Love On The Run

Over the past several years, this Los Angeles family has faced financial troubles, health issues and the devastating loss of one of its own. But thanks in part to a unique fitness program, Team Gonzalez is happy, strong and putting one foot in front of the other — together!

- Amy Spencer

The Gonzalez family is gathered on and around the sectional sofa in their living room. They explain that, in many ways, their clan is like the Brady Bunch. “Except we don’t have a maid!” quips matriarch Rosie. She and her husband, Omar, high-five as the six kids giggle. “We love that show!” the children shout.

Unfortunately, their story is no comedy —  when Rosie’s brother died suddenly in 2012, his four youngest children moved into their aunt and uncle’s Los Angeles home. Rosie, 37, and Omar, 39, had two children of their own, Jasmine,now 17, and Omar Jr. (known as Junior), now 9. Nieces and nephews Alyssa, Jimmy III, Deanna and Nathan Hughes, ages 15, 14, 12 and 10 (plus Rosie’s dad, Jimmy Sr., 61) brought the head count to nine.

The other big difference? The Bradys didn’t run together regularly. The Gonzalezes have each pledged to cover over 100 miles — the equivalent of four marathons — this year.

FACING LIFE’S HURDLES

They didn’t start off as a family of athletes. When Jasmine and Junior were small, graphic designer Omar and Rosie, a nurse for assisted-living patients, got caught up in work and parenting and didn’t make time to be active. Then, when the financial market crashed in 2008, Omar lost his job and became depressed. Over 10 years, Rosie gained about 30 pounds, and Omar gained 100. That was when he began running.