yesterday morning, i woke up just a little jittery. it was patriot’s day which means that it’s boston marathon day. which still gives me jitters looking back on the experience of running there 2 years ago. yesterday, i saw the cnn alert as the first runner crossed the finish line, and had tears well up in my throat in the middle of my business meeting.
shortly thereafter, those jitters, excitement, awe, and respect quickly turned to fear, sadness, and just plain anger for what had happened. an event, one that people work so hard for, train for, give up things for, had in one fateful moment been turned into a crime scene.
the emotional celebration of bringing your final leg across the finish line had turned into pure sorrow. the anticipation of crossing the line, relaxing, and lounging around boston for the remainder of the day was no longer an option this year.
this breaks my heart. not only because of the terrorism, death, and injury, but because of the event it was aimed at. the boston marathon stands as an event that celebrates commitment, it celebrates perseverance, and it celebrates a sport that is at the essence of human history. people who train, are dedicated, and run for the freedom it brings no longer felt that way.
and it was aimed at the masses. it was targeted for folks crossing the line at around 4:09 – this is a bulk of participants. it was aimed at people who were at their weakest after just have completed 26 miles, the body all but ready to give in as it is now fleeing from explosion as well.
i have prayed and mourned over yesterday’s events. i’ve asked questions of God and have been deeply perplexed. i can’t imagine all that has happened in boston and all the acts of heroism performed. this i do know – runners are resilient. an act like this will not stop us. it won’t prevent us from waking up at 5 am to go on a run. it won’t stop us from training in hail storms. it won’t stop us from forming deep, deep bonds with those we run with. and it won’t take the spirit out of us.
As Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon says, “If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon”.
thoughts, prayers, and deepest love to all in boston yesterday and all connected to those who were there.
remember your wellies 