This Saturday, the “Run for Your Life” team will meet near the Band Shell in Central Park off of the 72nd Street transverse at 9:00 am. The weather forecast calls for temperatures in the mid to upper 50s – remember to dress appropriately as we transition to cooler fall temperatures.
Today I would like to share with you a story about someone who uses running to avoid relapse. Ulysses Ivey has been sober for 14 years. After completing his treatment at Odyssey House in 2009, Ulysses continued to be a part of our “Run for Your Life” program, acting as a role model and mentor to younger members in the program and dedicating his Saturday morning to the team workouts in Central Park.
Ulysses, left, with Coach Andre at last week’s team run.
Since joining our “Run for Your Life” program in 2007, Ulysses has run more than 182 professional races, completing 3 NYC marathons and 1 Philadelphia marathon. Ulysses has shared and facilitated many “Run for Your Life” group workshops where he talks about his struggle with addiction and how he was able to overcome the many challenges he faced after leaving treatment.
Ulysses credits his involvement with “Run for Your Life” and long-distance running for not returning to heroin use. He firmly believes that exercise, running, and mentoring new runners keeps him focused on his recovery. Today we honor Ulysses, a 14-year “Run for Your Life” veteran dedicated to being a positive role model in recovery to himself as well as others.