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.
Until the next mile marker,
Follow
beautifully stated. definitely a day of rememberance and appreciation.
Thank you Laura. And thank you for reading it.
great post! sometimes it’s hard to remember the bad things…but i agree that it’s important because they are what motivates us and makes us stronger.
Thank you, Lindsay! Looking forward to reading your post too…
Great post, Sara. I very honest & heartfelt piece on a very sad day.
Thank you Karen. It is a horribly sad day and I hope through reading what others have to say we can find comfort and hope.
Well said. I don’t think it’ll ever be forgotten. Especially by those in the running community. I know it will always be in the back of my mind, whenever I run a race.
Me too! And thank you for reading.
Very thoughtful and well said. I ran 26:20 minutes when I got home today, wearing one of my race shirts. I will not stop.
I’m glad to hear, Nanci and as always, thank you for stopping by.
I can’t imagine any runner that won’t remember yesterday for years to come.
I agree Suzanne. It will change the face of racing and for sure be a part of Boston’s history forever.
Sara,
Well written and so heartfelt. I too, will never qualify for Boston, but that doesn’t eliminate my ability to connect with anyone there. I started running about 4 years ago at the age of 45 after I suffered an accident in which I broke my pelvis. I had also talked about training for a 5k, but never followed through. After my accident, I realized how precious life is and I needed to be thankful for everything God has given me. I promised myself I WOULD run a 5k the following spring. So, as soon as I was given permission, I started running. 4 years later, I have run numerous 5ks, 3 half marathon and a full marathon this past year in memory of my Dad and many others who have lost their lives to cancer. I am not fast. As I mentioned earlier, my body will never be fast enough to qualify for Boston, but my spirit is there every year. I am heartsick for all of those who were killed and those who were injured. So many of the marathoners are running to raise money for those less fortunate and for causes they believe in. The Boston Marathon is NOT a place for violence. It is a place of inspiration, determination, will and the love of our fellow man.
Beth – your post brings tears to my eyes for so many reasons. Although I could say many things, I want to thank you for your comment and for telling me a little more about you. As you may know, I lost my Mom two years ago tomorrow and ran my first marathon that same year in her memory. I’m not fast either, but my heart relates to yours when you say that doesn’t matter, life is precious and we get out there and give it our ALL and that is what matters. My heart is with the victims and families and with our nation in general in the face of all the sadness this past week. My heart is heavy for so many reasons and reading your words this afternoon brings me some peace in remembering, we are not alone.
Sara,
I will be thinking of you today and keeping you in my prayers. I am sure the events of this past week have really hit home with you since it surrounds a day you lost such an important person in your life. I do remember reading your blog about the loss of your Mom. My friend Kris has talked about you as well and maybe one day we will get to meet in person at a race somewhere. My heart is also with all of those who have suffered from this senseless tragedy.
Thank so so much, Beth. Yes, I do hope to meet at a race someday – I’m glad to know you are close by! 🙂 It was a rough week and after our run last night, I feel like I an begin moving forward again with healing. The past week has been a lot of emotions and sadness. The sun is shining today, though, and I am looking forward to what tomorrow brings! 🙂 Thanks for your continued support.