It’s taken me some time to write this entry. Perhaps because
it needed a lot of reflection and- quite frankly - it hit close to home. The
events that occurred at the Boston Marathon were gut wrenching. I learned of
the events about two hours after they occurred while assisting a participant
(work). I remember seeing the yellow banner that flies across Yahoo during
breaking news “Boston Marathon bombings”. Instantly I thought of my friend,
Giselle who was running the event. My stomach and heart sank. I texted her
quickly to ask if she was alright and waited for the response. It was only a
matter of minutes when she responded but the anticipation made me sick. I was
anxious to speak to her and when I finally did the emotions just flushed out, I
was relieved.
Now, I have
to imagine that times a thousand for those who were there, seeing the chaos,
and wondering “Is my loved one okay?”. Unfortunately, that response of “no”
came back over 140+ times. We lost 3 individuals who were there to share in an
event that is the epitome of the human spirit and physical endurance and
another 2 during the suspect’s capture.
What occurred next was anger. Anger
that for even a fraction of second I thought maybe I shouldn’t run any event
this year. But I have to run, I run now
for those who gave their lives, for those who lost their limbs, for those
injured, for those traumatized, for those who stand determined to keep running.
I will keep
running- I won’t and can’t live in the fear of what may be. If we do so, they
have won and succeed in what they set out to do. My heart goes out to you
Boston. But I will say this, you as a city have inspired strength. The images that
came out of Boston were not just of terror but of support. While some ran away
others ran towards the explosions to help those injured. You came together in midst of chaos. Runners
after running 26.2 miles began donating blood! Strangers took strangers into
their homes, offered a warm meal and a place to lay their head. From the
running community, I thank you. I thank you for showing that they can’t win.
For those
who did not complete-You will be back next year and with a fervor that only you
can generate. Many of us (hopefuls) will make our attempts to it, and if we
can, we will be there. I will still step out and hit the pavement with a new fire
under my ass. Yes I said it. We are pissed that someone could take such an
event that welcomes all, internationally, and try to literally blow it up. We
are pissed and we will show our defiance. So watch out - because you just
ticked off a group who knows what pain feels like and still continues on for
26.2 miles.
Boston, I’ve got nothing but love.
