Tiffany Brennaman

You’ve probably seen her out and about. Chances are you ran right next to her! Tiffany, a homegrown southern peach, grew up in Macon, GA. She attended Georgia Southern for her undergraduate degree and went to UGA for her graduate work.

Tiffany with her dad

A storybook romance, Tiffany married her high school sweetheart and is celebrating her 10 year anniversary THIS month! Congratulations Tiffany! Wow, how time flies. Never one to stand still, she enjoys sky-diving, experimental cooking, cardboard box snowboarding, blogging, and Korean karaoke. The next time you see her make sure to ask her to sing a song for you!

Tiffany and her husband, Chris.

We asked Tiffany to share a bit more information with us, so check it out below!

What brought you to BoMF?  I am a social worker AND a runner, so naturally this job is perfect for me. I am completely in love with BoMF – the mission, the people, and the impact we have on society. I believe that combining running with a community that seeks to challenge folks’ perceptions of homelessness is a beautiful formula that can and does have a massive impact!

Why do you love running? It pushes me in ways I never could have imagined. …and I can wear skinny jeans. J

Do you have a bucket list race? I don’t have one. I just like to run fast, short races and the occasional half. I love the Peachtree Road Race. I guess if they ever have a race on the moon, I’d like to give it a shot!

What is your favorite part of the morning group runs? The hugs, the Serenity Prayer – it’s all INCREDIBLY powerful.

Fave running accessory? Don’t really have one – I’m a minimalist runner, so for me, less is more.

What is something about you that most people don’t know? My dream is to own an African Pygmy Goat and a teacup pig.  I have a weird obsession with unicorns that started as a joke but has evolved into something real.

Other fun facts about Tiffany: I love acting. I do radio drama with my husband and our friends. I have also wanted to join the circus since I was a little girl and still dream of being a trapeze artist.

Make sure to stay tuned for our next celebrity showcase! Any guesses as to who it will be?

The Back on My Feet DC chapter had a great showing at the Run for Shelter 10k on April 28^th, 2012. There were over 20 resident members running and numerous more cheering at the finish line. The D.C. April Members of the Month are:

Blair House:

Res Member: Mike for his consistence and eagerness to keep running when the last race just didn’t seem long enough.

Non-res Member: Barbara for always being cheerful, and bringing muffins to the team meeting!

CSS:

Res Member: Rodan for being ready to go each morning and always wanting to run more.

Non-res Member: Amber for her energy and commitment to the team.

Emery House:

Res Member: David for his great attendance and taking the extra steps necessary to make morning runs.

Non-Res Member: Wayne for always helping out the guys and giving training tips whenever needed.

La Casa:

Res Member: Steve for keeping up 100% attendance and helping the team through a tough transition.

Non-Res Member: Carolyn for a great positive attitude and her dedication to the team.

N Street:

Res Member: Tacarra for her cheerful attitude and welcoming demeanor.

Non-Res Member: Chris for consistent attendance and helping NSV get stronger.

Charlie and Brian making the Carmel 8k theirs!

Running Shoe Size: 11

Branch of Military: Army – Desert Storm – Combat Engineer

Tell us about your Family: Born and raised in Indianapolis, has two sons Colton (8) and Dakota (13)

Longest Race: Carmel 8K, I’ve never run outside the Army.

Favorite places:

Panama City Beach; I loved being in Germany with the Military, I most enjoyed the food, the castles and churches.

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Pancakes

Things on Charlie’s bucket list:

Go to New York City and Niagara Falls, go back to Germany (and travel more in general), ride a motorcycle, go back to school for construction engineer management.

Charlie’s thoughts about BoMF:

“I was attracted to the program to better my health and the incentives to help me improve my life. I love exercising with the group and it helps me feel better; I have two stints, so I know this has helped my heart.”

What’s Charlie good at?

“Bouncing back, I always seem to bounce back from things well.”

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

“I want to have a house, and hope to still be clean. I want to be closer to my kids and in better health. And of course, still running with Back on My Feet.”

Team Leader Chrissy says, “Charlie has shown his more outgoing side as he’s continued with Team Manchester. Charlie never misses a run and is always there with a smile and a hug!”

Meghan and Progress House teammates before the Carmel Half, all smiles!

