Testimonials
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.