September 2021
Boston Bulldog Warrior Kat
"My name is Kat. I am in Recovery and attend AA regularly. I am very connected in the AA community, I love sponsoring women and being of service. However, there was always a missing piece that I didn’t get in AA, and that is where the Bulldogs came in. I was struggling with some depression in the winter of 2020 due to an unfortunate life event and was introduced to the group by a leadership member. I strongly proclaimed that I will NEVER run and announced it at a large Bulldogs Monthly Zoom meeting...I had no idea that I would catch the “bug”. My first run with my first running sponsor was a walk... haha. I say this because anyone can start at any point in their lives, in or out of shape, walking or limping (as I am now with a broken foot - not related to running.) Long story short, in a matter of two months, I was running 3-5 times a week, met a whole community of incredible people in or affected by recovery and my depression lifted, which made my sobriety easier...🙏❤️ I always say the Bulldogs saved my life and now I’ve gained another family. I am forever grateful to coach and every member of the Boston Bulldogs.
I never intended to run when I joined the Boston Bulldogs (even though it’s a running group.. I know). I thought I might branch off and start a new walking group haha... I ran my first full circle on June 12th and my goal was to run a 5K (under 35 minutes). I trained for 6 weeks with a plan from a running coach and stayed accountable to my running sponsor. I was in disbelief that I finished the 5K in 29 minutes. My family came to celebrate my achievement of my running goal that day and it was such a beautiful moment in my life, where I really felt loved, present and grateful to be sober and be part of a team. On August 8th, I did the 5K Becca Pizzi race with a group of Bulldogs and finished the race with my father. That was another full circle for me because this wonderful man had been through so much with me before I got sober, and it was the best feeling finishing that race with him. I’m just so happy to be a part of this amazing team and I am so proud to be a kind hearted warrior.💜”
May 2021
Jess and Maggie Run the Providence Marathon
From Jess: This was one of the hardest races I’ve ever been in. The nausea was out of control. The heat crept up and smacked me hard! I wanted to quit at mile 10. I texted my coach @_megjfitness and my friends that I was struggling HARD! Then mile 12ish Juls Buchanan comes into view. She says ‘you look great how are you?’, my response... I’m dying, I want to quit. She dropped all her plans and just started running with me. She helped get my out of my head. She helped me be ok with where I was at. She helped me push when I wanted to quit. Along the way we saw so many Bulldogs that really helped pull me through. It was still a struggle but I wasn’t giving up. Then around mile 20 out of nowhere Coach Mike jumps out from the bushes!!! Coach showed up! He ran with me a little bit, gave me tips and lifted my spirits. This day would have been completely different without the kind-hearted warriors of all the Boston Bulldogs!! I am so incredibly lucky and honored to be in the Bulldog family. This was by far the worst I’ve felt. I kept a smile on my face the whole time, I pulled off a PR and walked away with a bigger heart, I call that a win! I got Maggie to the start, but she did all the work! She crushed her first marathon and I’m so proud of her!!
Boston Bulldog Warrior Kat
"My name is Kat. I am in Recovery and attend AA regularly. I am very connected in the AA community, I love sponsoring women and being of service. However, there was always a missing piece that I didn’t get in AA, and that is where the Bulldogs came in. I was struggling with some depression in the winter of 2020 due to an unfortunate life event and was introduced to the group by a leadership member. I strongly proclaimed that I will NEVER run and announced it at a large Bulldogs Monthly Zoom meeting...I had no idea that I would catch the “bug”. My first run with my first running sponsor was a walk... haha. I say this because anyone can start at any point in their lives, in or out of shape, walking or limping (as I am now with a broken foot - not related to running.) Long story short, in a matter of two months, I was running 3-5 times a week, met a whole community of incredible people in or affected by recovery and my depression lifted, which made my sobriety easier...🙏❤️ I always say the Bulldogs saved my life and now I’ve gained another family. I am forever grateful to coach and every member of the Boston Bulldogs.
I never intended to run when I joined the Boston Bulldogs (even though it’s a running group.. I know). I thought I might branch off and start a new walking group haha... I ran my first full circle on June 12th and my goal was to run a 5K (under 35 minutes). I trained for 6 weeks with a plan from a running coach and stayed accountable to my running sponsor. I was in disbelief that I finished the 5K in 29 minutes. My family came to celebrate my achievement of my running goal that day and it was such a beautiful moment in my life, where I really felt loved, present and grateful to be sober and be part of a team. On August 8th, I did the 5K Becca Pizzi race with a group of Bulldogs and finished the race with my father. That was another full circle for me because this wonderful man had been through so much with me before I got sober, and it was the best feeling finishing that race with him. I’m just so happy to be a part of this amazing team and I am so proud to be a kind hearted warrior.💜”
May 2021
Jess and Maggie Run the Providence Marathon
From Jess: This was one of the hardest races I’ve ever been in. The nausea was out of control. The heat crept up and smacked me hard! I wanted to quit at mile 10. I texted my coach @_megjfitness and my friends that I was struggling HARD! Then mile 12ish Juls Buchanan comes into view. She says ‘you look great how are you?’, my response... I’m dying, I want to quit. She dropped all her plans and just started running with me. She helped get my out of my head. She helped me be ok with where I was at. She helped me push when I wanted to quit. Along the way we saw so many Bulldogs that really helped pull me through. It was still a struggle but I wasn’t giving up. Then around mile 20 out of nowhere Coach Mike jumps out from the bushes!!! Coach showed up! He ran with me a little bit, gave me tips and lifted my spirits. This day would have been completely different without the kind-hearted warriors of all the Boston Bulldogs!! I am so incredibly lucky and honored to be in the Bulldog family. This was by far the worst I’ve felt. I kept a smile on my face the whole time, I pulled off a PR and walked away with a bigger heart, I call that a win! I got Maggie to the start, but she did all the work! She crushed her first marathon and I’m so proud of her!!
