The Morning After Boston

For a variety of reasons, I really didn't feel like working out this morning when I woke up.  I was still a bit sore from prior rides and runs, but I was also still dumbfounded in the wake of the insane and tragic events at yesterday's Boston Marathon.  But like so many others that I've talked with or whose posts I've read, there is one central feeling I have: I am unbowed.

There are two photos from the race yesterday that have struck me (and many others):

This was taken by John Tlumacki of the Boston Globe, and it is a photo of a 78-year old gentleman named Bill Iffrig.  I was fortunate enough to see an interview with both last night.  Bill was just about to finish the race when he was knocked off his feet by the first blast.  As you can see, heroic police were rushing toward him and others caught in the mayhem.  But what makes this an amazing photo story to me is that Bill stated that after he was helped to his feet, the next thing he did was...get to the finish line to complete the race.

The second photo is this one:

I unfortunately don't have the credit for this, but I think it is a surreal shot of some of the 9000+ (if memory serves) runners that never got a chance to finish the race.  To me, it symbolizes unfinished business, not only for them, but for law enforcement and for the rest of us to continue on.

I chose these photos to symbolize yesterday's events rather than any of the more brutal pictures that I've seen because for me, these pictures -- and their subjects -- symbolize the heart and soul of the marathon and those that undertake it, regardless of surrounding circumstances.  When the NYC Marathon was cancelled (rightfully) in the aftermath of Sandy last November, I felt bad for those that had trained for the day, but I felt worse for those suffering from the storm's horrific impact.  Today, I obviously grieve for those killed or injured (and their families) at the Boston Marathon, but I am entirely unbowed and focused on continuing forward, just as Bill Iffrig did and as those above were unable to do yesterday.

I will be running a marathon this fall, either in Arlington, VA at the Marine Corps Marathon or in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Marathon.  I am doing this to show anyone who would think they can suppress us -- Americans, marathoners, people -- and keep us from achieving our goals and living our lives.

By the way, I WILL work out later today.  Bet on it.