1 idea.
1 week.
Over 100 organized runs.
8 Countires.
Nearly 20K runners
I never thought it would turn into this. Isn’t that what they always say?
Funny how it can be true. April 17th, the Wednesday after the bombings at the Boston Marathon, I wrote a post that I was going to organize a run one week after the 117th Boston Marathon. It was a single idea published in a post on a runner’s blog.
I feel like I need to do something. Something more than a donation. Something more than a blog post or a photo or a graphic. I’m inspired by the community and how we have come together and shown our support, shed our tears and expressed our fears. With a simple look at your Facebook page, a refresh of your twitter feed or scroll through Instagram and you can SEE the love.
But I want to FEEL it. I want us to embrace the community in a REAL and HUMAN way. I want us to do what we do best.
I want us to run…
How it played out
I laid out some other details in how I was going to organize a run in San Francisco and encouraged other runners to help organize a run in their city. When I wrote the post, I imagined maybe 10 cities would join in and groups of runners would come together and run for Boston. A few paragraphs later in that same post, I wrote “This may be idealistic or a reach in the dark, but it’s a reach I’m willing to make.” and that was the truth. I didn’t imagine it would become as big as it did.
Within a couple days there were 21 cities on board… two days later it would be over 90. By the end of it, there would be over 100 cities across 8 countries and an estimated 20,000+ runners participating in #BostonStrong<city> organized runs (see the list of cities here).
National Coverage
The runs started receiving local attention from newspapers and television. Then it started receiving national attention including ABC, CNN and USA Today. Originally, I was creating custom graphics for each city to promote their city. After making almost 50 graphics with individual cities, start times and locations and operating on a few hours of sleep each night, I was continuously amazed at how many cities were popping up. I know that the running community is extremely supportive, but I was absolutely amazed at the outpouring that was happening, all powered by social media.
Featured in Runner’s World
Leading up to the run, I had the opportunity to be interviewed by local news stations and I’m happy to say that my parents and daughter saw me on live TV. If that wasn’t reason enough to put a smile on my face, then THIS was:
I kept this pretty much to myself as it was happening, as I wasn’t sure what it was going to be. Monday morning, the day the runs were set to happen, I received an email from an editor at Runner’s World wanting to speak to me about “the movement you started.” I can’t explain what that moment feels like, but your stomach just kind of drops. It was a whirl-wind ride after that: several back and forth conversations over the phone and email, followed by them sending a photographer on the day I was set to fly to run the Toronto Marathon.
When the Boston issue was published by Runner’s World and I received the first couple messages from friends on social media that they had spotted me, it didn’t seem real. It actually didn’t really hit me until I was holding an issue myself and reading it. To be featured in a Runner’s World article is something I never thought would happen. To be a part of this issue, what may be (in my mind) the single most significant issue to the running community is an honor.
Thank YOU.
I say “thank you” to everyone that sends me a message or wishes me congrats. When I do, not only am I thanking you for the well wishes, but I’m thanking YOU for making this happen. Absolutely none of this is possible without YOU reading what I write or tweet or snap a photo of and share. These runs happened by runners organizing their own cities and by all of us spreading the word. As a community, WE all came together and shared a moment to run united. This issue and article is a testament to the strength of runners and our community. This issue is about us.
Exclusive map provided by Runner’s World (for digital subscribers) showing all the BostonStrong runs. The Yellow is Monday, a week after. >>Click to Enlarge<<
WE = Change
This cannot be understated. We did something… together. Not only did we all show a sign of strength and resilience, but we did something on a global scale that had an impact. Many runners have expressed how much this meant to them. I’ve spoken with other organizers and we all received “thanks” from runners for helping to set this up for various reasons. People coming up to us and saying “thank you” for doing this. I could only respond with “thank you for being a part of this.” Speaking with runners from the 2013 Boston race, it was heart warming to hear them express their appreciation and share their stories. We ran FOR them. We ran WITH them. I’m never going to be able to put into words how I feel, I’m just not that good of a writer, but I am honored to be a part of this and glad that I was able to share it with all of you.
