Mondays are usually pretty busy here at work, but yesterday was exceptionally busy. I was sitting in a meeting yesterday morning when I heard my phone keep buzzing because I was getting text messages. Then my office phone rang and it was a call from my dad. What in the world was going on?? When I was finally able to look at my phone I saw the first text from my mom “U there? Bomb at Boston marathon.” WHAT?!
I spent the next few minutes trying to close up my facility and get to another meeting, all while talking to my mom on the phone. I hadn’t been near my computer since before the bombs went off so she started filling me in. 2 bombs. At least 2 people dead. No one knows what is going on. I couldn’t believe it. As a runner my heart just couldn’t believe what had happened. Why would someone do this?
After my meeting I had dinner plans with a friend, a fellow runner. When I got to her house I asked her if she had heard what happened. When I told her so couldn’t believe it. We went right to the tv and turned it on. We sat there for another the next 45 minutes just staring at the tv. Watching the same few images over and over. Why would someone do this?
When I finally got home around 8 pm I immediately sat down and fired up my laptop. I cried, actually I bawled, as I looked at the images from the minutes and hours that followed the explosions. I smiled and cried as I read stories of emergency workers and strangers that helped in any way they could. I started sending messages to friends who knew people running the race to make sure everyone was accounted for. There wasn’t much I could do, but I was doing what I could.
This morning I got up and put on my Brooks Run Happy shirt. It wasn’t exactly appropriate work attire, but I just didn’t care. I also packed up my running clothes and shoes so that I could go for a run after work. I was going to run regardless because today they are people who can no longer run. There wasn’t much I could do, but I was doing what I could.
I’ve spent the morning ready articles and blog posts about the race and the bombings. So many accounts are positive stories about runners banding together, spectators and neighbors offering support, and emergency personnel doing an amazing job. The running community is amazing on a regular day and yesterday they showed just how amazing they can be.
I know that this won’t keep races from happening, but I know it will prompt a lot of changes in the racing world. I personally won’t stop signing up for races and I won’t skip any of the ones that I’ve all ready signed up for. I’m going to keep lacing up my running shoes and keep moving forward. It is what I should do and what I will do.
