En-Listed Opportunity Turns Into Life-Changing Experience for Two Runners

I’m starting to fall in love with the idea of helping people mark things off their life list. It’s taking everything narcissistic about creating a Bucket List – “me, me, me” – and turning it upside down – “you, you, you.”

It’s temporarily taking yourself out of the spotlight and helping someone else reach their hopes and dreams. It’s a completely unique and different way of giving back.

I love it!

I’ve shared this concept with several people, and I’ve gotten a fantastic response. The best yet came in the form of a text message I received last week from my friend, Mike. It said:

“In the spirit of helping people mark things off their list – going to Austin this weekend to run the marathon with a buddy’s visually impaired son. Pretty stoked.”

LOVE. IT.

Mike was asked to run with the young man after someone else had a last-minute conflict. Since he’s a running machine, Mike was able to knock out 26.2 miles on a whim.

That’s what I love the most about helping list makers – it’s an opportunity to use one of your skill sets and/or utilize your network base to assist someone. (It’s not about just bank rolling someone’s dream.)

That’s why I think this concept is so powerful.

Mike is a runner – an ultra-marathoner, to be completely fair and accurate – and he helped a 16-year-old young man who simply wanted to run.

For Mike it was a training run. For Brett Matlock it was a dream come true.

When I asked Mike about the experience, he said:

“The best part was doing a race that was not about me, which was something that I hadn't expected or experienced before. The joy on Brett's face through the whole race was an awesome reminder that it's important to enjoy the whole experience, and it's not just about the finish line.”

I don’t know Brett Matlock, but there isn’t a doubt in my mind that he’s a remarkable young man. He is the reason that this good story is wonderfully great!

And it’s not because he’s legally blind. It’s because he refuses to make any excuses AND his outlook on life is beyond his years. (The only thing that kept Brett from running a marathon before last weekend was the age restriction. He told Mike that he’d been waiting for this for 3 years. )

Brett never used his limited eyesight as an excuse when it was time to do his training runs – even the 15-milers he ran on a treadmill.

He never used his disability as an excuse when he was running the five half marathons before turning 16.

During an interview on an Austin news station, Brett offered some stoic advice: "Follow your dreams. Don't let anyone tell you you're crazy. Do what you want to do and just try your best at everything you do, no matter what it is."

Brett’s “best” is pretty impressive. He finished the marathon in 4 hours and 21 minutes, pacing right at 10 minutes per mile. He hit the metaphorical wall at Mile 25, but he pushed through.

He was ready for that moment, though, because this is what he told the news station prior to the race:

"I just say you have to push through the pain to obtain your goals...when someone feels pain whenever they're running, I say, 'Just block it out. Just go out there and do it again.' Pain ends and pride is forever."

Brett should be proud.

So should Mike.

Congratulations to both you guys!

___________________________________

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, CHECK THESE OUT:

• A Gift That Keeps on Giving
(story about Mike and his son's first birthday)

• Calling All List Makers: Game On!

• 'The List' Has Opened My Eyes

Let's Go Streaking – Part II:Additional Nuggets About Lacing 'Em Up Every Day

When I launched my blog back in 2008, I tried to make it more engaging with a feature called, “After the Post.” It was an insightful nugget I felt compelled to share – either feedback I received about the post and/or an additional thought I had while I was in the shower (example right – click to zoom).

After Monday’s blog post about my running streak, I received some incredible feedback that I wanted to share. I also thought about several other things worth mentioning about the experience.

Here is a quick follow-up – a new spin on “After the Post.”

INSPIRING STREAKERS

I love the fact that I’ve inspired other people to start a running streak. Unfortunately, one of those individuals recently had to stop. We traded text messages yesterday.

He wrote: “I got to 140+ days and had to stop last week due to injury (back/hip). Disappointing, but it was either keep fighting thru it or take a break and keep the likelihood of half-marathon in two weeks.”

This guys is a fighter. He’ll rally and crush that 13.1 miles.

Good luck, Mike!

'IN IT FOR THE LONG RUN'

I recently stumbled upon this wonderfully great article about "streakers." It does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of this crazy phenomenon.

Excerpt:

...life offers daily challenges and unexpected events. People get sick, get married, have kids, go on vacation, experience a death in the family, get stuck at the office, stranded at the airport, snowed in. Sometimes you just don't feel like going for a run.

The streakers still manage to run a mile every day.

"Everybody who runs every day has some stories to tell about how they kept their streaks alive," one streaker said.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS?

