Hi Friends!
Just like it is after any major tragedy, I’m sure the blog world will be full of posts today that beautifully capture the thoughts, emotions and heartache that people are feeling after yesterday. And I’m sure many people will do it better than me. But I still felt the need to write.
Boston: Ever since I was little, Boston has held a special place in my heart. Every summer, my mom, sister and I would pack up our bags and head to the east coast to visit my mom’s side of the family. I LOVED the time we spent exploring Boston. In college, I rowed The Head of the Charles regatta in Boston and made more wonderful memories in the city. Even though I don’t get there as often as I’d like to, it will always be one of my favorite cities.
Running: I’ve never run a marathon and probably I never will. In fact, as someone who has never run farther than 4 miles consecutively, it’s amazing how many friends I have that are serious distance runners…especially blog friends.
The Boston Marathon: In years past, I remember looking up the results of the Boston Marathon and being completely amazing every.single.year about just how fast the top runners can finish the race. But that was about the extent of it.
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This year was different. This year I watched a close friend pave her own road to Boston. I remember when she qualified. I watched her chronicle her journey as she poured countless hours of blood, sweat and tears into her training. I calmed her nerves as we got closer and closer to race day for the race she’s dreamt about running for years.
This year was also different because of social media. It was the first year I actually payed attention to Twitter the day of the race. Considering the amount of runners in my newsfeed, it was almost impossible not to get excited. There were so many many tweets from excited runners, excited spectators and excited friends! I found myself excited even for runners I had never talked to or tweeted with before yesterday.
As Lisa ran yesterday, I got text updates throughout the race and I even teared up a little bit when I got the text that she finished because I was so proud of her! She ran such a great race. When she texted me afterwards, I could tell she was proud of herself as well!
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Then, not five minutes later…tragedy.
She texted me saying there was an explosion, asking if I’d heard anything about it on the news. I had been studying all afternoon, so I hadn’t. But I quickly turned on the news and searched twitter, but still didn’t find anything.
I’ll never forget the next text. She said, “Keep looking. Something really bad just happened.”
Not five minutes later, twitter was packed full of news reports, anxious friends and family members tweeting their loved ones and messages of love and support for Boston. I spent the rest of the afternoon an emotional mess. I couldn’t believe what was happening. I felt so helpless. So I did the only think I could think to do which was to spread the word that Lisa was safe and ok and to help retweet all of the “i’m safe” messages from other runners to help ease the worried minds of others.
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The events of yesterday left me feeling three things: heartbreak, anger and amazement.
- I’m heartbroken for those who were injured, for those who lost their lives and for anyone affected by this tragedy.
- I’m heartbroken over the fact that the Boston Marathon will never truly be the same again.
But more than that, I’m angry.
- I’m angry that things like this happen in our world.
- I’m angry that the accomplishments of so many runners- some who ran the race of their lives yesterday, some who may never get to run Boston again- are being overshadowed by a senseless tragedy.
- I’m angry that there were runners who worked so hard for that race and didn’t even get to finish.
- I’m angry that no one has any answers.
And finally, and most importantly, I’m amazed.
- I’m amazed at the outpouring of love and support being sent to Boston.
- I’m amazed at the blogging community and how tight-knit and close so many people can be, when many of them have never even met in real life.
- I’m amazed at just how many people out there are willing to drop everything and help in any way they can.
And finally, I’m amazed that there is no doubt in my mind that the city of Boston and the Boston Marathon will come back from this…and it will be bigger and stronger than ever next year.
I may not be a marathoner and lately I wouldn’t even go so far as to call myself a runner. But today, my heart is in Boston.
–Lindsay–
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So well said… I am so, so angry. I could barely write as much as I did. How people can be so hateful and violent is beyond me. But you are right… the outporing of support has been incredible… and uplifting.
I couldn’t have said it better myself, Lindsay. I’m nowhere near a runner, but I’m a person, and what happened in Boston absolutely breaks my heart. The only thing that helps is focusing on the good… on the people who rise up and come together in the face of tragedy. My heart and prayers are with everyone in Boston.
I agree completely with everything you said. There are so many different emotions that I have felt today because of the events that took place in Boston, from excitement in watching some of the live feed of the race online, which so quickly turned to fear and sadness. My heart goes out to everyone affected. <3
I’ve read many posts on this today but I still love your view on this. It truly is amazing what comes out of tragedy. I’m so glad Lisa was safe, especially considering how close she was to the finish line! I was worried about her and watching Twitter! (again, how funny it is to feel connected to someone I’ve never met!) Thanks for the updates. 🙂 I agree, Boston and the marathon will come back, bigger and better.
