Helping Up Mission
Updated: March 3, 2010
WELCOME TO HELPING UP MISSION TEAM PAGE!
SNOW. SNOW. SNOW. That about sums up the month of February for THUMB.
It was a snowy month and THUMB was kept house-bound for about a week. It was a tough week without runs, the morning circle, and our cheerful teammates.
We finished January (on a snowy afternoon) by going Duck Pin Bowling at Patterson Lanes and it was another wonderful social event planned by our Social Coordinator Suzanne. We had all the lanes packed with teams and enjoyed pizza and companionship as the sound of crashing pins echoed throughout the alley.
Once the heavy February snows hit, things slowed down for the residential members. Tony C. hit 5 mile incentive, just before the break. As January ended, Jimmy B was nearly approaching his 100 mile mark, and did so successfully, earning his Timex watch!
THUMB continued training for upcoming races, one of which was cancelled due to a snowy trail that hasn’t yet melted! But that won’t keep THUMB down for long- next month provides a 5 miler and 5K and the “rain” date for the Nippy Nikia Nor’easter Half- which includes a half-marathon and a relay!
Tune in for March to read about the MANY happenings yet to come- races, new teams, and an anniversary!
TEAM INFORMATION
Inaugural Run: March 16, 2009
Location: 1029 East Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD map
Morning Runs: 5:30 AM (M, W, F)
Distance: 1 - 4 miles
See the Helping Up Mission team featured on WBAL TV!
Click below:
TEAM LEADER: MIKE DIJULIA
Shoe Size: 10.5
Mike is a Registered Nurse and a graduate of La Salle University Class of 2002. From Dashers - a Philadelphia area youth track club - to the collegiate team at La Salle, Mike is a life-long runner. After relocating to Baltimore, he learned about BOMF in 2008 by word-of-many-mouths and had to join the team!
"Running has taken on a different meaning at this stage in my life; it brings me clarity, self-awareness, and pure happiness."
MEMBER OF THE MONTH: JIMMY B.
Shoe size: 12.5
Number of miles accumulated: 150.1
Member since: October 2009
Best BOMF moment: Finishing my personal best run of 13.1 miles. I never thought that I would be able to put up those types of miles. I have since set my sights much higher -- to a whole marathon!
Biggest challenge with running: The biggest challenge I have had with running is the mental aspect of pushing myself to continue running more and more miles as our training gets more intense.
Goal in the next three months: The next three months are going to be very intense for me. I am going to college full time, we are planning on running a full marathon and I am also doing a triathlon. Also, I am running a bunch of short races. My goal is to finish the whole marathon and to get PR times in the other races.
What do you think about when you're running?: Sometimes I pray or listen to music. Usually, I will talk to my running partner about life issues or get advice and support while we run. I also have a new tradition of posting on Facebook while running -- that was inspired by one of my teammates.
“Jimmy’s got it all: great personality, great sense of humor, a real sense of team and a strong will to work toward his goals. It has been great watching him progress from his first day in October. He’s become a leader by example on our team and works hard to motivate others. I am looking forward to watching Jimmy accomplish his goals.” -- Mike DiJulia, team leader
NON-RESIDENTIAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH: JESSICA L.
Shoe size: 8.5
Member since: October 2009
Best BOMF moment: My best moments with BOMF are when we greet each other with a hug, share a few words and laughs and then circle up to say the serenity prayer. It gives me such a feeling of unity and strength. To know that I have such a positive impact in someone's life is such a wonderful feeling, but I don't know if I can ever express to my team what an amazing imprint that they have made in my life. I will be eternally grateful!
What do you think about when you're running?: I think about so many things when I am running. I guess it depends on the day, who I am running with and how I am physically feeling. Some days I may just offer an ear to someone who may need me to listen and give some words of encouragement or advice. Some days I think about how wonderful my life is and how I am fortunate be healthy, have a roof over my head and have such a wonderful family and friends. On days when the run proves challenging. I just think about putting one foot in front of the other and finishing as a team. No one is ever left behind or runs alone, and there is never a lack of encouraging words to help motivate you across the finish line. That's why I will be a BOMF member for life!
“Jessica’s first day with us was a Wednesday -- and she signed up to run once a week. Well, many months later, Jessica rarely misses running four days per week. Consistency in our members is one of the greatest benefits to the team, and Jess has unselfishly provided that. Her passion for THUMB is contagious and inspiring. Our mornings would not be the same without her caffeine-fueled enthusiasm!” -- Mike DiJulia, team leader
FEATURED MEMBER: JOSH W.
Shoe size: 14, New Balance
Number of miles accumulated: 237
Member since: July 2009
How long have you been at the Helping Up Mission: Since April 2009
Hometown: Baltimore
Best moment since joining BOMF: The Baltimore half-marathon. The crowds, the love, the city, the running. It’s the most I have ever run in my life.
Biggest challenge with running: Speed, especially with 5Ks. I need to be able to push myself harder.
Goal in the next three months: To continue to develop in the field of marketing. To continue to promote growth in my company. To continue my education.
Cross training-routine: I do push-ups and sit-ups before runs. I don’t do anything on my days off, but I should.
What do you think about when you're running: I think about being blessed. How blessed I am to be able to run. I think about bringing the same drive to the rest of my day.
Next race with the BOMF crew: The Nikia Half-Marathon on Feb. 27. It’s a BOMF race on the Gwynns Falls trail.
Is there a marathon in your future: Yes, the Baltimore Marathon.
How are you handling running in a Baltimore winter: Layers! If I can run through this winter, when summer comes around, there should be no excuse for not getting up.
What do you hope fellow runners are saying about you: He’s someone I can follow, someone I can run with and train with. I hope they see the qualities of someone who is a leader.
