March Madness is no joke when it comes to MCVET and BOMF running.
On March 3, the team left home base to initiate and support the newest addition to the BOMF Baltimore chapter, the American Rescue Workers. Then, Team Leader Theresa and Kate left, going overseas to run the Barcelona Marathon, the same weekend that the Lakes all took a family trip down to sunny Florida and completed the Disney Princess Half-Marathon.
The following Wednesday, March 10, all five Back on My Feet teams converged at Whole Foods in East Harbor, raising over $3,000 for the organization. Several members went down to Washington, D.C. on March 14 for the St. Patrick’s 8k race, while others ran in the St. Patrick’s 5k in Baltimore that same afternoon. Thanks to Charm City Run for choosing Back on My Feet as a benefactor of that Baltimore tradition!
MCVET was honored on March 17 when the team hosted the Back on My Feet Baltimore First Birthday Run; Mayor Rawlings-Blake was in attendance on her birthday and team coach Pretty Peter presented her with a special Baltimore-themed cupcake to help her celebrate. Also at the Birthday run, Mariah Starks from Whole Foods presented a check for our proceedings on March 10.
The team continued its training with Saturday long runs with Christopher’s Place and THUMB, and wished teammate Maggie luck as she ran in the National Half-Marathon in Washington, D.C.. Then, the next day, Pretty Peter Sushi Eater won a sushi-eating contest at RA. Maria, Jill, and Cheerful Charlie were in attendance to cheer him on to victory. Several non-rez members, including Pretty Peter and Jill, made it down to Washington, D.C. for the newest chapter’s inaugural run on March 22. The month wrapped up with the Birthday Party for BOMF Baltimore on Saturday at Christopher’s Place with cake, ice cream, and swing dancing, and Nikia’s Nippy Nor’eastern Half-Marathon and Relay on Sunday.
Darryl M. landed a job, but like George, his job requires him to stay up late; he still plans to continue running two days a week. BOMF Baltimore wasn’t the only birthday celebrated this month as Cheyanne, Nelson E., and George also turned a year older. The team saw a rare turn-over this month, but also welcomed two newbies, Craig and Patrick. Arnold, the Team Captain and charter MCVET team member, spoke to the U.S. Senate about Veteran’s benefits on Wednesday, March 24. All of the races and special celebrations meant a visit from several non-rez members who have been busy in their non-running lives, like Heather, Rebecca, and Matt, our previous Team Leader! The team is enjoying the changing weather as they continue training for the Delaware Marathon on May 16 as well as a host of other races. We’re glad that the spring thaw has arrived and are looking forward to lots of great upcoming runs!
RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: George Wilson
Shoe size, brand: 14, New Balance
Member since: April 2009
Number of miles accumulated: 75
Best BOMF moment: Running in the Baltimore Marathon’s 5K race and finishing. that race really made me believe I could do anything. I had only been on the team a month, and I was just getting to the point of running one mile non-stop.
Biggest challenge with running: Getting back into running after my first injury back in November. And now that I’m working, getting sufficient time to run has been a challenge.
Goal in the next three months: I would like to run either my first 5-miler or run in a 10K race.
What do you think about when you’re running?: I set minor running goals for myself to accomplish. As each goal is completed, I set a new goal until the run is over. Sometimes I think about things that bother me, and I use the run to work them out in my head.
What was your last race and how did you do?: My last race was the Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K. I finished in about 41 minutes.
Quote: “George has been busy mastering the art of balance for the last two months. Working late shifts, he knows when his body needs to run or rest and thus usually runs two days a week. On several occasions, George has shared his own amazement at his accomplishments since joining the team. He never thought he would survive and complete his first mile run and now he’s finished over 75 of them. While not the fastest runner, he has the full support of his team members when completing runs, and he’s getting faster, earning a PR at the St. Patrick’s Day 5K race. Just watch out for the kick at the end of some of his runs.” – Lauren Lake, acting team leader
NON-RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: Dane Pate
Shoe size, brand: 12, New Balance
Member since: April 2009
Best BOMF moment: My best BOMF moment was running the Baltimore Half Marathon, realizing that I could run that distance, and having the support of my teammates to help me along the way.
What do you think about when you’re running?: I think about how running is similar to my life. Like trying to finish what you start, the uphill struggles, the long and unpredictable roads, the highs and the lows. But at the finish, I’m stronger because I went through it all. I think I’m blessed that I’m able to something I love doing.
What was your last race and how did you do: My last race was the Baltimore Half Marathon. It was my first half (2:18:16).
Quote: “A Philadelphia fan, Dane has become a more consistent MCVET runner since joining the smaller MCVET group that hits the roads hours before sunrise (4:15 a.m.) twice a week. Through his intense dedication to the team, Dane has enabled our working members to run before they start their day. Without his continued reliability and flexibility, several members would not have been, nor would be able to, continue their participation on the team. His sacrifice is not unnoticed by those members! He has a great presence, smiles frequently and radiates a positive energy that every other member on the team can fully appreciate when he makes it out for a later run on Fridays at 5:30 a.m.!” – Lauren Lake, acting team leader
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