I just can’t seem to get this off my mind, so I had to post something. I’ll be back later today with my normal post. I know some people don’t want to talk about it because they don’t want to draw attention to it. They don’t want to give the person who did it the satisfaction that they have gotten our attention. And I completely understand that, so I won’t say much, but like I said, I can’t get it off my mind so I had to say something.
I have never ran a marathon, and I don’t know if I ever will, but I just ran my first half marathon 2 weeks ago in St. Louis. I started running years ago because I loved the peaceful feeling I felt while doing it. It gave me time to relax and think, and not have a care in the world. It gave me time to enjoy the outdoors and all the beautiful scenary and really take in the sights and the smell and sound of nature. It also made me feel good, healthy and strong. That is what I love about running. I can’t even describe the feeling of accomplishment I got when I ran the half, so it is hard to imagine that feeling doubled. I felt like I could do anything, and that I could really push my body if I wanted to. I can’t even fathom what the people in Boston felt yesterday. Almost to the finish line, listening to each foot hit the pavement, listening to their breathing, smiling from the excitement or maybe just ready to get it over with and celebrate with friends and family. Or maybe they had just cranked up their favorite tune to go into beastmode to knock out the last stretch. I hate that these people didn’t get to experience only those pure feelings yesterday. Many didn’t even get to finish, many are in the hospital and many aren’t here now. We all run for different reasons, and I think it is such a horrible shame that you can’t even feel safe while doing that now. Everytime I run now, I will think of Boston. It is just so sad, and hopefully we will all keep all of the runners, the friends and family and the residents of Boston in our prayers. “If you are trying to defeat the human spirit, runners are the wrong group to target.” Quote via Facebook. I hope everyone who ran the Boston Marathon who is still able to will continue to run.
Well said, runners ARE the wrong group to target. Hugs my friend!
Very well said. I have to note, that you're the first blogger on my list to post something about it. It broke my heart last night to hear how many amputations they have already performed.
A beautiful way to put it…such a sad turn on what was supposed to be a celebratory event.
-Brittany of Suburb Chic
As a runner yesterday shook me to my core. It's so senseless and tragic. 🙁
I am not a runner, but it still is such a horrible event. Marathons are inspirational and full of people who are just cheering and supportive. It is awful someone chose something SO positive and turned it into something so horrific.
I've been thinking the same thing! It feels like there isn't much left in our society to do where we can feel safe – but running was one thing that was pure, good, and overall safe – now I feel like it's one more thing people will have to take into consideration when signing of for a marathon of any kind. I hope the officials are able to find whoever is responsible so that we have more answers!!
Oh I love this. My boyfriend is a marathon runner and I believe that runners are strong people to physically endure the strains of long distance runs and I know that they will just be stronger from this and give them even more of a reason to run.
-Andréa
VA DARLING
So, so sad.. the whole thing!
I saw that quote on Facebook and love it! Runners are uniting all over the country today by wearing one of their race shirts. It's time to come together and be strong. I don't know about you, but it just makes me want to run more.
Laurie
Lulu and Daisy
So true! Such a horrible tragedy.
Can't even imagine how such a happy event turned to devastating in a matter of seconds. Can't get the people in Boston off my mind. Great quote, though…and so true.
I love that quote you found on Facebook.
We runners are a community that can't be broken!
Thank you for posting something. I am an HR Manager and a new runner. I turned my race shirt into a business casual outfit and could not be prouder/sadder. Proud to show my support and be part of such an amazing group of people and sadder becuase everytime I look down I tear up.
Praying for all of the families touched by this tragedy and for those recovering. Runners Unite!
I hadn't seen that quote yet. It's a great one! And really I just loved seeing all the people who ran TOWARD the chaos to help out. It's amazing to see the way people react in moments like that.
Oh so nicely said. that last quote is so the true. Those runners there yesterday likely spent YEARS trying to get there. All the will and determination that it must have taken- this tragedy will NOT change that!
This is so beautiful. Thank you for posting something. I think it is great that runners are uniting to show respect and love to people they may have never known but share a true passion with.
Very well said!!
Girl it doesn't matter if you didn't run a full. Running is running and I think all of us runners feel hurt and saddened and it hit so close to home for us! Great post!
Great post! You just said what's been on my heart. Praying for Boston!