May has been one of the most exciting and inspirational months that the MCVET Back on My Feet team has experienced yet! We were joined by new team members Joe and Anthony, and said a fond farewell to non-rez member Laurin W. who returned home for the summer and will be studying abroad next semester. Rez member Patrick reached his 50-mile mark and logged his first 5-miler with the team, while Joe has already crossed the 10-mile mark.

Among the most amazing accomplishments took place in Delaware on May 16^th…

Lauren and Arnold completed their second marathon, while Greg, Terrell, Charlie, New Dad Nelson, Mighty Meg, and Team Organizer Amy took on their first 26.2 mile challenge. Greg set what was a BOMF Baltimore record with his 3:56:55 finishing time. And although Charlie had to pull out after mile 14 with a torn Achilles and knee injuries, he was his usual cheerful self within just over a week- back running with the team as soon as his doc gave him the green light. He plans on giving it another shot at the Baltimore Running Festival in October, hopefully injury-free by that point. But by far the most inspirational moment of the day was watching Terrell, Greg, Dee, Darryl B., Gary, Carlos and Wayne go back out on the course to help run Amy in across the finish line. That kind of support is was team MCVET is all about! All of the marathoners were thankful to have Audrey’s gourmet meal on board to fuel them through the run.

And as the marathoners recovered, the rest of team MCVET joined up with THUMB and CP for a timed mile on the 19^th up at the track. It was Anthony’s first run with the team and a personal best for many runners. The Today Show joined us for our run on the 21^st, as Team Training Coach Pretty Peter joined in the Boston Launch on the 24^th. The team gave him the week off to celebrate his graduation after completing a WHOPPING 330-page thesis! We all enjoyed getting together to unwind during a yoga class at the MAC on the 22^nd, followed by luxurious spa treatments like facial masks and cucumber water. And we were even able to greet teammate George as he completed census work in the same neighborhood! Thanks to Jenn, our social coordinator, and instructors Shino and Tommie for helping us runners get a bit more limber and strong. And the team wrapped up a great month with the MCVET 5K & 10K on the 30^th and George’s anniversary celebration of sobriety. What a month full of great memories!!!

RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: DARRYL BRADLEY

Shoe size, brand: 10.5, Nike

Member since: July 2009

Number of miles accumulated: 180-190

Best BOMF moment: When I finally got it together with school, working and running. At first I was exhausted; I wasn’t getting enough sleep. The best moment for me was the time when I got it all together and started to enjoy the running.

Biggest challenge with running: Getting up for that 5:30 a.m. run. On Mondays, I can’t run because of school, but I always come downstairs and report in.

Goal in the next three months: To run a half-marathon. I also want to take a test to get into an apprenticeship program for HVAC work.

What do you think about when you’re running?: Life in general. It all depends on the scenery.

What was your last race and how did you do in it?: I ran the Bruckenthal 5K. It was a miserable run for me. I cramped up badly.

Quote: “Darryl B. has maintained a positive attitude, regardless of how busy his schedule gets. He’s been able to work in runs, even when his days have become very long with work and his HVAC courses. Even on the rare occasion when he is sick and unable to run, Darryl B. still has a smile on his face. (except in pictures when he wants to look “tough,” even though he is terrified of rats). Darryl B. made a huge impact on one of our non-residential runners, Amy, by going back out on the course to help support her as she finished her first marathon. Darryl B. is a great teammate, and we feel very lucky to have him on Team MCVET!”. – Theresa Alexander, team leader

NON-RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: AUDREY HUANG

Shoe size, brand: 6, Brooks Glycerin 8

Member since: April 2009

Best BOMF moment: So many great moments, so hard to choose! I love watching my teammates finish races and reach their goals. It’s always nice to share accomplishments with others, and I’m proud and thrilled to have witnessed so many personal firsts and personal bests over the last year–I’m sure there are more to come. And, having run by myself for the past 20 years, I’m really happy to have found a group of people — teammates, friends, family — who cheer me on, too.

What do you think about when you’re running?: Sometimes I think about my dog, Bella, and how fast she would be dragging me if she were with me. And if she’s running with me, I think about how much slower I could go if she weren’t! Mostly I like to clear my head and think about each step, each breath, the next turn and relaxing into the run.
What was your last race and how’d you do in it?: My last race was the 2010 Frederick Half Marathon; it wasn’t my best race but I’m still happy with how I did.

Quote: “Audrey is a multi-talented, level-headed, strong and flexible runner who consistently gives whatever little free time she has to Back on My Feet. As the non-residential member coordinator, she is always sure to make new members feel welcome and longtime members feel appreciated. Whether she’s teaching a course, completing a triathlon or cooking up a gourmet meal, she is always willing to share her skills with others. We feel very lucky to have her on our team – Theresa Alexander, team leader