Scared Doesn’t Mean Stop-Gettysburg Marathon
“Mom, qualify for Boston, you NEED to run next year”. This was not a request; it was a demand
made by my sixteen-year-old son.
“Noah, I’ve got a pretty full race schedule already this
year, so I don’t think I can work it in. But, I’ve already planned on
volunteering.”
“Mom, there is no way you are volunteering without me. Sign me up; lie about my age
if you have to. I’m going to
Boston next year”.
“Noah, why so adamant?”
“You always taught me that scared doesn’t mean stop. I need to be in Boston next year. THEY don’t win.”
In the wake of the Boston Marathon Bombings, I have certainly
had my comfort zone rocked. The
night of the bombings, I kissed my daughter good night, grabbed my shoes and
went running…. hard. I cooled
down, and ran hard again. I ran
because I could, for those who couldn’t, and because the world was different
that evening than it had been that morning. It’s true that running is cheaper than therapy, and for me,
much more effective.
In the days that followed, I was asked multiple times if I
was there; thanked because I wasn’t; told I was thought of; hugged. People wanted a personal connection to
this tragedy, and for many, I guess I was that face in the crowd…even though I
was miles away. My one friend said
it best when he said “this bombing was such a blow to people, because everyone
knows someone associated with the marathon, the city, or what it is like to
watch people you love strive to reach their goals.”
It motivated me.
I couldn’t get to a marathon start quickly enough.
We were asked to wear red to honor the Bostonians. It has been my experience that these
requests usually result in about 50% compliance. It was heartwarming to see that the only runners not wearing
red were wearing Boston Marathon shirts.
Many with personal tributes scrawled on the back. It was a sign of solidarity. Two evil brothers would not break our
spirits. You are right again Noah,
THEY don’t win.
The race itself was quite enjoyable. I spent about 12 miles with my new
friend Tom who is a CNN reporter. My
second new friend Jerry joined us for a few miles. (So, yes, I ran with Tom and Jerry, but unlike their cartoon
namesakes, these two gentlemen got along quite nicely). We had a fascinating discussion
about news coverage and how the media has multiple venues to present
information. I was sad when we
eventually found different paces.
The day was beautiful in the low seventies with a light
breeze. We ran through rows and
rows of cherry trees and the smell was delightful. There were many hills breaking up the 26.2 and the scenery
was constantly changing. I ran
slow and steady and worked on skills that I will need in an upcoming ultra vs.
racing the marathon. It was a
training run…with benefits. I
loved it!
Similar to Boston, the finish line is hidden past a turn and
you have a long straight away before you reach it. I ran that section with Boston heavy on my mind. I picked up my pace and sprinted towards
the finish line, because scared does not mean stop.
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