I learned of the incident after my quick afternoon run yesterday and coming home to a phone full of texts and questions. I quickly turned on the TV and saw the horrific finish line scene. My mind immediately went to my teammates and friends up there and I frantically started texting and checking in with everyone I knew. By God's grace, they are all safe. But I remain unsettled this morning, even after taking a slow 10-miler to just process everything. Still feeling heavy-hearted for individuals I've never met, I returned with some reflections I'll share.
- With all the calls, texts, and FB posts yesterday, the already-strong sense of community in distance running was on full display. Tormentors and terrorists: take note-we are bigger than you.
- I blog about this a lot, but running has given me so much: opportunities, confidence, and of course friendships and connections. Yesterday, running allowed for me to reconnect with family member and friends I have lost touch with. We really need to talk more and it shouldn't take a tragedy. But if I weren't a runner, who knows how long it would have been before we reconnected?
- For what it's worth, there is a purpose and beauty in adversity-when we find answers and find healing, I have no doubt that the running community that is global will become even stronger.
- I do not understand why people commit such heinous acts of brutality and can only hope that people can get the help they need so that they no longer desire to hurt others in the future.
- A runner's heart is stronger than anyone who tries to stand in his or her way.
- Runners help each other out. Whether it be Hurricane Sandy's aftermath or yesterday's bombing, the true soul of the sport was apparent. Athletes who had exhausted themselves over a hilly 26.2 mile course were running to the aid of victims. Others are putting strangers up in their homes. Runners can be evidenced as some of the classiest and selfless individuals on the planet.
- In a sense, I feel that runners aren't really strangers after all. The bond of the sport-whether you're a front runner or back of the packer-is undeniable.
- People question why I keep doing this sport that wears me out, ripped my lower legs apart over the years, and has brought me to near tears on more than one occasion. My reason is simple, it's who I am. Running is greater than the sum of its parts. It's so much more than a forward propulsion of muscle, bone, and sinew. Running does something for the soul of which I can't explain. This community we surround ourselves in gets it, and that's all I need for justification. Wounds, whether physical and emotional, do heal; leaving a scar and a stronger person for it.
- For a brief moment yesterday, I questioned my decision to chase the unicorn this winter to re-qualify for the storied race. But that didn't last long. I will press on. And I'm sure you all will too.
Hopefully those lines of gibberish made some sense, as I have a lot on my mind. I am so blessed to have such a great group around me, the friendships I've made along the way, sponsorship from Brooks and PowerBar and everything else that God's gift of the run has provided. I am grateful that my ID teammates, training partners, and colleagues made it away from the finish line safe. May we use the perspective of these events to become stronger as individuals and community.
4.15.13. We will never forget. Keep running.
Stay the course.
4 comments:
Right on the money in this post. In the midst of this, I feel more part of the athletic community than ever before. If anything it has collected and solidified my resolve to go harder and deeper into this wonderful lifestyle. And the connection we all seem to feel reminds me, perhaps reminds many of us: We are many; we are one.
Perfect.
"It's who I am."- YES!!!!!!
We are truly blessed, aren't we? We cannot be held back by fear. And these things have only brought the running community closer.
Looking forward to your next running post!!! In a BIG way!!
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