May has been a very busy month for Team Christopher’s Place with new members joining, the Delaware Running Festival, several non-res graduations, and a trip to Baltimore’s own Sports Legends Museum.

Shaun and Abdullah began running with us at the very end of April, and while Shaun had an encounter with a curb and fractured his foot, he’s expecting to have his boot off in 4-6 weeks and on the road to recovery.  He was a natural out on his first few runs so we’re all looking forward to his return.  In the past 30 days, Abdullah has already worked himself up to a 4-mile run and proudly announced that he only stopped once!  Both guys are a great addition to our team and we’re excited to have them! Read more…

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

Happy 2^nd birthday, Back On my Feet Baltimore! March was a big month for Christopher’s Place and the entire Baltimore chapter, as we celebrated our birthday week, ran a 5k race, and ran a half marathon!  March events also included the first Game Night, hosted by CP and attended by CP and team MCVET. Read more…

February was a busy month for team Christopher’s Place.  We survived another Baltimore snowfall and we’ve been anxiously awaiting daylight savings time and warmer temperatures.  Training for the Delaware Marathon and the Nikia Half Marathon is underway, and mileage continues to increase.

We welcomed our newest runner, Dominique B., to the team in late January and he joined us for his first official run in February.  He’s literally hit the ground running and now has more than 75 miles with the team! Dom, Donte E., and Ron W. also completed their first 5k with the team – the Valentine’s 5k in Millersville, Maryland.  Johannah, Training Coach Preston, Joe, Next Steps Coordinator Andrea, Krystle, Avery B., Erin N., and Erin R. also represented Team CP. CP’s Brendan O’Kane took first place in the 5k, edging Baltimore Station Team Leader Dan Miranda at the finish line.  That same morning, other CP teammates hosted the Saturday long run for the marathon and half-marathon training group.

In February, we also celebrated the birthday of our Program Director Jackie, by meeting all the other teams at the Inner Harbor for a pre-dawn birthday gathering. As always, there’s no better way to start the morning than with BoMF!

We also wished Donnell W. good luck as he moved out of CP and into community housing.  Donnell joined CP in October 2009 and has been one of our most consistent runners.  Ricky P., who joined CP in March 2010, is also preparing to move out as well.  We are excited to support them in this next phase and look forward to continuing to run with them in the mornings!   Team CP also celebrated 50 miles with Ron W., 175 miles with Mike M., 200 miles with Ricky, and 275 miles with Mike H. In addition, Avery, Ron, and Dominique started new jobs.

March will be a big month for team CP, as we tackle the Kelly St. Patrick’s Day 5k and the Nikia Half Marathon & Relay.  Many of our teammates will be running in both races, and some will be attempting these distances for the first time. We’ll also host the first game night between CP and MCVET, and we’ll celebrate BoMF’s second birthday.   We’re excited for all the big events coming up this spring!

Team C.P. in February

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CP rang in the 2011 with – what else – a Baltimore BOMF-wide run on New Year’s Day. We all enjoyed the chance to run with our teammates from the other groups, and it was a great way to kick-off the New Year!

January also marked the beginning of our training for the Nikia Half Marathon and Relay and the Delaware Running Festival. Team CP added a second evening run to our schedule and will now be running Monday and Wednesday nights at 7 pm. Come join us if you’re looking to add a few more miles!

We welcomed two new runners to Team CP, as Ron and Donte both joined the team. Donte is approaching 15 miles, and Ron recently passed 20 miles.  Craig also reached 10 miles before having to sit out with a knee injury.  Two of our teammates moved out into community housing in January as well.  Congratulations to Leon and Leonard!

Team CP ran its first race of 2011: the aptly-named Frozen Finger 5-Miler.  It was a cold, snowy morning but the team enjoyed the peaceful run around Lake Montebello and the surrounding trails. Ron came out to run his first race, and Harvey led the cheer squad. CP’s Brendan took first place overall – congrats, Brendan!

As the month draws to a close, Team CP’s football loyalties (primarily, Ravens, Redskins, Patriots, Jets, and Colts) have all united us against the Steelers and we’re also waiting for the start of baseball season.  We’re also looking forward to the warmer temperatures of spring!

Team Christopher's Place in January

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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 6^th.   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 2^nd 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! Read more…

For November’s team update and Member of the Month, each Baltimore team decided to share their team video, created for the Baltimore Running Festival. These videos were filmed over the summer and during the training for the Running Festival.  Christopher’s Place’s team video is shared below:

Christopher’s Place – BOMF Baltimore

Mike H. of Team Christopher's Place (second from left)

Mike H. of team Christopher’s Place recently graduated from a culinary skills training program offered by A Moveable Feast in Baltimore.  Mike and his classmates completed a 12-week course on food and kitchen safety habits, the daily workings of a full service kitchen, fundamental cooking methods and techniques, and menu planning.  Mike successfully completed an industry-accredited food safety exam and is now a certified safe food handler.

Congratulations, Mike!

After a busy August celebrating our first birthday and participating in Wipeout, team Christopher’s Place had a comparatively quiet September.

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