Meghan has been an instrumental part of Progress House‘s volunteer base since joining Back on My Feet last summer. Meghan will always offer a listening ear to anyone with an ailment and try to help with a stretch or advise. She is also one of the instructors of Wednesday Night Yoga, which is a fun time if you haven’t tried! Meghan, along with the other instructors always do their very best to stretch the participants! We will miss Meghan when she moves to Michigan to continue her career as a Physical Therapist in July, but we are glad she could spend some time with our team.

Shoe Size? 6 but I normally wear a 7 in running shoes

Favorite post run food? peanut butter on bananas and chocolate milk

How many marathons/half marathons/5ks have you done? I’ve done 3 half marathons and numerous 5ks

Favorite race you’ve ever done? this would be a tie between the Carmel Half Marathon the other week and the Soldier Field 10 Miler last May.

Favorite music? I enjoy all types of music as long as I can sing along!

Favorite athlete/team/sport? I love college football especially Michigan State.  I also love the Chicago White Sox.

Favorite vacation spot?

Sister Lakes, Michigan, we have been renting the same cottage for 26 years and I love spending a week relaxing at the beach.

Bucket list item you plan to cross off soon?

I just crossed off running a Half Marathon in under 2 hours thanks to the wonderful support of BoMF!

Why do you run?

I love that time when I can be alone with my thoughts and not have to answer any emails or phone calls.  When I am running all of my energy and focus is just on myself and whoever I am running with.  It’s such a special time of day for me.

Tell us about your family?

I am the youngest of four and all of my family lives in Chicago.  I have hands down the cutest niece in the world and I love going up north to visit my family as much as possible.

What is your day job?  I am a Physical Therapist at Methodist Hospital.

What is your most memorable BoMF memory?

It’s hard to think of my most memorable memory as every day that I run with BoMF has truly impacted the rest of my day.  I Loved though at the polar bear doubler when Keith showed up dressed as a polar bear I don’t think I’ve laughed like that in a long time.

How did you hear about BoMF? Why did you stick with it? What has BoMF meant to you?

I heard about BoMF through the yoga community and also a friend who runs with the program up in Chicago.  I thought I would start out just running one day a week but as soon as I showed up for my first run I knew it was a perfect fit and that I would be there as much as possible.  BoMF has meant turning a positive spin on running for me.  I used to just run so that I could eat more food ha, but now I love the relationships that I have formed with all the members and look forward to seeing everyone at 5:45 M, W and F.

How is BoMF helping you with your future career? 

The encouragement that I get from the members of BoMF on a daily basis is overwhelming, they have taught me to believe in myself and with hard work anything is possible! I never thought I would have applied for these residency positions and with the support of my running friends I have gained that self-confidence!

Will you recruit morning runners from your job in Michigan this summer to run with you, or how will you keep the motivation of running? 

I love that we get weekly emails with our plan for runs during the week and so I plan to run exactly as Coach Joe advises (even the Fartleks!)  Although I think it will be hard to find friends to run with me at 5:45 MWF, knowing that everyone is running at that time back in Indy will be great motivation.  I am looking forward to running on all the trails and hills in Michigan and then hopefully coming back to run races here!

Advise for people who might want to start running with BoMF? DO IT! It will change your life in ways that you cannot even imagine!

Anything else you want to share with readers? I am so thankful for my time being a part of the BoMF family and I look forward to visiting and running once again with an incredible crew!

Shane and Meghan ready to get after the Polar Bear Doubler!

Jackie B. first heard about Back on My Feet from a friend in her hometown of Wilmington, Delaware who was a member at New Jerusalem Now (NJN). “When I first started I couldn’t run the whole distance. I’m a sprinter by nature so I had to start by walking. It made me feel like I accomplished something. I’m not only running for myself, I’m also running for someone else – for a lot of people.” Jackie was nervous for her first 5k race last October. After completing it, she realized “I can do this.” Since then Jackie has been consistently improving her race times and ran at the AT&T Back on My Feet Halfway-to-Broad 5-miler, despite occasional knee pain. Jackie says about the morning runs, “now I don’t even need an alarm clock. I wake up ready to run at 4:30 every morning.”

