Boston Marathon 2013. Elite Women (and Jeptoo, the women's winner).
Around 11:30AM yesterday after Alice's morning nap, we walked the few short blocks from our apartment to the race course just in time to see the elite women run past the almost 22-mile point of the Boston Marathon. Seeing the spectators lining the course to cheer on those athletes always makes me feel a bit emotional. Having run eleven marathons, I know just how much the encouragement of complete strangers helps to push you toward that finish line when every part of your body aches and every part of your brain begs for you to stop. I felt myself tear up as I thought about those people running their first marathon as I remember so clearly how emotional I was when I finished my first one. I felt inspired and happy as I crouched down next to Alice's stroller and explained to her what all the happiness and excitement was about.
And then, a few hours later, all that happiness and all that excitement was taken away.
Alice and I had a birthday brunch to attend so we left the marathon shortly after I snapped those photos. As we walked home from the party, I thought about letting Alice nap in the stroller while I walked the marathon course but decided to head home instead. I had just put Alice down for an afternoon nap when my neighbor sent me a text telling me to turn on the TV. Like everyone else who watched it unfold, I was sickened. Horrified. And confused.
No one I know was injured in the bombings. Thankfully. I feel so grateful to be able to say that.
And, on a much lighter and happier note, one of my best friends is beginning an incredible journey today. Back in August I blogged about fulfilling dreams and living without regret. And I mentioned how my friend Jaimie and I talked about her dream of hiking the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail. 2,650 miles from Mexico all the way to Canada. And today is the day that her dream becomes her reality. For the next six months she and her boyfriend will spend their days hiking across deserts, over mountains and through forests as they make their way across California, Oregon and Washington to the border of British Colombia, Canada.
Jaimie, I am so proud of you. Wishing you both blister-free feet, light-feeling packs, and a lot of blue skies overhead. And I can't wait to hear (and read!) all about your awesome adventure. Good luck, my friend!
Beautiful Magnolias. Spring 2013.
It's so so sad that this happened, especially in conjunction with such a positive event like the marathon. I'm glad you guys are safe and well.
ReplyDeleteOne year ago, you took little Alice to the marathon, it was a very hot and humid day. I remember you saying there were thousands of people lining the streets and it was a fun and festive day. Wow, we all forget how easily it can change in an instant.
ReplyDeleteWe are so glad you are safe and so sorry for the loss of lives and for those injured. Be safe and we love you '3'.
girl.. let me tell you how i was cleaning my stove when i realized.."omg...Briana lives in Boston!" which was 3 minutes ago. I ran to my laptop, fingers still dripping with soap to make sure to check on your blog. I am soo soo happy that you are okay!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you guys weren't at the finish.
ReplyDeleteI have never wanted to be in Boston more than I do now. This whole thing just doesn't make sense.
Very glad to hear that you were safe on Monday. What a wide range of emotions you must have felt that day.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that you guys weren't at the finish line.
ReplyDeleteYour fiend's hike sounds incredible. Here's to making dreams a reality x