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BOMF teams run three to four days a week and because the organization is growing at an extraordinary pace, it's even hard for us to keep up with all the exciting things going on... |
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Back on My Feet aims to help people move their lives forward by first teaching people how to believe in themselves. Our members engage in surveys and evaluations every month and we keep track of everything from attendance to mileage to attitude. More than 70 percent of our members (53 individuals) took part in this survey.
If you have any questions about our results, please contact Anne Mahlum at anne@backonmyfeet.org
Click Here to See an Enlarged View of this Image
- Founded in July 2007
- Operates in Five Philadelphia Emergency Housing Facilities
- 72 Residential Members
- 339 Volunteers
- 45 members have completed a competitive race
- 3 members have completed a half-marathon
- 1 member has completed a full-marathon
- 5 members have obtained housing
- 12 members have secured jobs
- 5 members have enrolled in job training programs
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Around noon last Saturday morning, Back on My Feet’s first annual 20in24 Relay and Ultra-Marathon run was in full swing and relay runner Jay Daly had just completed his first of four total 8.4 mile loops around the Schyulkill River Loop. “It’s really hot,” said a soaked, wide-eyed Daly and then to add emphasis, “no, really, it’s very hot”. Daly wasn’t alone in his assessment of the race-day conditions, which saw temperatures climb over 95 degrees with high humidity. However, the adverse conditions were no match for close to 1,000 race participants and the incredible volunteer support that made the entire event possible.
Once the sun set on Saturday it was time for the neon-clad runners of the Midnight-Madness run to line up for a dash once around the river loop. Once assembled, the path leading to the start line resembled a strange mix of a night-club and your local weekend 5k. Promptly at midnight these human glow-sticks headed out in great spirits with the first runner completing the loop in just over 51 minutes.
Perhaps the most impressive accomplishments of the weekend were the astounding mile totals achieved by the lone-ranger ultra-marathoners. Serge Arbona won the overall title by covering 121.42 miles! Second and third place were separated by less than 1 mile! Dave Plosanka ran 111.96 miles while third place and the first place female was Jen Van Allen running 111 miles. The ultra-marathoners stated how the heat presented a tremendous challenge, but through running smart and staying hydrated at the 4 support stations around the loop, they were able to cover incredible distances.
One element of many races that unfortunately rarely receives the credit they are due are the volunteers who make races like this possible. We at Back on My Feet cannot thank our volunteers who made the inaugural 20in24 such a success enough. Many of these volunteers worked 20 or more hours without a break or complaint. We would like to thank the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Blue Crew in particular and all the other individuals who did everything from handing out water to giving massages to catering to all the needs of the runners. Also, a tremendous thank you goes out to Race Director Stuart Napshin, who we all agree is superhuman.
Thank you again to our runners, fundraisers and volunteers! See you all next year and you can view more pictures here
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Back on My Feet started its 5th team on Monday July 7th with 12 new members from New Jerusalem Now. The group ran their first mile at 6 am and the air was filled with positive energy, laughs and smiles.
“New Jerusalem Now is a wonderful organization that incorporates many of the same beliefs and core values as our program,” said Andrew Marr, BOMF’s Director of Operations and Outreach. “The first day I walked into the their main office I was greeted with wide smiles warm embraces and excitement.”
Nathan Buchannan, BOMF's point of contact within New Jerusalem Now, has been wonderfully supportive and encouraging of the program and he too has laced up his sneakers and is committed to the team.
"We are really looking forward to working with BOMF, “said Buchannan "This program provides a great opportunity for our members to move their lives forward.”
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On August 31st, members of Back on My Feet will be joining fellow Philadelphians and runners around the world to take part in Nike’s Human Race 10K. The Nike Human Race 10k is a global event when runners can use the Nike+ system to track and compare their time for the 10k distance while gaining support for charitable causes such as the World Wildlife Fund, The Lance Armstrong Foundation and ninemillion.org. This will be a truly global event, as runners in cities across the world such as Buenos Aires, Munich and Vancouver, to name just a few, will all be participating on the same day!
