Greetings Bulldogs,
There is snow on the ground and a chill in the air, and the Boston Bulldogs continue to share their warmth and openness with each other and the community.
In the holiday and winter season, the Bulldogs helped two families in need with funds for essentials and gifts. And, most recently, the Bulldogs made a donation of Narcan to the Office of Recovery to support Boston first responders. Read on to hear more about these stories.
We are excited our weekly runs have officially resumed in four locations with COVID-19 health guidelines in place. We will also continue our virtual connections for club members through monthly #TogetherWeDo and Coach's Corner meetings, twice weekly Meditations, and upcoming speakers for our Wellness Series.
There are exciting events coming up in 2021, including our Virtual Run for Recovery & Tribute now scheduled as a virtual event May 14-16 (registration details below), 5 Year Celebration events throughout the year, a fall marathon team event, and much more. Stay tuned on our website and social media for updates and events.
I am continually impressed by the dedication and community demonstrated by the Boston Bulldogs. The Boston Bulldogs are open, kind, transparent, and giving. It has been a privilege to run alongside each of you - both virtually and in person.
Stay safe and well,
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Lindsey and The Boston Bulldogs Team
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We are excited to announce that the 2021 Run for Recovery & Tribute will be held virtually on May 14-16th. Mark your calendars and be sure to tell your colleagues, friends, and family. Teams are encouraged!
We busy lining up race sponsors, drawing prizes, and special events for the weekend. Sponsorships available, virtual Festival and Tribute details too -- contact us at RFR@bostonbulldogsrunning.org.
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In-Person Runs Have Resumed!
Boston Bulldogs weekly runs resumed on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at the Chestnut Hill Reservoir with COVID-19 public health guidelines and responsible monitoring in place.
What is required?
- Masks must be worn at all times - before, during, and after runs. We will have extra masks on hand at all locations.
- Maintain social distance - staying 6' apart when possible.
- Please stay home if you are not feeling well.
What has changed?
- Round-up/ gathering and welcome circles will be limited to 10 minutes.
- Running group size will be limited - we will divide into smaller groups as needed.
- Congregating before and after runs in larger groups or without masks is discouraged.
Where are we running?
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Monday nights at 6:30pm in Quincy from the public library
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Tuesday nights at 6:30pm in Plymouth from Nelson Park and in Natick at the Natick Common/ Gazebo.
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Thursday nights at 6:30pm and Saturday mornings at 9am in Cleveland Circle/ Chestnut Hill Reservoir
Weekly runs are open to runners (and walkers) at all levels. Join us for a weekly run to meet the Boston Bulldogs and get a feel for the community. If you are thinking about becoming a member of the Club, these runs are a great way to check out the Boston Bulldogs.
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The Boston Bulldogs Giving Back Program |
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Season of Giving
This holiday season the Boston Bulldogs were able to help two families in need with essentials and funds for gifts.
Kerry, a single mother of two lively and loving young men, has found a deep connection in her recovery community that has helped to support her and her family through challenging times. This last holiday season, Kerry found herself in a tight spot. The Boston Bulldogs heard about Kerry's story and strength and were able to offer a donation to help her purchase Christmas gifts for her boys. The Boston Bulldogs are grateful to have the opportunity to give to families like Kerry's.
"I could never put into words my deep gratitude for the fellowship and the world of recovery. Being a part of a tight-knit community helped me and my children have a fabulous Christmas." - Kerry
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The Boston Bulldogs donated over 100 packages of Narcan to the Mayor's Office of Recovery in the City of Boston. The Office of Recovery supports city workers and first responders, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), firefighters, and police officers. Part of this Narcan donation was given to support AHOPE (Access, Harm Reduction, Overdose Prevention, and Education) - a harm reduction and needle exchange site in Boston.
Thank you to the Office of Recovery for helping us make this connection!
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For Boston Bulldogs Members |
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Full Circle & Leadership Programs |
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Full Circle Program
The Full Circle Program encourages Boston Bulldogs to set and achieve specific wellness goals over a six-week period. This program is a core part of the Boston Bulldogs. As part of the program, we partner you with a wellness sponsor and a coach to help you reach your goal!
Are you interested in joining the next Full Circle group? It's not too late to join! Sign up today! Check out our next round of Full Circle races:
- Chestnut Hill - April 17th
- Plymouth - April 27th
- Quincy - May 3rd
Leadership Program
Our Leadership Program continues to grow. Shout out to James "Jim" Hoben, our newest Leader in the Club. Jim came to the Boston Bulldogs after being in recovery for several years. He recently completed Full Circle 2, crushing his 10k time goal. In Jim's words...
When I found the Bulldogs they welcomed me with open arms and real
warmth. I wasn’t an athlete by any stretch and thought I would slow them
down. They told me to just show up. I have never run alone since. I have a
new family of people who support my recovery and my wellness. I now see
why it wasn’t slowing them down as I look for newer members to slow down
and run with.That is what I have learned from the Bulldogs -- they show up for
me and when I am ready, I can show up for them.
Leaders have completed Full Circle 1 & 2 and are actively engaged with Club members as weekly run coordinators, welcoming new members, coordinating Club events and programs and providing Club leadership.
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Boston Bulldogs Members Google Calendar
NEW! Members can keep track of all events and activities on the Bulldogs Google Calendar! Please reach out to Lindsey for access to the calendar. For those on Facebook, the calendar is also linked on our Facebook Members Page.
Meetings for members:
- Coach's Corner - 1st Wednesdays of the month at 6:00p
- #TogetherWeDo - 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:00p
- Mediation - Mondays/ Thursdays at 8:00a
NOTE: if you are not a member but want to join us for a Bulldogs experience – check out the Events page on our website for upcoming public events including weekly runs!
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Looking Ahead...
- Virtual Yoga Class
- Stretching Class
- Chi Walking/ Running
Stay tuned for details about these virtual wellness offerings
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Autobiography in Five Short Chapters by Portia Nelson
Chapter 1 - I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost... I am
helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find my way out.
Chapter 2 - I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in
again. I can't believe I am in the same place. But it isn't my fault. It
still takes a long time to get out.
Chapter 3 - I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there. I still fall in...
It's a habit. My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I
get out immediately.
Chapter 4 - I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.
Chapter 5 - I walk down another street.
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How to join the Boston Bulldogs?
We hope you will consider joining the Club or renewing your current annual membership. Annual membership fees are $35 for individuals and $60 for families.
Please also consider a $35 donation to sponsor a member in recovery, which includes race fees, running gear and other support to Club members who need it.
The membership benefits and application form are on our website - you can pay online or by check. Checks payable to Boston Bulldogs Running Club.
P.O. Box 470558 | Brookline, MA 02447-0558
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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!
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www.bostonbulldogsrunning.org
bulldogsrunning@yahoo.com
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