Thoughts on the Boston Marathon Tragedy

Boston Medal (taken from Facebook)

As a runner, the news of the attacks on the Boston marathon hit a very personal note for me.  On April 15, at approximately 2:50pm, the Boston Marathon would be changed forever in a span of seconds.  Running and races have always been known as a place of support.  Many times proceeds from races go to charities, its about the community coming together and cheering on each other while accomplishing goals.  It makes me very sick to think that someone could intentionally inflict that harm with such malice and disregard.  On what should have been a happy and commemorative day for many people, was turned into a war-zone of unimaginable horror in an instant.  I am in shock and awe as more details and reports about what transpired that day are revealed. 

I take solace in the overwhelming compassion and support in response to the attack.  Reports of runners finishing the race and immediately running to the nearest hospital to give blood, strangers and volunteers facing the horror and having the courage of those overcoming fears to help the fallen and wounded, and all the generosity of the people who opened their homes to help the runners and people displaced from the race.

It doesn't surprise me one bit.  These characteristics and quality are embodied by the running community and the sport of running itself.  Running itself is one of the few sports where there aren't any losers.  Runners are everyday people from all walks of life.  Few people run the race to actually "win" but every single person who crosses that finish is a winner.  The elite, professional, recreational and amateur all run together the same course and the same race.  We are all united together and offer support and cheer each other success. 

The events at the Boston marathon had larger goals than just harming the people at the race.  It was intended to poison our minds and hearts with fear, to corrode our faith in humanity, to break the spirits of runners, Bostonian, and the all of American people.  Running has always been a sanctuary from the craziness of the world, where it is just you and the road.  That ideal has also shaken by these events.  I think the overpowering consensus among runners is that we will not be held down.  I agree 100 percent with this sentiment.  The malignant attacks make us angry and sick but we runners are a resilient group and the american people harbor an unsinkable spirit.  Try to push and hold us down and we will come back stronger and then come kick your ass! 

Although I can probably never look at races with the same innocence again, I won't let fear or terror deter me.  If anything, I am more emboldened and determined to accomplish running a marathon someday.  Run for those who are hurting right now, run for those who may never run again.  Don't let fear rule your life, acknowledge and move past it.  Take a moment to contemplate what is really important in life and go live it to the fullest every single day.