I don't even know where to start with this post. When I heard the news about the bombings at the Boston Marathon yesterday, my first thoughts went to my friends who were running - where they okay? Why won't they hurry up and check in? Then, my cell phone exploded with texts, I received numerous emails and Facebook comments from friends - was I in Boston? Was I okay? Many of them are not runners and have no idea that I am much too slow to even qualify for this race. God bless them for their concern.
In the evening, when I finally had an opportunity to watch the news coverage, I became saddened by all the stories. People lost their lives and limbs while they were just hanging out and waiting for their loved ones to cross the finish line of one of the most highly regarded races. It was supposed to be a joyous celebration of an amazing accomplishment. They were supposed to spend the rest of the day proudly wearing their coveted Boston Marathon jackets while celebrating over dinner or a beer.
Next, I was pissed and disgusted. How could some coward do this to innocent people? To runners? To the marathon? To Boston? There were quite a few expletives that came to mind. I thought about the times I had friends and family at the finish line - my husband, my kids, my parents, my inlaws.
Then I saw this...
Damn straight.
Whether we are fast enough to qualify or not. Whether we were there in Boston or not. Whether we Galloway the miles or run a 6:00 minute pace. We are runners. Marathons like Boston bring people from all different backgrounds, from all over the world together. We are all different, but we all have one thing in common - we are runners. We put in the miles. We sweat through the heat of the summer training. We layer in the winter months. We curse the rain and running through puddles. We nurse sore muscles and injuries. We hydrate and Gu. We commit to doing this crazy thing that we love. We are runners. It is the thread that runs through us and brings us together.
Whether we are fast enough to qualify or not. Whether we were there in Boston or not. Whether we Galloway the miles or run a 6:00 minute pace. We are runners. Marathons like Boston bring people from all different backgrounds, from all over the world together. We are all different, but we all have one thing in common - we are runners. We put in the miles. We sweat through the heat of the summer training. We layer in the winter months. We curse the rain and running through puddles. We nurse sore muscles and injuries. We hydrate and Gu. We commit to doing this crazy thing that we love. We are runners. It is the thread that runs through us and brings us together.
Marathons and races in general will never be the same after this. Heightened security and the fear of "what if" at each race....it's sad. I was happy to hear that the Boston Marathon would still occur in 2014. As if there was any doubt. As runners, our spirit is strong. we will not be stopped. We will run. We will race.
Please remember the people of Boston in your prayers. Pray for those who were injured, the families who lost a loved one and the runners and spectators who, while unharmed, will undoubtedly have nightmares about the blasts for days and months to come.
Please remember the people of Boston in your prayers. Pray for those who were injured, the families who lost a loved one and the runners and spectators who, while unharmed, will undoubtedly have nightmares about the blasts for days and months to come.
I felt like this pretty much sums it up...
