Support My FundRacing Campaign for MiMS
I first joined Mile in My Shoes (MiMS) in 2020, during a time when I was searching for connection. The virtual team became an anchor for me during the pandemic, reminding me of the power of showing up, for myself and for others. One year later, I had the privilege of helping to start a new MiMS site at a women’s only substance-use recovery center. As Team Challenge quickly grew and flourished, I found myself witnessing the spirit of MiMS come to life. With each run and story shared, our members remained resilient and perseverant, transforming each other and building community in the process.
Admittedly I’ve fallen off the running train several times over the past couple years. But through it all, MiMS has remained a constant source of support. No matter how many events I had to miss or how many “Woos” I got to cheer, this community has always welcomed me back with a big hug—just as it does for every member who shows up each day.
As I enter my final year of my MD/PhD, my time to give to MiMS in person may be more limited—but that only strengthens my desire to give back in another way. MiMS is more than a running club; it’s an organization that fosters radical hospitality, ensuring that everyone—regardless of their past, their circumstances, or their pace—has a place.
Over the three years I spent as the Resident Member Manager for Team Challenge, I saw firsthand how something as seemingly simple as a friendly face saying hi or a blue exercise shirt incentive could restore someone’s confidence, motivation, and sense of belonging. That’s why I’m fund-racing for MiMS for this year’s Garry Bjorklund half marathon—to support an organization that has given so much to me and countless others.
Every donation helps MiMS continue to break down barriers and empower our members through running. I'm choosing a goal of $650 to mark the 6 seasons I've been with this organization and 5 teams with whom I've been privileged to run. Funds go directly toward providing running gear, race entries, and programming support. If you’re able, I’d love your support in helping MiMS continue to change lives — one step at a time.
Description
Mile in My Shoes (MiMS) is an official partner of the 2025 Grandma's Marathon and Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon!
In 2025, Mile in My Shoes will bring the power of running to at least 250 people experiencing homelessness, exiting incarceration, in recovery, or transitioning from military service. Fuel our Member’s ambition to keep putting one foot in front of the other and help them reach their own finish lines by supporting our FundRacing team today!
Our mission: Running together to transform ourselves, one another, and our communities.
About Mile in My Shoes: Based in homeless shelters, addiction recovery programs and re-entry centers for people exiting incarceration, Mile in My Shoes views running as a tool for both personal and collective transformation. By centering people and spaces historically excluded by the running community, our teams use movement as a catalyst for social justice. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, our Resident Members and Run Mentors not only find common ground, but learn from and reach out to one another for support. As we transform ourselves, we transform one another, and we transform our communities. Read some of our Members stories here.
We provide all Resident Members with new running shoes and gear, training tools, education, incentives (like a GPS running watch at 20 runs) and a safe, motivating, and welcoming community to support them. Our Members commit to running with their teams 2-3 times a week, with the goal of completing a 5K race or longer (like the Twin Cities Marathon!). Our teams also participate in social and volunteer activities together. Since 2014, over 1200 people experiencing homeless and other barriers have run their first mile with MiMS, 500 have run a 5K, and 75 have run a full or half marathon.
Your donation goes directly to providing gear, shoes, race entries and training for MiMS Resident Members:
$20 - Buys winter running gloves and a hat for one Resident Member Runner
$30 - Pays for a running shirt and shorts
$50 - Buys a 5k race entry or pair of running shoes for a MiMS runner
$75 - Sponsors one runner for the City of Lakes Half Marathon
$100 - Covers the cost of a Garmin GPS watch for an Alumni Member
$150 - Sponsors one runner in the Twin Cities Marathon
$300 Covers all the gear for two new Members: hat, gloves, shirt, shorts, socks and shoes.
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| May 26 | Roberta & John Butler | $161.75 |
| May 04 | Sally Temple | $55.25 |
| Apr 13 | Molly | $55.25 |
| Mar 29 | Linda and Bruce Brewin | $108.50 |
| Mar 02 | Kayla Duval | $55.25 |
| Mar 02 | Alex Brewin | Undisclosed amount |
| Mar 02 | Lydia & Dmitrii | $55.25 |
| Mar 01 | Rebecca Butler | $71.23 |