Since joining Back on My Feet, Jackie states that meeting diverse people like students from Temple and members from other BoMF teams has made her realize that each person’s story is different and relevant and in Jackie’s own words, “that I am somebody.”  Jackie’s big eyes and mischievous smile easily break into a laugh and can’t help but spread a positive mood to those around her.

Jackie had to face the untimely death of her young son, which ultimately inspired her to join the immersive, community addiction recovery program at NJN to change the direction of her life.  “I run the bad stuff off. I always say ‘Good Morning’ to my son, who is with me every day. If it wasn’t for him I’d still be sitting on the corner doing what I was doing (drugs). Now I’m doing something for me, something that is positive.”

Jackie is currently a house manager at NJN where she oversees a house of six women in the addiction recovery program.  She is an excellent motivator to the women at the house as well as to her BoMF teammates and keeps people giggling early in the morning.  Through her dedication and hard work, she manages to maintain an endearing sunny attitude, consistency and approachability.  She takes a behind-the-scenes leadership approach through many small acts that make a big difference. Whether it’s acting as a voicemail/secretary for her house residents or cooking for someone who doesn’t like to cook just to be nice, Jackie always steps up. If you’re lucky, you can spot her cooking up her favorite meal, Chicken Parmesan.

Jackie has been attending banking courses with BoMF and recently enrolled in a beginner’s computer course that she is excited about. Her openness to change and learning is contagious, even in regards to things that intimidate her and she says she knows nothing about.

 “I never completed anything I started in my life. Back on My Feet has shown me that I can do that. It helps me to keep my mind together and now I believe my kids when they tell me that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.” Jackie’s kids are proud of her for being part of Back on My Feet, living at New Jerusalem Now and running races.

This month’s recognized Members are not only great runners, but just have great attitudes!! These Members always have a smile on their face and a hug to offer a teammate. Encourage these Members through the month of May and we look forward to seeing them grow!

Jessica Killough, Non-Residential Member, Dallas LIFE “The best running buddy is someone that encourages me to keep going and not stop. I enjoy being able to run with all my different teammates, as each of us add something unique to the team. I love the camaraderie and community that Back on My Feet provides. For me, BoMF is about sharing life together. I’ve made a new family and feel a fulfilled by them.”

Dovie, Residential Member, Dallas LIFE Dovie, always smiling and determined to run a little bit more, never ran before joining Back on My Feet and completed her first 5K on March 31st at the Jog with the Frog race in Fair Park. Dovie is known for her positive outlook on life, her willingness to help others and has attended all the required classes for Next Steps. Keep up the hard work Dovie!

Elana Carter, Non-Residential Member, Salvation Army “I imagine homelessness to be an overwhelming experience. The Residential Members continue to get up and move forward. They show up day after day, week after week. That provides context and perspective for the issues that I’m managing in my own life. I certainly like keeping up with James and Mary Ann. They embody the spirit of many of the Residential Members – a quiet commitment to show up, a willingness to show themselves and bring their A game.”

Mari Ann, Residential Member, Salvation Army Mari Ann, a resident at the Salvation Army shelter, regularly assists Back on My Feet staff by not only helping instructors at monthly computer literacy classes, but even takes the time to instructs others! She has a great attitude, always up for more and brings a great attitude to any situation. Way to go Mari Ann!

Robert Sherburn, Non-Residential Member, The Bridge “Aside from running, the Back on My Feet program to me simply represents an opportunity to be a part of something much bigger than ourselves as individuals. It’s difficult to articulate what I get out of the program really, because it’s not a thing, it’s a feeling, more of a sense of being. It’s a two way street of sorts, it’s mutual respect, it’s shared wisdom, it’s love, it’s kindness, friendships and relationships. It’s all the things that matter, and none of the things that don’t. So I try to put in as much as I can!  Show up, get involved, make a contribution, and see for yourself!”

Sonja, Residential Member, The Bridge Sonja, a reserved Member of Team Bridge, ran her first 5K at The Man Run on May 2nd on the Katy Trail. While soft spoken at times, Sonja’s determination and dedication to Back on My Feet has not gone unrecognized. Sonja has an amazing attitude and attends as many Back on My Feet events as possible to show her support.

