Runners Unite

As most of you know, I'm not a regular blogger but felt I needed to put fingers to keyboard today.

Monday morning started out normal for me but not so much for Heather who was running her first Boston Marathon. Our friend, Heidi, and I had our phone apps all set to watch her progress through the 5k intervals posted online.  I just have to say that I was checking online even as I was trying to conduct a job interview....I was a little addicted to the BAA site to say the least.


We watched as she posted fantastic pace/miles and commented that she was 'flying'!! She had a fantastic race and finished in 3.37.32.  AMAZING!!!!!


Heather's fanastic finishing medal!

 And I thought that was the end of it.  Unfortunately we all know that was not the end.  It was the beginning of what would turn out to be a terrifying event for many...for those who were participating, those as spectators and for those of us back home waiting anxiously to hear from our loved ones.

I've read many blogs and facebook posts, and listened to many news stories and one thing stands out....in the face of tragedy...large or small...humanity does shine through.  People reached out to complete strangers on this day....Heather herself can tell you first hand how a complete stranger helped her get to her husband in a city where she knew no one and nothing looked familiar.  On this day 25,000 people ran the 117th Boston Marathon, and one (or a small group) decided to try and destroy it....1 out of 25,000 people. 


I read this on one of the many blogs I read...and I apologize as I can't remember which one...but it touched me...so I am sharing the story in summary.
  "A lady was one of the many that was stopped 1/2 a mile from the finish.  She learned of the tragedy and was sickened as her husband and family were waiting for her at the finish.  She wound her way through the streets to try and find them and was finally able to reach them by cell phone....they were okay.  She was overcome with emotion knowing they were okay and sat down to weep.  A couple walked by with the husband having finished the marathon before.  They took his mylar blanket and laid it over her shoulders (as she was now starting to shiver).  He then asked if she had finished...she answered no. He took his medal from around his neck and put it over her head "you are a finisher to me" he spoke."

 Runners unite!!!

Many running clubs are bringing runners together to run for the 'last 5k of Boston'.  In Halifax, NS, the run is scheduled for 6pm Monday night in Point Pleasant!!!  I can only imagine what the atmosphere/emotions will be like for those 5k.  Hope to see you there!