Baltimore Station

Updated: March 2, 2010

WELCOME TO THE STATION'S TEAM PAGE!

An overwhelming snowstorm hit Baltimore in February, perfecting our routine for canceling morning runs and disrupting our training for the Feb. 27 Nikia's Nippy Nor'eastern Half Marathon. More than three feet of snow kept us off the roads for three scheduled runs, but we were back on our feet long before many city residents had uncovered their cars. Our roster for the 'full half' marathon and half marathon relay is complete, and we are anxiously awaiting the big day. It will be our first race since Jan. 1.

Meanwhile, our team welcomed a new residential member, David P., this month. It hasn't taken David long to settle into the team's routine. It also hasn't taken him long to rediscover his natural running talent; he is gaining speed and endurance very quickly. Other residential members reached notable milestones this month, including Chris, who has run more than 50 miles, and Kenny, who has run more than 400 miles with our team. Congratulations!

On Feb. 20, our team attended a Loyola basketball game. Long-time fan Coach Craig reported that everyone had a good time, and that, although they lost, the Loyola team was fun to watch!

Our team is happy to say that we're once again able to watch the sunrise over beautiful Baltimore on our early morning runs. While eagerly awaiting the end of winter, we are making lots of spring plans. In March we will run a St. Patrick's Day race, celebrate the first birthday of Back on My Feet Baltimore, and help the new Washington D.C. chapter get started!

Click the video below to see the team's Halloween run!

TEAM INFORMATION

Inaugural Run: May 27, 2009

Location: 140 W. West St., Baltimore, MD map

Morning Runs: 5:30 AM (M, W, F, S)

Distance: 1 - 9 miles

Join The Station's Team!

TEAM LEADER: ANNI IRVINE

Shoe Size: 9.5

Anni spent her entire life in rural America before moving to Baltimore to become a nerdy graduate student. She joined BOMF soon after her arrival and is continually amazed at how it brings together such a diverse group of people, who are working toward goals as a community of equals. "BOMF does so many wonderful things for every life it touches. i feel like a real part of Baltimore now and have so many friends all over so many facets of the city!"

MEMBER OF THE MONTH: BRIAN C.

Shoe size: 8.5

Member since: November 2009

Number of miles accumulated: 127

Best BOMF moment: The December bash at the Meyerhoff. It was really emotional. All the chapters from Baltimore were there, and so were the Philly people and corporate sponsors. Annie got real emotional when she was telling the story of the group’s founding and talking about how you couldn’t tell the difference between the various groups of people at the event.

Biggest challenge with running: Getting up between 4:45 and 5 a.m.

Goal in the next three months: I want to maintain some stability in my life. If I can manage to achieve that, then the superficial goals I can meet.

What do you think about when you're running?: Running puts a blank slate in your mind. It takes me to a place of serenity once I get to the point of not laboring. I’m in a serene place. However, I do like to know where the end of the run is so I can gauge my pace.

“Brian is truly on his way to being completely back on his feet. Since joining the team in late November, Brian has not only accumulated more than 100 miles and run his first race with the team, but he has secured employment and advanced quickly through the Baltimore Station program. Brian began substituting in the Baltimore City Public Schools in January, and he had secured a permanent high school teaching position by February. He is focused and determined to succeed in both running and life. We’re proud to have Brian as a member of the BSTAT team.” -- Anni Irvine, team leader

NON-RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: JON LANGE

Shoe size: 11

Member since: March 2009

Best BOMF moment: That is a very difficult question because Back on My Feet has generated so many terrific memories. However, I am going to generalize and note that the milestones celebrations are my favorite Back on My Feet memories. Our teammates put one foot in front of the other day in and day out through the rain, snow and cold in a commitment to making a positive change in their lives. It is so easy to stop running in the winter and put those shoes away until the warm weather returns, but as my teammates continue to rack up those miles on the icy Baltimore pavement, it makes me so very proud.

What do you think about when you're running?: There is one thing I commonly think about during our morning runs. I wonder if those sleeping warmly in their beds have any idea what they are missing out on as we run by their homes. A terrific sunrise, the smell of bread being baked in the morning, and the general serenity of the city before daybreak. I am lucky to experience these unique moments with my teammates. Any troubles are far from thought as I simply get to enjoy the company of good friends.

Quote: “Jon has been running with the Station since our team came together more than 10 months ago. He is one of the most sincere and good-hearted people that I have ever known. He treats the team like a family and cares deeply about all of our members. Recently, Jon recruited three of his close friends to join BOMF, all of whom have strengthened our team. Personally, I am inspired by Jon’s passion for our organization and would like to thank him for the momentum and encouragement that he continually provides!” -- Anni Irvine, team leader