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April 2020
Reflections on staying connected with the Boston Bulldogs during these challenging times
Bulldog G: Being A Boston Bulldog Has No Boundaries
I learned about the Boston Bulldogs through an online Runners World article in August of 2019. This was the same month of my 6-year sobriety anniversary. I was really intrigued with the article and thought wow, I wish there was a group like this where I live. I use running as my main tool for staying sober. Then in December of 2019 I saw the article again on social media, I read it and again I was moved. This time I reached out to a member of the club to let them know that the Bulldogs were impacting sober runners outside of Boston and I was very inspired & motivated by them. In a kind response, it was suggested I consider becoming a member. It had never occurred to me that was an option so I signed up.
I was glad to help support the club and looked forward to learning more about them even though I couldn’t actually run with them. Then the Covid-19 crisis hit in March which led the club to hosting Zoom meetings online as a way to stay connected. I decided to give it a shot, after all one of their mottos is “just show up”. I was fairly nervous getting on the first call as I had never done anything like this. For 6 years it had been just me and the road to tackle my problems. In just 4 weeks I have never felt more empowered given this new toolbox of knowledge. Tools such as Self Leadership, Transparency and Giving Back are all principals I believe in and can really get behind. The timing could not have been better as I have been recovering from a running injury and unable to run. The club has been a positive outlet for me to channel my energy and really reflect on my sober journey up to this point. My short time as a Bulldog has made realize I’m not alone and that it does not have to be just me and the pavement. Thank you for guiding me to a new helpful phase in my sobriety. I look forward to learning more and being a part of the club’s mission. Supporting health and wellness through running and being a kind-hearted warrior is one that has no boundaries. That said, I appreciate all of you and I’m proud to be a Boston Bulldog all the way from Virginia. #togetherwedo
Bulldog JoJo
It is crazy when I think about the fact that I have only been a part of the Bulldogs for about 2.5 months now and that this Tuesday will mark 1 month of social distancing in the fight against COVID-19. I say it’s crazy because being a Bulldog has become a part of me. The people closest to in my life started to notice and when they asked what was different - what changed - I responded the Bulldogs. But how can something I’ve only known for such a little amount of time be something I know I want to be a part of forever? It’s because of the people and the principles.
Through these unprecedented times, the Bulldogs continue to demonstrate self-leadership. We get ourselves up each day and lead by example, that we can handle this. We stay focused on our health and wellness and encourage other around us to do the same. The Bulldogs continue to stay transparent. Instead of round ups and coffee shop talks, we adjusted and made sure to stay connected via zoom, strava, Facebook, hollar hypes and calls/texts. We stay honest about our feelings and create a safe space so no one ever feels they are alone.
The Bulldogs not only continue look out for each other, but we continue look out for the community through giving back. The Bulldogs helped me find myself again and gave me my life back. Now during these unprecedented times, I can pay if forward. I can be the strength for my loved ones and others. So, at the end of the day how being a Boston Bulldog has helped me during this unprecedented time is simple. Even though apart, Together We (CONTINUE to) Do.
Bulldog Scott
When I think about what it means to be a member and leader of the Boston Bulldogs running club, I am constantly struck by the idea of being part of something greater than myself. For most of my life, self will has garnered many of my achievements socially, academically, and professionally. Self will can only propel me so far in this world.
Running with the Bulldogs first taught me to set my ego aside. When I committed to running my first Full Circle race, my ego told me that I could complete a 10K without sticking to a particular training plan. Upon completion of my first 10k, my ego told my spirit and my body that plan had failed me. My unsuccessful training plan was the learning experience my ego needed. I suddenly realized that if I take the suggestions of group members with more experience than me, I would see better results. And better results soon followed, upon the advice I was given, and most importantly, listened to.
With my ego set aside on my mental shelf, I was now able to fully receive the amazing gifts the club had to offer. Individuals were relying on me to show up and participate and I was relying on them to be an outlet to share my experience of being a professional married father of three who is in recovery. If you ran with me when I first joined the bulldogs, you heard every blessed detail of my story. By sharing the sordid details of my story, spiritual and emotional healing began to take place.
Connections were formed. Connections are a cornerstone to this running club. Those connections are part of my vital spiritual experience. Part of my story. Everyone has a different story, but I would be willing to argue that there are infinite similarities in each person's journey, whether or not one is in recovery or affected by it.