Now that the Boston Marathon is behind us, Back on My Feet Boston would like to take just one more moment to thank all of the incredible people who made this year’s marathon the best EVER for Back on My Feet: John Hancock, b.good, Ben & Jerry’s, the Burger Brigade, and each and every one of our fundraisers.

While raising funds for a deserving cause like Back on My Feet is ALWAYS awesome, it’s not always easy. And no matter what, it takes a lot of passion, energy, and creativity. That’s why we’re so very thankful for the amazing men and women who have spent so much of their time pounding pavement, sending emails, and shaking buckets for Back on My Feet.

This year’s FundRacing team brought in a total of $75,133 combined with our Burger Brigade who raised $17,887 for a grand total of … drum roll please … $93,020! AMAZING!

Much of the Burger Brigade’s contribution would not have been possible were it not for the awesome efforts of Dean Davis, the “King of Ketchup” of this year’s Burger Brigade. Dean took on the not-so-easy role of leading the 2012 Brigade with the goal of beating last year’s fundraising record. And they did! So you also can get to know how great Dean is, we had him answer some questions below.

Meet Dean

1. Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? What do you do?
My Name is Dean Davis and I am a business student from Berklee College of Music. I am originally from Pittsburgh, Penn. and born and raised in Robinson TWP with a wonderful family of support. I have performed, toured, and recorded with award winning artists such as Eric Kloss, Yolanda Barber, Daphne’ Khoo, Shannon Selig, and many more. I currently perform with the band Canary and we have played festivals (SXSW) and venues (House of Blues). I also am a freelance project manager, having the responsibility of the planning, execution, and closing of any project. I also have composed and produced music for film, artists, and musicals that can be heard all over the east coast. I plan on graduating Berklee the Spring of 2013 with a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurial Business.

2. How did you first get involved in the b.good Burger Brigade?
This is a great story actually … So last year I was sitting at a hibachi grill with my mom (Terri) and my sister (Madie). I was looking at my phone being anti social when I saw a post from b.good with a ton of burger and french fry costumes. I clicked it and it said who is crazy enough to run the Boston Marathon with us in these suits. Never being a runner, I looked at my mom and told her wouldn’t it be hilarious. Being the motivator she is, she said do it! So I emailed Jon, got a response and I had a fry suit! I found out later that it was the “Burger Brigade,” and I found out the reason behind it. That drew me in closer to the cause and I was hooked as a mini member.

3. Why did you decide to step up in to a leadership position for the 2012 Boston Marathon?
I love the pain and hard work that leadership brings. Call me sick but, I love solving difficult issues, staring failure in the face and kicking it’s butt when my vision crosses that finish line of success. I love the challenge to step up to a task after someone has led the trail of amazing leadership. Sam Novey was a fearless and unbelievable leader. He is the one to inspire me to take over. When Jon asked me last year if I wanted to get started on this thing for 2012 I instantly took the ropes and after meeting with Sam and Jon, I attained the leadership role for the “2012 Burger Brigade.”

4. What is it about Back on My Feet that drew you in? Why is this important to you?
Back in Pittsburgh I led a non profit organization that raised over $100,000 for the less fortunate around Christmas time called the Hidden Angels. Back on My Feet reminded me of that organization that I fought so hard to maintain and control. What I love about this organization is the fact that they know where the money is going, they see the results, and they make sure there are results. Back on My Feet does not just drop someone cash and says good luck, like some of the other organizations I have worked with. Now being an avid runner, the whole concept of using running as a form to get these members back on their feet is priceless! I love the underlying message about chasing your dreams and crossing that finish line of life.

5. What was your favorite part of this year’s Burger Brigade campaign?
This was my favorite part:

photo credits: Scott Eisen

I finished the marathon … great.  We raised a ton of money for BoMF … unbelievable. I can finally sleep at night … awesome. But when I sat down after all of this and looked at this photo, I teared up. The camaraderie this year was unbelievable. We have all become great friends and no one gave up in the end. The thing is, everyone was a leader this year, I was just the guy that told them where to be and kept the positive energy flowing. Just look at the photo, that is more than words can describe. I loved this team, and I will never forget the 2012 Brigade

6. What’s on the horizon for Dean Davis?
Oh boy, what’s on the horizon for Dean Davis eh? My goal in life is own and operate my own company. The business plan is already in the works and I cannot disclose that information … yet. As of right now I plan on really taking my project management skills to the next level by offering my services to consultants/businesses/start-up projects, really anything that needs a strong leader to get the organization off the ground. Short term however, I plan on staying in Boston this summer performing with Canary, working at b.good, and continuing my freelance project!

