Team Warman Runners Will, Jamie and Mike prepare to run the Drumstick Dash

This month we feature Indy BoMF, Team Warman runner Mike Copper.  Mike has been running with our team for months, and always sets the example of a good warm up, cool down and pacing during our team runs.  He’s also leads by example in that his attendance is a stellar 96% and he’s clocked just over 175 miles.  Here’s more about “Outta-Site” Mike.

Running Shoe Size: 13

Home Town/Family: Washington, DC/Father of five children

Fav Athletes: Brian Westbrook, Champ Bailey, Michael Vick

Fav Music: R & B (old school), Blues, Jazz

In what branch did you serve? Army, Army Reserve, National Guard. Fav position was a Drill Instructor

Most memorable BoMF memory? Running 5K in the Monumental Marathon

Why did you come out for the BoMF team? Recruited by  HVAF BoMF runners

What difference has BoMF made in your life? I’m healthier and enjoy the group participation and the friendships. I look forward to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Where did you get the name “Outta-Site Mike” From 1967-70 I was a DJ and that was my radio name. At BoMF there were so many Mike’s on the team, OuttaSite was an easy name to remember.

What’s most challenging aspect of your life right now and how are you meeting that challenge? Most challenging is trying to quit smoking. I’m using the patch and also running helps eliminate the sensation and desire to smoke. I’m also having a lot of dental work done right now.

What races have you run in with BoMF? Which one was your fav? The 5K trail run at Eagle Creek was my first, favorite and most challenging. I’ve also run 4 miles in the Ripple Effect Run in Broad Ripple, the 42K Relay, the 5K in the Monumental Marathon Event and 4.5 miles in the Drumstick Dash.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Listen to music; I have a good collection from which to choose. I also like to surf the web.

Outta-Site’s BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals)

These are goals men can’t accomplish on their own, but need the help of a higher power. Thinking “outta the box” they are:

1. Quit smoking
2. Get back into working security
3. Complete school

We give a runner’s salute to Outta-Site Mike for purposefully
leading us in the Serenity Prayer each morning with gusto and spirit, for his
outstanding attendance and his commitment to our BoMF team.

Outta-Site Mike Finishing Strong in the Ripple Effect

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.