Boston Marathon Archives - Words To Run By

#BostonStrongColumbus

We’ve been horrified, saddened and outraged by the recent events at the Boston Marathon. We’ve posted about it, shared about it, cried with one another about it and celebrated with those who were there because running in Boston is quite the achievement no matter how you look at it. And now, more than ever, it is time for us not only as individuals, but as a running community, to be strong. My fellow FitFluential Ambassador, Pavement Runner has taken the initiative to organize a global event one week after the Boston bombings: #BostonStrong<city>. If you are in Central Ohio, please join us for #BostonStrongColumbus.

I want us to run…together.

I’m organizing a global event: #BostonStrong<city>

A run for us to unite and show our strength.
A run for those that were unable to finish.
A run for those that may never run again.
A run for us to try and make sense of the tragedy that has forever changed something we love.

-PavementRunner.com

Boston_strong_city

I, along with my friend Kris of No Limits Running, have taken the initiative to host and organize #BostonStrongColumbus.

Details will evolve over the next few days as things develop, but here are the basics:

Location: Bicentennial Park, Columbus
Date: Monday, April 22, 2013
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Distance: 2-4 miles run/walk
Facebook Event Page: RSVP here.

You can also add it to your race calendar on dailymile.

Use the hash to spread the word: #BostonStrongColumbus or #BostonStrong<city>

If you are in the Columbus are, come join us on Monday and show how strong the running community is. If you are not in the area, find fellow runners in your community and see if they would be interested in running some miles together. Help spread the word and let’s show the world our strength, our determination, our LOVE for Boston and that we are BOSTON STRONG.

If you want to get your city involved, visit Pavement Runner for a complete event listing.

Until the next mile marker,

This runner remembers Boston

I could write a lot of things. I could write nothing. I think both would be acceptable and understood after the events that unfolded at the 117th Boston Marathon yesterday. Sure, I have posts lined up, reviews to do, statements to make; but none of that seems to matter right now. All that matters to me is that this runner remembers Boston.

I have friends, in and outside of my running life, who asked if I was running; some who sent a kind text or email to let me know they were thinking about me; and still others who asked me why it even mattered. No I wasn’t there (and never will be to run), thank you for thinking of me and all those affected and it matters because I am a runner too.

It’s funny how our minds work during such an event. My initial thoughts were of distress and panic, “Were the friends I had running okay?” Thankfully they are. My thoughts then wondered to “What would I do if I were there?” I can’t imagine. And, finally “Why” as bitter sadness and outrage set in. My heart is already so heavy with sadness.

Still, others that I know have asked, “Can’t you see the bigger picture here?”

And, I know, this is about more than running. And I do know running isn’t everything.

But, the community I care about and love; the community that has always, always been there for me in one way or another was so devastated today that I am nearly at a loss for words. It’s not fair. It hurts and it makes me angry. When I recreated my blog a couple of months ago, I detailed why I run and one of those reasons is to remember. We will never forget what happened in Boston. We can’t. We will run again. It’s what we as a community of runners, do.

Life is delicate, more delicate than I ever imagined and let’s face it; life has done a pretty damn good job of pounding that into my head for the past two years. At any second, life – and the people whose lives you cherish – can be ripped form your grasp, without any warning and you are left to pick up the shattered pieces with only a fleeting memory to hold on to. Life is precious, more precious than I ever imagined.

No, I will never run Boston and I would consider it a great privilege to even spectate. But, my heart is there. Because I too, am a runner and I will remember.