That was my first reaction when I'd first heard of Back On My Feet.  I saw it on the news.  I had an interest in running as a new-ish runner and was training for the Broad Street Run at the time.  I also had an interest in trying to help to solve the world's problems when it came to social issues like homelessness.  Yeah, I know it's a big job, but I believe that if we all do a little bit, it can make a big difference.  It just takes one person's idea and for that person to put their idea into action.  That's what Anne Mahlum did and Back On My Feet was born.

I liked the idea, but didn't really get it.  I looked up the website and thought it was intriguing.

Then I did Broad Street.  Up to this point, the longest race I'd run was a 10K, which is 6.2 miles.  The Broad Street Run takes you from North Philadelphia to South Philadelphia 10 miles from the top to the bottom of Broad Street.  For 1/2 the race you have City Hall in your sights with William Penn coaxing you toward him and for the next 1/2 he's behind you cheering you on.  It is a fantastic race with fantastic energy and fantastic people lining the streets the entire 10 miles, cheering you on in all sorts of ways!  There are mummers, Irish rock bands, marching bands, string bands, church ladies in pretty hats, locals, out-of-towners, everyone is there!  You get high-fives from strangers the whole way down the road.  The crowd just moves you along!  When I reached the finish line, I was overwhelmed.  What an accomplishment!  I was exhilarated!  I had just run 10 miles!

That's when I got it - what Back On My Feet can do for people.

"We use running as a vehicle to show individuals they are capable of  accomplishing anything...but it's not going to happen overnight - it  takes hard work, dedication and perseverance. BOMF focuses heavily on  teamwork - when we run, we run as a family and we support, encourage and  motivate each other every step of the way. No one ever runs by  themselves because life is a lot harder when you go through it alone."

When I crossed that finish line, I felt like I could do ANYTHING!   Yeah - I got it!

I'm running the Kelly St. Patrick's Day Shamrock 5K for Back On My Feet by fundraising for them!  If you'd like to help me reach my goal, check out my fundraising page:

Jackie's Back On My Feet Fundraising Page

Thanks!

Jackie