Aloha,
Ever since I trained for my first marathon in 2001, running Boston has been a "bucket list" item for me.
For a long-distance runner, the Boston Marathon is the World Series or the Super Bowl - I always brag to my friends about running so-and-so race in X amount of time, but whenever I meet anyone who's done Boston, I always tip my cap.
I easily could have been in the race Monday (I got a call from Ireland and a text from Florida to make sure I wasn't...) so while not personally involved in the bombing attacks, I'm reeling like most of us from the effects of another attack on our country - and our way of life.
To hear that an eight-year-old child was among the dead, and that the injuries to more than one hundred forty people will most likely forever leave mental and physical scars fills me with a deep anger toward those bastards who tried to again change us with another low, cowardly blow.
Well, it didn't work - and it never will, do you hear me?
I was excited to run my tenth marathon this December in Honolulu - now I'm determined to finish in under three hours and fifteen minutes, which will allow me to qualify for next year's Boston Marathon.
And when I do, I will proudly wear a Boston T-shirt to honor those who were directly affected yesterday.
It's not much, I know, but I want to do my part to show the terrorists that *we* are stronger, more unified than they ever will be.
There were 27,000 people running the Boston Marathon in 2013.
Wouldn't be great if 54,000 people ran it in 2014.
Hopefully I can be one of them.
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26 comments:
The number of people willing to do good will always outnumber those who want to do evil. But because those who commit evil act revel in unfairness, we will always be shocked by their deeds. The trick is in overcoming that shock, not retreating, never backing down, and letting our sheer numbers beat the evil down.
I'm not a religious person, and I don't give evil a capital E -- but there is no other way to describe the intent to do what was done yesterday.
Great post. Well said. I don't understand what the point is in targetting a peaceful event that was about helping others. But then we'll never understand these things.
You will be.
Hugs.
Running the Boston is a dream some people wait their whole lives for; working, sweating, training. Who ever did this has no humanity.
I hope you can! Totally senseless and cowardly act. Proof the devil really exists.
Mark, not to sound weird or stalkery, but you were someone I thought of yesterday when I was reading the news. Just knowing you run, and that you're a patriot, I guess I thought it might be a particularly difficult time for you.
Your attitude is the right one, and has always been the right one in the face of terror: When the worst of us commits an atrocity, the best of us step forward to show the true gifts of humanity--resiliency and compassion.
We rally around those who need lifting up, and try to show the world it will not change us on the inside. Love is stronger than all that.
Racing next year sounds like an excellent idea. :)
Beautiful, Mark. Just beautiful.
If I had to go to war, I'd totally follow you into battle. Serious. Thank you for your passion and strength.
What a wonderful post.
Well said Mark. And I bet next year's number is higher. That's just how we roll!
Tears roll out of my eyes when I watch, hear, or read about the blasts and the carnage. It's like you said, someone is trying to disrupt our way of life, crush the celebration of life, hurt the innocent. It's awful. I hope you qualify for the next marathon. Here's a cheer!
You can do it Mark! Yesterday was a sad sad day. I'm glad that the country can pull together for tragedies like this and remember that we are all Americans and an act of terror like this affects us all.
I tip my (invisible) hat to you!
Sadly, I don't think I'll be running marathons any time soon. I will be cheering for those who do, though.
Such a senseless act.
We'll be cheering for you when you run next year!
And thanks for the beautiful post. You always say it best.
I'm totally with you, Mark! I haven't run for over a year and called my Ortho Doc this morning - told him to "Fix Me" or I'm running as is.
Glad you're fine Mark. Never ran a marathon before myself.
Mark: I ran New York unofficially. Years ago. I could never qualify for Boston. If I qualify, I would be number 1 next year. If Boston is willing to give me the challenge, I accept.
Way to go, Mark! I'll be cheering you for both marathons. Many members of my family are marathoners and it broke my heart to hear the news and think on all those innocents. You make your best and run with your heart in place, my friend.
Cheering for you! I saw a meme the other day that said something to the effect that if terrorist are looking to drag down the human spirit by attacking marathoners, they've chosen the wrong group, which I think is *so* true. Keep running!
Well said, Mark. I hope you make it to Boston.
I always love your perspective and your positive spin on such a terrible event. No matter who tries to keep us down, words like yours help me remember how honored I feel to be on the side of the good guys.
I have a feeling you're right, and that next year's marathon will be bigger and prouder than ever.
God bless you for such an honorable post and for your determination to show our unity. Writer’s Mark
Hi Mark, nice to meet the other co-host for the IWSG for the month of May. Followed you via Alex's blog.
Yay for your spirit and determination.
That's a noble goal, Mark. I know you can do it!
I admire anyone who can run something like that, especially after such a tragedy has happened. You can do it, Mark!! And I'm with you--just so saddened about the attack.
I'll be cheering you on! And I'll bet there are a lot of others who will be entering or cheering from the sidelines to show how they feel about the scum who set off bombs.
Such a senseless tragedy on a day of happiness and health.I hope they find the creep who did it soon!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Our actions in the face of hatred and violence define us. I support you all the way, Mark!
You'll make it to Boston, I have no doubt. And when you do (I) will send a check to YOUR favorite charity.
Much admiration and respect!
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