But why are they lined up
outside the Art Building at a quarter to 10am?
Recently they have grown accustomed to meeting Kelly,
Meredith, Justin, Michael, and Kristen every Tuesday and
Friday to enjoy a 3-4 mile run through the streets of downtown Charlotte. This project
is called RunningWorks.
The brainchild of Meredith Dolhare & Kelly Fillnow, RunningWorks
is a non-profit running program founded to encourage the homeless community to
rediscover the power of teamwork, discipline, confidence and respect for each
other one stride at a time.
Some participants claim it has been over 20 years since they
have run and others boldly state they have never given running a second
thought.
Yet, after some preparation and a fresh change of clothes
including donated shoes and branded technical running shirts with the RunningWorks
logo they now feel like a part of team, a club, they now belong to something
greater than themselves. Simply put, they are smiling.
All 15 of us line up outside the Art Building and begin to
stretch and joke around a bit before we begin our jaunt thru the Queen City
streets right before lunchtime. Some group together at a faster pace while
others enjoy a pace of their own but one thing is consistent, camaraderie. At
each intersection while waiting on the light to change, there is a mini-meeting
to share something positive about their life. “Hello my name is Chuck and I am
just happy to have a job interview this week.” Or, “Hi, I’m Ron and I am really
grateful for you all organizing this group.”
No longer are they stereotyped as the helpless or homeless
but instead they are granted waving hands and smiles from passerby’s along the
street. They are consumed by the energized emotions of endorphins radiating
from their beings.
Sure it begins to hurt by mile 2 or 3, but it hurts
together. No longer are they suffering alone. Relationships are built. Like
troops that have gone to war and survived a common peril or like survivors of a
sinking ship they are in this together and celebrating the experience.
Finally, upon returning to the Urban Ministry Center
everyone relaxes inside the air-conditioned Art Building and pulls up a chair
to form a circle while sipping a bottle of water. Still sweat glistening from
their brow, the neighbors reflect on the run and are encouraged to share
something about a struggle they are facing or a challenge in their lives. Kelly
or Meredith then lead a discussion on topics ranging from honing Interview
Skills to Self-Esteem Tools for everyday life. All inhibitions seem to be left
at the curb and there is a moment of sincere reflection and participation.
Now 11:30am the group high fives each other and commits to
the next meet-up Friday as they hold each other accountable. This is incredible
to watch.
If you would like to donate shoes or clothes to the
RunningWorks program then please do so at any of the locations listed
below or contact Meredith or Kelly direct at the email address below. All are welcome to
join on the run!
Don’t miss an opportunity to impact our very own city on the
ground level and inspire someone to enjoy the same benefits that you have received
from running.
RunningWorks is teaming with Guys With Ties & Performance Therapy this October 27th for their inaugural 5K for participants of the program and more. Hope to see you
there!
Meredith Dolhare – RunningWorks@dolhare.com
Performance
Therapy (Pineville)
6419 Bannington Drive, Suite
A
704-541-8655
TrySports
(Blakeney)
9816 Rea Road
704-544-4626
InsideOUT
Sports (SouthEnd)
1514 South Church #104
704-333-8331
Charlotte Athletic Club
(Downtown)
101 South Tryon
704-371-5600
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