Monday, January 26, 2009

The First Step











"Try to make at least one person happy every day. If you cannot do a kind deed, speak a kind word. If you cannot speak a kind word, think a kind thought. Count up, if you can, the treasure of happiness that you would dispense in a week, in a year, in a lifetime!"
Lawrence G. Lovasik






Welcome Everyone!!! First things first. Let me introduce myself to those that don't know me. I think it is very important for you to know who I am and where I've come from for you to understand what I write. My name is Isaac Lincoln, Sr. I am 36 years old and the father of four wonderful children and one amazing grandson. We will talk about them often. I came from Ohio on January 23, 2008, so I have been here in Philadelphia for one year now. I pretty much was running before I joined Back On My Feet...LOL. I was running away from a failed marriage, drug addiction, and just plain failing at life. I thought that if I moved here things would change for me. I met a woman and had the hopes of being happy, turning my life around, and becoming successful. I was happy for awhile but, I couldn't outrun my addiction. I soon became very depressed. Depressed to the point where I didn't want to live anymore. I was hospitalized twice for serious thoughts of suicide. After the second time in the hospital I finally started seeing a therapist and began taking meds. I really needed that because my girlfriend at the time was fed up with me and I had to go to the shelter. I didn't talk to too many people because I was in a whole new world. It was a very humbling experience. In late August I began these hearing about these crazy people getting up at 6am and running. Well one of the guys that I hung around joined and told me to speak to the team leader. That's when I met Mike S. He told me that there are some really good people running and if I wanted to move my life forward, this could help. Another member also told me some good things about the team ( these guys are persistent...lol). So I signed up. Best decision in my life! Before I could run I had to just come out to the circle to meet the team. So I did. Then I was invited to "buddy day" at the art museum. It must have been fate that I was there because I never win anything, but on this day I won a T-Shirt in the raffle!!! That was September 13th, 2008. I hadn't logged in one mile yet. Didn't know who Anne was and the whole story of how and why Back On My Feet (BOMF) started. I had no idea that I would be talking to you!!! And you listening!!! HEY YOU, WAKE UP!!...LOL This is going to be a great adventure and I look forward to sharing with you and you sharing with me. Until next time...Peace and Love
Isaac

16 comments:

john said...

way to go isaac. you are...NO DOUBT...an inspiration to everyone!

cheers from baltimore!

Anonymous said...

Isaac, welcome to the running community! I always say the toughest step is the first, and you've taken it, so you are well on your way. Running, to me, is the great equalizer. It doesn't matter where you come from, who you are, how much money you make or don't make, we're all in the same boat. Everyone respects that ecause running humbles even the best of us.

I am about your age and began running about five years ago. I was a pretty happy person before then, but I swear these have been the happiest and most fun years of my life. I wish you all that happiness and more!

Good luck,

VJ

Sue said...

Great Job! I love the pics, music, and your very inspiring story. Keep up the great work!

Sara A. said...

I can't wait to follow you on your journey. You have support from people you don't even know! Thank you for sharing your story. I'll be reading every day.
- Sara

Denise said...

Hi! It's so nice to meet you and I look forward to following your journey every step of the way. I actually just registered for 20in24 as a Lone Ranger and am in the process of fundraising for BOMF. It's an incredible organization and I'm so happy they found you. I had the chills reading your post...I'm so excited to see what comes next for you.

debm said...

Isaac,
Kudos to you for taking that first step...clearly your soul is ready to shine its beautiful light, and your story will no doubt inspire many others!

I am not a runner, but I saw Ann on the CNN Hero Awards and was moved to tears by the genuine respect and humility she brings to her mission. I am inspired by you all and look forward to reading about your successes as you journey on!
Peace,
Deb

Johnny_G said...

You are an inspiration Isaac! Keep up the hard work! Excited to follow your journey! Peace!

Anonymous said...

You know Isaac, when I first met you up at RC community service, I didn't know what to think. I believe it was fate that we met and from that time until now I've gotten to know and love you like a much older brother. Keep up the great work and keep running. I'll talk to you soon!
Much Love,
Isaac H

Anonymous said...

Greetings from your former home of the Buckeye State! Congratulations on having the courage to take that important first step. Know that you have many people thinking of you and a great organization supporting you.

I enjoy running because it is one thing in my life that I know I have control over. I learned that I might not always be able to control what someone says to me or how things go as my day passes, but I am totally in control of making time for running and achieving goals I set for myself. I've also met some really wonderful people in the marathon training group I joined. Good luck to you!

ralph said...

isaac. Its has been a great pleasure and a great joy to be able to run with you and the rest of OBP. It has made such a huge imapct on my life in the little bit of time that i have been around everyone. I can really say that when I run in the mornings I look at you and say "damn, I wish i could run like him." I think that you are doin such a great job man!! And as your teammate and your friend I have your back threw hell and high water. Whatevr obstacles that we confront we will do it together. I want you to know that i wish you and the rest of the guys nothing but the best!! One love.

ralph

Dog Mom said...

It was great to meet you at the Baltimore kick-off yesterday. Keep up the great work and run strong in your half marathon!
-Maya

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much Isaac for your inspiring story and for giving me the 30 second commercial last night in Baltimore. Sorry I couldn't stay longer to chat. Your blog is wonderful and your courage and spirit even more amazing. Do you use Twitter? If not, I think you should also consider using the social network www.twitter.com to give updates. You could inspire 1000's more and get a lot of support for the program.

Take care!

Danielle

Anonymous said...

Isaac,
Thanks so much for sharing your story last night. It was a pleasure meeting you. Looking forward to seeing you at the Baltimore launch. Good luck in the half can't wait to hear all about it.
Keep updating your blog!
Jill

Anonymous said...

Hello Isaac!

Isaac, I always told you that your a smart and good hearted person. This is just 1 of the many skills that you possess. With your smarts and mind you can accomplish anything! I'll always value you sweetness and friendship. I just so glad that "Our" mature allowed us to maintain something so beautiful and never ending Friendship! Something that I value most! True Friendship! Keep showing your inner beauty I know its a easy task for you. God is watching over you! Stay sweet! Enjoy your blessings! Janie

Anne Mahlum said...

Isaac - I am so proud of you and am so excited for your future. You have a rare gift in that you are able to shine a light on any situation. I'm very thankful to have you in my life.
Anne

Anonymous said...

You always had the gift to inspire other people. You are love by many, stay strong...Jr