Boston, The Human Race

I woke up today to the news of bombings at the Boston Marathon.  My thoughts immediately went to my runner friends and whether they might have been there.  I checked Facebook, and was relieved that none of them were there.  My next thought, was "Why there?"  I know this tends to be everyone's first reaction, but really, why there?  I continued to search the Internet for information on the bombings.  I had so many thoughts running through my mind.  Very sad and overwhelming.  So I went for a run.

I thought about Boston the entire way.  About half way through my run, it came to me.  There are arguably few places or events in the US that show the American spirit more than road races.  Runners are a unique bunch.  If you have ever participated in a running event, or even been a spectator, you are sure to get caught up in the energy.  You will see people of every age, size, shape and color all running together as one.  You may even see Elvis and the Easter bunny, and if you are lucky, you'll beat them!  You will see countless fans cheering you on as if you were an olympian.  Fellow runners spew out breathless, encouraging words to one another in passing.  Hundreds of volunteers come out to give water to sweaty, smelly runners and then rake up the discarded cups.  Little kids stand on the sidelines with their hands out to collect as many "high fives" as they can.  Everyone, working, running and cheering together to the finish line.  Then there is the party at the end.  The party like no other.  Fellow runners congratulate each other over free bananas, oranges, junk food and beer, chatting excitedly as their "runner's high" takes full effect.

Then there is Boston, the "Grand-Daddy" of them all.  The best of the best.  The elusive race many a runner has strived for.  One of our oldest races in one of our oldest cities.  The bomber likely considered this.  I feel confident in the fact that whoever is behind this will likely be caught and punished.  I am even more confident that this does not crush our spirit.  The race will go on.  We will continue along the course, cheering each other on to the finish.  I believe there is more goodness and kindness than evil in the human race.