Summer has arrived in Chicago and based on the impressive attendance by the St. Leonard’s team members, we have some happy runners. Currently we have five members (Osie, Frank W., Nick, Howard, and George) who have 100% attendance. Issac is close at 99% attendance, having only missed one run since he started in December. Read more…
June is normally the official kick-off to summer and the transition into warmer weather. Chicago weather had other plans for Team REST. Lightening, wind, rain and scary stormy skies all worked in concert to foil our best efforts. However, we had one up on Mother Nature and, despite the bad weather, still had a great showing on those days when we were forced to cancel our runs. Thanks to our die-hard and amazingly dedicated volunteers and our hard-core group of guys, we still were able to meet, chat and have fun.
Between social events, races and training, June seemed to fly by for the Lawson House Machine. We kicked off the month at Whole Foods where Residential members running the Chicago Marathon got to meet Chicago marathon FundRacers for BoMF. Not only did we get to share training experiences and tips, a nutrition representative presented easy healthy recipes and delicious samples! Our June Social event was one of the hottest days the month but that didn’t stop the team from enjoying time outside. We trekked to Millennium Park for Downtown Sounds’ New Music Mondays to hear a free concert by Iron & Wine. Finding a place in the shade was crucial but we settled in with blankets and food to enjoy some music while catching up! On the race front, members took part in the Ragnar Relay, completing the last leg, a 5K, of the Madison-Chicago race. We had a great showing at this race and members are noticeably more comfortable in the racing scene! Our four members running the Chicago Marathon jumped into their training earlier this month with Saturday long runs at the Monroe location. On Tuesdays some members are even making use of CARA coached speed workouts. The Lawson House Machine is showing great support to those training for the marathon as it certainly adds excitement to our weekly runs!
Residential Member of the Month: OJ Simmons
Although OJ has only been a BoMF team member for three months, he has already impressed the Lawson House team with his positive attitude and stellar attendance (not one “unexcused” absence in over two months)! The team loves OJ’s sense of humor and is so proud of everything he’s accomplished in the last three months! OJ can tell you:
“ I love BoMF, everyone is really nice and cares about us. That makes me feel good about myself. Plus my health and legs are feeling good.”
Non-Residential Member of the Month: Erin Wolgamott
Erin has been such an important part of the Lawson House team. The team can always count on her for encouragement and a kind smile. And while Erin has served as an inspiration to her entire team, she has been motivated by the Lawson House team as well! As she would tell you:
“My experience with BoMF has been rewarding on multiple levels and continues to inspire me. The residential members’ dedication and encouragement they provide each other inspires me to strive for greatness, even if its running that extra mile or my first half marathon. They are true examples of what the organization is all about and it is exciting to see their accomplishments. I look forward to the many more successes they will achieve.”
The REST team welcomed a new residential member, Isaiah, to the team.
Dennis, Charles, and Greg ran the Path to Progress 5k. Isaiah and Edwin volunteered at the race’s aid station. Despite the chilly, windy morning, the team had a great time
On yet another cold Chicago evening, the John and Greg of the REST team joined the rest of the BoMF Chicago teams to volunteer at the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge. BoMF members were treated to pizza before they braved the cold to man the aid stations!
Residential member: John Silvasi
Since joining Back on My Feet Chicago only three short months ago, John has not only become a runner, but he has also shown successes in other areas! The team continues to be impressed with his athleticism and intelligence and, likewise, he has benefited from many aspects of Back on My Feet. As John can best tell you:
“Back on My Feet has been beneficial to me in a number of ways. This program has provided me with all the running gear I need, as well as a structural, positive environment with which to get back in shape. They have helped me with my resume as well as interview skill sharpening. All of the members have been very supportive and the leaders have gone out of their way to be kind, generous, and supportive in every way. In particular, the Debbie and Jim team have taught me the nuances of running most efficiently. Our recently departed leader Julie was always a joy to be around as well. She, I’m sure, is providing great leadership skills with her new team and is missed a lot. I think that Debbie will be an outstanding leader as well. As a direct result of Back on My Feet, I am more confident, more hopeful about my future, and generally feel better physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It has and continues to be a wonderfully positive experience for me and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in getting in better shape and/or meeting interesting, fun people.”
Non-residential member: Josh Hoover
As one of the founding non-residential members of the REST Back on My Feet team, Josh’s enthusiasm, kindness, and dedication helped shape the team into what it is today! Although Josh recently moved out of state due to work, the REST team wants to honor him and all the time and effort he contributed! As Josh can tell you:
“It is inspirational to wake up and be greeted by a team of passionate people challenging themselves and embracing a motivated way of life. There are opportunities in everything to make a difference – even in running – thank you BoMF!”
Members of the Lawson House Machine got their 15 minutes of fame this month when reporters from Northwestern’s Medill News joined us on a Muggy Wednesday morning run. Our team got to show what morning runs are all about while Wahid and O.J. shared what BoMF means to them and has brought to their lives. To say the weather has kept us guessing is an understatement! One morning we’re in shorts and t-shirts and the next we’re donning gloves and hats. This month, members surpassing 300 miles (and we’ve got a few!) received new Skechers shoes! These sneakers have already gotten Running Man’s approval and our newly shoed members are happy to be logging miles in them. Read more…
May brought lots of fun and positive changes to the St. Leonard’s team!