By showing up and telling my truth, treating people the way I want to be treated, and setting my ego aside, I have discovered that I can be a part of something bigger than myself, and that is more gratifying to me than any social, academic, or professional accomplishment in my recent memory because I believe that being a part of this running club has been more gratifying than any self willed accomplishment could compare to.
Bulldog Conan
When I first learned about the Bulldogs I thought it was all about running and figured I could make some connections with people who have had their life affected by addiction just as I have, and also enjoy running. It was about an hour after my first Saturday run when I realized it was alot more than that. Meaghan and Coach both reached out to me -- I was blown away that these people who have never met me were so accepting and Coach instantly got into the recovery aspect of the Bulldogs. At this point I decided I would keep showing up and now the running is an added bonus to the abundance of knowledge and inspiration I get from being a part of something much bigger than I ever thought I was worthy of. The three principles of the Bulldogs are self leadership, transparency and giving back. I am still working on all three of them on a daily basis but being a part of the Bulldogs has helped me with becoming more of a self leader and being more transparent in all my affairs and for that I'm forever grateful to call myself a Bulldog!! #togetherwedo
Bulldog Ashley
For 1 year and 5 months, the Bulldogs have played a major part in my recovery. The Bulldogs contribute to how I am able to manage the curve balls life has thrown my way. A huge part of this team, this family, is connection: Physical, human presence and connection. When this necessity became a danger, threatening ours and our teammates' very lives in the wake of the virus, it became a game changer for us. Now, the Bulldogs are continuing to impact my day to day through connection in a virtual way, and providing endless resources for further self care and healing.
The Bulldogs have taken on the challenge of social distancing and isolation. We have learned to adapt, holding weekly zoom meetings, where I see my teammates from all over Massachusetts, and across the country. This is something we have never experienced before unless we were standing in the same circle up at the same chapter run in the same town and state. Now, we gather at the same time every Tuesday virtually. We pick a topic, we listen to the message, and we share our experiences, our struggles, and our accomplishments. We just show up: a phrase you hear from Coach often when talking about our first principle: self leadership. If I or another Bulldog is struggling, we talk about it together. I have reached out to many of my teammates because I know they understand my struggle to stay motivated during this time. They pick me up by providing me with tools such as meditation resources at a time I really need to look inward. At times I do not even realize I am practicing transparency, our second principle.
This leads me to our third principle of giving back. How is this club helping me during this challenging time? It is giving me the opportunity to do all of these things, knowing that my involvement and energy given to the Bulldogs is given back ten fold. I am logging onto these meetings and advocating for my feelings and experiences, so that another Bulldog can relate and feel, possibly less alone. So that the next Bulldog knows I am here and available to listen, and provide any tools I may have to support them through this challenging time.
Compassion, generosity and kindness. The Bulldogs provide me with all of these core values, combined with the principles that will help me see through the other side of this, and back on the road together soon enough. Together we are getting through this, and together we will come out of this.
JoJo's Self-reflection
March 2020
To Boston Bulldogs,
Thank you for giving me my life back. I used to I look in the mirror and see nothing. The years of low self-worth and body shame had consumed my mind to the point that I forgot what it felt like to be happy. And the aniexty caused me to retreat and pull back from everything and everyone.
63 days ago it took me 40 min of talking to myself to leave the apartment and make way toward the reservoir. Jan 18th marked day 1 with the Bulldogs. That day the wonderful Sheila kept my company running those two loops - 3.1 miles @ 14:51 pace. The second and third meets up Sheila made sure I felt welcome and I swear I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.
Then I started going to Thursday night runs w/ the wonderful chapter leader Will along side other amazing Bulldogs Scott, Michael, Elizabeth, Emily, Tara and more. From there, Saturdays and Thursdays became the days I looked most forward to. Not just for running but for the people. 27 days ago, I ran my first 10K race @ 12:20 pace in Hyannis and got to cheer on 20 other incredible Bulldogs. Cheering + dancing next to Julie watching our Bulldog family pass by is still one of my happiest days.
The more I ran with the Bulldogs, the closer the connections grew and the weight of self-doubt that I have carried on my shoulders for so many years started to not feel so heavy. From NP hills with Michael, JP pond runs with Jane, track workouts with Jessica to wellness seminars and fundraisers w/ Will rapping + Coach Mike reading poetry, the sense of community started to fill up the void in my heart.
Then the COVID-19 virus hit and social distancing was implemented for the health and safety of everyone. My fear of being alone flooded in but before it took over the Bulldogs were there. Between Strava, Hollarhypes and TogetherWeDo calls, I knew we would get thorough this crazy thing called life together. Today, I ran those two loops again but this time @ 10:37 pace with support from a distance by some incredible #KindHeartedWarriors (Kelley, Jennifer, Jess, Jane). And when I got back to my apartment for the first time in a long long time when I looked in the mirror I saw someone I’m proud of.
This is more than just a running club, it’s a family. Thank you for letting me be a part of it. Thank you for giving me my life back.