I had a couple other people say they wanted to start a streak since reading my anniversary post. I think that’s awesome, BUT it’s important to know that this is NOT for everyone. You also have to be smart about it.

The United States Running Streak Association even posted a commentary, presenting the dangers of streak running.

I thought I’d offer a couple few tips of my own. These nuggets helped me get to 365 days:

• TIP 1: Only increase your mileage by 10 percent a week

If for some reason you ONLY run 7 miles one week (1 mile a day) – make sure you ONLY run 7.7 miles the next week. Apply this principle even if your running 20 miles a week and then you fall off to 12 miles the next week (For those non-math majors: You’ll increase your mileage to 13.2 after that “off week.”)

Reminder: The key is staying healthy.

• TIP 2: Plan ahead

If you know you’re going out that night – dinner, drinks, etc. – get your butt out of bed and run in the morning. Reminder: It only has to be 1 mile. The worst scenario – which I lived out several times – is running AFTER you go out. It’s on the other end of the spectrum as fun and/or enjoyable!

I was forced to do this once on a business trip to New Orleans. I was on the first flight out of Dallas in the morning – so an early run was out of the question. When I landed in NOLA, I worked ALL day. Then, my client took me out on Bourbon Street.

All I’ll say: Four beers. Two Hurricanes. Hotel treadmill. One mile. BAD! I just stared at the wall in front of me and kept whispering, “Don’t throw up. Don’t throw up.”

• TIP 3: Always remind yourself “it’s just one mile.”

Even if you’re the slowest runner of all-time – getting your run in won’t take more than 15 minutes. That completely negates the excuse: “I don’t have time.”

'OH, ONLY ONE MILE?'

Not all the feedback that I’ve received about my streak has been positive.

I can remember several occasions when I received a passive judgmental snub. It started off with intrigue and excitement, but that was quickly replaced with: “Oh, only one mile?”

I would just smile and think to myself: “I want to see YOU do it!”

Running one mile for one or two weeks is easy. Then life jumps up and tests your merit and want-to. I've always been tempted to respond with complete arrogance:

“I want to see you lace 'em up when it’s 33 degrees outside
AND raining.”

“I want to see you go run after working a 16-hour day.”

“I want to see you pound the pavement when the Mexican food you ate for dinner is brawling with the BBQ you had for lunch.”

QUESTION: WHAT IF...

I forgot to share a question my mom asked me during the last 365 days.

Mom: “What if you had to miss a day?”

Me (without hesitation): “I’d just lace 'em up tomorrow and start a new streak.”

I couldn’t imagine not running every single day. It’s a part of my life – a part that I love and cherish. I know it's going to end some day – life is cruel – but my streak of NOT running will be short-lived.

I HAVE to keep going.

Whether it’s for 8 minutes, 20 minutes or 2 hours, running gives me time to have conversations with myself, fight my demons and answer those million-dollar questions that I can’t address while sitting in front of my computer or laying on the couch watching TV. While some people refer to running as an escape from the real world, I consider it more of an exploration of myself.

This streak embodies that soul searching. The next streak will hopefully do the exact same thing.

Run on, friends!

Let's Go Streaking! I've Got 365 Reasons Why It Will Change Your Life

When I lace up my shoes and go out and pound the pavement tonight, it will mark the 365th straight day that I’ve done exactly that.

Yes, my consecutive days of running streak celebrates its first birthday today. (They grow up so fast, don’t they?)

For the last year, I have run at least one mile – Every. Single. Day.

On February 6, 2011, I stopped making excuses why I wasn’t consistently running and dedicated myself to doing it every day.

Please know that I’m not looking for praise and admiration with this blog post. I just thought 365 days was a good milestone to mention and share. After the next couple/few paragraphs, you’ll understand why I don’t deserve any special recognition. (Other words....cancel the parade.)

First of all, I didn’t invent, create and/or develop this radical way to exercise. A friend of a friend introduced this concept to me, and it simply intrigued me enough to try it out. (He didn’t invent, create and/or develop it either.)

Come to find out....“streak running” is a really big deal. I think it’s safe to say that it’s a phenomenon – complete with a governing body and a current list of “streakers.”

If you’re in the mood to give some props, reach out to Mark Covert – a 61-year-old teacher in Lancaster, Calif. He’s run at least one mile for more than 43 straight years – 15,919 days to be exact. (Probably more by the time you read this post.)

He’s not alone.