I think you wrote from your heart, and did so well. I’m glad that you shared all the different meanings that this had for you.
I, too, have no doubt it’ll be back stronger, next year.
Runners and the community (including everyone who supports it!) are a strong bunch, and wouldn’t let this be an end to something so powerful.
Thank you for sharing!
This was a beautiful post! Boston is in all our thoughts and prayers. <3
Very touching post and so many of us feel the same way. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Lindsay. I agree with you completely that the Boston Marathon will go on and be stronger than ever. Boston loves its runners, and it’s not going to let anything tear them down.
Beautiful post, Lindsay. I too have friends that were at the race, both competing and as spectators, and even though I was not, I still get shivers just thinking and writing about it. You’re right- social media has made the impact that much bigger. Like you, I’m angry and frustrated, but also amazed by how the running community is pulling together to support those in need. Here’s to hoping that those responsible feel the full weight of their actions. <3
Boston will definitely bounce back. Doesn’t do much for those hurting now though. 🙁 So sad.
let all emotions out, then be strong, thankful, and lift others up in prayer, encouragement, compassion. So glad all my (our) friends are ok..
I’m feeling all of that as well.
I also had a hard time finding news at first. Runner’s World tweeted that there was an explosion, but it took a full 30 minutes for the news stations to post actual news about what happened. Two of my runner friends crossed the finish line very shortly before the explosions, one at 4:04 and the other at 4:06. That’s some scary sh*t.
I have family in Boston and my uncle passed a way a few years ago and LOVED the city he lived in, All I kept thinking about (in addition to everyone), was him and his love for that city. And what happened. And it made me so angry. These runners worked SO hard to qualify for THE iconic marathon in the country, and it was taken away from them. When will we ever feel safe? How can anyone feel safe when something like this happens at something that is supposed to an innocent race?! It saddens me to hear how many are injured and worse, how many lost their lives because people are crazy and would do such a thing.
I may never qualify for a marathon ever, but i love running and my heart goes out to everyone in Boston.
Thanks for posting this Lindsay! <3
I’m hurt and angry as well. The one (and I do mean ONE) thing that I’ve found as a light in the darkness in this situation, is seeing people all across America come together to mourn, help, educate about, and stick together during this tragedy.
This is beautiful. I am hurt, I am angry, but I am also thankful for social media. I saw one tweet about it, searched for more answers, and not even 3 minutes later, my feed was filled with terror and confusion. I am proud to be a part of the blogging and the running community, because we are so united it’s amazing. It’s amazing to see those heroes who ran into the action. I’m so heartbroken and have such a heavy heart, but I know we will come out stronger.
This is beautiful Lindsay! I am so thankful that our friends are okay too. Praying for Boston!
I’m so glad you wrote this….writing has such a way of helping us on the path to healing. My heart was heavy yesterday and continues to be so today.
Beautifully written Lindsay. I went to college in Boston and that city holds my heart more than anywhere else i’ve ever lived. In fact, I’ve spent the last few weeks researching what a potential move BACK to Boston would look like. Those explosions took place in my old neighborhood. I walked those streets to/from school, home and work. I have no words today, my heart just aches.
Wonderful post. I was at mile 16 cheering on my friends and coworkers who ran this year, and luckily made it through the day safely. It’s a traumatic time here in Boston, but we will most certainly overcome this and come back stronger next year for # 114.
We’re all runners! Each of us that take the steps towards a finish line are on that team. We’re a team that doesn’t fall easy and will stand together for all of Boston Marathoners!! Yesterday’s tragedy robbed so many, it’s heartbreaking the suffering experienced by so many…
My mix of emotions makes me get chills. You’re emotions describe mine all the same but it’s just so hard to really understand what happened and how it happened yesterday; but, the only thing I keep asking is WHY it happened. Just, why? Ugh.
Beautifully written Lindsay! The running community is built of amazingly strong people. There is no doubt that Boston and the whole running community will stand strong together and bounce back quickly. So glad your friend was safe and as you said my heart breaks for each runner and family and friend that was involved.
