How Back on My Feet Impacts Lives Through Running

🎧 Listen Instead: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-back-on-my-feet-impacts-lives-through-running/id1703616687

In this week’s episode, we continue to spotlight runners who put purpose behind their miles and the organizations that make up the more than 670 Official Charity Partners of the TCS New York City Marathon. Rob is joined by guests from Back on My Feet, including CEO Nathan Watt, volunteer Diana Cruz Solash, and member Tim Blackmore. Back on My Feet is a national nonprofit that uses running, community, and workforce development to help people experiencing homelessness and addiction build a path toward stability and independence. Nathan reflects on the organization’s growth and impact over the years, while Tim shares his personal journey from addiction and recovery to rebuilding his life through running. He also talks about training for his first TCS New York City Marathon while fundraising for Back on My Feet. Diana opens up about what inspired her to volunteer with the organization and the meaningful impact she has witnessed firsthand. She discusses how Back on My Feet has transformed the lives of program members while also enriching her own life and sense of community.

Learn more about New York Road Runners: nyrr.org
Become an NYRR Member: nyrr.org/membership

00:00:00 "If running has been so helpful for me"
00:00:25 Welcome: Chicago Marathon and the Staten Island Half
00:05:28 Sponsors
00:06:03 Meet Nathan Watt, CEO of Back on My Feet
00:07:33 150 runners and the NYRR charity program
00:08:03 Anne Mahlum and the shelter on North Broad Street
00:10:14 Nine men showed up: why it starts with running
00:11:43 From the run to jobs, resumes and housing
00:12:59 Inside a 5:30 AM Circle Up
00:14:06 "No one runs alone"
00:15:22 The snowball effect of a 5:30 start
00:16:35 Tim Blackmore: treatment, and hearing about Back on My Feet
00:18:07 Tim's first Circle Up
00:20:36 Union dues, a job, and the way back to work
00:22:24 Tim's first marathon
00:24:20 Diana Cruz Solash and a 4:30 AM alarm in Brooklyn
00:26:14 The monthly timed mile
00:27:34 Nine members running the TCS New York City Marathon
00:29:15 Tim's goal: under three hours
00:31:27 What 18 miles does to the rest of your life
00:33:40 The core that running builds
00:35:00 GEDs, plumbing school, and setting goals
00:36:10 How to become a volunteer
00:37:47 Where the FundRacer money actually goes
00:40:34 "Running can really change your life"
00:42:53 Diana's fall plans and her advice for Tim
00:43:29 The hills: Verrazzano, Queensboro and First Avenue
00:47:21 Members and alumni running New York again
00:49:07 The transformative power of running
00:50:46 Sponsor
00:51:11 Staten Island Half results and goodbye