment to the Warman Warriors
Back on My Feet Team, his kind eyes and million dollar smile!

Joe finishes strong with his BoMF 42K Relay Team of Tom, Leon and Emily

Crossing the finish line at the Planet Adventure Trail Run

Taking it easy before Outrun the Sun

Progress House Resident Member of the Month: Jesse Rhodes

Here’s Jesse tearing up the course at Pogue’s Run. He did a great job at his first race!

Running shoe size: 10.5

Hometown: Westfield

Family: Mom, Dad, 3 brothers who all live in Fishers, and 3 sisters who all live in Sheridan

Favorite post-run food:  Peanut-butter.  I eat like a jar of peanut-butter every other day.

How long have you been with BoMF: Since the end of May, so just over three months.

What brought you to BoMF: Well, going to prison made me want to get my life together, so that brought me to the Progress House.  And then I joined Back on My Feet because I had heard about it and it sounded like something I wanted to do.  It sounded like a good way to have fun sober and to get in shape at the same time.

Did you ever think you’d be a runner: No.  I used to hate running.  I always played baseball and football.  You don’t really run in baseball and in football you’re always wearing all the pads.  So, I used to hate running.  It’s not something I would have ever thought I would do for fun.

What races have you run with BoMF: I ran Pogue’s Run 5 mile race in June and the Trinity Trot 5k last Saturday.

What else do you like to do in your free time: I like to lift weights.  I like to hang out with my family and cook out with them.  And I like to go see movies by myself.

What are some of your goals right now: I really want to run the Monumental Marathon in November.  I’m not sure if I’ll be ready in time, but that’s a big goal of mine right now.  And I also want to get my fitness certification for personal training by December.

What is your favorite BoMF memory: Well, this isn’t really a favorite memory, but my most memorable day with Back on My Feet was my very first day of practice.  I had an allergic reaction while we were on the run, and I thought I was going to die.  I couldn’t breathe at all, and I remember Meghan calmed me down.

What do you like most about BoMF: The fellowship.  I like that no matter how fast or how slow you run, we stick together.  We don’t leave anyone behind, and we’ll wait until the last person is finished.

Progress House Non-Res Member of the Month: Anthony Williams

Running shoe size:  11

Hometown:  Salem, Indiana

Family:   Father (Jeff), Mother (Pam), and Brother (Eric, 25)

Day job:  Marion Superior Court, Probation Officer

Anthony and Lori at Outrun the Sun, a race BoMF participated in earlier this summer to raise awareness about skin cancer.

Favorite post-run food: Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie from Yogulatte. I could have one every single day!

Favorite race memory: Finishing my first Half Marathon last year at the Monumental.

How did you get involved with BoMF:  I had my arm twisted to start coming for my Saturday training runs in preparation for the Monumental last year.  I’m sure glad they did!

How long have you been with BoMF:  Since September 2011

Why do you run:  About two and half years ago, my father lost his second leg to diabetes.  It was at that moment I decided I didn’t want to be in that same situation. I was well on that path, weighing over 275 pounds. I started focusing on my diet and after success and some encouragement from friends I began to run. I lost almost 100 pounds in the process.

What else do you like to do in your free time:  I am addicted to television and I also spend too much time on my iPad.

What are some of your goals right now: I am currently training for the Chicago Marathon in October.

What is your favorite BoMF memory:  It was so great to see my two worlds collide last week at the APPA conference. It was great to hear all of the positive things officers from around the country had to say about BoMF. Even more impressive was the large circles we had both mornings.

What do you like most about BoMF:   It feels like a family and for someone like me who has no immediate family close, I look forward to seeing everyone each and every morning.

BoMF does Pogue’s Run “Race for Roofs” for the second time.  All three of our teams were able to participate in the 5 mile run/walk this past Saturday.  There were a total of 28 runners and four of those were first time runners.  Those runners consisted of Jesse Rhodes and Al Fager from Progress House and Damon Simms and Kennie Dishough from Manchester House. It was a beautiful day for all runners!

Damon made his first race look easy!

Kennie running his first race with Team Manchester.

BoMF Indy would like to give a huge thanks to Englewood Community Development Corporation and Englewood Christian Church for hosting a great race!  Also, thank you to all of our volunteers who helped with transportation and those who ran!

Running Shoe Size: 10

Home Town: Chicago

Fav Athlete: Gale Sayers

Fav Music:  Jazz (or anything I can dance to)

In what branch did you serve? I served in the Army for 15 years in the role of recruiter.

Why BoMF?  “Well literally to get back on my feet, and it’s been just that. I’ve gotten back on my feet.”

Best BoMF memory?  “I don’t think I can answer that now because I’m not away from it yet and still making a lot of good memories.”

