Competing and finishing the 2011 Ragnar Relay on September 24^th exemplifies what Marvin O. loves to do best: Run!  “I love to run, I have a passion for running,” Marvin repeated throughout his meeting with me as September’s DC Member of the Month.

Marvin is on the Clean and Sober Streets (CSS) team in DC and has been an active participant since March 2011.  Sober for 8 months and counting, Marvin entered CSS with the knowledge that using drugs and alcohol was not allowing him to love himself.  His passion for running motivated his enrollment on the Back on My Feet CSS team not just for his health, but to help him gain a “different state of mind.”  Running, Marvin explains with a matter-of-fact attitude, gives him the “energy to strive harder each day” to reach his goals.

And what is his “Goal, goal, goal?!”  He perks up eager to share and enticing me with his enthusiasm.  “I want to run a marathon in all 50 states!”  Before accomplishing that, he hopes to qualify for Boston and run the New York City Marathon.  He will get the chance to try for the coveted spots in both races when he competes in the upcoming Baltimore Marathon on October 15^th.

But Marvin knows he will not accomplish his goals alone.  “Shannyn and Smiley have been a great inspiration,” Marvin states in a lower tone that is thick with the obvious care and respect he has for the CSS Team Leader and his teammate.  “As well as Amy,” Marvin continues.  “She helped me stay at CSS.”  He pauses to reflect on the experience, then adds, “I was on my way out the door, but she told me to give it a chance.  Gretchen encourages me too and gives me the hope that I can improve my running.”  Volunteers, teammates, and staff alike have become his family.  “And I have to give a shout-out to Marque,” a former CSS teammate now running with Emery House.  “He kept encouraging me to move forward by saying, ‘Marvin, you got it in you!  Just do it, just do it.’”

To DC BoMF Staff it appears Marvin has lived up to his friends challenge, for Marvin has maintained a consistent presence at his team’s morning runs and is always signing up for races.  He’s even become an inspiration for others.  Marvin explained that education is very important to him and he’s been able to speak to his peers and let them know that in order to succeed, “You have to get it for yourself.  A quiet mouth doesn’t get things done, if you don’t know how to do something, ask!”

There certainly isn’t anything quiet about Marvin because when I asked him if he had any words of wisdom for his team, he shared: “Always remember we’re a team, to get back on our feet, and to maintain a positive attitude.  Attendance,” Marvin emphasized as he listed the qualities he expected from his team, but also from himself.  “Don’t do what you can’t do, do what you can.”

It’s this final thought that has truly made Marvin our Member of the Month.  At Back on My Feet, we remind all our members that it’s important to take each day as it comes, move forward one step at a time.  Marvin has certainly been conscious of the path he has traveled and the destiny he’s running towards.  We’re excited to be a part of his journey and feed off his passion.  Keep running, Marvin!

Kenny’s road to Back on My Feet was one wrought with hardship and life lessons. Stemming from the tragedy of 9/11, Kenny lost a well-paying IT job, went through a tough divorce and suffered some financial difficulties. Trying to get back on track, he found a program for people wanting to rebuild their lives. It was through this program that he came to the YMCA Lawson House and joined Back on My Feet. Kenny had always wanted to get into shape and had even fantasized in the past about becoming a bodybuilder. While he knew running with Back on My Feet wouldn’t transform him into the next Arnold Schwarzenegger, he was excited to give running a try. Kenny knew that having the support of a team would help keep him motivated. Now, Kenny says, “Ironically, I look forward to running.” He feels like he’s accomplishing something great when he runs without frequent stops and is able to keep up with the rest of the group! Through his involvement with Back on My Feet, not only has Kenny met his physical goal of getting into better shape, but his self-esteem has increased as well! He enjoys his teammates and likes being a part of the organization. Back on My Feet has helped him get to know more YMCA Lawson House residents and he enjoys socializing and hearing others’ stories. Likewise, his teammates appreciate everything that Kenny brings to the team. Kenny’s cheerful demeanor has been a constant on the team since day one. He is sure to boost anyone’s spirits at 5:45am! And his teammates are impressed with Kenny’s running improvements. Despite his chronically sore knees, Kenny continues to show up every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning to put in miles without complaint!

