Runners Unite in Tragedy

By this time, I’m sure you’ve heard what happened at the Boston Marathon today. The details are still unclear but at about the 4 hour mark of the race, two explosions happened near the finish line, possibly an act of terrorism. The images of the scene are horrific and it is clear that a lot of people were hurt today. The explosions took place near the sidelines of the race…where recent finishers, family, friends, volunteers, and Boston Police were congregated. News reports indicate that one of the two people killed (so far, unfortunately there may be more) was an 8 year old boy, likely there to cheer on one of his parents. I’ve never run a marathon. And I’ve never been to Boston in my life. But my heart is heavy for the community of runners that I love as dearly as my own family.

It’s important to note that this could have happened anywhere...it could have easily been Houston. These were runners. These were their families. These were volunteers. They were the people we lean on for support, to challenge us, to motivate us, to advise us. We are part of the same community as those hurt and killed today. Their families are our families. Many of my fellow Moms RUN This Town ladies were there along with their families and loved ones and as soon as I heard of this tragedy I immediately had to check on them. (Thank God they are all okay) The volunteers are the same kind of compassionate and motivating people you see at our local races. The runners participating were the most talented athletes our sport has to offer. At the time of the explosion, the elite runners had already crossed the finish line. Those running at the time of the pace were averaging a 9:00 – 9:30 minute/mile pace. They were the “average joes” of the race, most of them running for charity.

One of our MRTT mamas, Rhonda, said something amazing today and I’d like to share it with you. She writes, “As I was driving home, I kept thinking, “Why us (runners)? Why Boston?” I know why. Runners in general are the most caring, compassionate, and unselfish group people I’ve ever known. We are not divided politically. We are not violent. Not all of us are the same religion (or religious at all), but for many, time running is spiritual. Running has improved our lives, and the lives around us. We support and encourage each other, doesn’t matter if we even know each other personally. We take care of each other. There is so much light and good in running. Evil hates all of that, which makes runners an obvious target. Running is positive and healthy and wonderful, therefore it’s a magnet for hate. The only thing to do is to keep running, and not do a damn thing differently.”

Running is a gift. And after today, many people lost that gift or will have a very tough recovery. I truly hope that they will run again. You may not feel like there is much that you can do for the victims or for their families directly. Tomorrow I will strap my little man in the jogging stroller and run for those who can’t as a result of the injuries from the Boston Marathon explosions. I will run for those who trained for months and weren’t able to finish. I will run for those who did finish and have the tainted memories of their triumph mixed with tragedy. I will run for the people (and children) who witnessed unspeakable horror today. Runners are compassionate people. We expose our vulnerability as well as our strength every time we hit the pavement. I think that’s what makes us so tight knit.

So my recommendation to you is to hold on to the running community and don’t let go. I was immensely proud of our chapter as we rallied together on our board today as events unfolded in Boston. We know exactly why and how this hurts, even if we don’t directly know the people involved. I’ve seen the quote that “Running is Cheaper than Therapy.” I know I use the road for stress relief. When you run tomorrow, dedicate your run to those we lost today and know that you’re doing so with runners throughout the country and the world. Run for those who can’t and see if that doesn’t help to sustain you through your distance. They would do the same thing for you. Cry if you need to. Wear your race shirt tomorrow (for any distance) to show your solidarity with the running community. Our national MRTT organization is working on a nationwide virtual race to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy. Find your outlet, in whatever way helps you to cope. At your next race, I want you to thank the volunteers and police, even if all you can manage is a wave while you’re passing them. I want you to wave to the spectators. I want you to encourage your fellow runner. Each one of you is precious. And running is a gift that we share.