On the USRSA Active List, there are six other people grouped with
Mr. Covert in “The Legends” category, which is more than 40 straight years of running. There are 311 people on the list that have run at least a year.

I’m in the “Neophytes” division (less than five consecutive years). There are 121 other people listed in this division.

Did someone say something about a parade? I didn't think so.

– – –

Since I started the streak, I’ve run approximately 700 miles and it’s been one hell of a journey – each mile different in its own wonderfully great way.

I’ve run in the rain;
I’ve run in the wind;
I’ve run in the stickiest of humidity;
I’ve run in the snow;
I’ve run during one of the most brutal summers EVER,
And I’ve run when the only appropriate adjective
for the weather is “perfect.”

I’ve run with my dog (Cpt. Augustus McCrae was probably with me on half of my runs);
I’ve run with my son,
And I’ve run with friends.

I’ve run in five races, including two adventure races, two 10Ks and a 5K (pics right).

I’ve run first thing
in the morning;
I’ve run in the middle
of the day,
And I’ve run late at night.

Obviously, I’ve run in Fort Worth, but I’ve also run in Central, South and West Texas;
I’ve run in St. Louis (before Game 6 of the World Series),
And I’ve run in New Orleans.

I’ve run sick;
I’ve run tired;
I’ve run hurt (sprained ankle, strained calf and tight hamstrings),
And I’ve run intoxicated (fodder for another blog post).

I’ve run on the street;
I’ve run on the sidewalk;

I've run on gravel roads;
I’ve run on a school track;
I’ve run on a trail;
I’ve run on train tracks;
I’ve run on a treadmill,
And I’ve run back and forth in front of my house while my wife was out of town and my son was asleep inside.

I’ve run sad;
I’ve run pissed off;
And I’ve run over-the-top happy.

I’ve run with “popcorn head;”
And I’ve run with a completely clear mind.

I’ve run with confidence,
And I’ve run with doubt and concern.

I’ve run with joy,
And I’ve run with dread.

The point: I always ran. No matter what!

My favorite part of this new life choice are the questions that I get from family, friends and strangers. Obviously, the most common is “Why?”

Leading up to this anniversary blog post, I used my daily runs to fine-tune my answer to this specific question. It’s a four-part response:

• Reason No. 1: I love to run. Why do I love to run? Because I can!

There is something to be said about having the ability to lace up your shoes, walk out your front door, and just start running. There are a lot of people in this world who can’t do that – whether it’s physical or mental. I refuse to take the privilege and/or opportunity to run for granted.

• Reason No. 2: Like I mentioned before, I was done with excuses. Before I started the streak I was full of them:

– It’s too late

– I’m too tired

– It’s too hot

– It’s too cold

– I’m too drunk

I was sick and tired of lying to myself and saying: “I’ll just do it tomorrow” OR “I’ll start again next week.”

So I took it to the extreme.

“You bet your butt you’ll do it tomorrow,” I said to myself as I glared into the mirror, “and the next day and the next day and the next day.”

• Reason No. 3: I’ve never felt this good and/or looked this good
in my life.

When I started the journey, I weighed in at the heaviest I’d ever been: 182 pounds. (I blamed my 1-year-old son, Whataburger and Shiner Bock.) I wasn’t fat, but I wasn’t proud of how I was starting to look naked.

I was getting sick a lot, too. The little germ machine that I affectionately introduce to people as my son, Crash, was bringing home some quality microorganisms. My out-of-shape, excuse-making, sloppy-looking self was no match.

Since I started stringing days together – I’ve dropped 12 pounds. More importantly, I’ve kept it off – Whataburger and Shiner be damned. I’ve also been relatively healthy, too – maybe a sniffle or sore throat from time to time, but no more obscure, butt-kicking, my-kid-has-been-licking-the-playground-equipment viruses.

• Reason No. 4: I want to be a positive influence on my son.

About a year ago, I attended an American Heart Association event. After the luncheon, they encouraged us to write an inspirational note about the importance of working out to ourselves. They said they would mail us our message in a couple/few weeks.

My note simply said: “Dear Drew...get your lazy butt off the couch and start inspiring your son.”

Hopefully, his 2-year-old brain can process what it means to “go run,” or the fact that daddy goes somewhere everyday in his shorts and running shoes (whether I'm gone 8 minutes or 45 minutes).

This picture gives me hope. My wife recently sent it to me while I was at work. The shoes are great, but the fact he's holding my running watch, too....LOVE!


My other favorite question about my streak is: “What are you going to do after you reach one year?”

