I have never run the Boston Marathon, I've never really had a real drive to want to run the Boston Marathon, and I've never been nor have I made plans to go to Boston. But I am a runner, I know what runners put into our sport, and I know what runners especially put in to run Boston, whether it's qualifying or raising enough money for a coveted charity slot. And because I can relate to everyone at that finish line yesterday -- runner, spectator, family member, volunteer -- I feel like I, and the sport I participate in & the way I choose to live my life, was attacked yesterday.
I don't follow sports at all, but from what I can tell, this is one of the few sports that don't "boo" the "other team." It's a sport that has a constant stream of clapping and cheering and cowbells and high-5s and hugs and celebratory beers. It's an individual sport in that all runners I know are really just trying to better themselves. And it's a team sport in that we all cheer one another on through good days & bad. We don't kick each other when we are down, but instead try to boost one another back up to see the better days ahead. We pick up stragglers along the way and help them to finish. Runners are a driven, determined, and extremely passionate crew who are always moving forward. And races are our hours to show off our hard work, perseverance, and triumph. Races are a celebration of our lifestyle.
Because of all the good I see in running, I cannot wrap my mind around why someone would want to bomb a marathon. I cannot wrap my mind around why someone would want to destroy people who are there to better themselves or celebrate people who want better themselves.
Perhaps I'm seeming a bit dispassionate because I haven't addressed other bombings or murders or tragic events, which I know are just as senseless. I generally try to stray away from offering my opinion there because stories always change, facts are always released, and one too many times I've opened my mouth before I should have. But I think it's safe to say I'm really angry & upset about the attack at Boston. My heart aches for the spectators that were hurt & killed, because I so appreciate spectators who come out to cheer me on. I feel protective about my friends who were running & cheering at Boston yesterday, & I'm so, sooo mad that someone wanted to harm them.
These are my people.
This is my life.
I don't really have any other words to express that will change anything, past or future, and nothing I can say will ever be enough anyway. But runners & the whole race community is the most supportive family ever, and I am doing my best to find the positive stories & acts of heroism coming out of this.
And in the present, I can keep going out there, doing what I love & giving right back to this community that gives so much to me.
We run a little harder today.
