Post-marathon blues were no match for Team Christopher’s Place, as November and December were full of running, racing, social activities, and holiday celebrations. Just three weeks after the Baltimore Running Festival, the team participated in the Tuerk House 5k, held on November 6th. Robert T. made his BOMF race debut – congratulations, Robert! Donnell, Chris, Tony, Suge, and John returned to racing after strong showings in the BRF, and Mike H. ran his first 5k since the summer’s Right Side Foundation race. Team Organizer Preston, Non-Res Coordinator Sadie, Justin, and Amy all ran in the race as well.
Team CP at the Celtic Solstice 5 Miler
Next, the team laced up their running shoes yet again to hit the dancefloor at Baltimore’s 2nd Annual Bash. Held at BOMF Baltimore Company of the Year, Marriott, BOMF enjoyed dinner and desserts while bidding on silent auction items and taking photos. CP’s John R. gave one of the evening’s speeches on his experiences with BOMF, and John and Donnell were both recognized for receiving votes as BOMF Res Member of the Year. Sadie and Erin both worked behind the scenes on the silent auction and bash committees. It was truly a memorable night!
After Thanksgiving, all of BOMF Baltimore gathered at the football field inside the Dunbar High School track for some friendly flag football – an annual post-Thanksgiving tradition. CP was unable to carry on our winning tradition from Wipeout, but everyone enjoyed the chance to spend time with the other teams. In November, we were also joined by new members Harvey, Craig, and Terrell!
Baltimore (and CP) officially celebrated December and the holiday season with the lighting of the Monument, located just a few blocks away from CP. We met up with the other BOMF teams just in time for the countdown and fireworks. Holiday celebrations continued when the team took a trip to Hampden’s Miracle on 34th Street, a popular local tradition involving millions of Christmas lights, snowmen, angels, and other holiday decorations. Thank you to our amazing Social Coordinator Diane for all her great activities this month!
BOMF also welcomed the holidays with Crockpot-alooza, our festive potluck gathering. Held at Loyola University, we joined together to sample chilis, dips, meatballs, and soups and to celebrate the holiday attire of our teammates. The next morning, BOMF participated in the popular Celtic Solstice 5-Miler, an event that was unofficially canceled last year due to snow. Alex paced Avery and Mike McC. to the finish line of their first BOMF race, and Stacey and Andrea ran with Mike H. on his longest race to date! Donnell, Brendan, Preston, Jeanne, Diane, Kayla, Claire, Jordyn, Val, Amy, Justin, Joey, Monica, Kim, and Mike M. all ran in the race. Krystle and Erin, en route to California for the holidays, stopped by with candy canes and good luck wishes. Sadie, Abbie, Sarah, and Harvey cheered at the finish line and tracked race finish times for the group. CP also met for special team runs on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
December’s new members Donte and Ron officially joined the team just before Christmas and look forward to logging miles in January. Stay tuned to see our plans for 2011 – we have a great year ahead!
RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: HARVEY N.
Harvey N., Christopher's Place Member of the Month
Shoe size: 11.5
Member since: November 2010
Number of miles accumulated: 15 and counting!
Best BOMF moment: I like it when someone on the team does the best they can and good things come out of it.
Biggest challenge with running: My biggest challenge in running has been…RUNNING. But with the support of Johnathan Robinson, Sadie Smith, and Avery Brown, I get through.
Goal in the next three months: Be able to run 5 miles without stopping.
What do you think about when you’re running?: I think positive thoughts and tell myself that I can do anything I put my mind to.
What’s the next race you’re doing with the BOMF crew?: Not sure of the next one, but I’m going to train for the Delaware Marathon in May.
“Harvey was nominated by several non-res members because in the short time he’s been running with BOMF, he has inspired each of us. He is always out in the mornings and pushes himself to limits that surprise and excite many of us. Whether it’s trying out an extra mile in week two, or sprinting past us in hill workouts, his determination is wearing off on the rest of us.” – Sadie Smith, Non-Res Coordinator
NON-RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: KIM COLEMAN
Kim, Christopher's Place Member of the Month
Shoe size: 9
Member since: May 2010
Best BOMF moment: Training for my first marathon (completing it was a proud moment, but certainly not a fun one!)
What do you think about when you’re running?: I do not think while I run….I meditate.
What’s the next race you’re doing with the BOMF crew?: Our January race – the Frozen Finger 5-miler.
“Kim has been a great asset to our team since the day she joined. Kim very generously fund-raced for her first BOMF race (the Baltimore 10-miler) and helped Donnell and John train for their first marathon in October. Most recently, Kim stepped up as Race Coordinator and guided CP through the Tuerk House 5k and the Celtic Solstice 5 miler. She’s a dedicated, good-spirited teammate and brings so much positivity to our morning circle. We’re glad to have her as a member of Team CP!” – Sarah O’Connor, Team Leader
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