Meghan and Progress House teammates before the Carmel Half, all smiles!

Meghan has been an instrumental part of Progress House‘s volunteer base since joining Back on My Feet last summer. Meghan will always offer a listening ear to anyone with an ailment and try to help with a stretch or advise. She is also one of the instructors of Wednesday Night Yoga, which is a fun time if you haven’t tried! Meghan, along with the other instructors always do their very best to stretch the participants! We will miss Meghan when she moves to Michigan to continue her career as a Physical Therapist in July, but we are glad she could spend some time with our team.

Shoe Size? 6 but I normally wear a 7 in running shoes

Favorite post run food? peanut butter on bananas and chocolate milk

How many marathons/half marathons/5ks have you done? I’ve done 3 half marathons and numerous 5ks

Favorite race you’ve ever done? this would be a tie between the Carmel Half Marathon the other week and the Soldier Field 10 Miler last May.

Favorite music? I enjoy all types of music as long as I can sing along!

Favorite athlete/team/sport? I love college football especially Michigan State.  I also love the Chicago White Sox.

Favorite vacation spot?

Sister Lakes, Michigan, we have been renting the same cottage for 26 years and I love spending a week relaxing at the beach.

Bucket list item you plan to cross off soon?

I just crossed off running a Half Marathon in under 2 hours thanks to the wonderful support of BoMF!

Why do you run?

I love that time when I can be alone with my thoughts and not have to answer any emails or phone calls.  When I am running all of my energy and focus is just on myself and whoever I am running with.  It’s such a special time of day for me.

Tell us about your family?

I am the youngest of four and all of my family lives in Chicago.  I have hands down the cutest niece in the world and I love going up north to visit my family as much as possible.

What is your day job?  I am a Physical Therapist at Methodist Hospital.

What is your most memorable BoMF memory?

It’s hard to think of my most memorable memory as every day that I run with BoMF has truly impacted the rest of my day.  I Loved though at the polar bear doubler when Keith showed up dressed as a polar bear I don’t think I’ve laughed like that in a long time.

How did you hear about BoMF? Why did you stick with it? What has BoMF meant to you?

I heard about BoMF through the yoga community and also a friend who runs with the program up in Chicago.  I thought I would start out just running one day a week but as soon as I showed up for my first run I knew it was a perfect fit and that I would be there as much as possible.  BoMF has meant turning a positive spin on running for me.  I used to just run so that I could eat more food ha, but now I love the relationships that I have formed with all the members and look forward to seeing everyone at 5:45 M, W and F.

How is BoMF helping you with your future career? 

The encouragement that I get from the members of BoMF on a daily basis is overwhelming, they have taught me to believe in myself and with hard work anything is possible! I never thought I would have applied for these residency positions and with the support of my running friends I have gained that self-confidence!

Will you recruit morning runners from your job in Michigan this summer to run with you, or how will you keep the motivation of running? 

I love that we get weekly emails with our plan for runs during the week and so I plan to run exactly as Coach Joe advises (even the Fartleks!)  Although I think it will be hard to find friends to run with me at 5:45 MWF, knowing that everyone is running at that time back in Indy will be great motivation.  I am looking forward to running on all the trails and hills in Michigan and then hopefully coming back to run races here!

Advise for people who might want to start running with BoMF? DO IT! It will change your life in ways that you cannot even imagine!

Anything else you want to share with readers? I am so thankful for my time being a part of the BoMF family and I look forward to visiting and running once again with an incredible crew!

Shane and Meghan ready to get after the Polar Bear Doubler!

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.

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.

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!

COUNTDOWN TO BOSTON – 1 WEEK!!

One of Indianapolis’s most dedicated non-res runners is running the 2012 Boston Marathon to support Back on My Feet! Running Boston has always been a dream of Kelli’s and she is making it happen this year! We are honored that she has chosen to run for BoMF and are equally excited about her adventure!

We recently had a small fundraiser to help Kelli achieve her monster goal of raising $7,200. Thank you to all of our runners who came out to run with Kelli and support her in her efforts. We will be highlighting Kelli throughout the week to keep everyone up to date on what she’s been up to in the training process. Kelli has stayed faithful to blogging about her training and experiences with BoMF along the way.

