Last Monday, my heart and thoughts were in Boston. I wanted so desperately to be there to cheer for my friends as they demonstrated “Boston Strong” to world, but I couldn’t make it happen.
Instead, I ran 2.62 miles on the treadmill and I cheered from Florida to show my support. Later that morning as the 118th Boston Marathon played on my TV, I also stayed glued to Facebook to read updates on my friends as they made history.
From runners to spectators to the friends and family that stood by runners, NBC News reported over one million people visited Boston for last Monday’s marathon and I knew a handful of them.
Photo credit to David Griner
Over the past year, I witnessed the astounding athletes in my running circle train their way back to Boston with a few others training to qualify just to prove they could be Boston Strong.
Photo credit to Patrick McCormick
Not only did these runners exemplify the spirit of a runner, they reflected it great with pride and strength and these remarkable runners did it with the support of friends and family around them and the world cheering for them every step of the way.
Andrea returned to Boston with her two running partners, Melanie and Beka. Even with the infamous Boston bottlenecking, crowds and difficult course, these marathon maniacs redefined Boston Strong by finishing close to their qualifying times.
Photo credit to Melanie Hynes
With minor runner-related injuries, Marcia and David returned to Boylston Street to claim a finish stolen from them last year. Though their injuries forced them to finish longer than their normal speedy BQ times, they proved to themselves and the world that nothing will stop the will of runner.
Photo credit to Patrick McCormick
But the true testament to American pride and the will of a runner came from Meb Keflezighi, the first American male to win the Boston Marathon since 1983 in a finish time of 2:18:57.
As Meb’s images splashed across social networks and television, and he instantly became a hero and a legend. His victory embodied the soul of this year’s marathon.
Last Monday the world cheered for Meb and all these amazing athletes which once again inspired a new breed of runners to take on Boston.
Someday, I’ll be there. I have my own struggles and hurdles to face before I can Boston Qualify. But I hope to one day toe that yellow line and be Boston Strong to earn and my own blue and yellow unicorn.
Photo credit to Marcia McCormick
Until then, I will continue to train as hard as I can, cheer for others and celebrate in my own blue and yellow Boston Strong way with a bit of gold Presecco while I chase down that dream.
A mouth made of metal, metal, metal
Pocket full of yellow, yellow
Pocket full of gold
And I hope you find
I hope you find your dream, yeah
I’m glad people returned to Boston. Last year was such a tragedy.
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Wow, some great pics your sharing here with us. Sorry you couldn’t make it to Boston, but I see that your friends brought Boston to you. So neat! New song for me, but totally cool. Thanks for sharing and joining us. YOU’RE ROCKIN’ TODAY GIRL! HANG IN THERE.
You WILL get there, I have utmost faith in you!! And I LOVE your song choice! You ROCK! 🙂 Have a great week! 🙂
How brave these athletes are to return after such a horrible tragedy. I am happy that their spirits couldn’t be crushed by staying Boston Strong! I hope you can make your dreams come true in competing next year. Gr8 song choice!
Wow! This was an incredibly, inspiring post! Thanks for conveying not only your perspective on the event, but also the courageous runners.
My Hats Off the the Marathon Runners.
It was indeed a strong comeback! I like when we rise up.
Glad you were there in heart with the runners.
Thanks for rocking out.
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