We are 2 long runs away from the marathon. With John heading out on vacation tomorrow for 10 days, we decided to add on to our normal Back On My Feet Wednesday Run to get a few more miles in. We rolled out of Blair House and headed downtown. It constantly amazes me that our runs include things like "right at the Capitol", "down the Mall", "passed the Washington Monument" and "around the Lincoln Memorial". The city is wonderful as it is waking up...just a few joggers, bikers and folks going to work. Nice way to start the day...
Wednesday BOMF Run +
We are still campaigning hard to raise money for BOMF! We are a few dollars short of supporting one member for an entire calendar year. We have received some wonderful support from individual and companies and hope to add to that.
As mentioned, we have two long runs left before the marathon. We will be doing 15 miles this Saturday and 10 miles on the 19th. We will be running at 4:15p both days from Ted's Bulletin on 8th Street SE in Capitol Hill and always love people joining us! Even if you want to run one mile, come out and join us!
On marathon day we will need supporters as well! The route is pretty extensive as it weaves in and out of the neighborhoods of DC. Take a look at the course map and plan on coming to cheer the runners on! We would love to see you out there!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
one month to go!!!
We are less than one month away from the National Marathon!!! First off, thank you to everyone who has helped our fund raising and supported Back On My Feet! We cannot thank everyone enough for their generosity!
Training has been going well. With crazy schedules and insane weather [bitter cold, high winds, rain, sleet] we have managed to keep running. Two weeks ago, we ran 18 miles with wind gusting over 40 miles an hour. I won’t lie to you, it hurt. A lot. I just pray that on 26 March, we will have absolutely no wind whatsoever. You can check out the run at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/69102282?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d6bab180e666796%2C0.
This past weekend was a bit of a scheduling debacle. I had a series of events all day Saturday, so I was unable to get out with the team. Instead, I had to hoist myself out of bed at 4:45 on a Saturday to hit the pavement. DC is wonderfully peaceful at this early hour on a weekend…just a few other runners and a spectacular view of the sunrise from the Key Bridge. 15 miles later, the weekend was in full swing and after a busy day, bed felt sooooooooo good. While I didn’t bring a camera on the run [I should have] you can see my route at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/70141251?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d6bab42ae2617ff%2C0.
We are going to need as much support as possible leading up to the marathon and on the big day! We love people coming out and running with us [even if it is only for a block] and giving us emotional support [and some water]. Any marathon runner [except those crazy ones that win the race] will tell you that thing biggest thing that helps get us through the race [aside from training] is screaming fans. The race is on the 26th of March starting at 7am and goes all through DC. You can find a course map at http://www.nationalmarathon.com/SunTrust_National_Marathon/SunTrust_National_Marathon_Course.htm. Come out and yell! We LOVE familiar faces and screaming friends.
If running before dawn is not your thing, we still could use some donations to reach our goal. ANY little bit helps…just look in your couch cushions, center console in your car and winter coat…I am sure you will find a few spare bucks! Go to http://www.active.com/donate/BOMFNATLMARATHON2011/DSB_BOMF and chip in just a little bit. Back On My Feet is an amazing cause and is worthy of every cent. DON’T FORGET…SunTrust is matching DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR EVERY DONATION!!!
Check out the shout out from BOMF on their page at http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=cnpc5dcab&v=001XMg27mzAwequB08qixOJDURjKk4AiTtqOxjYW5oIzyMImqPTdJFvTlx_Zzu4Gh-bQRa5LEzMe37zHd14TdhJ7QugVzT5iOM-L5VZJrI8Gn_ePKOUVj8PomoxdMQk4iS2_eIY9quQWEGpFrqhp-lQV4QVoFP_IOeeA8K3O_Np7c8%3D. We love it!
