Thoughts on Boston

I had a different post scheduled for today but I just couldn’t bring myself to go on with business as normal considering the events in Boston yesterday. I watched in shock yesterday as the news kept on coming of more devastation. Of all the horrors that have happened in our world recently this one hit so close to my heart. I’ve crossed the finish line of many races. That area is filled with so much hope, celebration, and encouragement. A place that is usually overflowing with tears of joy, pride, and accomplishment was defiled. After running 26.2 miles the finish line is supposed to be a place of safety. That was stolen from the runners at Boston yesterday, and that makes me angry. I don’t whoever was behind this horrid tragedy to win. My heart is sad for those lost, I pray for the recovery of those injured, but I will not live in fear. I will keep running. And I will remember why we run. The countless hours spent dreaming, planning, and training is unimaginable. The family that stands behind the runner is not to be forgotten either. They give up a lot so that their loved ones can achieve those dreams. Even if you aren’t a runner, it’s hard not to be caught up in the excitement of watching someone work so hard to reach those goals. I can’t even begin to fathom standing there at the finish line, waiting for your loved one to cross that finish line… and then be hurt or killed only because of your selfless desire to be there to support someone you love. Those people are to be honored for that.

Boston is such a prestigious race. Some people, like Roger Wright, spend a lifetime Dreaming about running in the Boston Marathon. It is literally live changing for so many people around the world. Let us not remember Boston because of terrorists. Let us remember Boston for the Runners who have made it the race it is today. We aren’t stopped by blisters, lost toenails, countless injuries and setbacks and we will not be stopped by this.  Runners are strong. We are resilient  When faced with a setback we typically come back with a stronger desire to conquer. And this is no different.

And so I will run. I will train. I will compete.

and when I toe the starting line of the Pittsburgh Half Marathon I will do it with a fervor in my heart to finish for all those who had that stolen from them. And I will show you, we are strong. Who knows why you did this or what you were trying to accomplish, but you picked the wrong group of people. Runners never stop.

 If you have a few minutes to watch Roger’s story – please do. Dreaming of Boston literally saved his life.