The Unusual Commute of Dr. Ted Houk

The long-haired, shirtless jogger is an internist in Towson who sets an example for exercise.

We’ve seen him running in the rain. We’ve seen him running in the snow. We’ve seen him running whether it’s hot or cold or dark outside. Ted Houk, a Towson doctor who runs to work from his home in Lutherville, and back again, is a sweaty, shirtless mainstay of York Road and Charles Street commuters. He runs with a briefcase-style bag in his hand, in which he carries his scrubs, stethoscope, phone and at least a pound each of fruits and vegetables. The bag, full, weighs 10 pounds. He does switch hands, to keep his alignment in check. “Some of [my wife's] friends have said they felt lucky when they not only saw me, but they saw me switch hands,” said Houk, who has four children with his wife, Pamela Jenkins. He knows he’s locally famous for …

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