Lastly, I wanted to say a special thanks to Dean Sara Thompson at Catholic University’s Metropolitan School for Professional Studies. Not only has Sara helped financially and she ALWAYS offers her moral support when I see her and talk to her but most importantly, Sara is facilitating a connection between BOMF and CUA so that some of our members can take classes and further their education with a goal of a better job and better life. From everyone associated with BOMF, thank you for your time and energy!
Training has been going well. With crazy schedules and insane weather [bitter cold, high winds, rain, sleet] we have managed to keep running. Two weeks ago, we ran 18 miles with wind gusting over 40 miles an hour. I won’t lie to you, it hurt. A lot. I just pray that on 26 March, we will have absolutely no wind whatsoever. You can check out the run at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/69102282?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d6bab180e666796%2C0.
This past weekend was a bit of a scheduling debacle. I had a series of events all day Saturday, so I was unable to get out with the team. Instead, I had to hoist myself out of bed at 4:45 on a Saturday to hit the pavement. DC is wonderfully peaceful at this early hour on a weekend…just a few other runners and a spectacular view of the sunrise from the Key Bridge. 15 miles later, the weekend was in full swing and after a busy day, bed felt sooooooooo good. While I didn’t bring a camera on the run [I should have] you can see my route at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/70141251?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d6bab42ae2617ff%2C0.
We are going to need as much support as possible leading up to the marathon and on the big day! We love people coming out and running with us [even if it is only for a block] and giving us emotional support [and some water]. Any marathon runner [except those crazy ones that win the race] will tell you that thing biggest thing that helps get us through the race [aside from training] is screaming fans. The race is on the 26th of March starting at 7am and goes all through DC. You can find a course map at http://www.nationalmarathon.com/SunTrust_National_Marathon/SunTrust_National_Marathon_Course.htm. Come out and yell! We LOVE familiar faces and screaming friends.
If running before dawn is not your thing, we still could use some donations to reach our goal. ANY little bit helps…just look in your couch cushions, center console in your car and winter coat…I am sure you will find a few spare bucks! Go to http://www.active.com/donate/BOMFNATLMARATHON2011/DSB_BOMF and chip in just a little bit. Back On My Feet is an amazing cause and is worthy of every cent. DON’T FORGET…SunTrust is matching DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR EVERY DONATION!!!
Check out the shout out from BOMF on their page at http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=cnpc5dcab&v=001XMg27mzAwequB08qixOJDURjKk4AiTtqOxjYW5oIzyMImqPTdJFvTlx_Zzu4Gh-bQRa5LEzMe37zHd14TdhJ7QugVzT5iOM-L5VZJrI8Gn_ePKOUVj8PomoxdMQk4iS2_eIY9quQWEGpFrqhp-lQV4QVoFP_IOeeA8K3O_Np7c8%3D. We love it!
Lastly, I wanted to say a special thanks to Dean Sara Thompson at Catholic University’s Metropolitan School for Professional Studies. Not only has Sara helped financially and she ALWAYS offers her moral support when I see her and talk to her but most importantly, Sara is facilitating a connection between BOMF and CUA so that some of our members can take classes and further their education with a goal of a better job and better life. From everyone associated with BOMF, thank you for your time and energy!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Meet Team BOMF
This week Mother Nature came calling with some snow to put an additional challenge in our training. John, Chris, Brian, Amanda, Bing and I all agreed to meet after Bing got out of work on Saturday for a long run. Some of the snow had melted, but there were a fair amount of sidewalks still iced over. With determination and team spirit, we crushed the 10 miles in just over 80 minutes.
Weekend Long Run by BOMF
In lieu of going into long winded detail about the run, I figured I would showcase one of our marathon team members, Kenneth P. Kenneth was an original member of Back On My Feet when it began in DC almost a year ago. Here is my brief interview with the man we all know as Bing...
DSB: What is your full name?
KMP: My full name is, Kenneth Marlin P.
DSB: Where were you born?
KMP: I was born in Washington, D.C. in (D.C. General Hospital).
DSB: What is your shoe size?