“Nike’s primary goal with The Human Race is to achieve social change through sport and that is also what Back on My Feet is all about”, said Back on My Feet Program Coordinator and Training Coach for the Philadelphia chapter of the Nike Human Race, Wylie Belasik. "Nike has been a great supporter of Back on My Feet and the race promises to be a fantastic event."
Starting Saturday, July 12th, training runs for The Human Race in Philadelphia will leave from City Sports (located on 16th and Walnut) at 9am. Each Saturday until the race day there will be training runs from the same location at the same time. Please join Back on My Feet, and runners around the world, in support of the Nike Human Race. We hope to see you for the first training run on July 12th!
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Every Saturday starting July 12th |
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9 am |
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City Sports, located at 1608 Walnut St. |
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www.nikeplus.com |
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Andre, a BOMF member since January of 2008, is a proud new full-time employee of US Security.
"BOMF and Ready Willing and Able have given me the confidence to grow and for that I am truly thankful" said Andre. "I cant wait for my first day at work".
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Back on My Feet is turning one-year old on July 3rd, 2008. To start year two off on the right foot, we are kicking off a $100,000 fundraising campaign and have announced that Baltimore, Maryland will be the location of our first pilot program , and things will get underway there in March of 2009. If you missed the webcast on CBS3, you can see it here.
Back on My Feet (BOMF) began on July 3rd, 2007 as a simple running club started by Mahlum, who would pass a group of homeless men every day on her morning jogs through the City. She knew first-hand the power of running and its ability to inspire, motivate and empower and she wanted to share the secret with them. Since the n, the program has matured into a comprehensive organization that is much more than just running. Back on My Feet provides its members with shoes, gear, race fees, social events and financial assistance opportunities for housing and education. Members earn benefits and opportunities through a currency of attitude, commitment, teamwork, respect, dedication and leadership.
“We have spent the 12 months growing, building, learning, observing, running, living and breathing Back on My Feet,” said Mahlum. “It is because of the compassionate commitment of so many individuals that we are in a position to launch a pilot program in Baltimore.”
In less than a year, the organization has grown to 60 members, 300 volunteers and three full-time employees. In less than one year, eight of our members have received jobs, 100 percent of our members have suppressed their smoking habits, 40 have ran in a competitive race, three have finished a half-marathon, and one has completed a full marathon. Excitingly, there are at least three members scheduled to move into their own place this summer. The organization plans to have more than 100 members by the end of 2008.
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The Philadelphia Foundation recently supported Back on My Feet with a $4,500.00 grant from the President's Fund for general operating support.
"The Philadelphia Foundation is a very respected institute and we're very appreciative of their support,' said Anne Mahlum, Founder and President of Back on My Feet.
Back on My Feet now has three full-time employees, close to 60 members and 275 volunteers. It costs the organization about $4,100.00 to support one member for a year, which includes shoes, gear, race fees, social activities and the opportunity for housing and educational financial assistance. |
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The Philadelphia Foundation recently supported Back on My Feet with a $4,500.00 grant from the President's Fund for general operating support.
"The Philadelphia Foundation is a very respected institute and we're very appreciative of their support,' said Anne Mahlum, Founder and President of Back on My Feet.
Back on My Feet now has three full-time employees, close to 60 members and 275 volunteers. It costs the organization about $4,100.00 to support one member for a year, which includes shoes, gear, race fees, social activities and the opportunity for housing and educational financial assistance. |
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Hot and humid conditions greeted the members of Back on my Feet on the
morning of June 7 as runners gathered to take part in the Moorestown
8k in downtown Moorestown, New Jersey.
For several members of Back
on My Feet, this was their first race since the Broad Street run just
over a month ago on May 4th. Back on my Feet fielded three relay teams and had
three individual members complete the 8K (5 mile) race and members
from all four Back on my Feet teams participated in the races!
Despite the race-time temperatures in the mid-80’s the Back on My Feet
relay team comprised of members from Ready, Willing and Able and St. John's took home
the overall win!
“We won? Really? That’s incredible!” said lead off
runner Darrell Fambro, before rushing back to Philadelphia to his new
job at Whole Foods Market.
The teams from Mercy Hospice, St John's,
and Our Brother’s Place also ran strong races.