Thank you for this post!! I have been following your blog for a while and I am also from a Boston suburb. Our town is devastated but there’s definitely a sense of patriotism, of helping each other through this….Boston is one of the greatest places to live and I’ve been inspired by the stories I’m hearing of friends of friends who are heroes in every sense of the word…and it’s also kind of cool to feel this sense of “you messed with the wrong city” that’s permeating through Facebook etc. For most, it doesn’t seem to be a hateful, vengeful attitude…but rather, a statement that brings people together to lean on each other in order rebuild even better than before.
SO beautiful friend, I loved your words on the events of yesterday, on running, on all of it. My feelings are exactly the same as yours – sad, angry, frustrated, and protective. This is my city, the place I call home. And it’s been forever changed — because of senseless tragedy and loss like this. I just can’t even wrap my head fully around it. It’s just too much. xoxo
Thanks for your post Lindsay…Teared up reading it. As a marathon runner, this has hit way to close to home. I know we have such a strong community and will show nothing but strength and dedication moving forward.
Loved your post and perspective on this, friend. I too probably never will run a marathon and have only done distance in fits and spurts, but also have many friends that ARE long distance runners and just love it so, and it inspires me. There is something so passionate about running and this community, and yesterday was a huge testament to that, amid tragedy. What a day, so very sad, and I am really glad your friend is okay. XOXO
beautiful post…
I feel sick about the whole thing too…
you have so beautifully put my emotions, feelings, and anger into this post. I need to jot down my feelings but i just couldnt. Thanks a lot. It really helped me and my heart is with Boston. I am so glad your friend is doing fine.
Thank you for the post. <3
I really appreciate you writing this post, Lindsay. It was really touching. I know a couple people personally who finished minutes before the explosions…it’s absolutely devastating.
I share your sentiments 100%. Lovely, thoughtful post. Love and support to all those affected. <3
i love this post. i’ve run several marathons and it has been my goal to qualify for boston for years. i haven’t made it yet- but i will. i think alot of other runners will be even more determined to qualify and run now, because of this terrible event.
Beautifully written… We’ll all stay strong, together we are Boston <3
The FPP that I sent to this month lives in Boston, just a few blocks from where the bombs were. I’m hoping that the package I sent there days ago arrives safely and doesn’t give the police one more box to worry about! This is all such a terrible ordeal, and the ripples are even affecting people like me, who live halfway across the country.
Yes, anger, shock, amazement, disbelief… a whole range of emotions yesterday, and today as well, swirling through my head and heart. Thanks for sharing.
The range of emotions from yesterday’s events run the gamut for me, too. Though I may never qualify for the Boston Marathon, I stand and run with those who do. I have a race shirt on and will go for a run today. No one will steal the joy and peace that running brings me; no one.
A heartfelt expression of your emotions and many others as well. Beautifully done.
Such a heartfelt and beautiful post, Lindsay. The end brought tears to my eyes.
So well written. I am sad & angry & amazed all at once. People come together always!
Things like this always make me think – sad personal events too. We promise to change out lives & live differently but life goes on & we forget… we must try not to forget & learn from all things good & bad. Post Friday… 🙂
Lindsay, you did an amazing job summarizing what so many of us are thinking. I’m so mad that people can be so cruel and heartless. I’m also amazed at how much support and kindness others are showing.
Thank you Lindsay for your blog. Your Aunt Judy sent me the link….she has Potcakes and I foster them in the Turks & Caicos so although we have never met I feel I know her and Brian a great deal. I was also there at the time of the explosions. I had just finished the marathon 15 minutes prior to the bombs going off so heard the blasts and saw the smoke. It felt very surreal at the time as many people were unaware what was happening and seemed to be just carrying on as usual….especially the volunteers in the baggage buses who really had no idea at all, although most of the runners felt something terrible had happened. My friends were almost caught up in blast too and were literally seconds away from the first explosion. Luckily they had stopped walking to take a photo of the flags and the finish line. We are all very thankful today but our thoughts and prayers are with those who were less fortunate. It really was a very sad end to an otherwise amazing run and experience.
thanks Lynn! I’m so glad to hear that you’re safe and ok. I can’t even imagine what it must have been like to be there.
Thanks for your words, sincerity and love. I am glad to hear lisa is okay. You did great putting it out there. This is such a “words cant’ explain” event and I appreciate you helping to try.
thanks so much Taylor!
Beautiful post Lindsay. I too am amazed by the strength of the running community. It truly is a family.
it definitely is!
You were with me during those terrifying moments… I feel closer than ever to you. It’s all just now sinking in, I still need some time to sort through my emotions. I can’t thank you enough for guiding me through, I couldn’t see what was happening, and you were my eyes that day.