As an exemplary Back on My Feet member, Kenny’s drive to succeed is not only shown in his running; he works hard to better his life professionally as well! Back on My Feet resonates with Kenny as a name and a way of life, “It should be a mantra for those who have fallen,” he says. “The program is perfect because it gives tangible things. They help you with credit and give job training right from the very beginning.” And Kenny would know because he eagerly takes advantage of all the programming opportunities that Back on My Feet has available! He was one of the first in Chicago to attend Bank of America and Money Management International’s Financial Literacy Course and he has also attended Accenture Skills to Succeed. You can hear first-hand how Kenny feels about Back on My Feet:

“I have made wrong decisions in my life and now it’s time for me to make some right ones. There’s a quote from Ice T that goes, “You need to seize the moment and seize every opportunity that comes your way.” That’s what I’m doing with the Back on My Feet program. That’s why when there are seminars I try to sign up. Those are opportunities that you don’t get every day. It’s a shame if any of us don’t take advantage of that. I like the team. The focus of the team is running, of course, but the team and staff are genuinely concerned. They aren’t just in it for tax write-offs! I truly believe that they care about us. They ask about us and think about us and just the fact that they get up early and have to travel to get here proves that. This is something that we should cherish and embrace with joy and excitement!”

Prior to joining BoMF, Frank Williams had spent most of his life in and out of the prison system. After being sentenced to six years for aggravated robbery, he decided it was time to do things differently. While serving his sentence, Frank began taking classes to prepare for re-entry into society. He completed courses in anger management, parenting, substance abuse and mind power, but he wasn’t ready for his transformation to end. With 90 days until his release from prison, Frank heard about St. Leonard’s Ministries and applied for the program. Unfortunately, Frank was unable to start immediately upon his release. However, he remained persistent and one month later, on April 20th, 2011, Frank was accepted into the St. Leonard’s program. Frank began taking classes at St. Leonard’s and became involved in many of their program activities. He even began speaking to 7th and 8th grade students about making healthy life choices and staying out of trouble.

It was here at St. Leonard’s that Frank saw a bulletin board advertising “BoMF.” He was intrigued! He immediately signed up to attend the next Back on My Feet orientation and joined the Back on My Feet team in May 2011! Frank says that Back on My Feet has been a “tremendous experience” for him and has helped him gain a lot of insight. He enjoys participating in BoMF functions like social events and volunteer opportunities.

Frank recently graduated from Inspiration Corporation’s Employment Preparation Training class and is currently enrolled in a Building Maintenance Course, which he will complete in September. He looks forward to finding a job, and plans to continue taking classes and making use of the Back on My Feet services, such the Financial Literacy course he attended in June.

The St. Leonard’s Back on My Feet team has experienced so much cheer and laughter thanks to Frank!  He is always the first to congratulate the other runners as they come in and his positive attitude is contagious! Despite battling shin splints, he has maintained 100% attendance at morning runs!  As Frank would tell you:

“My name is Frank Williams. I am a resident at St. Leonard’s Ministries in Chicago which is a transitional home for the homeless as well as for me who are released from prison. As I entered into their basement, I noticed a sheet of paper that read BoMF on the top of it. As my curiosity overwhelmed me at that moment, I continued to read the sheet. I found that the information given about this BoMF program drew my interest even more. BoMF stands for Back On My Feet. This particular group is an organization of men who run to keep themselves healthy on and off the field in order to rebuild themselves for future endeavors. I signed up quickly to start my new strive of getting Back on My Feet. Now, 3 months later, I am extremely appreciative of the many challenges I had to go through within the group to help me become a better person. I have been introduced to various outside events such as business and legal sessions as well as job trainings and much more. This experience has helped me stay in shape, make better life choices, change eating habits, and continue to remain healthy both within and outside my body. I love being a part of Back on My Feet because this group has definitely helped me to personally remain on my own two feet.”