In the 8K race Vernon Weeks, Joe Yost Jr. and Gideon Haile’Selassie
all ran personal bests with Gideon and Joe completing the distance for
the first time!
“It was hot out there, but I took my time and am happy
with my race,” stated a winded, but smiling Joe Yost Jr.
Back on My
Feet would also like to thank the Rotary Club of Moorestown, New
Jersey and race director Bill Van Fossen for their support of Back on
my Feet. Look out for Back on my Feet runners next month in the first
annual 20in24 relay event in Philadelphia!
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Al Price, A member of Back on My Feet since August of 2007, reached the 500 mile mark on May 28th by completing a four-mile run around center city Philadelphia.
"Al has shown extraordinary levels of determination and perseverance in the last 9 months, "he is a natural leader" said Colleen Furey, RWA's Team Leader.
Al recently completed the Broad Street Ten Miler, he now has his sights firmly set on the Philadelphia Marathon in November. When asked if he thought the challenge of the Philadelphia Marathon was a realistic goal, he simply replied "Bring It". |
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 Mike Solomon, A member of Back on My Feet since its creation in July of 2007, successfully finished the Delaware Marathon on Sunday, May 18, 2008, with a time of 4 hours and 10 minutes. Mike has been training since January and this was his first marathon.
“I don’t feel like running another one,” Mike laughed when asked how he felt. “But, give me a few days and ask me again.”
In addition to the full marathon, Mike has run two half marathons, the 2008 Blue Cross Broad Street Run, and a handful of 5K’s.
“It was a beautiful day”, said Wylie Belasik, Back on My Feet’s head training coach. “Mike trained really hard for the past several months and even though those last few miles are painful, it’s the kind of pain that you have to earn, and he earned every ounce of it.”
Mike grew up in Delaware where he used to run the streets for very different reasons. He came to the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission in Philadelphia back in March of 2007 and had one goal – to shut out the world and focus on finding peace with the Lord and himself. He had been in and out of jail for years, living on the streets and battling drugs and alcohol.
“A year ago, I was recovering not only from my choices, but from the death of my wife, said Mike. “I had already made up my mind that I was through with life. I wanted to seclude myself from people and society, but then in came Back on My Feet and turned my plans upside down.”
Today, Mike is far from living a life of seclusion. He is surrounded by people who love and support him, has two jobs and just completed a race that only 2 percent of the entire world population has ever done.
“All the crazy things I’ve done in my life, I sometimes question why God decided to bless me with so much”, said Mike. “The best I can do is to keep giving thanks and continue to help people believe in themselves.” |
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 Darrell, a BOMF member since November of 2007, is a proud new full-time employee of Whole Foods Market.
"It's a true blessing to be a part of BOMF, said Darrell. "The team members have been very supportive of me in every way from advice about dealing with stress, establishing and achieving goals, providing running gear, clothing for interviews, job leads and references."
Michael Solomon, a BOMF member since the organization's inception in July of 2007, was hired last week by the Bethesda Project to work at Our Brother’s Place, where Mike is also a team leader.
“BOMF is about providing opportunity,” said Anne Mahlum, Founder and President of Back on My Feet. “Our currency is attitude, respect, leadership, teamwork and dedication. all of which Darrell and Mike have plenty of. I couldn’t be prouder.”
For more information about hiring a Back on My Feet member please click here. |
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(Click Image To View)
• Founded in July 2007
• Operates in Four Philadelphia Emergency Housing Facilities
• 52 Members
• 14 Individuals on a waiting list
• 262 Volunteers
• 5 Members have secured a job
• 5 Members have enrolled in job training programs
• 25 Members have completed a competitive race
• 3 Members have completed a half marathon
• 2 Members obtained housing
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• BOMF has received more than 350 requests from individuals in every single state wanting to start a BOMF chapter, as well as individuals from South America and Europe.
• Two facilities in Philadelphia are on waiting lists |
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“BOMF means everything to me. They have brought me friendship, self improvement and most importantly hope”, Barbara Van Horn, BOMF Member.
