Keep On Running

A dear friend ran today’s Boston Marathon as part of a team raising money for pediatric cancer -- adding yet another layer of emotion and intensity to an experience of a lifetime.  He is thankfully safe as is his family. From the moment I woke up this morning I thought about him and the joy (and a little pain at the end) he was sure to feel on the history-laden streets of Boston.  And all the good he was doing running for Jack.

But never did any of us imagine the devastating news that would hijack this day that is about human courage, character and can do-ness.  We simply cannot imagine what it was like to witness the events unfold on site – to see the runners, many of whom have trained for so long, stopped so violently in their tracks. To suddenly silence the friends and family energetically cheering on their runners.   Once again, Facebook lit up with messages of hope and prayer. And once again – from near and far, east to west -   we have come together as one community to stand firm and tall.   We will learn more as the days and weeks unfold.  The world’s oldest annual marathon will never be the same.

12 months ago I ran my first half marathon.  Last month I ran my third in NYC.  Next to the birth of my children, it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. I loved every minute of this equally physical and mental journey that tests what your mind and body are truly capable of achieving. It is not about the clock.  It is about doing your best, whatever that might be and finishing what you set out to do.

Today there is too much left unfinished.  We will mourn for those who were lost and injured and scared.  And we will never forget them, their courage and the sheer unfairness of it all.

When we are ready to do so – we all must bravely lace our sneakers and run again – to teach our children and those around us – the power of the human spirit to go on and on even in the face of adversity and unimaginable sadness.