All I have to say is “Play with your heart and soul and live the music. Simply put… love what you play and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams …”

Photo credits: Scott Eisen.

On Saturday, April 28th, 9 residential members and numerous non-residential members braved the rain and wind to participate in the CARA FirstMerit Bank Lakefront 10 Miler at Montrose Harbor. Despite the inclement weather, several members set personal records in the race. Back on My Feet also hosted an aid station along the course. Thank you to all of the volunteers who passed out gatorade and water to race participants and helped make the event a huge success!

View more pictures from the event here.

Jeanne one chilly winter morning at the Boston Common

Boston has a rich sports tradition of legendary coaches who have pushed their teams to the limit to achieve athletic excellence. From Red Auerbach once leading the Celtics to 8 consecutive NBA titles, to Bill Belichick guiding the Patriots to five Super Bowls, now maybe it’s time to add BoMF Boston’s Team Common Ground non-resident member extraordinaire Jeanne Monaghan to that pantheon of coaching greatness. That’s right; Jeanne Monaghan. And why? Like a Zen riddle, not unlike the sound of one hand clapping, Jeanne is not only a charter member of BoMF Boston, legend has it that she was part of BoMF Boston before there even was a BoMF Boston. That is a strange yet true fact according to BoMF Boston guru, executive director and self-appointed chapter historian, Vic Acosta.

Kidding aside, Jeanne has really been here from the very beginning. Not only has she always been a constant presence at St. Francis House and Boston Rescue Mission team runs, but of late, she has taken it upon herself to introduce first time resident member road runners to the “Couch to 5K” training technique. “Couch to 5K” is a program which takes novice runners of all shapes, sizes and abilities through graduated timed walk/run increments so that within two months they can complete a 5K road race.

So throughout this past winter at 5:45 a.m., Coach M could be seen diligently taking would be first time road racers aside to put them through their paces. The results speak for themselves. Through her training guidance, one resident member successfully completed the Boys and Girls Club St. Patrick’s Day Road Race in South Boston and a couple of other resident team members experienced similar results as they completed the BAA 5K race the day before the Boston Marathon. Jeanne is currently working with a host of new Common Ground resident members to get them ready for the Jim Kane 5K race in South Boston this summer while she readies herself for the Run to Remember over Memorial Day weekend and the BAA 10K in June.

BoMF could not function without the ongoing selfless dedication shown by non-resident volunteer members like Jeanne. Although she really won’t be chiseled into the proverbial Mt. Rushmore of Boston sports greats any time soon, we sure do appreciate what she’s done to get our resident members road race ready. And for that we would like to name “coach” Jeanne Monaghan BoMF Boston’s Non-Resident member of the month!

On April 21st, 2012 Members of the Indianapolis Back on My Feet chapter set out to accomplish a distance many had yet to attain in a race atmosphere. The Manchester Milers had their sites set to complete the second race of their careers and first 8k. Progress House Members Shane, Laurence, Keith, and alumni Member James, along with Team Warman Members Will, Lee, and OuttaSite Mike all had their eyes on the half marathon prize. Non-Resident Members from all three teams were out in full force to support our Members in whatever race they were running that day.The chill of the day saw many PRs for the elite runners as well as many of our BoMF runners!

Half Marathoners all smiles before the race!

Manchester doing a circle up before their 8k

Cheering Janice on home!

One of the volunteer water stops! Thanks to all of our 60+ volunteers for spending your Saturday so BoMF could participate in the Carmel Marathon weekend!

Good lookin' 8k!

What it's about folks! Coach Steve congratulating Milton on his finish.

Keith lookin' good as he finishes his first 1/2 marathon!

Thank you to the Carmel Marathon for once again donating bibs to our Members this year. The Carmel Marathon has been a great supporter of our teams since we launched the chapter and we are grateful for their support year after year! Congratulations to their team for putting on a well organized race!