Some of you may know that I am a runner. I have been running for the past 5 years. It started with a sorority sister inviting me to train for the Baltimore Women’s Classic in 2010. From there, I just ran on and on and on. I loved it. I’m a health nut so I welcomed the chance to exercise. I loved it from my first 5K all the way up to my first half marathon in June 2013. It’s my release from stress, worry and obesity. In March, I started having trouble with my left foot. I thought I just overdid it during a practice run so I rested and hoped that it would get better. It didn’t. I am hard-headed as the old school people say so I kept right on going. Fast forward to April of this year. I ran the Columbia 5K with some co-workers and it was HUGE mistake. My foot was killing me! I limped around for two weeks. My doctor diagnosed it as plantar fasciitis, an excruciating injury that causes the plantar tendons along the bottom of my foot to be inflamed. I had to stop running and see a physical therapist for treatment.
I have seen three medical professionals: my primary care physician, a physical therapist, and a podiatrist who fitted me for orthotics. All three have given me to thumbs up to run again if I promise to get the proper shoes and take my time with training. And that is exactly what I plan to do. But I do want to run in a half marathon and I have chosen one that I have ran before; the Baltimore Running Festival. This year I will be doing this for a charity called Back on My Feet (Ha!!! I just love the name. It’s so fitting for me). Here’s a quote from their website about what they do.
Changing Lives One Mile, Job and House at a Time
Back on My Feet (BoMF) is a national for-purpose 501(c)3 organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change the way they see themselves so they can make real change in their lives that results in employment and independent living.
The organization’s mission is not to create runners within the homeless population, but to use running to create self-sufficiency in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. The program’s success is measured by how many Members obtaining independence through employment, job training and housing.
Through dedication and hard work, Residential Members (those experiencing homelessness) earn the opportunity to create a new road for themselves. Running leads to personal transformation and dedication to the program leads to access to training, employment and housing resources. Through community and corporate support, the program strives to change the perception of homelessness.
Isn’t that great? Combining philanthropy and health. GENIUS!! Well I want to raise money for them and I would really, really love your support. Do you have $5 to spare? If so, please consider making a donation to my fundraising page. It’s a worthy organization.
Here’s the link to my page. Donate and share the link with others.
http://baltimore.backonmyfeet.org/Baltimore-Running-Festival-FundRacer-Donations?kwoAdvocateId=DBZLOD0
Thanks for reading!!
#hocohealth