JoJo
#BostonBulldogs #TogetherWeDo
March 2020
To Boston Bulldogs,
Thank you for giving me my life back. I used to I look in the mirror and see nothing. The years of low self-worth and body shame had consumed my mind to the point that I forgot what it felt like to be happy. And the aniexty caused me to retreat and pull back from everything and everyone.
63 days ago it took me 40 min of talking to myself to leave the apartment and make way toward the reservoir. Jan 18th marked day 1 with the Bulldogs. That day the wonderful Sheila kept my company running those two loops - 3.1 miles @ 14:51 pace. The second and third meets up Sheila made sure I felt welcome and I swear I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.
Then I started going to Thursday night runs w/ the wonderful chapter leader Will along side other amazing Bulldogs Scott, Michael, Elizabeth, Emily, Tara and more. From there, Saturdays and Thursdays became the days I looked most forward to. Not just for running but for the people. 27 days ago, I ran my first 10K race @ 12:20 pace in Hyannis and got to cheer on 20 other incredible Bulldogs. Cheering + dancing next to Julie watching our Bulldog family pass by is still one of my happiest days.
The more I ran with the Bulldogs, the closer the connections grew and the weight of self-doubt that I have carried on my shoulders for so many years started to not feel so heavy. From NP hills with Michael, JP pond runs with Jane, track workouts with Jessica to wellness seminars and fundraisers w/ Will rapping + Coach Mike reading poetry, the sense of community started to fill up the void in my heart.
- 14 days ago, I ran 10 miles @ 12:11 pace with the amazing Bulldogs Kelley and Michael who pushed me at a pace I didn’t know I had in me. I still remember when we had one mile to go, I was so excited I yelled it to the construction workers haha.
- 12 days ago, I got the pleasure to visit the Quincy chapter to cheer on Bulldogs Amy and Kevin in their Full Circle 1 and run along side John.
Then the COVID-19 virus hit and social distancing was implemented for the health and safety of everyone. My fear of being alone flooded in but before it took over the Bulldogs were there. Between Strava, Hollarhypes and TogetherWeDo calls, I knew we would get thorough this crazy thing called life together. Today, I ran those two loops again but this time @ 10:37 pace with support from a distance by some incredible #KindHeartedWarriors (Kelley, Jennifer, Jess, Jane). And when I got back to my apartment for the first time in a long long time when I looked in the mirror I saw someone I’m proud of.
This is more than just a running club, it’s a family. Thank you for letting me be a part of it. Thank you for giving me my life back.
JoJo
#BostonBulldogs #TogetherWeDo
Will's note to Bulldogs
December 2019
Today marks my one year clean, December 1st. Although I still consider myself in early recovery, this is also the longest amount of sobriety I’ve strung together. I now truly understand when Coach says, “through the power of connection, we heal.” Every time I wanted to isolate this year, I picked up the phone & called a Bulldog, ran with a Bulldog, or helped another Bulldog that was struggling. I want to thank all of you for being there at times when it is really hard to ask for help. But when you stay connected, it becomes less difficult to ask for help. This is what we do as Bulldogs, we lean on each other. I love running more than anything on the planet, but the Bulldogs changed my life. This club really works. Love you Family!!
December 2019
Today marks my one year clean, December 1st. Although I still consider myself in early recovery, this is also the longest amount of sobriety I’ve strung together. I now truly understand when Coach says, “through the power of connection, we heal.” Every time I wanted to isolate this year, I picked up the phone & called a Bulldog, ran with a Bulldog, or helped another Bulldog that was struggling. I want to thank all of you for being there at times when it is really hard to ask for help. But when you stay connected, it becomes less difficult to ask for help. This is what we do as Bulldogs, we lean on each other. I love running more than anything on the planet, but the Bulldogs changed my life. This club really works. Love you Family!!
Deb's Marathon Story
August 2019
"I can only Run the Marathon Sober." Four years ago, my dreams didn't include the Boston Marathon. But, today I am a marathon runner -- running in many ways saved me from myself.
Never did I think that I would use the words run and sober in the same sentences. My last run before I got sober was in Bradenton, Florida, after I took a concoction of pills and alcohol, and decided it would be a good idea to run in my slippers and I don't remember what I was wearing. I ran for miles and do not remember any of it. I ended up in a car with a stranger who took me to Walmart to start my new life with him. He bought me some clothes and running shoes! It was that night that I tried crack and then called my drug dealer to bring me more. I remember the panic I felt when it was all kicking in and I had no idea where I was. Somehow, the cops got involved and I, in a state of insanity, said I was kidnapped. Later, to find out from my ex-boyfriend, who recently passed due to overdose, that the cops wanted to arrest me because I was not making sense and sounded like I was on drugs. My life has completely changed. I do not know the person who ran in her slippers, but it is a constant reminder of what will happen if I pick up a drink or a drug. It has been about 5 years since that run, and I am coming up on 4 years of sobriety by the grace of god.
When I joined the Boston Bulldogs Running Club, my recovery took on a whole new meaning, and I felt what it was like to be comfortable in my own skin. When I got clean, they told me I had to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Training for the Boston Marathon this year forced me to be uncomfortable. We push our bodies. We push our minds. And, it's awesome.
