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How it works:1. Participants sign a pledge stating they will participate 3 days a week by training with their running leader, a Chattanooga Track Club volunteer/local, established runner.2. At the first run with their running leader, participants will receive a pair of used running shoes, a pair of socks and a tech T-shirt.3. When they complete a 5k distance, they will receive a new pair of running shoes, running shorts/pants, and another shirt to wear at their first 5k organized race.*Fanning adds that participants will also receive meals as a part of the program, so that they’ll have fuel to run on.
Rita Fanning says running changed her life, and she's hoping it will do the same for Chattanooga's homeless. Fanning was Chattanooga Track Club's first female president and first president to serve three years.
She's joining longtime friend and local do-gooder Robert Gustafson in launching a new running program for people in homelessness this spring, called On My Own 2 Feet. The duo has orchestrated several events and projects together over the years, Fanning says. "If [Gustafson] asks me to do something, I can't say no," she laughs, explaining that it was his idea to start the running program here locally. Gustafson says he actually got the idea from learning about similar programs in larger cities.
"Ultimately, we want to help homeless back on their feet," he says.
"A lot of people are homeless because of very unfortunate circumstances. If we could get them out there [running] and get them to have those good feelings about themselves we just really feel like it can change them," adds Fanning.
She describes how her own life - her relationships, her fitness level, her involvement in the community - was changed drastically for the better when she started running. "We don't expect 100-percent success," she says, "but if we can help one person, or two or three get back on their feet again, that's what we want to do."
The program is in conjunction with the Chattanooga Track Club, and other local businesses, like Front Runner and Fast Break, are joining in by donating gear, etc.
Fanning and Gustafson are looking for more community partners, as well as a home base for the program.
To get involved as a sponsor or as a running leader, or in any other way, contact Gustafson at robtgus@yahoo.comor Fanning at ritafanning@mindspring.com.