[Personal change] I’m a different person because of this. When the run in San Francisco was happening, I stopped about half way through at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, our turn-around point and told my friend Chris that I was going to take some photos and talk to some of the runners. On the way back in, I took the opportunity to be in the moment. I high-fived some runners, chatted with many more and just realized what we had all accomplished and why we were running. Earlier in the week, there was this weird feeling that running had become different. I can’t explain it, maybe you felt it, but running alone a few days after Boston just didn’t feel right. On that Monday, a week later being surrounded by runners, it felt like we were being reminded of the love the running community can share. It was a sign that, in time, we were going to be ok. We were going to continue to run strong.
It also made me realize that THIS is what I want to do. I want to do something in the running and fitness field. I want to do something I love and am passionate about full time. I’m fortunate enough to love graphic design and have job doing that. But for a couple weeks, I got to experience what it would be like to be a part of something larger. I also received similar messages from other organizers of runs… that they felt inspired and “changed” after organizing their runs. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I know it is going to start with creating for myself.
Digital Magazine.
I’ve toyed with the idea of creating my very own digital magazine. It has been floating around my head for half a year and I’m finally going to do it. I don’t know if anything will come of it, but it’s a step in the right direction of creating something (other than this blog) that combines two things that I’m passionate about: running and design. The very first issue due in early July will be a photo collection of the #BostonStrong<city> runs. Simply put, it will be a collection of photos from around the world taken by runners. Again, something that YOU have helped me create. Future issues will be exclusive content that will not be featured on this blog. It will be articles, interviews, photographs, tips, anything and everything related to running and fitness… but mostly running, because that’s what I do. The magazine will be called “Mush” and I’ll explain why in the very first issue.
If you would like to receive “Mush” clicking on the link below. I’ve had many requests to have a way to subscribe to the blog, so this seemed like the perfect chance. I won’t send out email notifications for every post, maybe one every couple weeks that includes URL links to some recent exciting posts and any announcements of future ones to come. It will also be how you will receive each issue of the magazine. Right now, I see it coming out 4x a year, but that may change. It will be FREE and will just come through as a PDF for you to read on your computer, mobile device or tablet. Pretty simple, right?
CLICK HERE to subscribe to PavementRunner.com (and Mush).
Update: Unfortunately, MUSH was great idea, but a second issue was never created. Maybe it was for the better. I may bring it back around again, I loved making it. But I wonder if any future issue will ever be as “special” as the first one was.
Thank you to everyone that was a part of the Boston Strong runs. Whether it was organizing, running, volunteering, sharing information or celebrating. It’s a celebration and sign of strength for the running community. We are all a part of this issue.
Thank you.
It is an amazing movement you started. What seemed like such a small idea, runners getting together to celebrate life and running and freedom, just exploded. Congratulations on your appearance in RW and on your new digital magazine. Subscribing now.
The movement you started was unreal! Congratulations to you!
You are such an inspiration. I was so emotionally exhausted when I returned from Boston there was no way I could have done something like this or even thought something like this up. Boston needed people like you to step up and deliver and you DID it!!! I am so grateful and so glad that Runner’s World featured such an amazing person! hugs and high fives!
Ahhhh, I got teary reading this post. It was an absolute honor to be a part of this run and to be able to high five you just before the halfway turn around point :)
ALL. YOU. Props, high fives, and hella big cheers to you.
Excited to see what’s in store for you, and humbled by the chance to bask in your awesomeness :)
Amazing!!!!! Congrats Brian! This is a new and exciting chapter for you! I think what happened in Boston changed every runner on some level. I’m excited to follow along in your journey!
Amazing! You’re quite an inspiration!
SO PROUD OF YOU B! You’re a pioneer….an astronaut of sorts.
I know I’ve said it before, but you really and truly are such an inspiring person. Thank you thank you thank you.
You are such an inspiration. I’m very excited for you too! Looking forward to your first issue of mush! :)
this is so totally cool!! and very well deserved, brian. you worked hard, have awesome ideas, and do an unbelievable job executing them whether itz dominating races or putting together a countrywide run in support of boston!
I am just so proud of you. This is just proof that a single idea, no matter how small at conception, can morph into something amazing. You continue to inspire those around you. Keep it up Brian!
You are incredible!! Absolutely incredible :-)
Talk about inspiring!!! Isn’t it amazing when a thought rumbling around in our head turns into something amazing? Congrats!!!
omg so proud of you!!!! can’t wait to read the first issue!
Brian- the community of Lake Placid thanks you for your vision. We brought a slew of participants out for BostonStrongLP and it was the highlight of my events career. Thanks.
