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.
(source)
Could not have said it better. Great post!
Beautifully said, Ashley.
While I understand that it would be personally devastating not to be able to finish a race that you have put your heart and soul into training for, and to be in the chaos of downtown Boston yesterday, as a Bostonian I want to make sure that we don’t forget the real focus of this grief, the adults and child who lost their lives and the many who were gravely injured. Thank you for posting a truly thoughtful response
Well put.
Thank you for posting this, Ashley. As a Bostonian, runner, and an American, I am saddened by yesterday’s events. I had originally planned to volunteer at the finish line, but opted to be on the course for support. I’m thankful I changed my mind, but sadly that doesn’t change what happened. ❤
Thanks for sharing, Ashley. You have become such a voice of the everyday runner. We connect with you because you are real, we feel as if we know you, and we wanted to hear your thoughts. Your blog helps to establish the greater running community. Thank you.
Well spoken. It’s turning to the ones we love for support during times like these that will get us through.
Your aunt’s words are so moving. Our running community, whether IRL or through social media, is so strong. My heart breaks for everyone affected.
My heart is so heavy, too. Running has always been a source of joy for me. Relearning it as something tragic seems backwards and unfair and downright wrong. Thank you for posting. Thinking of you and the entire running community.
Your aunt’s words moved me to tears. I told my mom, “This is my other family. You don’t understand runners unless you are one.” May God be with the survivors and with the families of those we lost.
I’m sorry she made you cry Kristin but I agree that no one understands.