Monday night, my wish to get together a group of runners and DO something to show Boston support from New Hampshire came true. Family, colleagues, students, and running friends (both old and new) showed up to demonstrate that we all stand as one. We are all runners. We are all in this together.
We started the evening with introductions while runners got ready to go and my step daughter and her friend helped hand out blue and yellow ribbons. After a moment of silence, my husband sent us on our way playing the Bostonian favorite Sweet Caroline.
While we were just one of over 100 #BostonStrong<city> events taking place all over the world, the two mile trail run allowed us to feel connected in a very powerful way. One of the best parts of the run was passing a young mother and her daughter who came out to cheer us on and ring their Boston Marathon cowbell. It was such a great moment and emphasized the role of spectators.
To everyone who came out for the #BostonStrongGofftown event, THANK YOU! My goal was for all of us to come together to show our love and support for all those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings, and we did.
While I wait for news that they have arrested the person(s) responsible for the finish line bombings, I continue to feel an array of emotions. Initially I was shocked that something so horrific could happen. It scared me when I thought about how we were just there the day before for a much smaller race, but a race nonetheless, that crossed the iconic finish line. I was worried for my friends in the running community that were there running, spectating, or volunteering. My heart hurts each time I learn more about a victim.
Like many runners, I felt the need to do something after the tragic events at the Boston Marathon on Monday. I wore a race tee on Tuesday and ran some miles with my running partner who has run Boston twice. But it was the call from fellow runner and blogger, Brian @PavementRunner, that spurred me to action.
So, if you are in my area, I am inviting you to join me for a group run to honor the victims.
Here are the details:
Location: Meet at Barnard Park -> Run Goffstown Rail Trail
Date: Monday, April 22, 2013
Time: 6PM
Distance: 3 - 4 miles
Facebook Event Page: RSVP here
Wear a race shirt, or Boston Marathon colors (blue & yellow). Bring a friend.
If you can't join us, consider organizing your own group run or joining one near you.
We might run with heavy hearts, but we won't stop running.
I'm horrified by the tragic events of the Boston Marathon finish line bombings yesterday.
Today I will run for Boston. I will run for the running community. I will run for me.
Join me.