KMP: My shoe size is, ten.
DSB: What is your favorite food?
KMP: My favorite food is a whole, deep fried turkey.
DSB: How did you end up living at 801 East?
KMP: After 14 years of incarceration, I found myself homeless and ended up moving into 801 East.
DSB: What made you sign up for BOMF?
KMP: Three members from a running group called, "Back On My Feet", by the names of Wylie, Monica and Amanda, came to recruit ten guys out of 801 East, to join their group. They explained that with successful completion, (six months), we would receive a grant for one-thousand dollars. I immediately signed my name on the dotted line.
DSB: What was your reaction to the first day running with BOMF?
KMP: My first reaction to the first day running with Back On My Feet was "we're not only running with dudes, there are also good looking chicks running!!"
DSB: What was your first race? What were you thinking / feeling before, during and after the race?
KMP: My first race was a 5k at George Washington Parkway. The only thing I could remember thinking was, completing 3.1 miles at a consistent pace. I wasn't absolutely sure before the race, that I'd still been able to stick to the plan, having considered the likelihood of it almost certain outcome, would surely hinder me. There were hills to climb throughout the course, which I felt were slightly brutal, and couldn't be ran up, only walked. I convinced myself that if I could stay more focused on deep breathing through my nasal passage instead of only my mouth, then I may stand a chance. It was only a half mile left to go and my shoelace came loosened. After finishing the race I cut back on smoking cigarettes and double tied my shoelaces.
DSB: What was your favorite race with BOMF? Why?
KMP: My favorite race with Back On My Feet was the Crystal City 5k where I got the chance to eat Ann Mahlum's dust. After finishing the race I felt like I've achieved the beginning of many more accomplishments to come and that is impossible to fail at as long as I continue trying. I also felt drenched, because it rained cats and rats after-wards!
DSB: What made you sign up for the National Marathon?
KMP: I signed up for the National Marathon for two reasons, one's that I wanted to experience what it feels like to have absolutely no energy to do or say anything and then a few twenty-four hours later, feeling like, probably in the best shape I'd ever feel in my entire existence!! Second, I have to represent my bank SunTrust!
DSB; What is your favorite part of running with BOMF?
KMP: My favorite part of running with Back On My Feet is the unconditional generosity, that each one gives and has taught me to give, no matter what!!
DSB: What are your running goals for the next year?
KMP: My running goals for next year will be something sort of a re-cap of last year’s runs but to incorporate much swimming as possible, as far as my short-term goes. My long-term goal is to complete a triathlon.
DSB: As a former “resident”, what would you like to teach / show the current residents?
KMP: As a former resident I would like to teach the current residents the importance of having to do something different, in order to want something different. I want to show them how determination, sacrifice and staying focus can bring about a change.
Interviewers Note: I have run [by "run" I mean, "I tried to keep up with"] several races with Bing...he is a physical beast. He is skinny and roughly 9 feet tall with 7 foot tall legs. He makes the weekend long runs look effortless. What I am trying to say is, be careful "elite" marathon runners...if a tall, high speed blur runs screaming passed you during the race, just wave and smile at our man Bing.
Weekend Long Run by BOMF
In lieu of going into long winded detail about the run, I figured I would showcase one of our marathon team members, Kenneth P. Kenneth was an original member of Back On My Feet when it began in DC almost a year ago. Here is my brief interview with the man we all know as Bing...
DSB: What is your full name?
KMP: My full name is, Kenneth Marlin P.
DSB: Where were you born?
KMP: I was born in Washington, D.C. in (D.C. General Hospital).
DSB: What is your shoe size?
KMP: My shoe size is, ten.
DSB: What is your favorite food?
KMP: My favorite food is a whole, deep fried turkey.
DSB: How did you end up living at 801 East?
KMP: After 14 years of incarceration, I found myself homeless and ended up moving into 801 East.
DSB: What made you sign up for BOMF?