For some reason, A LOT of people thought 365 days was my ultimate goal.

It wasn't and it's not.

So to answer that confusing question: I’m going to lace 'em up and keep going.

Why?

Please see reasons above.

Taking Steps to Make Shadow Mission a Reality

I have used this blog to express my affinity for the non-profit Back on My Feet several times.

• I shared the first correspondence I had with BOMF founder, Anne Mahlum. (blog post)

• I Tweeted at every mile of the Cowtown Half Marathon to raise awareness about this great organization. (blog post)

• I have solicited donations to support their cause on several occasions. (blog post)

Needless to say, I have a soft and passionate place in my heart for this wonderfully great non-profit. It combines two things that I love: Running and giving the homeless a fighting chance to be successful.

Since that very first e-mail that I sent Anne Mahlum, I have not been shy about my shadow mission: Bringing a chapter of Back on My Feet to Dallas/Fort Worth.

Well...the opportunity has officially presented itself.

BOMF is starting the discussion of adding five new cities in 2011. They started in Philadelphia and have already expanded to Baltimore, Washington DC, Chicago and Boston.

Through an e-newsletter, the organization requested suggestions for possible expansion cities next year.

They wrote: "Be passionate and persuasive and tell us why we should expand to your city in 2011 here."

I think I will.

Here is what I submitted:

A little over a year ago, I planted the seed to bring a chapter of Back on My Feet to Dallas/Fort Worth.

I sent Anne an e-mail and copied anyone and everyone who would potentially play a part in making this dream a reality in DFW.

I got mayors in on the conversation, high-wealth donors, runners and running companies. I included volunteers and shelter administrators from across the Metroplex.

I copied potential coaches and city officials. I even asked several homeless clients, "What do you think about this?"

It was wonderfully great to receive everyone's pledge of support. I was blown away by their excitement.

My affinity for the homeless problem in our area had already been established, and they quickly recognized and supported my passion for bringing a chapter to our area.

If Back on My Feet expanded to Texas, I would want to be involved in EVERY capacity – from full-time employment to fund-raising, volunteer coordination, and financial support.

Based on my philanthropic involvement, I feel like I am positioned to do this. I believe I can be more than a supporter of BOMF. I could be a champion.

I currently serve on the Board of Directors for Presbyterian Night Shelter, the largest night shelter in Fort Worth. I also serve on an advisory committee for the Cowtown Marathon and have worked closely with the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition.

Through a lot of prayer and self-analysis, I have finally figured out why I give back to the causes that I do. Whether it's Big Brothers Big Sisters, prison mentoring, or going to the homeless shelter once a week – I firmly believe that EVERYONE deserves a fighting chance to be successful.

A very similar vision/mission of Back on My Feet.

If BOMF brought a chapter to DFW, I would raise awareness about the organization, the homeless problem in our region, and the power of running. I would do this through my experience in communications – specifically media exposure, social media and events.

Last summer I traveled to Philadelphia to learn as much as I could about BOMF. I also wanted to prove to Anne and the entire Back on My Feet family that I was dedicated to making my vision of a DFW chapter come alive.

I volunteered for 20in24 – stayed up all night at one of the check points. I met tons of fantastic people, but the best part of my trip was actually running with a team before flying back to Texas.

Before I did that run, BOMF had peaked my interest.

After that, this organization had a hold of my heart.

I don't know who will be reading this "persuasive" essay, but hopefully my name, my passion for BOMF, and my intense desire to bring a chapter to the Metroplex is already recognized.

Maybe...just maybe...these 450 words will push us over the top.

Other general information:
• Based on 2009 homeless count, there were approximately 7,500 homeless across Dallas/Fort Worth

• In 2008, Fort Worth put an emphasis on ending homelessness, adopting a 10-year strategic plan.

CALL TO ACTION:

If you would like to support our efforts in showing our Back on My Feet that we are serious – you can financially support BOMF's expansion campaign. DONATE HERE

GIVING BACK: Going 'All the Way' For One Day

I get an e-mail almost everyday, asking if e-Partners in Giving would be interested in some kind of volunteer initiative. (A lot of you can probably believe that, because I usually forward you a request right after that, asking you to be a part of it.)

Even though I have a hard time saying no to some amazing causes, I’ve started to be a little more selective. There aren’t enough hours in the day.

A few weeks ago, however, all the planets aligned and e-Partners in Giving was able to tackle three philanthropic endeavors on one Saturday.

MOM: “Can you help renovate a house for an underprivileged family in Glen Rose?”

