Back on my Feet Runs National Marathon

I am excited about running into friends from Back on my Feet (BOMF) during the National Marathon two weeks ago. In a sense BOMF and RUNIN share many similar values.

Back on My Feet gives the homeless a second chance to regain control of their lives. The program's mission also exemplifies several of Runin DC's core values. The first of these is "reflecting on relationships" or seeing how we are all connected. Back on My Feet is not a handout; it is about partnerships and seeing ourselves in others. While running and training, the homeless and the trainers support and challenge each other to strive higher.

Back on My Feet is also about "understanding" or empathizing with people--no matter how different they may appear at first glance.

The neat thing about running is that it is a great equalizer. When we're running hard up a hill, it doesn't matter what socioeconomic status you come from. You are working extremely hard -- rich, middle class, or poor -- all of us have to climb the same hill and have to rely on our God-given strengths and stamina to do it.


The next value is "negotiation," which is exemplified by Back on My Feet's emphasis on goal setting. Participants of the program--both trainers and homeless runners--make a commitment to themselves and each other. This is an especially meaningful decision for the runners, who examine their current lot in life and ultimately know that they can do better.

Their response is to commit to running a few miles each day as early as 6am. The "innovation" value is illustrated in the uniqueness of the idea itself. Back on My Feet shows that love for humankind and strength of spirit has endless applications.

Finally, RUNIN is about "Navigation." Likewise Back on My Feet helps the homeless strive to finish the run, train for the next race and aspire to get back on their feet and become both customers and contributors to this great social running continuum.

Running with "the Runs"

Reflecting

This was supposed to be my hometown run.  After doing the Goofy, the Miami and the New Orleans Rock-N-Roll, I was looking forward to staying home and running my hometown streets.

Understanding

In the beginning of the year, I set a personal goal: To run 12 major marathons, half marathons or triathlon events this year (whether formal or unofficial).  Running the National full would be my 4th race and on track to make my goal by year's end.

Last year's National had a surprising twist.  Since I had a good track record with the race (this is my 4th year running it), I expected it to be more of the same.  Boy was I WRONG.

Negotiation

And I was facing some obstacles.  In Haiti the ground was too damaged and the skies too dirty to run.  I was very strict with only drinking bottled water, but I had to eat the food.  Whenever you go to a third world country, you come home, but the bug stays with you. So, I had come back with a mild fever and well the "Runs".

Inspiration

When I started to feel weak, I realized that villagers all over Port-au-Prince are facing immense difficulty everyday. Coming back from the trip gave me all the inspiration I needed.

I was also very glad that my friend, Chris, who just the day before I suggested he join me in his first marathon was making a good time and feeling invigorated.

Navigation

I felt inspired, but still felt ill, both gastrointestinal and a slight fever that precipitously got worse by the minute.  I remembered that I had to pace my friend Tammy for the Umstead 100 Endurance Run near Raleigh the following weekend.  I wanted to be healthy for that run and also run this week to prepare for it.  So while last year I started out with the half and finished the full, this year was just the polar opposite.

Two Loops Capitol to Lincoln

Today, was a fabulous run day.  It was supposed to rain all day, but thankfully the skies cleared up long enough for me to make two loops around the Capitol (back end by the Supreme Court) to the Lincoln Memorial.  This is total of 9 miles and I must say the longest I've run all year.

Seemed the skies cleared up just perfectly in time because it started to rain just as I crossed the finish line.  Came down in drips then in drabbles.

Ran in my flats and felt real light fast like a gazelle.  Being running every day this week -- I'm exhausted but feeling ready, but for what...

Sometimes, I wonder with my busy workload why I run.  In fact, I could be so busy, not even time to sleep or eat, and I would parcel time out of my hectic schedule to burn a few miles or more.

I run because it makes me happy, gives me energy, releases endorphins naturally, provides me an outlet to think, ponder solve the world's problems, and kick that rock when I want to kick all that, cry and not be publicly disgraced, grimace and scowl at world issues as if I could sweat it all away -- and most important of all, to enjoy God's grace and thankfully stay strong and in shape. 

Since I have never been a skilled athlete all my life, and have twice torn my ACL when playing in group sports, running is something I can do and am not as much prone to injury since I control where I go (unless there's a dog chasing me or I'm running a traffic light and cars are coming my way).

Don't have to worry about blocking that shot or catching that pass -- it's me running amidst everyone else, in the middle of a crowded mall but alone and thinking by myself personally proud of reaching that pinacle that milestone, even if no one else around me cares or even wants to know. It's me, it's mine today and for eternity and it means the world to me, twice over. 

Ran with my new music playlist on my new shuffle (my 5th one I ever owned because the previous four were ditched or lost or perhaps lifted -- no, people, I believe, are honest in this world)

Fast pace music got my heart pumping -- I'm ready to run and roll. Gotta get those sappy, love songs out of there (Carpenters, Air Supply. Elton John).  

Getting ready for the National next Sat.  I'm excited and am running not for a specific cause but for all causes -- and yes, of course -- for myself.  Running is indeed self-centered.