Team Christopher’s Place had a busy April, as we recovered from March’s birthday celebrations and also reached peak training weeks for May’s Delaware Marathon.
On April 4, we celebrated the Orioles’ Opening Day by running down Eutaw Street and stopping at Camden Yards as part of our 3-mile route for the morning. Many of us wore our Orioles gear and Team CP even ended up on the morning news! It was a great start to the day and a great start to the Orioles’ season, as they won their first homestand of the year. Maybe we brought them luck!
Later in April, Team CP was honored to recognize the graduation of four of our alumni members: Leon P., Mike F., Donnell W., and Ricky P. Leon and Mike were inducted as BoMF alumni at a ceremony at the Helping Up Mission with several other new alumni from other teams. Diane presented them with their awards as many CP teammates cheered in the audience. Since Donnell and Ricky had work conflicts that kept them from attending the ceremony, Nikia and CP held a separate weekend event for their induction. Teammates Brian C., Hatchett, Mike H., and Mike M. all joined the ceremony and spoke to congratulate Ricky and Donnell. Both ceremonies were very moving. We all are so proud of our alumni!
At the end of April, CP participated in the Nate Bruckenthal 5k. This was our second year attending this race, and Team CP had an impressive showing as Eric placed first in his age group, and Kevin placed second in his age group! Brian, Mike M., and Stacey also raced and finished with super speedy times.
We also welcomed two new runners to our team: Shaun and Abdullah. We’re excited to run with them and help them achieve new milestones! April was a big month for many of our teammates:
- Hatchett reached 150 miles and is planning to move out into community housing soon
- Dominique hit 200 miles and is training for the Delaware half (his longest race to date)
- Mike H. reached 300 miles while continuing to work in food service
- Mike M. reached 300 miles and will begin working in May
- Tony passed 350 miles, recently began attending classes and is planning to move out in May
- Johnathan passed 950 miles and is looking forward to his second marathon in May
We have a big month coming up in May as many of our teammates are participating in the Delaware Running Festival. Look out for Johnathan, Brian, and Reisel in the full marathon; Dominique, Mike M., Preston, and Jordyn in the half, and Jeanne in the relay! Good luck!
Team CP outside Camden Yards on Opening Day
RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: BRIAN C.
August 2009 (start of team CP!)
Brian, Member of the Month, during the Nikia Half
Member since:
Shoe size: 13
Miles: 500+
What has been your best moment since joining Back on My Feet?: There are so many good ones. I will have to choose finishing the Nikia Half at my target time.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced with running?: My biggest challenge has been breaking the 3 and the 10 mile markers. After that, it was just a matter of doing consistent running to achieve mile markers. Also doing the nonrunning- related training, to strengthen my body.
What is a goal you want to achieve in the next three months?: Reach a sub-7 minute timed mile, and finish a 5k in 24 minutes.
What do you think about when you’re running?: The finish line and my time dominate my thoughts, my quality of breathing, and the way my legs feel (tired or strong).
What’s the next race you’re doing with the BoMF crew?: The Delaware Marathon on May 15th!
“Brian has been with Team CP since the very beginning! As the most-tenured member at CP, he is a respected leader and training partner. He’s truly committed to running and to the team, as he balances a tough work schedule with marathon training. Brian is running his first marathon in a few weeks (Delaware) and we are all so excited for him. Good luck, Brian!” – Sarah O’Connor, team leader
NON-RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: JORDYN MANUCCI October 2010
Jordyn, Member of the Month, before the Nikia Half
Member since:
Shoe size: 10
What has been your best moment since joining Back on My Feet?: My best moment since joining BoMF was the birthday run. It was great to have all the teams circle up together and then run as a whole group. It was just amazing to see how many people in Baltimore support BoMF.
What do you think about when you’re running?: I mostly think about not trying to trip and fall. I also will talk or will be making lists in my head about what I need to do that day.
What’s the next race you’re doing with the BoMF crew?: My next race is the Delaware Half! I was really excited to hear that the Delaware race was a BoMF crew race. I’m going up the night before, as my parents live in Wilmington, but it will be awesome to circle up with everyone!
What would you tell someone considering joining BoMF Baltimore?: I tell everyone about BoMF. I let them know it’s more than a running group. It’s a great place to meet new people and find new friends. Plus it’s nice to have people to talk to when running. Having tried to run and train by myself before, I really appreciate having people to support me now when running. As for CP, we’re a great group and fairly diverse. It’s nice having people that are your own speed or will slow down or speed up and try to kick your butt. But mostly, the res guys at CP are awesome and are all trying to make their lives better, which is what BoMF is all about.
“Jordyn joined Team CP last fall and quickly stepped in as Social Coordinator this spring. She’s done an amazing job planning activities for us and keeping our team motivated. Jordyn has impacted our team so much in just a few short months. Thank you for all that you do for Team CP!” – Sarah O’Connor, team leader
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