KMP: Three members from a running group called, "Back On My Feet", by the names of Wylie, Monica and Amanda, came to recruit ten guys out of 801 East, to join their group. They explained that with successful completion, (six months), we would receive a grant for one-thousand dollars. I immediately signed my name on the dotted line.
DSB: What was your reaction to the first day running with BOMF?
KMP: My first reaction to the first day running with Back On My Feet was "we're not only running with dudes, there are also good looking chicks running!!"
DSB: What was your first race? What were you thinking / feeling before, during and after the race?
KMP: My first race was a 5k at George Washington Parkway. The only thing I could remember thinking was, completing 3.1 miles at a consistent pace. I wasn't absolutely sure before the race, that I'd still been able to stick to the plan, having considered the likelihood of it almost certain outcome, would surely hinder me. There were hills to climb throughout the course, which I felt were slightly brutal, and couldn't be ran up, only walked. I convinced myself that if I could stay more focused on deep breathing through my nasal passage instead of only my mouth, then I may stand a chance. It was only a half mile left to go and my shoelace came loosened. After finishing the race I cut back on smoking cigarettes and double tied my shoelaces.
DSB: What was your favorite race with BOMF? Why?
KMP: My favorite race with Back On My Feet was the Crystal City 5k where I got the chance to eat Ann Mahlum's dust. After finishing the race I felt like I've achieved the beginning of many more accomplishments to come and that is impossible to fail at as long as I continue trying. I also felt drenched, because it rained cats and rats after-wards!
DSB: What made you sign up for the National Marathon?
KMP: I signed up for the National Marathon for two reasons, one's that I wanted to experience what it feels like to have absolutely no energy to do or say anything and then a few twenty-four hours later, feeling like, probably in the best shape I'd ever feel in my entire existence!! Second, I have to represent my bank SunTrust!
DSB; What is your favorite part of running with BOMF?
KMP: My favorite part of running with Back On My Feet is the unconditional generosity, that each one gives and has taught me to give, no matter what!!
DSB: What are your running goals for the next year?
KMP: My running goals for next year will be something sort of a re-cap of last year’s runs but to incorporate much swimming as possible, as far as my short-term goes. My long-term goal is to complete a triathlon.
DSB: As a former “resident”, what would you like to teach / show the current residents?
KMP: As a former resident I would like to teach the current residents the importance of having to do something different, in order to want something different. I want to show them how determination, sacrifice and staying focus can bring about a change.
Interviewers Note: I have run [by "run" I mean, "I tried to keep up with"] several races with Bing...he is a physical beast. He is skinny and roughly 9 feet tall with 7 foot tall legs. He makes the weekend long runs look effortless. What I am trying to say is, be careful "elite" marathon runners...if a tall, high speed blur runs screaming passed you during the race, just wave and smile at our man Bing.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Why would anyone in their right mind...
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday my alarm goes off at 5 o’clock in the morning. By 5:30am, I have run by John's place to meet him and we both run to Blair House, a homeless shelter in NE DC. Almost a year ago, we joined a "running" group called Back on my Feet. This group pairs homeless “residents” with “non-residents”. Each resident member is given running gear to get kicked off; after that, it is up to them. After every 30 days, if a resident has 90% attendance, they qualify for career training, and can apply for grants or housing assistance.
Selfishly, I joined last March when the group began in DC. I figured, I like to run, sleep is for the weak and I can get out and better my community doing my good deed for each day. With this decision, I convinced myself that I was guaranteed to have people proud of me and my good heart while introducing these guys to running and get them in some races.
On our first day, in 35 degree weather, our group circled up, did 40 jumping jacks, 40 push-ups and went through a basic stretching regimen. Amidst the clapping, we all tightened the circle and put our arms around each other. We then recited the serenity prayer. While simple in form, the prayer is quite complex.