But, how do we get comfortable being uncomfortable? How do we overcome our fears of collapsing, or our legs giving out, or our hearts exploding, and go just a little bit faster or a little bit farther? In my experience, the answer has been baby steps.
I learned to run in all conditions; through puddles, on ice, in snowstorms, in the dark. As the miles piled up, running changed my relationship with the environment, external and internal, and allowed me to own the rain, the cold, the streets, my chaos, my joy, my fears, my breath, my heartbeat -- myself.
There are similarities in training for a race and getting sober. The most obvious to me is that by making yourself accountable, you improve your chances massively at success. There's also the fact that you've set yourself a challenge and, if you are anything like me, it's way too disappointing to sack it off midway and just give up. Wasting all that effort, going through the initial pain for nothing, feeling such disappointment in yourself for not making it to the finish line...all of those things act as motivating forces when times are tough and you're tempted to throw the towel in. You are forced to keep your eye on the prize.
Setting yourself a challenge like staying sober or running a far distance is also an effective means of proving to yourself that you can do whatever you put your mind too. Who says you'll never manage to get sober? Who says you're not fit enough to run 26.2 miles? You can do whatever you want to if you put your mind to it!
Read the rest of the article and get some of Deb's tips.
August 2019
"I can only Run the Marathon Sober." Four years ago, my dreams didn't include the Boston Marathon. But, today I am a marathon runner -- running in many ways saved me from myself.
Never did I think that I would use the words run and sober in the same sentences. My last run before I got sober was in Bradenton, Florida, after I took a concoction of pills and alcohol, and decided it would be a good idea to run in my slippers and I don't remember what I was wearing. I ran for miles and do not remember any of it. I ended up in a car with a stranger who took me to Walmart to start my new life with him. He bought me some clothes and running shoes! It was that night that I tried crack and then called my drug dealer to bring me more. I remember the panic I felt when it was all kicking in and I had no idea where I was. Somehow, the cops got involved and I, in a state of insanity, said I was kidnapped. Later, to find out from my ex-boyfriend, who recently passed due to overdose, that the cops wanted to arrest me because I was not making sense and sounded like I was on drugs. My life has completely changed. I do not know the person who ran in her slippers, but it is a constant reminder of what will happen if I pick up a drink or a drug. It has been about 5 years since that run, and I am coming up on 4 years of sobriety by the grace of god.
When I joined the Boston Bulldogs Running Club, my recovery took on a whole new meaning, and I felt what it was like to be comfortable in my own skin. When I got clean, they told me I had to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Training for the Boston Marathon this year forced me to be uncomfortable. We push our bodies. We push our minds. And, it's awesome.
But, how do we get comfortable being uncomfortable? How do we overcome our fears of collapsing, or our legs giving out, or our hearts exploding, and go just a little bit faster or a little bit farther? In my experience, the answer has been baby steps.
I learned to run in all conditions; through puddles, on ice, in snowstorms, in the dark. As the miles piled up, running changed my relationship with the environment, external and internal, and allowed me to own the rain, the cold, the streets, my chaos, my joy, my fears, my breath, my heartbeat -- myself.
There are similarities in training for a race and getting sober. The most obvious to me is that by making yourself accountable, you improve your chances massively at success. There's also the fact that you've set yourself a challenge and, if you are anything like me, it's way too disappointing to sack it off midway and just give up. Wasting all that effort, going through the initial pain for nothing, feeling such disappointment in yourself for not making it to the finish line...all of those things act as motivating forces when times are tough and you're tempted to throw the towel in. You are forced to keep your eye on the prize.
Setting yourself a challenge like staying sober or running a far distance is also an effective means of proving to yourself that you can do whatever you put your mind too. Who says you'll never manage to get sober? Who says you're not fit enough to run 26.2 miles? You can do whatever you want to if you put your mind to it!
Read the rest of the article and get some of Deb's tips.
Helene's Boston Marathon Story
April 2019
We all have wonderful, touching stories about Monday April 15, 2019. I need to share mine as it shows what being part of the Bulldogs truly is.
I cannot remember where in the race this happened exactly because a lot of it was blurry but I believe it was close to hitting mile 23 as I was about or had just passed the Bulldog tribe. I heard my name and looked to my left when I saw Bulldog Craig waving and asking how I was feeling. I told him I could not stop because I was in so much pain. He asked me if I needed water or energy drink. I was hanging on by a thread at that point and as many of you know those last couple of miles are so intense and I was doing my best to stay focused. He stayed there by my side, speed walking at first and then continued to jog on the other side of the fence. Craig was limping from his own injury but kept moving. We were not talking, nothing needed to be said. Just knowing he was there with me was enough. I know he understood the pain I was feeling. I felt his support, presence and kind soul carry me closer to that finish line. I have no words to explain the feeling of true care and Bulldog spirit that emanated from Craig. It brought tears to my eyes. Craig, thank you for being there in a time of pain, you were completely selfless; when I felt I could not make it to the end, you showed me I could.