“BOMF has helped me remember what its like to be apart of a team. However the biggest thing for me is BOMF has helped me trust people again” Joe Yost, BOMF Member. |
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Three more BOMF members started school this morning with our education and job training partner, the Metropolitan Career Center. Angie, Barbara and Neil have all shown an extraordinary level of commitment and dedication to back on My Feet and they were all ready to take the next step in their lives.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these three,” said Anne Mahlum, Founder and President of BOMF. “This is exactly what we’re about –helping people move forward.”
“I’ve tried to get back in school twice and both times I have quit, “said Angie. “With the support of Back on My Feet and Mercy Hospice, I have the support and confidence to make it this time. |
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Michael Solomon and Al Price will be running in their second half marathon this Sunday in Wilmington, DE. Mike and Al both ran in Philadelphia’s half marathon and finished with times of 1:4:22 and 1:57:43 respectively. Both have been training consistently for the past few months and are looking forward to beating their old times.
“I’m ready,” said Al. “’Back on My Feet has been providing great training and I feel really good”
Wylie Belasik, Back on My Feet’s training coach, will also be running in the race with Mike and Al. “I’m looking forward to being a part of this experience with them. Both Al and Mike are excellent runners and have been improving their endurance and speed over the past couple months. |
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| BOMF Feedback |
% Positive Change: |
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| Since joining BOMF...: |
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| my self esteem has improved |
93% |
| my motivation for keeping healthy has grown |
100% |
| my daily productivity has increased |
100% |
| I have quit smoking |
14% |
| I have managed to suppress my smoking |
79% |
| my confidence has increased |
100% |
| BOMF has helped me trust people more |
93% |
| BOMF has made me excited about my future |
100% |
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What does BOMF mean to you.....
...a chance to make changes in my life to actually get healthy.
...remembering team play, improving social skills and opening up my
trust in people
...family
...everything, a new way of life
...believing that I can achieve my goals short term and long
...friendship and self improvement
...Caring, loving, encouraging, positive people that I need my life
...it means feeling as a part of a group that I trust
Quotes and Feedback from our Members:
"Now I can stomach the run."
"BOMF has become an inspiration in my life. They give me hope for the
future."
"It's the BOMB - "BOMF is the bomb."
"I love you guys."
"I never thought I would be getting up at 5:30 am to run, but look at me."
"Thank you." |
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 In a conversation earlier this month with Jeannette Rodriguez, Corporate Responsibility Manager for Nike, Inc, she got chills. After hearing the mission and vision of Back on My Feet, she graciously offered to send us a few hundred pairs of shoes, bags, socks and gloves.
“We couldn’t be happier about Nike’s support of our program," said Anne Mahlum Founder and President of Back on My Feet. "The people at Nike understand that Back on My Feet is so much more than just running. In addition to accomplishing mileage goals, our members are furthering their education, getting jobs, quitting smoking, eating better, feeling better, smiling more and hugging tighter – it doesn’t get much better than that.” |
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 Join Back on My Feet at the 76ers vs. Seattle game at the Wachovia Center on Friday, March 7th at 7 pm. Tickets are being offered at a reduced rate ($50 for lower level seats and $20 for Mezzanine Seats) and a percentage of all sales will go to BOMF. You can purchase your discounted tickets online - be sure to enter the promotional code - BOMF. For groups of 20 or more, please call Elizabeth Kreger at 215-952-7064.
"Back On My Feet is an amazing project that really moved our organization," said Mary Ann Saleski, Senior Vice President of the Comcast-Spectacor Foundation. "We're thrilled to be hosting them at a Sixers game in March and helping them raise awareness of all the good that they are providing to those less fortunate living in Philadelphia." |
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 hired! Magazine, JobCircle.com’s new FREE employment resource for jobseekers in the greater Philadelphia, Northern Delaware, and Southern New Jersey job market, is proud to partner with Back on My Feet by featuring professional profiles in the magazine of BOMF members who are working to move their lives forward. .
“Getting up three-to-four days a week at 5:30 am to run requires an extraordinary amount of self-discipline, commitment, and self-respect, said Colleen Furey, BOMF team leader for the RWA team. "Our program, combined with skills and support our members receive from their facility’s program, is helping people get back on their feet."
