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| 2011: Our First Inspiring Trip to Boston |
Obviously, I have taken a few months off from my blog. I think it's also because I've taken a few months off from running too. But after this weekend (Boston's Marathon Monday), which started getting me itching to throw on as much spandex as possible and run (even though I won't because the spandex might not stretch enough for my belly and I just couldn't imagine trucking these extra 44 pounds and swollen feet for more than a ten-minute walk), I am inspired to at least write again. Unfortunately, instead of being inspired by my superhero marathon running gods, I am saddened by the events, the bombing, but inspired by the crowd, the helpers, the runners - my distance folk who continue to keep me loving Boston - even though it scares me now too.
When I first got pregnant, I told all of my regular Boston sidekicks that our annual trip to the Boston Marathon was still on, that I had vowed years ago to never skip out on Patriots' Day despite what life threw in my way. But a 6 pound, 1 ounce baby boy fetus and a protective husband and intelligent, sane friends blocked my path this year - and I was forced to stay in New York. Although I pouted for a bit and drooled over the Boston updates and interviews, my good friend and long-time running pal of 25 years, Brianne, said she would come visit so that we could watch the race together. My amazing boss who knows how runner-crazy I am (she witnessed me purchasing Olympic Trial tickets online when they first went on sale as if I was a Justin Beiber crazed fan ordering concert tickets) gave me the morning off so that I could at least stick to part of my Bah-ston promise.
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| Watching Boston Live on the Internet, 2013 |
I spent the morning watching the race with Brianne and grading papers for class. By 12:30, we packed up and headed back to our work responsibilities. By 2:00, I was teaching, and at the end of class, I glanced at my phone and saw a message from my friend saying something to the effect of "So glad you didn't go to Boston - two bombs at the finish line." I had my next class look up the details of the bombing - and at the end of class, I was greeted by almost 55 text messages of people concerned for me (if they didn't know I skipped out on Boston) or relieved (if they knew I wasn't there this year).
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| Where We Always Stand by The Finish, Right by the 2013 Bombing (Just on the Other Side of the Road) |
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I am so sad - possibly more sad for Boston than I was for New York's 9/11 - dare I say. I think it's because it hits home a bit. For one, I feel very blessed to have almost haphazardly missed the race this year - thanks to Cole and some other guardian angels on my side. But for another, this attack was on my people - my distance folk - a group that is normally non-aggressive, goal-oriented, and full of camaraderie. If you have seen the final stretch of the Boston Marathon, you have witnessed images of true humanity. And to know that someone tried to negate those moments of humanity, of grown men lifting up others when their legs wobble underneath them, of husbands grabbing their wives for a victorious finish line kiss, of the crowd cheering on a person who has resorted to a walk, lifting the runner's wings again with an urging roar - I am sad. And I am angry.
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| The Crazy Crowds on the Streets of Boston |
When I first went to Boston, I remember walking around the Copley Square area and saying, "OMG, these are my people." The entire city was infiltrated by skinny people in spandex and sneakers, searching for a place to carbo-load: my distance folk. The city embraced these people; every store was wrapped in running. I have never felt more safe. The same trip, I sat with two of my athletes, preparing signs for our star runner, Kara Goucher. In a blog preceding Kara's marathon, she explained that her psychologist and she came up with mantras to get her through the 26.2 miles: "Free" and "You are not afraid," so therefore, we made signs to remind her of these inspiring words. Ironically, who would have thought that these words would be even more inspiring to Boston years later? I hope that true Boston fans can repeat these words in their head next year. I hope we stay unafraid and free from the fear that these people (two idiot backpack-wearing men/boys/cowards) wanted to bring to the beautiful, safe city.
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| Boston is NOT AFRAID |
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| Our Signs |
I love watching the efforts of my runner friends on Facebook, promoting runs for Boston and sporting the blue and yellow Boston colors. But what is also nice to see is how the non-running community is rallying behind the community and the country. I have seen more flags again (Rob even made sure to finally get our USA Olympic badges on our cars in matching spots <3). But even yesterday at the doctor's office, as we watched the FBI release of the suspects' pictures/videos, I was so proud of a pregnant woman who stood up to turn up the office's television so that she (we) could hear the updates loud and clear. We were all glued to the feed.
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| We are all in! |
And although next year I might reconsider where I stand to watch the end
of the race and veto my new idea of testing out the train to get us
from mile 4 to mile 26 and question whether to bring my son, watching it
on TV just wasn't the same. I know Boston will never be the
same, but I believe it will rise from these bomb ashes - stronger and
reborn. And no matter what, I will always be all in for Boston.
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| There's No Stopping Boston's Marathon Monday! |