What difference has BoMF made in your life?  “I’d say just coming in contact with so many different types of people I wouldn’t normally come in contact with – just all kinds of friendly, good people.”

How long have you been running with the Warman Warriors and what races have you participated in? “I’ve been with the team since mid-December and have participated in the Santa Hustle, Masquerace, Legacy Loop and Big 10 Hoops runs.”

What’s the most challenging aspect of your life right now and how are you meeting that challenge? “Very few things are actually hard for me because I don’t look at them as obstacles but opportunities.  I just don’t stop until I get it.”

Tell me more about your job. “I work at the Marriott in Indianapolis. I’m a bus boy and like to stay busy. Work is work but I also like to get the chance to talk to people and have an understanding with them.  But mostly I like to stay busy and get the work done.”

For new members, what would you like to share?  “Don’t come if you don’t want to finish.  People invest in you and unless there is a physical reason you cannot complete your commitment, don’t start.”

What does Milton like to in his spare time? “Well I’d have to say I’m always thinking… just thinking in order to create* or improve. Much of my down time, if you could call it that, is spent thinking.” (*True to his claim, Milton has a patent registered with the US patent registry and continues to invent and create.)

Milton’s BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) “I just want to continue to stay on the road I’m on.  My long term goal is just to be able to talk to Jesus on judgment day. I have this vision of following in His footsteps so that’s what I’m trying to do. Just continue on this path.”

We give a runner’s salute to Milton for being the most positive, dependable and even keeled teammate.  Milton is at the heart of our team and one to which all of us, res and non-res runners look.

Running Shoe Size: 11

Home Town: Indianapolis

Fave Athlete: Calvin Turner

Fave Music Genre:  Jazz

In what branch did you serve? Army

Why BoMF?  “Well I planned to start back to running. To me it was like God was putting the opportunity here. It just fell into place.”

Most memorable BoMF memory? “I’d have to say it was the first time Steve and I ran. He just brought a lot out of me.”

What difference has BoMF made in your life?  “Well it’s made me feel more comfortable being around people. I’m really not a crowd person.”

What races have you run with BoMF? “The Indianapolis Monumental 5k, Drumstick Dash, Santa Hustle, Masquerace, and the Superbowl Legacy Loop.”

What’s most challenging aspect of your life right now and how are you meeting that challenge? “I’d have to say being patient. When I feel the need I just get on my bicycle and ride, or I might take a walk or go running. This calms me down. It keeps me in shape and my head clear.”

How did you get the nickname Fr. Time? “I have no idea.”

For new members, what would you like to share?  “Definitely come out for the team because it’s very good. It’s even good for your soul and makes you feel good.”

What does Ed like to in his spare time? Practice yoga, read, ride my bike, and walk.  “My favorite book is by James Allen and entitled, As a Man Thinketh.  My favorite food is the potato and especially French Fries. I make my own.”

Ed’s BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals)  Go to school to study Asian philosophy and become a yoga instructor.

 We give a runner’s salute to Ed for his unique aura, essence, and the amazing “mojo” he brings to the team.  He’s a dedicated teammate who is committed to improving his well-being through exercise.

Jeffrey and Tom (sporting a dead squirrel) get ready to volunteer for Hearts and Hands of Indiana, a not-for-profit that rehabs houses in the Haughville area near downtown Indianapolis.

Running Shoe Size: 9

Home Town/Family: Brooklyn, Indiana, two daughters

Fave Athlete: Peyton Manning

Fave Music:  Classic Rock

In what branch of the military did you serve? Navy

Most memorable BoMF memory? I’d have to say the Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving morning. It was my first run with BoMF and I opted to do the longer, four mile route.  Although I had my bus pass just in case I had to find my way back to Warman, there was Brian waiting for me at the finish line.

Why did you come out for the BoMF team?  Honestly?  I want to work.  I’d like to find a job.

What races have you run in with BoMF? Which one was your fave? I’ve done the Drumstick Dash, the Santa Hustle and the New Year’s 5K Masquerace and I’d have to say the Santa Hustle was my favorite. Everyone was so upbeat. Well heck, it was Christmas!

What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to read a lot, especially mysteries. Back in the day I had a rose garden.  I can fix anything in a house (or on it, the roof, etc.) I’m really good with tools, working with my hands and figuring out how to fix things.

Jeffrey’s BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals): (These are things you can’t do on your own, but need God’s help.)

I’d like to get a job and someday own another house.

We give a runner’s salute to Jeffrey for his
consistent attendance and humoring us with
his witty “Jeffreyisms”. You know how
to give us a good chuckle when
we need it.

Jeffrey crosses the finish line in the 5K MasqueRACE the morning of New Years' Eve.