Kelli and Keith

After each run, we always “circle up.”  This means that we all put our arms around each other to form a big circle.  It doesn’t matter if you’re sweaty.  We’re all sweaty.  This morning when we circled up, we found out that Shane had just celebrated 90 days of sobriety.  It’s hard for me to wrap my head around 90 days.  I know it’s eternity for Shane and that he has worked really hard for this accomplishment.  But 90 days also makes me think about how recently he was not sober.  Just three months ago Shane was in a very different place in his life.  I am so glad that he is doing well and that he has come so far.  I hope his next 90 days are as successful.

In the circle, Dave also said a few words to remind us why we’re here and what we’re doing.  (This is what I’m talking about!  Team Leader!  Someone giving a talk!)  Dave reminded us that the holidays can be a particularly difficult time for those who are in recovery from addiction.  The holidays are about family and gathering and eating, drinking and being merry.  For a lot of the guys, their addictions cost them their families.  The holidays can be a harsh reminder of what they no longer have.  Additionally, there are temptations to celebrate at every turn, so it can also be a time with a lot of triggers for the guys who may feel an urge to return to old behaviors.  I thought it was awesome of Dave to draw the attention of non-res members, like me, to things that are going on in the lives of our res members right now.  Things like this don’t necessarily occur to non-res members, and res members don’t necessarily feel comfortable bringing it up.  Dave made a great point by saying that tough times, like the holidays, are why our group exists.  We’re here to help and support each other, to hold each other accountable and form relationships that transcend these challenges.  Love.  It. – Kelli Morin

Are you interested in supporting Kelli? Check out her fundraising page!

Molly and Ed at the launch of Team Manchester

Molly was first introduced to Back on My Feet when she helped the National staff plan the Luncheon Launch at the JW Marriott before the local staff was in place. Molly joined the team in November as a non-res and has been very supportive and instrumental in helping with anything BoMF needs when asked.We are very appreciative of everything Molly is willing to do for BoMF!

Shoe Size?  8

Favorite post run food? Loved the chocolate covered cherries and hot chocolate at the Santa Hustle 

How many half marathons/5ks have you done? (2) half marathons and countless 5ks

Favorite race you’ve ever done? Santa Hustle and my first half marathon

What half marathons have you done? I did the 500 Festival Mini Marathon twice

Favorite music? Country

Favorite vacation spot? Disney World and Cinque Terre, Italy

Bucket list item you plan to cross off soon?

I did my first sprint triathlon and loved it. My goal is to work up to doing an Olympic triathlon this summer. I’d also love to do the Disney half marathon!

Why do you run?

Some people look at running as something they have to do. I look at it as something I love to do. Whether it’s early in the morning or after a long day, running is my time to escape from the busyness of daily life.

Family?  

My mom and dad (Tim and Diane Paschal), two sisters (Meagan Cole and Abbe Paschal), brother-in law (Mark Cole), and two nephews (Owen and Drew Cole) are the seven most important people in my life. I am extremely blessed to have such an amazing and supportive family.

How did you hear about BoMF? What has BoMF meant to you?  Why did you stick with it?

I first heard about BoMF when I was working at the JW Marriott as an Event Manager. I was put in charge of organizing the BoMF luncheon at the JW to celebrate their launch in Indianapolis. I was so moved by Anne’s story and her commitment to the cause that I knew I wanted to give back in some way. I began running with them at the end of November and I was immediately hooked!

Over the last few months of running, BoMF has become more than just a volunteer opportunity or a way to give back to my community. I have seen the amazing things that come out of this organization. It has become something that I truly believe in and am passionate about. I have built wonderful relationships with both the res and non-res members and it’s definitely these individuals that motivate and inspire me to wake up at 4:30am and run!

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

Do it! Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t a marathon runner. While BoMF is a running group, it is made up of people with all different running backgrounds. It is more about building the relationships and working towards a common goal together.

Milton and Jen, Marriott Downtown employees, before the start of the B1G Hoops Day 5k

Jen started running with the Progress House team in early January. The cold weather sometimes makes it difficult for some people to commit, but not Jen, she runs every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday with the team since joining. Jen has become the resident photographer and we always look forward to seeing the candid photos she has captured with her Iphone!

