Running is no new feat for David Altenburg who joined the Baltimore Station team in August of this year. David established one of his earliest running goals while in college and set out to lose some weight before joining the military. He not only lost over 60 lbs. but found himself immersed in an avid love of running that carried him through the rest of his college career, both of his masters degrees, and his stint in the army.
Originally hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, David moved out to Washington DC after his time in the service to work as a contractor for the Department of Defense. It was there that addiction began to take hold of his life, infringing on his promising running career and interfering with prestigious job opportunities.
Though David has spent the past 10 years in and out of treatment facilities with no more than 1.5 cumulative years clean, his 9 months clean during his current stay at Baltimore Station looks promising. He attributes part of his success this time around to the structure of the Baltimore Station program, “I know I complain about it, but at Baltimore Station, you decide whether or not to stay clean. They give you more autonomy. There is something to staying still and not doing anything for a while, and after a week or two you make the decision to stay clean, go to meetings or to go about your day – nobody is holding your hand.”
David decided to join the Back on My Feet team, but this time it was for reasons beyond just losing a few pounds. Part of his decision stemmed from a desire to surround himself with positive, patient people who could help keep him motivated not to enter back into the vicious cycle that has become so familiar.
“Sometimes I can be so unbearably negative and cynical. I get mad at myself and at the world. The folks there have an outlook that is positive. I don’ think I’ve ever heard any of them complain about anything. Most importantly, they have a level of expectation that pushes me.”
Though addiction will forever be a daily struggle and a daily decision, David claims his biggest struggle these days is simply getting older. His body doesn’t seem to have the same college, youthful resilience he remembers.
When he’s not running, David can be found pursuing a short term certificate in accounting – a career change of sorts. Self-awareness has taught him that stress is a big trigger for him. “Even though I have a few advanced degrees, I have to be realistic about adjusting my lifestyle. If I can eliminate stress and find something to make me more marketable – like an accounts payable clerk, I can find the balance I need to stay healthy.”
He intends to begin classes in January at Anne Arundel Community College through a program funded by the Way Station. He qualified for this grant program by demonstrating his intent to utilize the degree upon completion.
150 miles logged and still counting, David continues to look beyond just the New Year, and beyond just his running goals.
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