Today, we celebrate Earth Day, but really every day should be treated like it’s Earth Day. Thinking about your carbon footprint shouldn’t just happen one day. Instead, do something every day to help keep the planet beautiful.
However, this Music Monday post is more than a friendly reminder to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Today is also one week after the Boston Marathon bombing. My friends, Andrea and Marcia, were only a half mile from the finish line when the explosion ignited last week. Their friends and family anxiously watched Facebook feeds for updates and prayed for their safety. As the world watched the events unfold, we learned that the Boston Marathon came to a halt as did their dream of crossing the finish. Our hearts ached for them, but we were grateful for the safety of our all-star athlete friends.
Marcia and Andrea have vowed to return to Boston next year and they have the entire running community behind them. Some of our other mutual running friends are determined to qualify for next year’s marathon. Others, like me, have made Boston Marathon a goal, even if it takes a lifetime to get there.
Collectively, runners across America have banded in spirit for Boston with impromptu 26:20 runs on last Tuesday and #BostonStrong runs happening in cities everywhere this evening.
Several people have asked me if what happened in Boston changes things for me. Yes, it changes everything. I will run even harder. Prior to last Monday’s events, I would have never thought about trying to qualify for Boston, but now it’s on my running bucket list. What happened at Boston won’t stop me from applying for the New York City Marathon for the third year in a row this Thursday. I can’t live my life in fear.
And so, I dare you. I dare you to move for Boston. Don’t say, “I can’t run. I’m not a runner”. Just get out there and try. Start small. Run a block and then walk. Pick a loop in your neighborhood and run. Aim for 3 times a week and build up your endurance. Eventually, you will find yourself walking less and less. That’s exactly how I started 6 years ago.
Be strong. Be Boston Strong. Run Boston strong.
I dare you to move.
And pick up some litter while you’re at it.
For Music Mondays, I’m now teaming up with my good friend and fellow Marathon Mama, Chrissy.
Visit Xmas Dolly and Jade Louise Designs for more Music Monday.
None of us should live in fear. I for one will not allow myself to ever be afraid to go about life at my usual pace. Great pep talk to encourage others to stay on top of their running game and for everyone in general. Cool newbie tune for this musical Monday and it’s great having you to dance with the 4M crew on Monday’s Music Moves Me!
I love this post Denise! I totally agree that Boston has ignited a flame in the whole running community. Instead of breaking us down it has made the community that much stronger!
I totally agree! I never thought about BQ’ing, but it definitely crossed my mind after last Monday… Maybe in the coming decades? But hey – it’s something worth working and fighting towards! Hope to see you out there in Hyde Park tonight 🙂
I don’t care how long it takes me. I’ll run Boston someday. I should qualify at 80. I think Jenny and I are planning to meet at Wiregrass. It’s a bit closer for us.
NO ONE will take running away from us – I think moreso that people will run MORE and run even HARDER now! xo
Nice post and song, that was awful the goings on in Boston, I agree with Kat it just makes people more determined.
We had our Marathon yesterday here in London security was well out in force fortunately all went fine 🙂
Have an earthtastic week 😉
You are such a huge inspiration, Denise! You GO! If you go run in the Boston Marathon – no, strike that…WHEN you go run in the Boston Marathon, I will make every effort to go there to cheer you on in the sidelines! 🙂 Love your music choice, too – you ROCK! 🙂
Big Yellow Taxi is The Last Resort since I’m just an Indian Outlaw on this Mother Earth
I got your back Mama! Run on, and I wish I could do the same, but I know when you run you run for all of us! I have so much respect for all of you to show everyone else yes, it can be done. Yes, take care of your bodies, take care of our Mother Earth by picking up that piece of trash, and throw it away or recycle it. I personally am a recycling fool. I take my cans in along with other metal unwanted things, and I recycle our paper as well as our plastics and such & yes I do separate so thanks for sharing your thoughts with all of us! I stand up not behind you, but with you! HUGS
What an inspiring post. I’m glad you were safe through this ordeal. Gotta love the “runners spirit.”
Why would these Islamist Jihadist want to target a bunch of runners anyways.
I would love to start running again. It’s hard to try to run in our soft desert sand around the house, but I’ll try it.
Have a wonderful day,
Danielle
I am glad your friends were safe. And it’s wonderful that you won’t let terrorists keep you from being strong. I am sure many people will still run Boston in the future. Go USA!
I have no doubt you’ll make it there, I’ve been following you for years and I have all the faith in the world in you.
Terrorism wins when we live our lives in fear. Best of luck to you getting to those marathons – and I absolutely LOVE “Dare You to Move.” Such an inspirational song!
I agree that marathoners are a strong and rebounding group!
I have always loved this song!
Thanks for rocking it out.
Have a blessed week!
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