THANK YOU for all you do! you’re an inspiration to the running community! As a Bostonian and someone who was there that day, seeing all the supportive runs for Boston pop up around the country was so amazing. You lifted our spirits simply by doing what we all love to do – run. Thank you!
Such a wonderful thing when passion & life & work become one! So very happy & excited for you!!! You deserve it!
WOW!! That’s awesome and you know you have built in writers if you ever want to expand your new mag!!
You did a great thing and I’m so happy it’s helping you explore a path you’re excited about
It’s amazing the power a single person can have to create something so special that affects so many. You’re a pretty awesome guy!
So much awesome in one blog post!
this post, this movement, this UNION together gave me chills. I’m so freaking proud! Way to go friend!
So excited to watch all this awesomeness unfold because of you!! Congrats on your successes. Can’t wait to see the new mag!
Awesome! Big Congrats! You deserve all the hype and recognition. Keep on inspiring others.
While I didn’t run Boston, Marathon Monday has been a part of my life since I was a little kid. This whole even rocked me to my core, and I think I would be dealing much differently had I not had this running community. Thank you for everything you’ve done, it has meant the world to a lot of people, and I don’t think words can ever adequately express that. I see only great things for you in the future and cannot wait to see where this path leads you.
Absolutely amazing!
Too cool! And very inspiring.Such a great movement you started..of course you can venture to a digital mag! Good luck.
You are doing a really good thing with your talents and it is no surprise that all the goodness you have done, and will continue to do, is being recognized. Yes, it may involve a team but sometimes that team needs a motivational leader! I look forward to seeing your magazine and have a lovely week!
You are amazing and such an inspiration! Good luck on the magazine! I can’t wait for the first issue! :)
A lot of people will say they want to do something but so few actually put words into actions.
Congratulations, you are a leader to us all!
OMFG that’s too cool… I think I need you on GiGi Eats Celebrities, since you pretty much are a celeb now, being featured in mags and everything – I need to take a bite ;)
Incredible that one small idea turned into something so amazing!
I am so proud to be a part of the running community.
Congrats on your idea, the RW feature, the digital magazine, all of it!
Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
This is so cool. Runners are the best!
You are a rock star and I’m so glad to be able to call you a friend. One of these days we’ll meet in real life! Keep doing what you do and we’ll be cheering you along the way!
So I can’t even tell you how proud I am of you and this movement that you started and how freaking excited I am for you and your pursuit of your passion. I admit that I got a little teary when reading this because it shows the power of an idea and the power of this community. We have all changed and you helped provide a vehicle to make that happen. AND I can say that I knew you when. haha
It was so cool to read about you in the pages of Runner’s World. I loved the article and the entire movement that you created. And I’m so excited for you and how you’re going to be able to springboard this blogging platform into more and grow your passion! If you’re ever looking for contributors I’d love to write! Let me know if there’s an application process or something. And I’m signing up to subscribe!
You’re such an inspiration to all of us! You’re doing amazing things. Keep running with all your amazing ideas!
So inspiring! I ran a #bostonstrong run in tallahassee FL and it was such a great event to be a part of. Good luck! I can’t wait to read Mush!
Have I mentioned lately how much you f*cking rock? :) Thanks man.
I read the article and it was a great one. You’re a rock star! I look forward to your digital magazine. Very cool.
I LOVE this idea!! love love! And every word of this post, I adore. Your passion for running is so natural, so pervasive, it just rubs off. Excited for your new magazine!! subscribing!!
You are crazy inspiring! I loved reading your article in Runner’s World and can’t wait to read Mush!
The movement was amazing!! Many many codoos from Boston to you!
I had chills when you started the movement. Chills when all the BostonStrong runs were happening. Chills reading your article in RW. Chills right now reading this post. Congrats Brian! You have done an awesome job. I can not wait to read MUSH!
I was SO stoked when I saw you in RW! I was like, hey I know who that is!! Congrats on all the good stuff happening and the new zine! What you did was amazing and you definitely deserve the recognition! <3
Congrats on the feature in RW!! Boston Strong is what lead me to find your blog and I’m so glad I did! It’s wonderful you’re following your heart and pursing a big dream like this! I look forward to reading along. Good luck to you!
So, so awesome. I was so proud to see you in RW and I can’t imagine a better fit for you than a digital running magazine- so glad you’re going after it!
Yes! I love everything about this post! And I was so excited when I saw you in my RW :D