Greetings Boston Bulldogs, Friends and Supporters,

Hard to believe that the winter is nearly done and we are just about 5 weeks away from the Boston Marathon and coming up on the 2023 Run for Recovery.

The 2023 Marathon Team

The 2023 Marathon team is doing an amazing job with both training and fundraising. .. and having a blast doing it! The team recently joined Charity Teams for the Superhero 17 run from Natick to Boston.

We are very excited to participate in the B.A.A. official Boston Marathon Charity Program again this year. We have built an amazing 2023 team with15 charity program bibs and two additional qualified runners who will be running in support of the Boston Bulldogs on April 17. Meet the team on our website and please consider supporting them individually or as a team. We can't wait to cheer them on in April!

___________________________________________________

Registration open for 2023 Run for Recovery 5K & Tribute

Boston Bulldogs will be returning to Franklin Park on Sunday May 21 for the 8th annual Boston Bulldogs Run for Recovery & Tribute.

Register to run the race in person on May 21, or virtually wherever you choose. Create a team of friends, family or coworkers and set up your own fundraising page supporting the Run for Recovery and the Boston Bulldogs. All of these options are available on the registration site.

The Community Festival of organizations and local businesses supporting the wellness and recovery and the Tribute honoring those who have been lost to addiction and supporting their friends and families are important elements of the day's events.

Sponsorships are available to support this event and the Boston Bulldogs programs throughout the year.

Registration links and more details on the Run for Recovery 5K & Tribute are available on our website or via email at [email protected].

We are so grateful for this amazing community and for your steadfast support and solidarity. Stay well and stay connected,

The Boston Bulldogs Team

Coach's Corner:

A message from "Coach" Mike

As most of you know, I started running as a way to help with my own sobriety 40 years ago. Running helped me recognize the importance of exercise and community in recovery, and motivated me to start the Boston Bulldogs Running Club to help others on their road to recovery -- and to support family, friends and caregivers struggling with someone else’s addiction.

The Boston Bulldogs have evolved from my very first Saturday runs at the Shattuck Hospital to our first Club walk/run at the Reservoir in October 2015, to today’s organization with over 400 members, robust programs including Full Circle, Junior Bulldogs, Giving Back, weekly runs and walks in three locations, core principles and values, a dedicated and inspiring Board of Directors and Ambassadors, and signature events such as the October 2022 Celebration, the Run for Recovery & Tribute and the Boston Marathon Team.

I am beyond proud of all that we have achieved together. We have truly built an amazing community of support for all those affected by addiction. Bulldogs MAGIC is everywhere. I am in awe of the commitment made by the hundreds of kind-hearted warriors who are the members and supporters of the Boston Bulldogs – some on the road to recovery, all on the road to wellness.

In order to facilitate the continued growth of the Club and to enjoy some other spiritual and family pursuits, I have concluded that now is the time for me to step away from day to day responsibilities as President. This decision is an emotional one for me, and did not come easily. While I will no longer be a part of day-to-day operations, I will never be too far away and will maintain the same sense of commitment and passion to wellness and to recovery that I have from the outset. I will continue to share my vision and passion with the Club for as long as it is welcomed.

What does this mean?

• As of the end of January, I officially became President Emeritus and a nonvoting member of the Board and will step away from my day to day role as President.
• I will be available for consultation to the Board and to Meaghan as they require, providing guidance and vision upon request.
• I will continue to teach and provide support and guidance to individual Club members and to mentor Club Leaders.
• I will continue to make myself available for public appearances and speaking engagements to promote awareness of our mission and the importance of community and wellness in recovery.

Finally, thank you. I am beyond grateful for your many contributions – of your time, talent, and treasure – and, above all, for your friendship and support. I want you to know that I remain confident that the mission and values of the Club will survive and flourish with your continued support.

Program Updates

Junior Bulldogs

Giving Back

Wellness Center

Boston Bulldog programs are running full steam ahead, no pun intended! Each of our programs has its own plan and purpose, but ultimately they all share in contributing to the greater good of each other and the community around us. Here are just some of the highlights:

Several Club members recently spent the afternoon preparing and serving a hot meal for folks affected by homelessness at the Boston Rescue Mission as part of the Giving Back program. Together we fed 75 people and grew closer as Boston Bulldogs through sharing this humbling and powerful experience. 

The Junior Bulldogs program has Club members chasing the kids around the new track at New Balance. We have been working alongside our community partner Road to the Right Track all winter showing our support, encouragement, and sharing a few laughs with these kids. Amazing work by all involved!

The Full Circle program has expanded through a collaboration with Inner City Weightlifting. This organization is a non-profit on mission to amplify the voice and agency of people who have been most impacted by systemic racism and mass incarceration. We will continue build these meaningful partnerships. 

Last, but not least, we have converted our Chestnut Hill space into a Wellness Center offering a variety of wellness related activities. We recently kicked things off with Body by Boyle who gave us a very effective hour of strength and mobility training. Speaking of space, we have a NEW office in Quincy where you can find Meaghan working hard and Charley working on decorating it a bit!

All in all, things are thriving and we look forward to all that is to come!

For more info on these programs or on weekly runs check out our website or email [email protected] for details.

Thank you for your support of the Boston Bulldogs and all these important programs

Your continuing support of the Boston Bulldogs mission and programs enables us to continue to build a safe and welcoming community for ALL those affected by addiction through outreach and programs including sponsored membership, weekly runs, Full Circle and Leadership, Giving Back and Junior Bulldogs.

Sharing is a good thing...

We appreciate your help in spreading the word about the Bulldogs.

Feel free to forward and share this email newsletter with your friends and contacts!