I am still in shock over Monday’s attack at the Boston Marathon. I was not there, it is not “my story”, but I am a marathoner. I could have been there running, volunteering or cheering my heart out as I have been known to do. I think that everything that can be said about this has been said, or at least said much more eloquently than I can, so this post will be a transition back to my usual format.
Today’s post is dedicated to a few things that lightened my heavy heart this week. Tomorrow, I return to “business as usual” here, but I will stay true to myself and honor those who perished, or were injured, by vowing to continue running, volunteering and cheering my heart out at as many events as physically possible.
I love the quick thinking and lovely sentiments of this normally defiant artist. Bravo Illuminator!
Thing #2 – This Message
My former colleague, and friend, Ches convinced me to join his company’s team for the Mount Washington Road Race on June 15th. Though this is a completely ridiculous challenge for this flatlander, I was introduced to Mike McLaughlin who provided Thing #2. Mike sent this story yesterday which I am so grateful for:
“Thanks everyone. The race was an amazing experience. It is really unfortunate that it was ruined by a senseless act of violence. A part of me will look back at the race with fond memories but I don’t think the sadness will ever dissappear. I crossed the finish at 2:20 PM so by the time the bombs went off I was riding the T back to my car with my brother. There were a number of coworkers, family and friends that were volunteering, running and watching the race at the finish line so the rest of the afternoon was spent checking on everyone and being checked on.
On a positive note I’d like to share a story from the race that stands out to me. The Newton firehouse was particularly memorable because I had the good fortune to be running past John Young just as he was turning onto Comm Ave. The crowds are always big in that area and they were going absolutely crazy cheering for him as he made his way towards the hills. There was music blaring and I passed him just as the music of LMFAO Party Rock was hitting a crescendo. The love and encouragement the crowd extended to this man will be burned into my memory forever. It is something I will never forget and it stands in contrast to how the day ended. Unfortunately John never got the chance to cross the finish line. I have a feeling that the bombs will not stop him from trying again next year. I know it won’t stop me or anyone else either. “
Now thanks to Mike, the image of John Young being cheered as Party Rock plays will be in my memory, too. I could share so many wonderful stories of that ilk from my races. All runners can. Thank you, Mike, for the reminder, and thank you spectators, fans and runners for being just plain awesome!
Thing #3 – Winners!
I love giving gifts. I threw myself a little blogiversary party and had 7 Facebook giveaways and 5 awesome prizes here on the site.
My Rafflecopter seems to be playing favorites! Claire, Dawn and Emily were past winners! And, I am not sure how it figured out that it was Richard’s birthday!
Thank you to all who entered my giveaway here and on Facebook. I appreciate all of the support you show me and this blog! I am so happy to be a part of an even larger community of runners, fitness enthusiasts and people who like new ideas. Please keep coming back and thank you for bringing me happiness!
Thing #4 – Lipstick
I wear very little make up, but I love lipstick. It always makes me feel prettier. It was my good fortune to receive an email for the Tarte Cosmetics Sample Sale when I was feeling low. The prices are awesome, so I bought a little extra to share with some of you later. This is a win-win!
Thing #5 – How Awesome Runners Are!
Like this story that went viral on Facebook:
The text to follow accompanied this photo
From Laura Wellington – “As some of you know, I was 1/2 mile from the finish line when the explosion went off. I had no idea what was going on until I finally stopped and asked someone. Knowing that my family was at the finish line waiting for me, I started panicking, trying to call them. Diverted away from the finish line, I started walking down Mass Ave towards Symphony Hall still not knowing where my family was. Right before the intersection of Huntington, I was able to get in touch with [my boyfriend] and found out he was with my family and they were safe. I was just so happy to hear his voice that I sat down and started crying. Just couldn’t hold it back. At that moment, a couple walking by stopped. The woman took the space tent off her husband, who had finished the marathon, and wrapped it around me. She asked me if I was okay, if I knew where my family was. I reassured her I knew where they were and I would be ok. The man then asked me if I finished to which I nodded “no.” He then proceeded to take the medal off from around his neck and placed it around mine. He told me “you are a finisher in my eyes.” I was barely able to choke out a “thank you” between my tears.
Odds are I will never see this couple again, but I’m reaching out with the slim chance that I will be able to express to them just what this gesture meant to me. I was so in need of a familiar face at that point in time. This couple reassured me that even though such a terrible thing had happened, everything was going to be ok.”
They were reconnected! It is days like these that social media and Facebook are amazing! And this is one of countless stories being shared of love and kindness in Boston.
Thing #6 and the most important one – Running with, talking to and sharing stories with my friends and family.
As I said on Tuesday, I was overwhelmed and humbled by the outreach and support I received – and I was not even there! I cannot express how loved and cared for I feel. This does not change the terrible outcome on Monday, but it lifts my spirits and gives me hope. One viral image that I loved said, “The Good Outnumber You and We Always Will.” Amen to that.
Please share any stories or things that made your heart feel a bit lighter, or gave you hope, this week in the comments. THANK YOU again for your support, friendship and hope!