To make this moment even more special, a huge rainbow appeared after running under the tunnel. And then I saw my beautiful mother Agnès and my sister Madeline on Boylston Street, their eyes filled with love and cheering me on. I heard someone else call my name and it was my soul sister Debra Crystal! We had parted ways at the half way mark. Our hearts were overjoyed as we crossed that finish line together.
I ran the Boston Marathon in support of my father and family. I found out yesterday that my dad admitted himself into a detox clinic. He has done this several times and relapsed but my family and I have faith that this time he will stay strong and let the healing begin. Miracles happen. Dreams happen.
I love you all dearly. Bulldog Spirit for Life.
April 2019
We all have wonderful, touching stories about Monday April 15, 2019. I need to share mine as it shows what being part of the Bulldogs truly is.
I cannot remember where in the race this happened exactly because a lot of it was blurry but I believe it was close to hitting mile 23 as I was about or had just passed the Bulldog tribe. I heard my name and looked to my left when I saw Bulldog Craig waving and asking how I was feeling. I told him I could not stop because I was in so much pain. He asked me if I needed water or energy drink. I was hanging on by a thread at that point and as many of you know those last couple of miles are so intense and I was doing my best to stay focused. He stayed there by my side, speed walking at first and then continued to jog on the other side of the fence. Craig was limping from his own injury but kept moving. We were not talking, nothing needed to be said. Just knowing he was there with me was enough. I know he understood the pain I was feeling. I felt his support, presence and kind soul carry me closer to that finish line. I have no words to explain the feeling of true care and Bulldog spirit that emanated from Craig. It brought tears to my eyes. Craig, thank you for being there in a time of pain, you were completely selfless; when I felt I could not make it to the end, you showed me I could.
To make this moment even more special, a huge rainbow appeared after running under the tunnel. And then I saw my beautiful mother Agnès and my sister Madeline on Boylston Street, their eyes filled with love and cheering me on. I heard someone else call my name and it was my soul sister Debra Crystal! We had parted ways at the half way mark. Our hearts were overjoyed as we crossed that finish line together.
I ran the Boston Marathon in support of my father and family. I found out yesterday that my dad admitted himself into a detox clinic. He has done this several times and relapsed but my family and I have faith that this time he will stay strong and let the healing begin. Miracles happen. Dreams happen.
I love you all dearly. Bulldog Spirit for Life.
A Tribute
March 2018
"I'm sorry for your loss, Michael. I didn't know your brother was ill."
A friend offered these condolences in March 2011 after my younger brother Douglas died by suicide at the age of 41. My initial reaction was to say, "Oh no, he wasn't ill," to let my friend know that Douglas didn't have a disease like cancer. But of course, he was ill. Decades of depression and addiction are most certainly illness - just not the kind most people recognize or talk about. So I corrected myself and said, "Actually he was ill - he had been fighting depression and addiction."
From the night we got the call about his death, my family decided it was important to be open, transparent, and honest. We didn't want to feed the stigma associated with mental illness or sweep family history under the rug. It wasn't an easy conversation to have with our 4th and 8th grade boys that night, but it was the right one. Over the last seven years, we have continued that conversation adding more details and family history as the boys get older.
We've done a number of fundraising walks for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to honor Douglas' memory and keep the conversation moving forward. We also participated in the Boston Bulldogs' first Run for Recovery in 2016, and I joined the Bulldogs as a member a few months later.
Douglas was living in New Orleans when he died, so we traveled there to wrap up his affairs and hold a memorial service for his friends who couldn't make it to Worcester for the funeral. While we were there we met his neighbor, Wade, who shared the stories that Douglas didn't and couldn't share with us. He told me that he tried to get Douglas to go to the gym with him and to go running with him to augment the help he was getting in his recovery program. Unfortunately, Douglas only went with Wade a few times.
I often wonder if Douglas had joined a program like the Bulldogs whether it would have made a difference for him (I think it would have). The accountability, support, camaraderie, and physical and mental benefits of running - and especially running with the Bulldogs - are huge. Like running, I'm taking things one step at a time, and hope that I'm contributing to the Bulldogs as much as I'm benefitting from being a Bulldog.
-Bulldog Michael
March 2018
"I'm sorry for your loss, Michael. I didn't know your brother was ill."
A friend offered these condolences in March 2011 after my younger brother Douglas died by suicide at the age of 41. My initial reaction was to say, "Oh no, he wasn't ill," to let my friend know that Douglas didn't have a disease like cancer. But of course, he was ill. Decades of depression and addiction are most certainly illness - just not the kind most people recognize or talk about. So I corrected myself and said, "Actually he was ill - he had been fighting depression and addiction."
From the night we got the call about his death, my family decided it was important to be open, transparent, and honest. We didn't want to feed the stigma associated with mental illness or sweep family history under the rug. It wasn't an easy conversation to have with our 4th and 8th grade boys that night, but it was the right one. Over the last seven years, we have continued that conversation adding more details and family history as the boys get older.
We've done a number of fundraising walks for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to honor Douglas' memory and keep the conversation moving forward. We also participated in the Boston Bulldogs' first Run for Recovery in 2016, and I joined the Bulldogs as a member a few months later.