"Like BOMF, our goal at JobCircle.com is to help people achieve a better life by finding a better job, said joe Stubbelton, Presidetn fo JobCicle.com. "By providing BOMF jobseekers with exposure through ads in the magazine, we can do our small part to be involved with this inspiring organization."
BOMF would like to sincerely thank the people at Jobcircle.com for their support and services. |
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 Nineteen BOMF members ran in Wilmington’s Race Against Time 5K on Sunday, December 30, 2007. The course was beautiful and hilly and all the members did great.
“This was my first race and I am so proud of myself, “said Chris Saab, Sunday Breakfast BOMF member. “My legs feel light and my mind feels refreshed.“
Paul Williams from the Ready, Willing and Able team was the first one to finish in a time of 23:18. He has only been a BOMF member for a few weeks and has been excelling beautifully. View images here. |
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 Back on My Feet is proud to announce a new, exciting partnership with City Fitness Gym
Mother Nature can be unpredictable at times, which can make for some unpredictable runs. In an effort to ensure safety within Back on My Feet we are proud to partner with City Fitness Gym to make sure our members get a workout no matter what kind of weather is thrown our way.
Megan Kelly, Gym Manager at City Fitness states that “City Fitness is a community gym that strives to provide the ultimate work out experience for all members” This partnership allows BOMF members to experience a variety of new workout techniques that will enhance their running abilities and goals.
Andrew Marr, BOMF’s Vice President and Director of Community Affairs, could not be more delighted about the new partnership.
“Our members are now going to have the ability to learn even more about their bodies, this can only stand them in good stead as we enter the 2008 race season,” said Marr. |
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 After two weeks of job training at the Metropolitan Career Center - BOMF's education and workforce development partner, Mike Solomon - one of the original BOMF members - was offered and accepted a job doing survey research.
"I'm really looking forward to this opportunity," said Mike. "The best part is that I'll be able to buy my daughter a Christmas present."
"I'm at a loss for words when I think about how proud I am of Mike," said Anne Mahlum, BOMF Founder and President. "He has a magnetic personality, extraordinary character and a work ethic that is extremely rare. I learn from him everyday." |
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 KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – Nov. 5, 2007—King of Prussia Mall and NBC 10 are proud to award Back on My Feet (BOMF) with a $3,000 grant as part of the “Holiday 10!” program. The “Holiday 10!” is a partnership that provides funding to ten non-profit organizations from the Greater Philadelphia area. BOMF is being recognized for their dedication and commitment to make a difference in the local area.
Representatives from BOMF will be on hand at King of Prussia Mall November 23rd, 24th, and 25th to educate shoppers about the organization and will offer shirts, wristbands and calendars for purchase. BOMF is an organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of Philadelphia's homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. The trained staff and volunteers strive to build self-sufficiency among the homeless and use running to teach important life skills, such as discipline, respect, leadership, and goal-setting.
“We are so thrilled to be chosen as a recipient of a “The Holiday 10!” grant this year. The generous donation from NBC 10 and King of Prussia will be used to buy running shoes and attire for our members,” said Anne Mahlum, Founder and Executive Director of Back on My feet. “The space provided in the King of Prussia Mall during holiday time will allow us to share our story of how we are helping the homeless get back on their feet by teaching important life skills through running.
"This program is a wonderful opportunity for King of Prussia and NBC 10 to honor some of our region’s best non-profit organizations and the remarkable work they do 365 days a year,” said Mark Bachus, Marketing Manager, King of Prussia Mall. "We hope ‘The Holiday 10!’ enables each group to raise awareness for their mission so they may continue to make a powerful impact in our communities.”
"We’re thrilled to partner with King of Prussia Mall for the ‘The Holiday 10!’ again this year,” said NBC 10 President and General Manager Dennis Bianchi. “The holiday season is about giving and this relationship enables us to honor organizations that give so much to our region. We applaud their dedication and commitment and we’re grateful for the opportunity to recognize them through this program.” |
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On Wednesday, October 22, Back on My Feet started its third team at Ready, Willing and Able, which is a located in South Philly. We welcomed 8 new members to our family and the two other teams from Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission and St. Johns joined RWA for their first mile.
