For all the Runners and Families of those Affected at the Boston Marathon

I was going to take time today to update my blog with the review of the two most recent races that I ran. However, after today's events I have changed my mind. That can wait. Today all I can do is express how deeply saddened I am about what happened at the Boston Marathon. I am MAD , no I am really pissed off that someone could do such a thing. These types of tragedies are always senseless, and hit me hard. This time however I just can't seem to shack the anger inside that I am feeling right now. I don't like that about myself.

My heart broke, I sat here today excited to hear about all my friends that were running and how great they did, when in fact I ended up worried about if they were Ok instead. I just don't understand... 

I know the majority of those that were killed or injured where the ones on the side lines cheering on the runners. This also angers me, because it is the spectators and the families on the sidelines, especially the Finish Line that really help pull you through as a runner. Those cheers and signs and the adrenaline you get from the people cheering you on can make all the difference in finishing a race. Why??...AHHHHHHHHHH  WHY???? I just don't understand. 

Sorry if I am just rambling here, I am literally just writing this as it comes to me, just pouring out what I am feeling. 

I am glad to report that of the 7 friends that I had running the Boston Marathon, all but one have been contacted and are fine. I think that my anger mainly stems from the fact that there is still one more person I care about unaccounted for. Please pray with me that she is safe. 

Other than the worry for my friends, I just don't quite understand how this senseless tradgey has rocked my world so badly.  I guess it is the realization that it could have been anyone of us in this situation. The one thing that I love so much about the running community is that we all share a deep, common bond. We share a love and a passion for running and all that it stands for. We stand by one another, support each other and cheer each other on through the good times and pick each other up in the bad times.

Running to me is about being strong, standing up against the odds, and defeating the negative around me. So I guess that is my answer. I will stand up and not let this shake the core of the sport I love so much. I will not let some senseless fool destroy what I stand for. I will move on, I will continue to run, I will continue to share that bond with my fellow runners and we will be united in the healing that must happen now!!!

So for now I am  sending prayers to all of my fellow runners, their families, the race staff & volunteers, the first responders, nurses, doctors... and everyone affected by this horrific tragedy. 

Tomorrow I will join so many others in the running community to show my support by wearing a race shirt. If you are a runner and you are reading this then please join us on 4/16/13 and wear your running shirt to show support. 

 

 Run for fun, Run for you, Run4Life

Angi