Lee and Lindsey share a post run smile

Running Shoe Size: 9.5

Home Town: Mt. Orab, Ohio

Fav Athlete: Pete Rose (and I’ve met him in person along with lots of other Cincinnati Reds)

Fav Music Genre: Classic Rock (Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, REO, Journey) and other artists like Air Supply and CCR

In what branch did you serve? I served in the Navy on the USS Independence.

Most memorable BoMF memory? Actually one of my best memories was from today’s run.  I ran with Lindsey this morning because we’re training extra days on Saturdays for my first half marathon in November. We had a good pace going.  I feel like I could have run more and I like that feeling. I was running good and my breathing was great. My second best memory was when I ran 5 miles in the Pogue’s Run Race with Lori back in June.  That was my longest run ever.

Why BoMF? Because:

• I want to get into shape and live a long, healthy life.
• I enjoy the people. Everybody is friendly and real easy to get along with. I feel like I’ve know them for years.
• The SWAG – I like the Stuff We All Get.

What difference has BoMF made in your life? It’s made me feel healthier and helped me make new friends.  I’ve also already learned important stuff in the finance classes about how to better manage my money. I’m surprising myself. I know I’m going to make it; I’m losing the doubt.

What does Lee like to in his spare time? I go to the library and talk to my friends on Facebook especially my friends in California. I also like going to movies, especially action/suspense and sci-fi movies.

Lee’s BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) I really just want to make sensible decisions and get my priorities straight. I want to learn good money management skills and stay healthy.

Quotable Lee:“Hee hee hee, I only pick on the people I like.”  This would be after Lee sneaks up behind you and puts an ice cold water bottle on your neck after a long, hot run.

We give a runner’s salute to Lee for the laughter and joy he brings to our runs.  We admire his attention to detail and his commitment to being a part of our team.  Lee, our BoMF HVAF team would not be the same without YOU!

In Lee's first racing event with Back on My Feet, he ran five miles in the Pogue's Run Race to benefit affordable housing in Indianapolis.

Joe ended up at the Lake View YMCA after losing his job and going through some personal difficulties in his life. From the start, his goal at the Lake View YMCA was to pick up the pieces in his life and get back on his feet. Joe heard about a new program that was starting up at the Lake View YMCA: Back on My Feet. The mission of Back on My Feet excited Joe. He had run back in high school Read more…

Who: Sandy Knox

Team: HVAF

Shoe Size: 11 (I’m tall and have big feet.) 

Favorite Athlete: I don’t have a favorite professional athlete.  It’s the “everyday” athletes that inspire me most, such as my family, friends, co-workers and of course the BoMF crew.  It’s so inspiring to see folks push their limits and reach amazing goals while still working, raising a family, and doing everything else.

Favorite Post Run Food: Do freeze pops count as food?

Favorite Hamburger Topping: Well, mustard is a given…and cheese. Definitely cheese.

Favorite Snack: Peanut butter…straight

Favorite Movie? Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or Some Like It Hot.

Favorite Running Music: I love punk and new wave…both are really good to get you moving.

Favorite Race: I’m a sucker for the Mini Marathon here in Indy.  It has such great energy that you can’t help but have a good time.

Favorite Inspirational Quote: I recently stumbled across this quote…and it’s stuck with me: “Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don’t think that you’ve lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time” – Asha Tyson

Bucket List Item Sandy will Complete this Year: Hmmm…I guess I need to get on that.  I have persuaded my sister to run her first half marathon with me in October.  The ultimate goal is to have all my siblings run a race together…two down, one to go!

