Boston is a dream, a goal that a marathoner looks toward, trains for, and must qualify to even attempt to sign up. As a new marathoner the look I get from people that heard I have finished a marathon is one similar that I give to those that say they have completed and or qualified for Boston.
The early finishers often make their way to just before the finish line to cheer on the runners still going. People will hang out at a finish line just to cheer for people they don't know. Spectators and runners are some of the most special people in my world right now. There were many nameless runners that cheered my on to my first 26.2. My breath catches and heart aches to think these strangers that loved on me for a few minutes in January may be hurt or their world torn apart today.
I went to Boston for the first time in college. We were there for under 6 hours but the city has held my heart ever since. Today it breaks with theirs. My family lives there, I am scared for them.
Someone told me that I am now a part of the 1% of people that will ever finish a marathon. These people today are part of my 1%, I will stand with them and pray for them in the days to come. If I cross paths with a Boston 2013 participant, I will hug them, hold their hand, and tell them I am so glad they are safe and I will mean it with ever fiber of my being.
Well said, baby.
ReplyDeleteThanks, mama. This seemed like the best place for my thoughts.
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