Sure.

CITY of FORT WORTH: “Please note that online registration is up and running for the 2009 Cowtown Great American Cleanup...”

Same day. Different times. Let’s do it!

ME: “If we’re going to go, we might as well go all the way. What else can we do that day?”

SAMARITAN HOUSE: “Run to Joe’s 5K and 10K coming up...”

PERFECT!

In one string of e-mails...March 28th officially became e-Partners in Giving’s “Day of Giving.”

Of course, I can’t just go volunteer and not inform the world via Facebook or Twitter.

NOTE: I’m not bragging and/or showing off when I do this. I want it to be a motivational tool. I want people to say, “Drew is a pretty cool guy and he’s spending his Saturday giving back. Maybe I’ll turn off this golf tournament, skip my afternoon nap, or wait a couple hours to start drinking beer. I want to give back, too.”

Anyway...we were going to give back all day and I was going to blow it up via social media.

The following are the Twitter posts (and photos) from our “Day of Giving.”

A special thank you to members of the e-Partners in Giving family (especially TK and The Bulldog) for rolling up their sleeves for one full day of giving back. I love the fact that you guys have embraced our company’s vision and brand.

• e-Partners "Day of Giving" : Morning 10K benefiting Samaritan House, Cowtown Cleanup , and Christmas in Action (renovating homes for elderly)

• Decided to Tweet throughout our "Day of Giving" – 10K at 8 a.m. (Joe's Run) to benefit Samaritan House http://tinyurl.com/c9zz2j #giving

• When planning our "Day of Giving" – 30-degree weather & 30-mph wind gusts weren't in the forecast. Makes for better story. #giving

• e-Partners' "Day of Giving" itinerary: 10K for Samaritan House, Cowtown Cleanup (Fort Worth), & Christmas in Action (Glen Rose)

• 15 mins until 10K - NOT tweeting on course - cold, windy, great! #giving

• Running for Samaritan House, but representing w/ Back on My Feet T-shirt #giving

• 10K done (7:30 pace) Samaritan House provides opportunities to people w/ HIV & AIDS #giving

• Quick change in truck (junior high shower) starting Cowtown Cleanup #giving

• About 1/2 way done w/ Clean-up - a lot of trash b/c of old homeless camps - found vacuum & candy machine #giving

• Part 2 of "Day of Giving" done - I've got a truck full of trash & hour drive to Glen Rose (Christmas in Action) #giving

• Drive-thru for lunch - just realized that I haven't showered - nothing a little home improvement won't fix (little stiff too) #giving

• Part 3: Christmas in Action (renovating homes of elderly) http://www.christmasinaction.org #giving

• "Day of Giving" part 3 - cutting down trees & putting sheet metal around house Family w/ 4 kids, no dad & no $ #giving

• "Day of Giving" done - I'm pretty whipped and REALLY stinky I'm glad I did it! Never stop giving back #giving

• VERY sore from yesterday's "Day of Giving" -- starring down the barrel of a 17-mile run today. #giving

• Final Tweets from "Day of Giving" – Links: Samaritan House (http://tinyurl.com/c9zz2j); Cowtown Cleanup (http://tinyurl.com/d9npm2) #giving

• "Day of Giving" – Links: Christmas in Action (http://tinyurl.com/d6tpg5); Back on My Feet (http://tinyurl.com/d9ebb8) #giving


As I reflected on the day, I realized that each initiative was simply a hand up – not a hand out – to a group of individuals or communities. It was reminder how fortunate we truly are, and how a small gesture of generosity can go a long way.

Whether it was the Samaritan House residents cheering us on at the end of the race, or seeing the appreciative mother of four whose quality of life just improved tenfold – it was a powerful day.

NEVER STOP GIVING BACK.

FINAL CALL TO ACTION: 50 Donations in 5 Days

I'm still very determined to show Back on My Feet that I mean business. 

Like I've written before, I want to bring a BOMF chapter to The Metroplex. This non-profit speaks directly to my heart, and I KNOW that it can make a difference in the homeless communities in Dallas/Fort Worth.

I need your help!

Help me show the entire Back on My Feet family that I'm very serious about this vision. I am running in the Cowtown half marathon next weekend (Feb. 28th) and I'm asking for anyone and everyone to make a simple donation of $13. (That's $1 for every mile that I'll be running in the race.)

All proceeds will go to Back on My Feet – with the hope that every single penny reminds them that there is a foot soldier in Fort Worth who is willing to fight for their incredible cause. (Not to mention an army of supporters – YOU – standing right behind him!)

