Having caught the competitive running big seven years ago, this year will be Justin Weiler’s first shot at the famed Boston marathon. Justin qualified in November, and was planning to register for 2012. However, when he came across the opportunity to get on the course by FundRacing for Back on My Feet, he couldn’t pass it up the opportunity.
BOMF: Why is this important to you?
Justin: From the first time that I came across Back On My Feet (in early 2008), the mission of the program resonated with me. The idea of cultivating individuality, responsibility, and commitment in the context of a (running) community just made complete sense. I could see that it was genuinely addressing the root causes of homelessness. I remember living in Atlanta in my early twenties, and I would come across many of the same homeless individuals day in and day out. Over time, I developed a regular dialogue with them, and I reached a point where I couldn’t comprehend why these particular men and women weren’t living “normal” lives like the rest of us. I admit, guiltily, that my small-town prejudices, at one point, led me to expect less civil behavior from them. However, it quickly became clear that they were no different than me. They were no different than the day laborers sitting next to me on the subway, and they were no different than the guy whisking past us in his $1,000 business suit.
That is why Back On My Feet is so important. It treats members for whom they are: regular people that have encountered personal challenges and simply didn’t have the means or the state of mind to overcome them. They have goals, ambitions, and a passion for life — just like you and I. A handout may help them through to the next day, but the process of building community and identity fosters independence and self-sufficiency.
BOMF: Could you tell me a bit about your running history?
Justin: I began running competitively about seven years ago. Within the first year, I realized that 20 years of soccer had made me a reasonably fit person. I also realized, however, that my natural athletic ability was not enough to help me succeed, so I began to taking up triathlons, which were a way to disguise mediocre running by mediocre swimming and cycling. The hours were long, and the learning curve was steep. In my first two seasons, it became clear that running was my biggest strength, and it enabled me to finish any triathlon distance in the top 5%. Once that reality stretched beyond triathlons, running became a much greater passion of mine.
In the past two years, I have successfully raced every distance from 5k to 50 miles. I’ve had some spectacular podium finishes, and some equally spectacular failures. I cherish them all equally, as each experience has taught me a little bit more about myself and people in general. Whether it’s an early morning sprint to get my heart pumping, or the last few delirious miles of an ultra-marathon I consider myself very fortunate to have had these opportunities.
BOMF: Is there anything else you’d like to share with Back On My Feet?
Justin: Many people (some very close to me) would be surprised to know that I have struggled with mental health issues for years. I have a wonderful wife, two beautiful kids, and a vast network of friends and family. Over the last 10 to 12 years, I’ve managed to build a reasonably successful life. However, when I look at Back on My Feet — the mission, the members, and the volunteers — I recognize that the fundamental differences between myself and the individuals it serves are nearly indistinguishable. A few years back, my mental health plummeted. I was speeding toward rock bottom at a breakneck speed. The matter was further complicated by a tenacious ideal: “You must be your own advocate. No one can help you better than you.” That thought persisted far too long and, eventually, I could no longer help myself, much less support my family. I had to swallow my pride and reach out for help. I had the good fortune of a solid support network, which (in my honest opinion) is the one distinguishing factor, separating me from the poor, destitute souls that we see living on America’s streets.
Back On My Feet provides a network. That network is built around running because, quite simply, running is a metaphor for life. It shows people that they must possess the strength and determination to move themselves forward, but reminds them that they must exercise the faith and good will to lean on one another through adversity. Every time that I read about a team member moving forward into the next phase of the program, I’m encouraged by the prospect that it’s one more person in the community that is smarter, stronger, and more likely to make a positive difference.
You can support Justin in his quest for Boston by contributing to his campaign here.
BOMF DC had a great night at the Verizon Center on Friday February 4th 2011.
