Thoughts on Boston From Afar

I am struggling to put all of the thoughts, feelings and emotions into words, but I wanted to share the impact the Boston bombings had on me all the way across the country

After a not so satisfactory race over the weekend, I started my Monday morning off with a tempo run, channeling the Boston Marathon energy, having a solid run, and getting the mental & physical boost of confidence I needed for my upcoming race {Eugene half}.  I was home by 6:30am and turned on the TV to watch the elite male and females start the race, was following all of my friends on twitter and Instagram who were running, and all dialed in to track those people.  Within no time, I was fully emerged into the excitement of the marathon, texting my friends saying I would be there next year to cheer for them, anxiously awaiting text updates for the runners, and sharing their splits and accomplishments with the twitter world.  I wasn't even there, and I was overflowing with the energy of the race.

4 of the 5 runners I was tracking finished the race, with exceptional times, and I anxiously waited for the FINISH text for Lisa, and it never came...I knew, based on the previous texts, that she was close to finishing, but yet she never finished; I knew something was wrong.  I checked twitter, for the 1,000th time that day, and saw the news, and everyone tweeting "are you ok?" It's hard to put it into words, but it was such a heart and gut wrenching feeling, and my initial thought was that Lisa was right near the finish when the bombs went off. I was flooded with all sorts of emotions. Overtime, it was confirmed that the people I know, even those I don't, were ok.  It was then that the reality of what just happened really started to sink in. An individual{s} turned peoples dreams into a nightmare, turned a festive event into devastation, took the life of an innocent child who was the son of one of the marathoners, injured innocent spectators who were there to support the hard work and dedication of their friends, family and loved ones, and stole the joy of the running community, the residents of Boston & all of America on April 15th.  

Events like this have people asking "Why?" "How Could Somenone?" and they often respond with anger and hatred.  This was an act of anger and hatred; we need to respond by looking for the hope in the situation. From the runners running extra miles to go donate blood, the locals offering food, clothing & shelter to the stranded runners, the outpouring of love and support from the running community, the heroic acts of all of the first responders etc. there were so many acts of hope & love seen during such a tragic time.  

As a runner, I felt like my family was attacked.  3 of the 5 people I was following, and very concerned about, I haven't even met, but I feel like I know them, like I have a unique connection with them, like we have been friends for forever. That's the kind of connection we have with other runners. I was sick to my stomach at the thought that something might've happened to them.  I'm just warning Lisa, Lisa,  and Meghan that I am going to give them the biggest, longest hug when I see them {meeting 2 of them for the first time}! And I can't wait!

I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that it was the spectators, the ones selflessly there to celebrate the accomplishment, dedication, and hard work of their friends, family and loved ones who were the victims of this horrific act. My mom is my biggest cheerleader {literally and figuratively} and is  proudly at the finish line, with her camera and cowbell, at most of my races.  My heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude for all she has done....the countless miles she has traveled, the streets she has traversed, the cowbells she has rang, the constant belief, support & encouragement she has shown me,  and sacrifice she has made to be there for ME! Every race I look forward to seeing her smiling face as I approach the finish line..I can't imagine it not being there. 

In light of the Boston Marathon, I will run with more heart, passion, and determination; I will love harder, care more, hug a little longer and tighter, and be a light in the world.

My prayers go out to the victims, the running community, Boston, and all of America.