It is Tuesday which now means that yesterday was Marathon Monday. Today I expected to spend time with my cappuccino reading, in awe, the stories from friends and acquaintances who ran 26.2 Boston Marathon miles. While I only personally knew 3 people running the marathon yesterday I knew many more through Twitter, Facebook, running, and social media relationships. Instead, today I wore waterproof mascara as I know what the day holds. As I sit here, in an empty office during the first few minutes of my day, I am taking time to reflect and share some ways that you can help those who need it most right now.

I am still in a bit of shock after yesterday’s tragedy but am thankful to have my health this morning. Both Bo and I were at work yesterday in NYC when the tragedy occurred as unfortunately neither of us have the speed necessary, at this point in our lives, to qualify for Boston. However, we both know people who were affected yesterday in Boston and our hearts are heavy today. While they were not injured yesterday due to the tragedy, there lives were forever changed by being there. There are people who work for years to run Boston whose dreams were crushed yesterday as this wonderful and sacred event for runners suddenly turned into a tragedy which will always be remembered for a different reason.

In honor of those affected by yesterday’s tragic events, take time to focus today on doing something positive. Call someone and tell them you love them. Hug your loved ones a bit tighter. Lace up your shoes and go outside to enjoy running for the reason you started initially. Help someone in need. Donate blood. Donate money. Listen to someone who needs to talk. Be thankful. Read this so that you can remember the good things in the world.

In an email to my father, my aunt articulated my feelings about yesterday in just a short sentence.

“I had been thinking that i needed to make 100% sure that Ash was not in Boston. So, then I began to think, even if its not our Ashley, it could be another family’s “Ashley.”

This has been a sad few months for running but we must all move forward – together – and never run in fear but instead run for the sport and the pure love of being active. 

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