If there are three characteristics that describe Sandy they are: committed, convivial and conscientious.  Sandy’s been with the HFAV team here in Indy since day one and shows up nearly every morning for our team runs and also Saturday morning long runs.  She can always be counted on to add a little bit of color and humor to any conversation on our runs and is very much in tune to the needs of both our res and non-res runners.  And did I mention that her four legged furry friends are a big part of her life as well? She also volunteers with FACE Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic in Indianapolis.  FACE acquires pets that are either left at the clinic or were neighborhood strays and helps to find them homes.  Sandy walks and socializes the dogs that are currently waiting for their forever homes.  She’s eager to introduce you to these wonderful companions if you’re ready to be unconditionally loved by a canine comrade. I recently had the chance to learn a little more about Sandy and what makes her such a unique and very valuable team member of BoMF Team HVAF.

DG: How long have you been running and what initially got you into it?

SK: I began running in college when a friend coaxed me into running around the track with her to get ”ready” for summer.  While I continued to run, it was a few years later that I ran my first half marathon…that is when I really got hooked.  So I guess it’s been about 13 years since it all began?!

DG: I know your husband is a runner and also runs with the HVAF team once a week. How did you coax him into getting up so early on his day off?

SK: Joseph has been a part of my life for five years, and we’ve been married for almost a year.  He has three wonderful kids, two live with their mom in San Diego and one is in college in Chicago.  I persuaded Joseph to move down to Indy from the Chicago area four years ago, and owe him dearly for making the move.  Joseph is always up for a run with me…it always varies as to whom is chasing whom though.  Recently I’ve been trying to get the nerve to do some bicycle rides with him since he’s an avid cyclist. Oh, and he makes a mean cheeseburger.

DG: How did you hear about BoMF?

SK: I initially read about BoMF in Runner’s World a few years back.  Then while randomly surfing the internet, I discovered a chapter was forming in Indy and had to be a part of it.

DG: Why did you decide to join the team?

SK: I joined the team because I thought it would be a good opportunity to incorporate running while helping others.  I’ve stayed with the team because it has been truly inspirational to hear and see the changes inspired by this program in the past few months.

DG: How often do you run with the team?

SK: I try to run as often as I can.  I’ve been lucky that my schedule typically allows me to take part in each run.

DG: Do you have a favorite BoMF moment thus far?

SK: The entire journey thus far has been pretty amazing, but it was really awesome to finish with members of the team at their first 5k.  I’m really excited for the upcoming half marathon…I think that will be a magical day.

Regina pictured on the left in red

Regina W. was born and raised in Washington, DC.  Her upbringing was filled with contention and strife, and unfortunately drugs.  Her parents had her when they were very young, and her father was not able to handle the stresses of war when he was drafted for Vietnam.  He came back a drug user, and that habit eventually spread to Regina’s mother.  They separated a few years later but that only intensified the issues she had to deal with on a daily basis.  Both parents were in and out of relationships and marriages throughout the years, and the continual changing of adult figures in her life led Regina to act out and seek attention, often in ways that were unhealthy and self destructive.  Both of her parents died as a result of their drug and alcohol addictions.

Despite the difficult relationship Regina had with her parents she still remains very close with her three sisters, Brenda, Tracy and Yvette.  Her sisters, along with their families and her grandparents have been a great support network for Regina as she has faced the troubles and problems that come along with drug and alcohol addictions.  Regina’s troubles started at a young age, getting into drugs and alcohol when she was 9 years old.  Quiet and a little bit reserved by nature, Regina turned to drugs and alcohol for the way they made her feel – that she could be anyone or do anything in the world she wanted to.  The feeling of confidence and self esteem is something that all people seek out, and when people don’t receive that affirmation of self worth from home it is far too easy to seek it out through other, unhealthy means.  Regina didn’t do very well in school, although she excelled in athletics and loved competing against the boys on her street in basketball and other sports, often times getting the best of them.  Her athletic endeavors weren’t strong enough to keep her grounded at the time, and she eventually dropped out of school in the 9^th grade.

