After the bombing of the Boston Marathon on Monday, I went through a series of emotions. None of which I felt I could accurately convey. At first, I contemplated that I wouldn’t address it here at all since I usually avoid current events. Most certainly, I have read numerous blog posts that were a thousand times more eloquent than anything my confused brain could put together.
But I do feel personally touched by Monday’s events. I was born just about an hour away from Boston, and until about a year or two ago still had property up there. For the past few years, I have gone up to visit friends. Last fall, I ran in the Boston Half Marathon, the kid sister to the Boston Marathon. I am a runner, and have run countless races and spectated and volunteered at others. The Boston Marathon is my sport’s Olympics/Superbowl/World Cup. I have several friends who live in the Boston area, and others who had traveled last weekend to run and watch the race, fortunately as far as I know everyone was ok. I will always have a special place in my heart for the city of Boston.
But none of this is going to stop me. I’m racing this weekend. No, I’m not worried, other than the typical race week jitters. It’s a tiny duathlon race out in a tiny rural area. The threat level is minimal. But even if it wasn’t, I’m still not worried. It’s my duty to continue on with running, training, racing.
You see, Endurance Athletes have one thing that they do better than anyone else, regardless of their speed or ability.
They Endure.
The runners at the race on Monday will be OK. They will endure on and have a high tolerance for pain and heartbreak. It is the spectators, volunteers, first responders, family members, and residents of Boston who will need support. Reach out to someone who fits into one of those categories, whether in Boston or in your hometown. I know I still haven’t fully allowed myself to feel the emotions of Boston. Maybe it hasn’t really sunk in yet. So you’ll excuse me if I get a little teary or give extra hugs to volunteers at the race on Sunday.
Sallaboutme 