Congrats to all the runners in the Boston Marathon today! I can imagine all the excitement for the runners and their families to be a part of one of the greatest races in the country. I was fortunate to be able to run in it last year and experience it for myself. This race by far was always on my bucket list (as I'm sure it is for every runner).
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| In the corral waiting to start the Boston Marathon |
People train their whole running career just to be able to run their dream race here. I couldn't believe that I was actually fortunate enough to be here. I was at the starting line of the Boston Marathon and it was a dream come true! At the start of the race I told myself I wasn't trying to go for time since I knew it was a hard course. I didn't want to have to stress out about anything but to just enjoy myself and experience the Marathon. And that is just what I did! I have never been to a race that had so many cheering spectators along the sidelines during the ENTIRE race! This gave me much motivation when the going got tough during the course. There were even children high fiving you and giving out Swedish fish and gummy bears. Who could pass that up? I finished the race feeling a sense of accomplishment. I was now able to check one more (big thing) off of my bucket list!
I no sooner got through the finish line chute and that's when I heard the first bomb that went off. My friend and I had no idea what had happened. We took a quick picture and headed back to the hotel to find out the extent of the tragedy that had just occurred. My sense of pride quickly changed to a sense of sorrow. My friend said it best when he said "What a tragedy for many when it should have been a triumph for all". I couldn't agree more. The finish line experience was much different than the starting line experience.
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| Just after receiving my medal for completing the Boston marathon. This is when we heard the first bomb. I noticed from this picture that the smoke had started to form in the background. |
I no sooner got through the finish line chute and that's when I heard the first bomb that went off. My friend and I had no idea what had happened. We took a quick picture and headed back to the hotel to find out the extent of the tragedy that had just occurred. My sense of pride quickly changed to a sense of sorrow. My friend said it best when he said "What a tragedy for many when it should have been a triumph for all". I couldn't agree more. The finish line experience was much different than the starting line experience.
Congrats to everyone running the Boston Marathon today! We hope everyone has a fantastic journey and a safe finish!
Do you know anyone running Boston today?