I was asked by Dan B. back in January if I had any interest in helping him coach a new group of runners for the 10K…at first I was puzzled I was already designated the Head Coach for the JC YMCA…
Curiosity got the better of me and I asked, okay, what’s the deal?
He wanted to start a 10K training team for the homeless here in Richmond…
Cool, I am in. So, as many of you know, due to my begging and pleading for used shoes and clothing via Facebook, emails and word of mouth, the program was a success. We had new runners showing up each week and they wanted to run!
Let me say, just like there is no “runner type”, there is not “homeless type”…really, I could easily be anyone of these people.
At first, most of them were quiet and reserved, I realized it would take time to build trust with them.
From conversations over the weeks, I have learned so much about these folks…some who have made bad decisions or choices that got them where they are, to others who just had a string of bad luck and as a result, lost everything…but all trying to make a new start, a good start and just need a break.
We collected bags and boxes of shoes and clothing, got them fitted and outfitted and every week for the last 12 weeks, we have run.
I think running is a smaller part of it than I initially thought it would be. I mean, I didn’t actually think they would come out on day one and have the euphoric runner’s high and feel like their life had changed, but I may have thought something like that.
What is seems to be about for most of these people is making a commitment to something and sticking with it. Starting and finishing something. Taking on a challenge, defining a goal and achieving it.
The Richmond Times Dispatch did a story on our group – HERE
(and here’s the on line version with audio (turn it up and let me know if you hear a familiar voice)
This past Saturday I handed out the team’s race shirts! They were so excited…here’s a picture of the shirt – if you are local, please watch for it on the course and cheer these runners on!
We have opened up the possibility to continue running with people who are interested and some may even go on to the marathon training team starting in June.
Either way, this experience has been amazing and I will never forget it.
Run safe, run happy!
-d
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