Since our last update, our team participated in two races. On April 30th, Issac, Javier, Mingo, and Ray ran the CPD Run to Remember 5K race. Mingo and Issac also assisted with packet pick-up at the Chicago Police Department. On May 14th, four of our residential members ran the Path to Progress 5K and all improved their 5K race times. Race times: Mingo (25:04), Javier (28:03), Maurice (31:10), and Issac (29:57). Mingo’s race time earned him 3rd in his age division! Read more…
Huge pasta dinner demolished. The first 5K complete. Second 5K on the horizon. Our DFW members have been extremely active over the past month and per usual the BoMF DFW staff have selected a few individuals that make this program radiate compassion, dedication and SPEED.
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Luke MacLean, Non Res Member, Dallas LIFE “Experiencing the team-spirit of the group has been very rewarding! I have known most of the residential runners since they first came to Dallas LIFE, however, through Back on My Feet, our relationships have grown to a much greater depth. Back on My Feet has been truly life-changing!” |
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David Routh, Res Member, Dallas LIFE “I have a goal for my training with BoMF and it is to do a half marathon in August and then go for the White Rock full marathon. I joined for the challenge and to be part of a team.” |
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Zach Roberts, Non Res Member, Salvation Army “My favorite part of BoMF is the fact that most people are still sleeping when we are out running. It’s generally eerily peaceful/quiet; I find it easy to get in a good running groove.” |
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Greg Williams, Res Member, Salvation Army “My favorite running partner is Genevieve or “G” because she always runs with me, encourages me and knows how to push me in a way that is supportive. She ran with me during the 5K and I just enjoy talking with her.” |
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John Rabenhorst, Non Res Member, The Bridge “BoMF gives you the opportunity to toss social status, wealth, and pre-conceptions about a person aside and accept them for who they are. There aren’t too many environments where that exists today.” |
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Gloria Zamora, Res Member, The Bridge “I want to be part of BoMF for at least six months. It makes me feel equal. My favorite running buddies are the members that show me support. They were with me at the race. They make me feel special, like we are sisters.” |
What a great first three weeks for the Dallas-Ft. Worth inaugural members of Dallas LIFE, The Bridge and Salvation Army teams. They have endured injuries, cold temperatures and some tricky routes, but are fully prepared for the first 5k fun run on March 19th at the Lochrann’s Paddy Dash in Frisco, Texas. What makes a member of the month? Heart, perseverance, a sense of humor and obviously some legit running skills.
Here are some of our favorite quotes from the non res and res members of the month from each team:
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Petey Crowder, Team Leader, Dallas LIFE “What do I get out of the BoMF program? Tired by 3:00 in the afternoon! Kidding, kidding… One of the things that’s great is the reaction you get from people when you talk with them about BoMF. It’s not so much that they’re impressed by what you’re doing, but rather that they realize helping others is so easy and available through a diversity of means!” |
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Frank Davis, Res Member, Dallas LIFE “I like running with people I don’t know. I like the gear and it is like having an extended family. It is like everyone is a brother or a sister.” |
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Melissa Dvorocsik, Non Res Member, Salvation Army “Personally I am training for a half marathon, and a triathlon at the moment. I can’t wait til our residential members are ready to take on that kind of goal. Until then, we’ll keep running together, and help them work up to whatever race they want to do.” |
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Cornelius Boggess, Res Member, Salvation Army “It’s like getting a new family. It makes me feel more sure of myself, puts me in mind to be ready to do other goals. If I can do this, I can do almost anything.” |
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Donnie Rensch, Non Res Member, The Bridge Running helped me get through some of the hardest times in my life. I know firsthand how the simple, primordial act of running has almost magical power to make modern man (with all of our distractions) whole again in mind, body, and spirit. BoMF has given me a pulpit from which I can preach the gospel of running and a healthy, active lifestyle.” |
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Chris Cobb, Res Member, The Bridge “At first, I didn’t want to, but when I joined… I was happy. I joined because I thought I would get in shape both mentally and physically.” See Chris’ YouTube video testimonial here. |
The Lawson House Team wraps up the year with new members and impressive mileage. More than a few on our team have received their 50 mile medals while one member hit his 100 mile mark, earning a Timex watch! With temperatures dropping some mornings below 10, we haven’t seen a drop in attendance; even taking on new members in the past month! With the holiday’s lighting up the city, BOMF Chicago brought the Joy of the season by caroling at the Warren Barr Pavilion Nursing Home earlier this month. We had a great turnout from resident and non-resident members alike as we dressed in Santa hats and sang carols to a number of floors. Members also enjoyed participating in the Santa Hustle, where the first snowfall of the season greeted runners dressed in Santa Outfits. A Holiday Party at Mad River Grille rounded out the December events as members celebrated the holiday season together. While the Lawson House Team started 3 1/2 short months ago, we have accomplished a lot and have created great friendships going into the New Year! We can’t wait for 2011!
N Street Village ran their first race this month with the Girls 0n the Run 5K. Mary Virginia A., Carol S., Gequeena D. and Rhonda A. all ran the race on Sunday, December 12th. The race was held at American University and put on by the DC Chapter of Girls on the Run. The weather conditions were less than ideal, but the women persevered and it was the first race that the team has completed and the farthest distance that most of the women have ever ran! We’re all so proud of them and the effort and hard work that they’ve shown in order to be able to reach this milestone. Read more…