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
We then headed out into the dark and ran a mile. One mile. I run 3 or 4 days a week in some cases for hours on end, so one mile wasn’t much of a big deal. What I didn’t expect was how the events following the mile would affect me.
We circled back up clapping for one another. We recited the prayer another time and got ready to leave. I turned to head home and was stopped instantaneously by others in the group as everyone began to hug goodbye. I am an army brat; the son of a former green beret…I am not a big hugger, especially with complete strangers. Within moments I was hugging people I had met only an hour earlier.
As I walked away I watched some of the shelter residents leaving the shelter for the day. Every single gentleman was carrying a duffle bag, suitcase or even a plastic garbage bag, containing everything they owned. Against everything I was taught as a child, I stared. At that point, I realized my make-myself-feel-better-about-myself-ego was being taught a very powerful lesson.
I look forward to my runs each week. I love clowning around with Bing, Ellis, Carolyn, Amanda, Brian, Kristen and Chris, smiling with my morning energy burst before the sun rises. I have heard incredible stories about failed businesses, addiction and thieving family members. I have worked with guys who had never even owned a pair of running shoes and watched them increase their mileage and run in local races. No one in our group is homeless…no one has a permanent residence; we are all just a bunch of insane early morning runners.
I have never once felt good about myself for what I am doing…I don’t need to. The effect this program has certainly involves assisting the residents with basic needs, but the greater effect is on all of us, not only as human beings, but as equals. I have some great new friends who I just love being with.
So why do we do it every week? Long story short, for an hour or two every couple of days, no one is homeless and no one is unemployed...we're just runners trying to out run the cold air in the darkness. So bring it on National Marathon, we are ready for you.
Selfishly, I joined last March when the group began in DC. I figured, I like to run, sleep is for the weak and I can get out and better my community doing my good deed for each day. With this decision, I convinced myself that I was guaranteed to have people proud of me and my good heart while introducing these guys to running and get them in some races.
On our first day, in 35 degree weather, our group circled up, did 40 jumping jacks, 40 push-ups and went through a basic stretching regimen. Amidst the clapping, we all tightened the circle and put our arms around each other. We then recited the serenity prayer. While simple in form, the prayer is quite complex.
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
We then headed out into the dark and ran a mile. One mile. I run 3 or 4 days a week in some cases for hours on end, so one mile wasn’t much of a big deal. What I didn’t expect was how the events following the mile would affect me.
We circled back up clapping for one another. We recited the prayer another time and got ready to leave. I turned to head home and was stopped instantaneously by others in the group as everyone began to hug goodbye. I am an army brat; the son of a former green beret…I am not a big hugger, especially with complete strangers. Within moments I was hugging people I had met only an hour earlier.
As I walked away I watched some of the shelter residents leaving the shelter for the day. Every single gentleman was carrying a duffle bag, suitcase or even a plastic garbage bag, containing everything they owned. Against everything I was taught as a child, I stared. At that point, I realized my make-myself-feel-better-about-myself-ego was being taught a very powerful lesson.
I look forward to my runs each week. I love clowning around with Bing, Ellis, Carolyn, Amanda, Brian, Kristen and Chris, smiling with my morning energy burst before the sun rises. I have heard incredible stories about failed businesses, addiction and thieving family members. I have worked with guys who had never even owned a pair of running shoes and watched them increase their mileage and run in local races. No one in our group is homeless…no one has a permanent residence; we are all just a bunch of insane early morning runners.
I have never once felt good about myself for what I am doing…I don’t need to. The effect this program has certainly involves assisting the residents with basic needs, but the greater effect is on all of us, not only as human beings, but as equals. I have some great new friends who I just love being with.
So why do we do it every week? Long story short, for an hour or two every couple of days, no one is homeless and no one is unemployed...we're just runners trying to out run the cold air in the darkness. So bring it on National Marathon, we are ready for you.
