Yesterday was the one year anniversary of the tragic events that happened at the Boston Marathon. Social media came in full force with love, support, stories, photos of organized runs and blog posts.
I was reminded of how the running community can stand together in strength and unite as one. I always say it and until I’m proven wrong, I will continue to do so: this community is amazing and I’m honored to be a part of it.
Later in the day, reports of backpacks and sketchy individuals started to creep into my feed. I started to get that uneasy feeling that we felt a year ago. Thoughts of “why” that never really answer anything.
As the story was developing, images were shared of backpacks sitting alone in an empty street and still photos of an eerie looking guy being taken away in handcuffs. I began to think of friends running the race on Monday: Linzie, Dani… friends that ran it last year: Lisa, Larissa… and then of course, I started to think: what if I was going to run it this year?
That one stuck for a while. I started going back and forth in my mind on would I still run it? Of course. Would I want my daughter and wife out there? Probably not. But then why is it safe for me to run and them not to cheer? Doesn’t make sense. This would be my moment. This would be my triumphant race after a hard-earned first BQ. They should be there. But is it safe? If I don’t want to risk their safety, why would I risk mine? Still doesn’t make sense. Is a single race worth my daughter being without a father? Never. But we are strong. We persevere. It’s risky getting in a car or a plane, but we do that. This is different. Is it? I don’t know.
I would want to run. I’m not sure how Wifey would feel. The First Lady would ask me “daddy, running fast?” as she does before most races. (But it’s quickly followed up with “daddy, running slow?”).
There is no answer here. This post will not end with me stating something prophetic that makes everyone feel good. It won’t, because I can’t think about what I would do in that situation.
All I can say is that I hope and wish all the best for the runners, volunteers, supporters, security and staff. Love, cheers, hugs and all the speedy vibes for those racing, running and walking.
Boston Strong, always.
Nailed it. Again. Well said, friend.
I’ve had some folks ask, so we’re doing another (much smaller) Boston Strong run on Monday. No doubt what we’ll all be thinking.
I qualified to run next year, and this would not stop me. It is sad that there are some terribly sick individuals who do such things, but if we give in to their attempts at scaring/harming us, they win. I will be watching my Twitter feed and the TV Monday morning and hoping that all goes smoothly!
I had those same feelings watching the news yesterday, but i am determined more than ever to run On monday!! I honestly don’t think anything like last year will happen again. Last year being there reminds me whY I am doing it again. We are #bostonstrong
I felt the same things yesterday. The fear crept back in when I saw that guy who got arrested and the unattended backpacks at the finish line. But we can’t live our life in fear. You never know when your time on this earth will be over. We will never understand why people do the tragic things they do. We just have to trust that we will be ok. And you better believe that nothing will stop me from running! I will never qualify for Boston but I WILL be running on Monday in honor of all those affected by this tragedy as well as in support of those fulfilling their dreams on Marathon Monday.
This is it, Pavey. This is just it. I’ll keep you posted on the events of the week. #BostonStrong
Wishing the best for all those running boston this year!
Indeed yesterday was a special day as many gathered to mark the moment of one year ago. I’m not particularly fond of Vice President Joe Biden as some of his remarks are sometimes made off the cuff, but he had some great words to share yesterday during his remarks on Boston: “We are Boston. We are America. We respond. We endure. We overcome…and we own the finish line.”
well said my friend. My blog post yesterday addressed my feelings about returning. I had originally told G that if I re-qualified, I wouldn’t go back but after the bombs went off, I felt this inexplicable NEED to go back. So on Monday I will be toeing the line in Hopkinton once again.
I had those same feelings yesterday when I started seeing reports. I remember being there and feeling so mad, angry, sad and as I was watching yesterday those thoughts started to come back. What a great reminder of our blessings. We can’t let these people make us live in fear! We have to embrace life and run on!
Well said. I’m in the UK and couldn’t believe it when I saw those reports this morning, in fact at first I thought it was pictures from last year I was looking at before I realised it was for real. I remembered how I felt watching it all unfold on the news last year and the feeling of the running community being “violated”. But I also remembered all the inspirational stories of courage and selflessness, the way the running community bonded together even more strongly. As runners, we can’t and won’t be beaten by fear.
I wish all runners on Monday the very best. Be Boston Strong.
Yes, wishing the best for all.. especially after the crazy news story about that guy yesterday…
Yesterday brought up some of those same questions myself about what if my husband did choose to go runb Boston. Would I be there at the finish to cheer him on with my daughter? How could I and have peace of mind but how could I not support him? Part of me is relieved he opted not to run but part of me feels maybe he is skipping this opportunity due to the same questions in his mind. Should he give up an opportunity like this? I don’t know. We never really asked the hard questions because I don’t think either of us has the answers.
Great post, same questions raced through my mind on Tuesday and seeing the video of that wacko literally put a serious scare back into me. After the blast last yr I turned to my husband as we were locked down in our hotel and said ill never run this again, I felt so selfish my mom, sisters, husband, 1.5yo and friends were all there and scared bc of me… But the next day I said I’ll be back. As it approaches I am getting a bit scared, I am not bringing my daughter or much family. DH and my SIL will watch from a new place, not boylston like every other yr the past 5. I am scared and I like to know I am not the only one, it’s normal??
I have nominated you for a Liebster Award! :)
http://cmcdot.blogspot.com/2014/04/liebster-award.html
Hopefully you enjoy answering the 10 random questions, just like I did :)
Very well said.