Douglas was living in New Orleans when he died, so we traveled there to wrap up his affairs and hold a memorial service for his friends who couldn't make it to Worcester for the funeral. While we were there we met his neighbor, Wade, who shared the stories that Douglas didn't and couldn't share with us. He told me that he tried to get Douglas to go to the gym with him and to go running with him to augment the help he was getting in his recovery program. Unfortunately, Douglas only went with Wade a few times.
I often wonder if Douglas had joined a program like the Bulldogs whether it would have made a difference for him (I think it would have). The accountability, support, camaraderie, and physical and mental benefits of running - and especially running with the Bulldogs - are huge. Like running, I'm taking things one step at a time, and hope that I'm contributing to the Bulldogs as much as I'm benefitting from being a Bulldog.
-Bulldog Michael
A Full Circle Story
Fall 2017
"I came to the Boston area with two main goals: to get sober and reclaim my existence.
In Virginia, where I was born and raised (this is how we say it in the South), I had lost both of those. In Boston I came to try and reclaim. I found a halfway house and moved in. A pit, but somewhere to sleep. I turned on the radio one early morning and heard an interview about the Boston Bulldogs Running Club - a team that focused on individuals with sobriety and addiction problems. The coach - a man named Mike, sounded strong and forthright, yet somehow compassionate. I listened as the sun rose. I took down the information at the end of the show, wondering why I was doing so.
A few weeks later I looked the team up on their website. It seemed what I needed. Support. But I had very limited funds, and saw that there was a small fee to join. Plus I had no running gear. The sneakers I owned were worn down to nothing.
So I put it off and suffered.
Then I decided to email the coach and ask for help. Something I was not used to doing.
He responded immediately.
Told me he'd waive the annual fee for me and get me some gear.
He reached out to me reaching out and suddenly I had hope.
I met with him and my sponsor a week later.
We ran and talked.
I suddenly felt less alone.
Almost accepted.
"You've got something, man," the coach said as we circled the Reservoir. "You are a warrior and don't even realize it!"
I took that home with me, along with the new running gear supplied.
Ran my first race a few months afterwards.
Full circle, they called it.
Stay sober and stay positive and keep running."
-Bulldog Brian, a Full Circle graduate
Fall 2017
"I came to the Boston area with two main goals: to get sober and reclaim my existence.
In Virginia, where I was born and raised (this is how we say it in the South), I had lost both of those. In Boston I came to try and reclaim. I found a halfway house and moved in. A pit, but somewhere to sleep. I turned on the radio one early morning and heard an interview about the Boston Bulldogs Running Club - a team that focused on individuals with sobriety and addiction problems. The coach - a man named Mike, sounded strong and forthright, yet somehow compassionate. I listened as the sun rose. I took down the information at the end of the show, wondering why I was doing so.
A few weeks later I looked the team up on their website. It seemed what I needed. Support. But I had very limited funds, and saw that there was a small fee to join. Plus I had no running gear. The sneakers I owned were worn down to nothing.
So I put it off and suffered.
Then I decided to email the coach and ask for help. Something I was not used to doing.
He responded immediately.
Told me he'd waive the annual fee for me and get me some gear.
He reached out to me reaching out and suddenly I had hope.
I met with him and my sponsor a week later.
We ran and talked.
I suddenly felt less alone.
Almost accepted.
"You've got something, man," the coach said as we circled the Reservoir. "You are a warrior and don't even realize it!"
I took that home with me, along with the new running gear supplied.
Ran my first race a few months afterwards.
Full circle, they called it.
Stay sober and stay positive and keep running."
-Bulldog Brian, a Full Circle graduate
A Bulldog Story
Summer 2017
"There are two reasons I love the Boston Bulldogs.
One, is the friends I've made and the people I've met. A few years ago, one of my best friends, Amir, told me about a recovery based running club. I was new in recovery and loved running so I had to check it out. Little did I know, this Club would end up being like a family to me. Being part of a social group that didn't involve "partying" was brand new to me and sort of awkward at first. I had no clue what to talk about, I just knew that I loved running and could relate to a lot of other people in the club. Everybody had a different struggle and a different story. Whether it is addiction, alcoholism, mental health, coming back from an injury -- we give each other strength to RECOVER. And, if you have a family member going through something, or just want to be down for the cause, you can run with us too. Anybody can run with us.
Reason two would be the strides I've made and the goals I've met - most recently, a half marathon and a 10k. I met my goals with help from my Wellness Sponsor, Sean, who helped train me and also ran the first 10k with me. People in this group want to see you succeed. There was a time I left the Club for a while, not ready to give up some lifestyle choices. It was difficult coming back, but now I feel stronger than ever, especially since I was welcomed back with open arms. I am so grateful for that. Now, I am on my way to being a Wellness Sponsor, so I can give back what was given to me when I first showed up. Running goals are one thing. I can run by myself too. But without the Bulldogs, I wouldn't be the better person I am now -- with a bigger heart.