18 degrees and cooling
John was away for the weekend and my schedule was a little hairy, so I had to go it alone on Saturday morning for a long run. Normally this isn't the end of the world, but following 20 brutally cold minutes at the park walking the dogs, I knew it was not going to be the most pleasant of mornings. Following a bagel and 20 more minutes of trying to psych myself up while my wife shook her head in disbelief, I went out the front door. It was 18 degrees with a wind chill of 12. Within about 35 seconds I was ready to hop in a cab and head home, but vowed to fight through.
Weekend Long COLD Run - Details
Following my endurance food freezing, by sweat on my hat freezing to my headphones and loss of feeling in my chin, I made it home. I don't recall a better shower. I spent the rest of the weekend warming up and retelling my tale of woe, feeling increasingly proud of myself and how I ran through miserable weather. That was until I got John's text message Sunday afternoon stating he ran 12+ miles in NYC where is was somewhere around 47 degrees below zero. I am a wimp.
Weekend Long COLD Run - Details
Following my endurance food freezing, by sweat on my hat freezing to my headphones and loss of feeling in my chin, I made it home. I don't recall a better shower. I spent the rest of the weekend warming up and retelling my tale of woe, feeling increasingly proud of myself and how I ran through miserable weather. That was until I got John's text message Sunday afternoon stating he ran 12+ miles in NYC where is was somewhere around 47 degrees below zero. I am a wimp.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Back in the Saddle
One year ago today John and I had just completed the second day of the two day Goofy Marathon and a Half Challenge in a VERY cold Orlando, Florida. Following a recovery which included remaining stationary on the couch for 24 hours, eating our body weight in pizza and riding as many roller coasters as possible the day after, I quietly (the press was invited, but no one showed up) retired from the Goofy Challenge (John has not yet announced his future in that insanity) vowing to focus on shorter, less punishing endeavors.
We turned down the lead roles in The Green Hornet (we couldn't decide who would be Kato) and roles as judges on American Idol and in March, we joined the newly formed DC chapter of Back On My Feet (http://backonmyfeet.org) running with gentlemen at the 801 East Homeless and Recovery Shelter. For the past 10 months, we have made some amazing friends while running routes from 1 mile to half marathons.
Celebrating the one year anniversary, we will be running the National Marathon through the streets of DC with our 801 Team. In preparation for the race, not only will we be following a strict physical training schedule, we are vowing to raise money for this incredible organization. Last year, we raised over $5000 for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and this year we would like to have as much success.
We will be updating this blog as we train and get ready for the raise, so please follow us! You can donate to our cause and follow our fundraising at http://www.active.com/donate/BOMFNATLMARATHON2011/DSB_BOMF. If you want to donate and get a little free advertising out of the deal, check out http://www.space4for4rent.blogspot.com. If you want to get out and run, BOMF is ALWAYS looking for dedicated members and we always love training partners! Put on a hat and gloves and get out there with us!!!
We turned down the lead roles in The Green Hornet (we couldn't decide who would be Kato) and roles as judges on American Idol and in March, we joined the newly formed DC chapter of Back On My Feet (http://backonmyfeet.org) running with gentlemen at the 801 East Homeless and Recovery Shelter. For the past 10 months, we have made some amazing friends while running routes from 1 mile to half marathons.
Celebrating the one year anniversary, we will be running the National Marathon through the streets of DC with our 801 Team. In preparation for the race, not only will we be following a strict physical training schedule, we are vowing to raise money for this incredible organization. Last year, we raised over $5000 for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and this year we would like to have as much success.
We will be updating this blog as we train and get ready for the raise, so please follow us! You can donate to our cause and follow our fundraising at http://www.active.com/donate/BOMFNATLMARATHON2011/DSB_BOMF. If you want to donate and get a little free advertising out of the deal, check out http://www.space4for4rent.blogspot.com. If you want to get out and run, BOMF is ALWAYS looking for dedicated members and we always love training partners! Put on a hat and gloves and get out there with us!!!
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