Unless you live in a hole in the ground, you've probably heard of the Boston marathon bombing that sent shock waves through the running community and the country. The evil in this world is just unimaginable. Who could take the lives of innocent people like that? Just despicable.
The Today show is always on at work so I have seen replays of the bombs exploding again and again. And every time I watch it, my heart breaks for those injured and the families of those killed. I wonder how they are coping. I even wondered how the runners were coping. After all, they train long and hard for that race. It's a big moment in their lives to cross that finish line. What about those who hadn't yet finished? A coworker of mine had said that should be the farthest thing from their minds. People died. If they are thinking about not getting to finish the race, they don't have their priorities straight.
A friend had posted something on Facebook the other day:
"If you are trying to defeat the human spirit, marathoners are the wrong group to target"
I couldn't agree more. People who run marathons are some hard core, dedicated, unbelievably driven people. You can't help but admire them. Whether you think it's pure love and devotion for the sport or sheer craziness, it matters nothing to them. They have a passion for something that endures through endless training hours, pain, and fatigue. That's a spirit that cannot be broken. And it's such a wonderful thing. If only everyone possessed that gift. Imagine the world we would live in!
I don't think that this tragedy is going to stop them from signing up for marathons. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if more people signed up, just to show support. Just to show that we, as Americans, will not cower in fear of this evil that plots to hurt innocent people. That's what I love about this country, we pull together and support each other in times like these. We need to show support for Boston. We need to show support for everyone affected. We need to unite, and stand strong for the good in humanity.
Runners, you are already united by a strong bond, a camaraderie and love for the sport. I know this terror attack won't destroy your passion. Like the quote says, it's the wrong group of people to target. But I think Americans in general are the wrong group. This will not stop us from doing what we love and living our lives. We won't hide in our homes, too afraid to go anywhere. No way! That's just not who we are!
So, to you crazy, wonderful, marathoners - KEEP RUNNING! You have my love and support, as a fellow fitness fanatic, and as a decent human being who wants this senseless violence to end. Get out there and run for Boston! Wear their colors. Show no fear.
And to everyone else, pray for those families. Pray for the city. Pray for our country.
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