Support My FundRacing Campaign for MiMS
Dear Friends,
I'm writing to share with you an organization that I am incredibly passionate about - Mile in My Shoes. Mile in My Shoes uses running as a tool to bring together and empower people from diverse backgrounds, including those recovering from homelessness, addiction, and incarceration.
I joined MiMS as a run mentor in early 2023 at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center with folks that are in a 6-12 month addiction recovery program. Since then, I have had the privilege of gathering with runners for weekly group runs, racing alongside members as a pacer for races, and, most importantly, being a part of a uniquely welcoming, compassionate and non-judgmental community. Mile in My Shoes is more than running. It's about being there, connecting, showing care, and giving support to those that are struggling and working hard to improve their lives. Throughout these past two years I've had the chance to meet folks in recovery who have came from all over the country but have decided to make Minnesota their home. During our runs or sometimes walks we would just talk about serious topics to silly conversations that would make me laugh. I am constantly inspired by MiMS, the people I run with, and the way that we are transforming one another. When people from different walks of life run together, amazing things happen - perceptions shift, bonds form, and people feel seen.
One of my favorite moments from the past two years has been pacing Team Sally folks in half marathons - one of them is pictured in this photo. For this individual, MiMS became a core part of his recovery and he'll be running Grandma's Marathon in June!
This year I will be running Grandma’s Half Marathon in June 2025 to raise awareness and funds for MiMs. I am grateful to be a part of this organization, and hope that you’ll considering supporting it. Mile in My Shoes is changing lives - one step, one mile, at a time.
Thanks for reading my personal "why" and reach out if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!
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 31 | James Dahlvang | Undisclosed amount |
| May 26 | Steve | $55.25 |
| May 25 | Geoff | $108.50 |
| May 25 | Tyler and Alexis | $28.63 |
| May 24 | Meredith Bruster | $28.63 |
| May 24 | Paul and Morgan | $108.50 |
| May 24 | Nick Regier | Undisclosed amount |
| May 24 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| May 24 | Marcus and Mia Kelly | Undisclosed amount |
| May 24 | Lizzy Kim | $50.00 |
