Unspeakable tragedy

At about 4:30pm this afternoon I had just finished several hours slaving over a big project for work.  I resurfaced for a few minutes and logged onto Facebook....where every single post was about this...

’Pandemonium’: Witness accounts of the Boston Marathon bombing

I'm sure there isn't a single person at this point that hasn't heard about the tragedy that befell the poor people participating and supporting runners at the Boston Marathon.  First off, it's so tragic because of what happened- the lives lost, the numerous people injured, people changed forever after witnessing such graphic tragedy.  And then there is the secondary pain that every runner or fitness lover is experiencing who understands what the Boston Marathon really means to those competing.  You can't just sign up for Boston- you have to qualify.  Many people train for years to qualify then even more time to prepare for Boston and it's challenging and legendary course.  What should have been a time for celebration of a great accomplishment turned into a nightmare for so many.  The bombs went off around the 4 hour mark- what many would consider a good time for completing 26.2 miles.  Meaning there were still thousands of runners on the course, initially ignorant to what awaited them at the finish line.

When I first started watching the coverage, what had been a productive day quickly halted and there seemed to be nothing else more important then trying to make sense of what happened.  But, there is no making sense of such a terrible act.  All I wanted to do was curl up under a fuzzy blanket, hold my running shoes and cry for all those in Boston.

And then I saw a great interview that brought me to full blown tears.  It was a local interview of the Loyola College cross country coach talking about how running is accessible to everyone regardless of sex, age, ability, etc.  How it brings people together from all walks of life- joined by their mutual love of running.  The freedom, the wind in your hair, the glorious endorphin high.  It really had me appreciating everything that I have and that I CAN RUN.

So, that's exactly what I did.  I laced up my running shoes, and headed to the gym with Adrian and we ran.  Even though my whole body told me it didn't want to run- my heart was screaming that it was the only thing I could do.  And now that I pounded out a quick, easy run on the treadmill I am reminded again of the joy of running.  I am so grateful that I was able to enjoy it and think about all the people affected by the tragedy in Boston. My heart and prayers go out to all those affected.