Shoe Size: 10

Favorite post-run food: Pancakes-definitely

How many marathons/half marathons have you done?

I have actually only done 2 half marathons so far…but planning on 10 this year, and MAYBE the Monumental Marathon….still debating.

Favorite race you’ve ever done?

My favorite race so far has been the Colorado Half Marathon in Fort Collins (which I did last May).  I trained and ran with a good friend of mine and we dressed up in matching outfits.  It was really fun running through the mountains!

Favorite music:

I like various types of music, but my favorite band (as most know) is Dave Matthews Band.  I’ve been to TONS of shows throughout the years, and look forward to more this summer 

Favorite athlete: Dallas Clark

Favorite vacation spot: Boston!

Why do you run?

I’m really big on routines, so running daily is part of my schedule.  It helps me clear my mind and always puts me in a better mood when I’m not feeling that great.   I run mostly, though, for the health benefits that it provides me.

Family:

Most of my family is in the Indianapolis area, except my sister who currently lives in Alabama.  I have a 7 year old Akita named Carter, who is basically the best dog EVER.

Work:

Currently, I work at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown in the Front Office.  I have worked in a hotel for about 10 years (Marriott for 8), since before I graduated from college in 2004.  Recently, I decided to finally go back to school to become a high school social studies teacher, after many years of wanting to do so.  Wish me luck!

Why did you choose Progress House over HVAF?

I actually chose Progress House because it was closer to my home.  The later I can sleep in the morning, the better!

What has BoMF meant to you?

I feel really lucky to have found out about Back on My Feet.  I initially heard about it through my company in May and I was interested, but when I heard about the 5:45 runs, I immediately said no way. Over the next few months I kept thinking about the group, and finally in December I decided that maybe I could run in the morning just one day a week.  After attending orientation, I was really excited and now I can’t imagine NOT showing up! (Thank you Marriott Downtown for sending Jen our way!) It is truly a wonderful group of people and I enjoy spending my mornings with them.  I love seeing how dedicated some of these guys are.  It inspires me.

You have a pretty strong connection with some of the guys, what made it easy to connect with them and why?

Well, for me, I am very social and I really like to get to know each individual and learn about their background.  I bug them in the mornings and ask them what is going on in their lives, etc.  I see them as good friends.

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

There is no way you will regret it!!  Running together with these guys as a group is a great start to your morning, and the connections that you make are lasting.

Anything else you want to share with readers:

I like quotes, so this is a good one that relates to running and moving forward in life.

“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”
-John Bingham

Kelli and Keith, our very own cheerleader awaiting the start of the 5k!

BoMF Indy Members set their sights high on having a good race for the first nice racing day of the year. Many members shot for personal best times for the 5k with many of those members achieving those goals. Shane Stultz started out with an under 20 minute goal, which he missed this goal by 21 seconds. Lee Wilcher also set out to run sub 25 minutes, nearly missing this goal by 14 seconds. Both men broke their previous 5k PRs and have set their goals even higher for the next race.

Shane and Laurence, "the fast guys" of Progress House before the 5k

The beautiful weather and championship atmosphere created a good buzz and excitement for all runners, which made it a little easier to see fast times.

Lee and Lindsey anxiously awaiting the start!

Will, Jamie, and Mike in the starting corrals.

This weekend was a great time to be in Indianapolis for basketball fans and non-fans alike! Following the Big Ten Hoops Day 5k,  Bankers Life Fieldhouse prepared for the championship game between Ohio State and Michigan State, with fans of both teams having a good showing. All B1G Ten schools were represented well, which gave some great exposure for BoMF as well as Indiana Sports Corp and Tuxedo Brothers Race Management.

Group photo after the race, first race for many in shorts this year!

Progress House ready to run!

We are grateful for the partnerships BoMF has been able to maintain with Indiana Sports Corp and Tuxedo Brothers, without these two local organizations, BoMF would not have been able to  participate in such a great event! Thanks again Indiana Sports Corp and Tuxedo Brothers for your continued support of BoMF and we look forward to continuing our partnership!

Thank you Team Manchester for coming out and cheering for everyone at the last 1/4 mile!