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 Yet another outstanding mile stone has been reached within the Back on My Feet organization. Craig Hall, Michael Solomon, James Shepherd and Abdullah Dorah, four runners on the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission team, have each ran more than 250 miles since they joined BOMF in early July. All four men received a new digital camera as a useful tool to start visually documenting their lives.
“Oh wow, said Mike Solomon as he smiled and shook his head. ‘It’s just so crazy to think about all of this and I’m really grateful. I remember the day we ran our first mile and I really thought we’d probably run for a couple weeks or something.”
“We choose these rewards for the 250-mile mark because our members are doing great things and we wanted them to have pictures to remind them how amazing they are,” said Anne Mahlum, Founder and Executive Director of Back on My Feet.
The team has not missed a date since it’s first run on July 3rd and many more men are becoming interested in BOMF as they see the positive energy that exudes from the people who are involved. |
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WHAT: Inaugural five-mile Mugshot’s CoffeeHouse & Café run, supporting Back on my Feet
WHEN: Saturday, October 13 at 8:30 a.m. (registration begins at 7:30 a.m.); also Manayunk Development Corporation’s Second Saturday event
WHERE: Mugshots CoffeeHouse and Café, 110 Cotton Street in the Manayunk area of Philadelphia, PA
DETAILS: For weeks, the men of the Back on my Feet running club, a group of men from Philadelphia’s homeless recovery shelters, have been training to run in both the 5K Dash for Democracy and Philadelphia Marathon’s 13-mile half-marathon in November. On Oct. 13, Mugshots CoffeeHouse and Café is giving you the opportunity to train alongside them in a noncompetitive five-mile run through Manayunk and along Kelly Drive. Read More |
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On Saturday, September 15, three members of Back on My Feet accomplished an amazing goal – they each ran 10 miles.
“This is the longest I have ever stayed with something,” said Craig Hall. The old me would have quit by now, I am learning that I can’t walk away when things get hard. In fact, I don’t want to walk away.”
Our members are always accompanied by trained and enthusiastic volunteers who help encourage and support the team.
“I am so proud,” said Anne Mahlum, Back on My Founder and Executive Director. “It’s been so wonderful to see these guys grow not only as runners, but also as individuals. It takes a lot of dedication and discipline to accomplish a 10-mile run and they should hold their heads high.” |
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 Eight members of the Back on My Feet organization are signed up to run in Philadelphia’s half-marathon on Sunday, November 18th. The men have been running for more than three months and are currently training with our exceptional volunteers to be able to complete the 13.1 miles this fall.
“This is the craziest thing I’ve done in my life, said Mike Solomon, a BOMF member since July 3. “Correction, it’s the craziest positive thing I’ve ever done.”
"The Philadelphia Marathon is pleased to support the efforts of Back On My Feet in its human-service endeavors, said Janis L. Pierce, Executive Director, Philadelphia Marathon. "We welcome their participation, and commend our homeless citizens for their dedication to running and commitment to getting their lives back on course."
Newer members of the organization will be participating in the Rothman 8K and some will be volunteering |
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We are pleased to announce that on Wednesday, Sep. 26th, Back on My Feet started its second shelter team at St. Johns, which is located at 12th and Race.
The original BOMF members from the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission joined the new members on their first mile run and they are progressing wonderfully.
“I like sharing this program with other people, said BOMF member Craig Hall. “I can feel myself getting stronger mentally and physically and the most important lesson I’ve learned is how to respond instead of react. Running has taught me to channel my energy in a positive way – it calms me." |
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We are pleased to welcome our new members to the Sunday Breakfast Back On My Feet team.
To view videos and learn more about the members of the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission Team please click here. |
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Back on my Feet would like to congratulate four of our runners for reaching the 100-mile mark…in under 8 weeks.
All four members received a new running watch from Philadelphia Runner for accomplishing this great goal.
“This is crazy – I remember thinking I would just try this thing out, you know, for fun. And now, 100 miles – wow, that’s all I can say, is wow,” said BOMF member, Craig Hall with a huge smile on his face. |
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