I know it may sound a little ridiculous, but there are still many times when I think of myself as a runner and kinda laugh. To me it still seems a stretch to claim that name despite the fact that I have now run 8 marathons, log miles daily, and am actively running for charities. I burn out running shoes faster than I have ever gone through shoes in my life and know the flavors of GU that are palatable. I have learned a lot in the few years I have been doing this now. I still more often run alone and rarely get involved with more than one runner unless it is a race.
None the less, I belong now to a community. I am a runner. I am a marathoner. Hell, I even qualified for the Marathon Maniacs last year by running two 26.2 mile races in two weeks. I don't know a lot of marathoners, but at the same time, I kinda know them all to a degree.
A year ago, bombs exploded at the finish of one of the most revered marathons in the world. The attack had nothing to do with the the Boston Marathon, it was just a crowded place. They went off when the mid-packers were just getting to the finish line. The runners were not even the ones targeted, but the amazing people that came out to cheer for them while they finished something remarkable. To run 26.2 miles is a tremendous feat, but to support someone doing so, whether that's holding a sign or a Gatorade cup, is one of the greatest gifts any runner can get. The attacks hit them hardest.
While I know the marathoners were not the cause of the attack, my community suffered the brunt of it. Over the months, Boston Strong became a creed of resilience and the city stood up and began putting itself back together. Runners lined up and ran marathons across the world, at times with daunting security. I doubt it is harder to meet the president than it was for me to get to the starting line of the New York Marathon last year.
Today, I remember the events a year ago and hold deep gratitude for the heroes, the first responders, and the last to go home from the ER's. So much good came forth, it is hard not to be overwhelmed. I hung the flag on our porch this morning and threw on a running shirt for the day. I am grateful for my community and all those that stepped up over the last year to help it. Today, Boston Strong means so much and it will mean even more on Patriot's Day next Monday when the Boston Marathon returns.
Thank you Boston. The marathon was attacked and there was nothing you could do about that. Being strong was a choice. We needed it more than you can know.
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