On Boston

Halfway through one of my 400m sprints yesterday morning, I came to an abrupt standstill. I watched in awe as a handful of elite runners of the More/Fitness Women's Half Marathon shot past me. I marveled at their speed and focus. For these women, the race was truly a competition.

The throngs that passed me next probably never contemplated winning. They ran to PR; they ran to come in sub-2; they ran for charity. They ran in support of; they ran in memory of; they ran to finish. These women drew the supporters that dotted the roadway sporting noisemakers and brightly colored hand-made signs.

As I watched, I was overcome with fleeting, but potent, joy. In the face of so much effort, so much dedication, so much support - such a moving celebration of life and human capability - how I could I do anything but smile? How could I do anything but cheer on the strangers who passed me?

I felt compelled to post something on Facebook, but couldn't quite word it. In the end, I posted a congratulatory message on the page of a friend who had ran and said something about the beautiful weather.

My heart goes out to Boston today and to all touched by the tragedy. I cannot wrap my mind around it. I cannot fathom the hatred, the anger, the warped sense of entitlement, the false conviction. Such things have no place in life, and certainly not in running.

-Gym Belle-