Testimonials
My name is BJ Swenson, and I am 28 years old. I am a resident and recovering alcoholic in the New Life Program at The Denver Rescue Mission. My road to recovery began in February 2008 after nearly fifteen years of heavy alcohol and drug abuse, when life as I saw it came to an abrupt and painful halt. My life up to that point was filled with extravagant deceit, mindless manipulation and excess in all the wrong areas. Though I had and still do have a supportive family, my behavior put a major strain on relationships with those who loved me most to the point that only time and effort can heal. After nearly two years of struggling toward recovery on my own, I managed sporadic sobriety and found myself literally wandering across the country. In the early fall of 2009, I found myself back in Colorado homeless living out of my car. In a hopeless state of desperation I checked into detox at Denver C.A.R.E.S. from which I was referred to several dozen rehabilitation centers in the area. With no money and all resources exhausted, the Denver Rescue Mission gave me the opportunity to enter their New Life Program in November 2009.
Shortly after arriving at the Denver Rescue Mission I attended a recruiting presentation for the AIR Foundation Marathon Team. Feeling inspired following the presentation, I decided to join the team. Not realizing the level of dedication and discipline required to be able to run 26.2 miles in less than six hours, my goal was set to finish the Colorado Marathon in May 2010. At the time I smoked nearly a pack of cigarettes per day and could barely run more than a mile or two without stopping to rest and catch my breath. Despite my physical condition at the time I remained stuck on the idea that I would finish the marathon scheduled to take place that upcoming spring.
After five months of disciplined training, the grace from God and endless support from the dedicated volunteer trainers, my goal came to fruition. On May 9, 2010, I finished the Colorado Marathon where my supportive family stood in amazement at the finish line. Along with the Colorado Marathon I have finished several other races including two half-marathons. I have quit smoking and enjoy running on a regular basis. I would say through this experience I have become hooked on the sport of competitive running and look forward to what the future will hold.
So far being a part of this experience has given me so much more than I intended or wished for. I have begun to develop new relationships in the community with healthy, supportive foundations. I have learned the importance of setting realistic goals beginning with the end in mind. Also I have learned the importance in showing up to develop the discipline necessary to accomplish my goals and overcome life’s obstacles. Though these tools have proved to be valuable on race day, I feel they will be necessity as I strive to move forward in this world both successfully and productively. Being a member of this team is priceless to me. It has been one of many amazing parts of this positive journey I have set forth on with no intent on looking back. Every day I thank God for my family, The AIR Foundation and its volunteers, everyone at The Denver Rescue Mission and all those who are helping me rebuild my life.
Congratulations to Kirk, a recent graduate from the Denver Rescue Mission New Life Program! While a program-participant, Kirk acquired a GED, CDL, and completed the 2009 Denver Marathon with The AIR Foundation. He is presently attending Lincoln College of Technology to become a mechanic.
Good luck Kirk!
The first time Dominick Journey (Dom) was a resident at Denver Rescue Mission‟s Residential Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Program (New Life Program - NLP) was in 2004. He went through the program without really connecting to the New Life concept. As a result, he didn‟t complete the new life program and „relapsed hard‟. “I fell deep into alcoholism, crack cocaine, and became a homeless drifter and free-loader,” says Dom. “I just wasn‟t fully ready to take responsibility for my actions. Most importantly, I didn‟t have a positive alternative to drugs and alcohol and there wasn‟t anything in place to serve as relapse prevention.”
In February of 2009 Dom became tired of the life he was living. His friends and family would „enable him no longer‟, and being homeless „wasn‟t his bag.‟ “I had an epiphany that I am so much more worthy than the hole I had dug for myself.” he says. “I swallowed my pride and came humbly back to the NLP with hopes of truly beginning a new life.”
In April, 2009, upon moving into the NLP‟s Crossing facility in Park Hill, Dom recalls seeing a display case profiling the marathon team. “I vaguely remember reading about The AIR Foundation (Activity Inspired Rehabilitation) running the Colfax Marathon a few years back and I knew instantly that I wanted to be a part of that.”
“I became a part of the Denver Rescue Mission Marathon Team a few weeks after the training began. The AIR Foundation coaches accepted me with open arms. At first I was apprehensive. I haven‟t run long distance since high school and had slipped into severe alcoholism. I was afraid of responsibility, of accomplishment, of life. I ran, but I ran from my problems. I ran away from those who were concerned about my well being. In my drunkenness I once walked from Denver to Colorado Springs on a whim. So I guess that was a precursor to running long distances.”
“Running seems like a solo sport. But with guys who want to accomplish the same goals and who have came from rough addictions, homelessness, and other social ills, we form a team through the common bond we share. Our coaches have given us moral support, physical therapy advice, stretching routines, countless miles of running, and patience and perseverance.”
“What I‟ve gained the most out of being a part of the Marathon team is a goal, a sense of accomplishment, a sense of worth. In my addictions I had no goals, I had no determination. If you would have told me a year ago that I‟d be running a full marathon, I would‟ve thought you were crazy! Now I can say that I have run two marathons, a half marathon, a couple of 10 mile races, and a few 5 and 10k‟s. Now I have an alternative to finding a way to get high or drunk. I can run! When I feel tempted to drink, I can put on my running shoes and go run 5 miles. The endorphin kick is natural, and I am staying in good health. I didn‟t join the running team to win first place, or strive to complete a marathon in 2 hours. I joined it to say that I completed a Marathon. I still enjoy running and every time I run I gain personal accomplishment. The most important thing to me now is that I set goals that are attainable, but not without hard work. As I work towards those goals, I realize more and more how they relate to my life. I run, but I don‟t run way from life, like I once had.”
Dom has now been in the NLP for over 14 months. He is applying his goal setting skills in his educational and personal life. He is attending college for Computer Graphics Design, has had his art work displayed in local galleries, is reconnected with his family, and continues to run with the AIR Foundation every week.
Tristan will be the first one to tell you that he’s made some mistakes in his life. He ran with the wrong crowd in his youth and ended up in trouble at an early age. When Tristan talks about his past, he puts the mistakes behind him and focuses on the road ahead. “As much as I am ashamed of the foolish and immature decisions of my youth,” he says, “I do not regret them for they have made me the man I am today. 1Corinthians 13:11 says ‘when i was a child I acted as a child, I thought as a child, and I reasoned as a child. Yet when I became a man I put away childish things.’”
Now, at 24, Tristan runs with passion and runs with hope as he helps to lead other men who are training with The AIR Foundation. “Next to faith, nothing else has changed my life more than endurance running!” Tristan explains. “Once I started distance running, I was immediately addicted! It has taught me discipline and how to keep going; even when I feel like giving up.” Now, the words ‘quit’ or ‘can’t’ are not even part of Tristan’s vocabulary. As he gets out and puts the miles beneath his feet, he finds his inner peace. “It is my time with God.” He says.
Tristan has been running with The AIR Foundation for the past four months. When introduced to The AIR Foundation, he quickly embraced the mission. “I love running with AIR.” Tristan says, “I love what we stand for and I relish the opportunity to be a part of giving back to the community. It is an amazing experience to watch as participants turn their life around from addiction, homelessness, or just plain past mistakes and failures. Like me, they find a new life ahead through faith and endurance running.”
Tristan is hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon this year. He currently holds a personal record of just over 3:30, and will be participating on May 9th in the Colorado Marathon. He will also assist in the upcoming recruiting and training of runners from the Denver Rescue Mission and Lost and Found.
Join Tristan and the rest of The AIR Foundation runners at the Colorado Marathon in May or contact us at kelly@theairfoundation.org to volunteer for an inspirational summer of training, motivating, and changing lives.