With little education, and an unstable home life Regina turned to selling drugs to make ends meet.  This landed her in and out of jail a few times, with one sentence lasting 8 years for trafficking cocaine.  Through the ups and downs of life Regina had never really wanted to get clean, until now.  Coming to Clean and Sober Streets in April of last year is the first time that Regina has been in a drug treatment program.  She was sent there for a 30 day program by her parole officer, and it wasn’t until the last day of that program that she realized that she needed to stay longer.  She knew that if she was to make recovery work, to shed her old lifestyle and habits that she needed more time and more support to get herself to a point where she is strong enough to stay clean for good.  She always had a place to go, always had family she could stay with but she knew that she wasn’t doing right by herself, or her kids, by the life she was leading.  To be the sister, the mother and the friend that she knew she could be would take hard work, time and patience.  And so she stayed.

Regina has been to enough AA meetings to be familiar with the stories and themes that permeate the lives of so many people going through recovery.  The cycle of recovery and relapse is not something she wants to go through.  Her goal is to do it right the first time, because there may not be a second chance.  Regina started her process of recovery in the kitchen.  Working cooking for meals at Clean and Sober Streets, she was only female cook at the facility and she excelled. Getting her ServSafe certification Regina is now taking on getting her GED.  Math has never been her strong suit, but she’s determined to complete the program because she knows how much it will help her as she transitions out of the facility.  To her it’s a not a question of doing what is easy and comfortable, it’s about doing what she needs to in order to make a better life for herself and her family.

Another thing she has taken upon herself, despite it not being easy, is Back on My Feet.  Just two years before Regina came to Clean and Sober Streets she was in a fight and stabbed 10 times, one wound punctured her lung.  Her first thought about the program was that we were not for her.  With her previous injury, and her smoking, joining a running program sounded like the last thing she wanted to do.  But after a little while she saw the benefits that other members were getting out of the program.  Another intimidating thing about the BoMF program is that it was all men.  Relying on her childhood memories of besting the neighborhood boys in sports, Regina joined BoMF.  Instead of turning to drugs and alcohol for a boost in self esteem she’s able to rely on the accomplishments earned at each morning run, and at each monthly race.  Being a part of Back on My Feet shows Regina that she is part of something more, that she has friends and family that care about her and respect the accomplishments she’s worked for.  She doesn’t need to act out to receive attention from others, she’s found that with her BoMF family for the good things that she’s done.  “Running is something I’m excited about, it’s something different and it’s helped me in a lot of ways.”  Beyond the morning runs, she has recently started over at Project Empowerment and is thrilled to be taking charge of her life and her future!

“BoMF is a great idea, the people here show us lots of love.  It’s a great opportunity and I would encourage anyone to join BoMF – it’s about what you can do for yourself, to better yourself.”  Regina is proud of the progress she’s made, and said that it’s the faith that other people have put in her that makes her feel special and she no longer has to turn to drugs or alcohol for that feeling.

Born In 1964, Kenny was the youngest of six children growing up.  His father served in the military, but his parents separated when he was only two years old.  His mother battled with alcoholism while he was growing up, leaving his father to raise him until he was 10 years old.  Kenny’s oldest brother is 21 years older, and while serving in the military he took over the responsibility of caring for him for several years.  His early teenage years involved a lot of instability, moving around between various relatives’ houses in the Maryland and Washington, DC area.  Both of his parents were in his life as much as they could be, but the difficulties they faced in life kept them from being able to give the guidance to Kenny that he needed while growing up.  Kenny lived in Ramstein, Germany with his brother for a couple of years in high school, and around the time he returned to Washington, DC is when he fell off track.  The 1980s in Washington, DC was not a good time for a lot of teenagers.  Cheap drugs and violent crime created a culture that valued the temporary thrills and short term gain that were to be the undoing of so many during this time.  Towards the end of high school Kenny became disinterested in school and was caught up in the fast money/fast cars/party lifestyle that was all too prevalent in the city at that time.  Emboldened by the adolescent belief that he could handle that kind of life, Kenny quickly found himself lost in the world. Read more…