What does running mean to you? We all know the physical benefits. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, it builds a strong cardiovascular system, it works your muscles, yada yada yada.
But what else does running offer? For me, running offered a light when I was feeling surrounded by darkness. It offered something that was just for *me* when my life was all about parenting an infant. It has continued to help me be a better parent as my boys grow. It gives me the patience I need when dealing with two high energy boys. It continues to grow my confidence in *me*. After all, if I can successfully train for and run two marathons, just think of what I can do when I’m not running.
And if running can do all that for someone who has a supportive family, a warm home, and more than enough to eat, just imagine what it can do for someone who has nothing.
That’s why I’ve decided to run the National Half Marathon as a “fundracer” for Back on my Feet, DC. Like many urban locales, homelessness is a huge challenge in the DC area. Back on my Feet uses running as a means to help the homeless develop confidence in themselves and the others on their team. But running isn’t all that they do…
Back on My Feet teaches critical work and life skills, such as discipline, leadership, and goal-setting that help lead our members toward a road filled with hope, happiness, opportunity and prosperity. The organization’s comprehensive program includes connections to BOMF’s job training and workforce development partners and offers assistance with education and housing expenses. The member benefits of Back on My Feet are not free – they are earned through the currency of attitude, commitment, teamwork, respect and perseverance.
Want to learn more? Check out the BOMF blog.
Want to donate? Hop on over to my donation page.
Lots of other exciting stuff coming up in the next couple of weeks that I can’t wait to tell you about, ’cause you know signing up for a half marathon is old news around here. ;o)
That is so cool….. Running has been such an important part of my life, I can't imagine my life without it.
Great post, running is such a part of me now.
Wonderful charity. Great way to give back. Good luck.
Yes, it is a wonderful charity! Random tidbit – the Founder and President of "Back on My Feet" is a high school classmate of mine! Bismarck, ND class of '99!! 🙂
Sounds like a great cause and a very appropriate cjoice for you!
that is a wonderful program! Glad to hear you are fundraising for BOMF. See you Sunday!
This is such a great organization! Will you be running at all with any of the local groups? I would really love to be involved with them.
what a great thing you are doing. Running for me has been that outlet that allows me to step away and get back to being myself. It makes me a better mom, wife and person. I am someone who needs something for 'me" to focus on else I will lose my mind and running is great.
Sounds like a great organization for you to support. Good luck with your training and fund raising!
That is awesome. i have loved learning about that group since I first read about it in Runner's World.
Running for a cause is awesome. You rule for doing this.
Great post … running with a purpose is so much more rewarding!
very cool 🙂
Looks like a great cause!
I started running to get into shape and lose weight. Now, those are still reasons, but they are further down the list. It feels good, it makes me feel good…..it's something I do for just me. Sounds like a good cause!