My goal is to receive 50 donations in 5 days – so I will be able to mail BOMF a check for $650 before the starting gun fires on Saturday. I know this is a lofty goal, but I've never backed down from a challenge before.

For all of those who have already made a donation – I'm grateful beyond words. For those that haven't .... again, I'm asking for your help.

(click here to make a donation)

(click here to make donation)

“Back of My Feet is my way of making positive change. Running is one of the most empowering activities there is because there is no end. There is always another mile, another road, another right turn. There is no buzzer and there is no referee. It has taught me so much about life, especially the simple notion that to get anywhere, you have to take it one step at a time."

– Anne M. Mahlum, Founder and President

BACK ON MY FEET: The Seed Has Been Planted

I received a lot of comments and feedback regarding my e-mail to the founder of Back on My Feet, the Philadelphia non-profit that attacks homelessness through running. (Original blog here)

There were a lot of e-mails and phone calls from blog readers, asking "Have you heard back from her yet?"

Like every good organization, I finally did.

Almost one week after sending the initial "I want to bring your incredible organization to Fort Worth" 

e-mail, I got a response from the Manager of Special Events and Communication. I knew it was a generic form reply – nicely camouflaged with my name and references to Fort Worth – I didn't care, though....

I WAS PUMPED!

The conversation had started 

(and for those that know me ... that's all I need.)

Here are the highlights from the organization's response – at least the parts I focused on (I also included my thoughts and/or actions in parenthesis):

• "... we are doing research for our next city now." 

(Fort Worth! Fort Worth! Fort Worth!)

• "It takes a lot of support to make the replication process a success and it would be great if we could count on your help." (You know you can!)

• "If you’re running in an upcoming race soon (like the Nashville’s Country Music Marathon you are already training for), please consider making your miles really go the distance by becoming a fund-racer for Back on My Feet." (Done – I set up a Donation Page through the e-Partners in Giving web site – click here to make a small donation)

• "The 20in24 Sponsored by Nike: This is the Philadelphia area’s only 24-hour running event and has four races in one." (I wrote back and let them know that I would love to "work registration, man a water station, hold the finish-line tape, whatever!")

• "If you would like to make a tax-deductable donation..." (I let her know that e-Partners in Giving will move Back on My Feet to the top of its charitable contributions for the next quarter.)

• "Please let me know if you plan to be in Philly any time soon – we’d love for you to join us for a run." 

(My response: "I'll see you guys in early March.")

I wanted to build on the momentum of my first e-mail and reinforce how serious and dedicated I am to making Fort Worth a Back on My Feet city. 

I think they finally caught on.

After responding to the Manager of Special Events and Communication, I received an e-mail from the organization's founder and president, Anne Mahlum.

AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME!

Here is an excerpt from her correspondence:

"Drew, Maureen forwarded me your email last night and I just wanted to say thank you for everything you’re doing – fund-racing for us, coming to volunteer at the 20in24 (you’re going to have a blast), running with us (I should warn you – you’re going to be hooked!), and for moving us up on the list for a donation with your company."

She closed with: "I look forward to meeting you when you come to Philly."

I am so happy that Fort Worth is simply part of the conversation now. I can't and won't ask for anything more at this point.

I know that getting Back on My Feet to launch a chapter here – sooner than later – remains a long-shot, but at least the seed has been planted.

Anne Mahlum and her staff now know they have a city with a vision to end homelessness and a soldier who will help lead the fight. Without being annoying and/or over-bearing, I will continue to make my case for bringing this incredible organization to Fort Worth.

One last thing ... it makes me smile that there are other people across the country that believe in Back on My Feet as much as me and want to help attack homelessness through this program. My friend Katie wants to start a chapter in Minnesota and a gentleman from Florida said the RW article had the same impact on him.

My real goal is that Back on My Feet finds its way into every homeless community across the country.

Anne Mahlum has definitely opened a wonderful can of worms.

This really is the last thing ... Anne encouraged me to share images from her web site. 

Group picture from morning training run (Nov. 2008)

Michael Solomon, 

Back on My Feet member since its creation, 

completes his first marathon

Michael Solomon (center) after marathon 

(look at that pride and confidence)

Group shot after 2007 Philadelphia marathon

No caption need 

(I LOVE IT!)

REMINDER: 

You can support Back on My Feet 

through my participation 

in the Country Music Marathon in April. 

(Donation Page here)