In July, I signed up to be a “fundracer” for a group doing great things in the Baltimore area. Back on My Feet is a national organization with a Baltimore affiliate. In each affiliate location, they set up running groups at local homeless shelters. They worry about making sure that running groups have structure and running partners (both residents from the shelter and from the community), help folks connect with shoes, and connect participants with employment and housing opportunities. Their model literally walks/runs alongside the folks they’re seeking to serve, committing to regularly be there with them and connect. They’ve got some impressive stats, too, in terms of numbers of folks employed and housed through the program – check out their website. The program says: “Our unique model demonstrates that if you first restore confidence, strength and self-esteem, individuals are better equipped to tackle the road ahead.” and that they “seek to engage you in the profound experience of empowering individuals to achieve what once seemed impossible through the seemingly simple act of putting one foot in front of the other.”

I’ve fundraced for BoMF before. They get entry slots in the local Baltimore Running Festival, which runs in October as a 5K, half-marathon, and marathon. I used to be more of a runner and would train for the half. I’m older and a bit less in shape than I was, with other priorities at the moment that keep me from dedicating time to build up to logging 12 mile+ training runs on weekends. But…. I can put a few fewer steps in front of the other and make the 5K (3.1 miles) happen. I’m now regularly running 2-2.5 miles during the week, with a long run on the weekend of 4 miles. I’m slow, but getting slowly faster. Using that same approach to commitment that the running club participants put in, I’m slowly seeing results. I’ll only earn success and complete the race if I keep it up, though, just as they’ll only earn their success if they keep putting in the work towards employment and housing.

If you, like me, find the approach valuable and/or inspiring, support Back on My Feet and their mission by supporting me in my fundracing. Earlier this month, I met my “goal”, which was the minimum tally to enter the race on behalf of BoMF. That said, just as your own home’s budget would appreciate any bonus amounts, so of course would BoMF’s. More $$ means abilities to support more folks and do bigger things.

Oh, did I mention? Thanks to one donor’s request, I’ll be running this a tutu, clown socks, with a clown horn and probably a goofy hat (heat dependent). Want me to up the ante somehow? Let’s talk! Want me to show up at your event in such??! Well, that’s possible, too. Although I can’t promise to run in full Clementine mode (clown shoes are _not_ a safe running option for 3.1 miles!), other events are possible…

Last link to make it easy to contribute here!