I Love the Human Spirit

Way to take the race back, Boston!! And, for the first time since 1983, an American won! What a great day!

I love the spirit of anyone who pours everything they have into something they love and/or are working toward. Running ... academics ... music ... art ... the human spirit is an amazing thing to witness!

My run tomorrow is no Boston Marathon, but it'll still get everything I have (likely including a healthy dose of patience for the pup ...)! I'll check in tomorrow and let you know how it goes as I run my way toward my next finish line!

Race Shirt Tuesday

Facebook for me is like I remember the morning paper was for my dad -- just a good way to start the day. (That he was catching up on local and world news and I'm catching up with my friends is not to be debated!) This morning, I didn't have time to log on, therefore, I missed the Facebook memo from the I Love To Run page suggesting this as Race Shirt Tuesday. The post reads: A movement is sweeping across social media - to show your support, wear a race shirt today. Let the world know, we stand with our runners, volunteers, medics, supporters, race directors and anyone else who is a part of our great support. While it will not change what happened yesterday - we can rally together to heal.

After reading this post, I wandered to the closets and dressers of my family. You've seen the shirts. I've talked about what they represent. And, holy cow, yesterday really drove that home.

'Still praying for Boston. And, tomorrow, we run.

Boston

Almost immediately after waving to my family when I run an official race, I start to pray. I pray that my run is physically safe ... no falling down, no twisting anything, no causing problems in a dense field of people. I pray for a good run, that I feel good about my effort from beginning to end. I say prayers of thanks that I am physically able and mentally strong to take the endeavor on. I pray in thanks that I am supported and given the time to participate. I pray that my family has a great time on their own adventures while they wait for me whether they have time to enjoy a full meal or have just enough time to sneak into a coffee house on their way to skiddoo-ing to catch me at the finish line.

Never have I ever thought to focus prayer on the safety of the fans nor even of the runners at the finish line. What's happening in Boston is inexplicable. As I told Aaron just a little bit ago, I don't even yet know where to put the flood of feelings I have. But, I do feel like I want to throw up a little bit.

I listened as NBC's Brian Williams did a beautiful job describing what those 26.2 miles mean in terms of dreams. Might I add what they mean in terms of effort. Decisions. Determination. Heart. Family.

Unbelievable. For me, unrelatably relatable.

Please take a moment to pray for all of those in Boston.