I am excited for what my future holds. I have hopes and dreams of running the 2018 Boston Marathon. And, I'm hoping to write more of my story. I think my first go around with the club, I really loved running but not recovery. Now, that I've been given this second chance at it, I feel stronger. I love recovery deeply. And I call it RUNCOVERY. "
-Bulldog Will, a Full Circle graduate
Summer 2017
"There are two reasons I love the Boston Bulldogs.
One, is the friends I've made and the people I've met. A few years ago, one of my best friends, Amir, told me about a recovery based running club. I was new in recovery and loved running so I had to check it out. Little did I know, this Club would end up being like a family to me. Being part of a social group that didn't involve "partying" was brand new to me and sort of awkward at first. I had no clue what to talk about, I just knew that I loved running and could relate to a lot of other people in the club. Everybody had a different struggle and a different story. Whether it is addiction, alcoholism, mental health, coming back from an injury -- we give each other strength to RECOVER. And, if you have a family member going through something, or just want to be down for the cause, you can run with us too. Anybody can run with us.
Reason two would be the strides I've made and the goals I've met - most recently, a half marathon and a 10k. I met my goals with help from my Wellness Sponsor, Sean, who helped train me and also ran the first 10k with me. People in this group want to see you succeed. There was a time I left the Club for a while, not ready to give up some lifestyle choices. It was difficult coming back, but now I feel stronger than ever, especially since I was welcomed back with open arms. I am so grateful for that. Now, I am on my way to being a Wellness Sponsor, so I can give back what was given to me when I first showed up. Running goals are one thing. I can run by myself too. But without the Bulldogs, I wouldn't be the better person I am now -- with a bigger heart.
I am excited for what my future holds. I have hopes and dreams of running the 2018 Boston Marathon. And, I'm hoping to write more of my story. I think my first go around with the club, I really loved running but not recovery. Now, that I've been given this second chance at it, I feel stronger. I love recovery deeply. And I call it RUNCOVERY. "
-Bulldog Will, a Full Circle graduate
A Tribute
August 2017
We just learned that one of the first Boston Bulldogs to become a member (October 26, 2015) passed away recently from the deadly and devastating disease of addiction. I first met Michael when I was a volunteer promoting the connection between wellness and recovery at a substance abuse program. Michael immediately demonstrated his enthusiasm and motivation, participating regularly in the running club. Michael had his challenges pushing himself to run but he powered through his struggles and within a short time he successfully completed the Boston Bulldog “6 mile Challenge.”
I’ll never forget Michael’s honest expression of joy and pride that he had trained for and reached this goal. His words still ring clear: “Coach, I can’t believe I just ran 6 miles and didn’t stop once.” I can attest to this because I ran beside him, and witnessed his determination to keep running. It was a joyous and proud moment for both of us. When members completed the Challenge, they received new running gear. Michael was so excited but not about the gear, what motivated him was his desire to succeed. For him, completing the Challenge symbolized his fight and determination to overcome his long battle with heroin.
Michael was a sincere, kind and warm-hearted “warrior”. He was generous and appreciative of the Bulldogs. He made a point of expressing his thoughts with the words “I love you, Coach - thanks for doing this!” Michael stood out as someone who deeply wanted to find a way out of the weight and darkness of his addiction. I felt both his despair and his determination to follow the path of recovery.
After Michael moved on to a halfway house in another state, I told him about the Boston Bulldogs - he was excited and wanted to be a member even though he couldn’t run with us here in Boston. He ran with us in spirit during a period of sobriety and was working hard on his recovery. I reminded him that he was a “warrior” and that we are more than our addictions.
We will never forget you, Michael. Rest in peace, forever a Bulldog.
August 2017
We just learned that one of the first Boston Bulldogs to become a member (October 26, 2015) passed away recently from the deadly and devastating disease of addiction. I first met Michael when I was a volunteer promoting the connection between wellness and recovery at a substance abuse program. Michael immediately demonstrated his enthusiasm and motivation, participating regularly in the running club. Michael had his challenges pushing himself to run but he powered through his struggles and within a short time he successfully completed the Boston Bulldog “6 mile Challenge.”
I’ll never forget Michael’s honest expression of joy and pride that he had trained for and reached this goal. His words still ring clear: “Coach, I can’t believe I just ran 6 miles and didn’t stop once.” I can attest to this because I ran beside him, and witnessed his determination to keep running. It was a joyous and proud moment for both of us. When members completed the Challenge, they received new running gear. Michael was so excited but not about the gear, what motivated him was his desire to succeed. For him, completing the Challenge symbolized his fight and determination to overcome his long battle with heroin.
Michael was a sincere, kind and warm-hearted “warrior”. He was generous and appreciative of the Bulldogs. He made a point of expressing his thoughts with the words “I love you, Coach - thanks for doing this!” Michael stood out as someone who deeply wanted to find a way out of the weight and darkness of his addiction. I felt both his despair and his determination to follow the path of recovery.
After Michael moved on to a halfway house in another state, I told him about the Boston Bulldogs - he was excited and wanted to be a member even though he couldn’t run with us here in Boston. He ran with us in spirit during a period of sobriety and was working hard on his recovery. I reminded him that he was a “warrior” and that we are more than our addictions.
We will never forget you, Michael. Rest in peace, forever a Bulldog.