I've never liked Boston very much. After all, I grew up in New Jersey as a die-hard New York Yankee fan. Hating the Red Sox is practically encoded in my DNA. Can't stand the Patriots, either. And while I do have the occasional hankering for New England clam chowder, it's pretty safe to say that I've always viewed the city of Boston and their funny-talking populace with -- at best -- an apathetic disregard.
On April 15, 2013, that changed in a matter of fifteen seconds.
Last September, I began running. It happened a little at a time, step by step, mile by mile, and before too long I was completely hooked. I participated in a few official races, trained regularly, and in a short period of time I considered myself to be an actual "runner." I found the running community to be engaging and friendly -- both in real life and in the Internet world. I discovered some great stories about legendary marathoners like Bart Yasso, Dean Karnazes and Kara Goucher, and of course I learned about the Holy Grail of marathoning:
The Boston Marathon.
The Boston Marathon is the only major sporting event in the world where everyday Joes can participate alongside (okay, behind) world champions. It would be like your local softball team filling out an application and then getting to play against the Chicago Cubs. Actually, no, your local softball team could probably beat the Cubs. Let's say the Texas Rangers. I'd love to run Boston myself, but I'll never make the qualifying time of 3:25 or so for a guy my age. I suppose if I can maintain my current level of speed and endurance until I'm 75 I'd make the cut then, but realistically it's out of my reach.
But the pageantry, the prestige, and the history have always made Boston the pinnacle of distance running. And now someone had the audacity to try to tarnish that. And by "try," I of course mean "failed." I've seen the resolve of runners, the passion of Bostonians, the enduring spirit of Americans, and after we grieve, we cry, we remember, and we rebuild, the Boston Marathon will come back stronger than ever, with the memories of those who suffered yesterday fresh in our minds and hearts.
We may slow down for a few steps, but we'll keep on running. In America, there is no finish line.
On a final note, I'll be running my first marathon in just a couple weeks. If you happen to be in Newport Beach or Costa Mesa, California on May 5, maybe you'll stop by and watch for me.
I'll be the guy in the Red Sox hat.
I'll cheer for you from my sofa (unless I'm doing my long run) or via runner tracking if they have it!
ReplyDeletePeace and comfort to all of us.
I am a die-hard Yankees fan too. I lived in NYC for 6 years. It's my second home. I've never been a big fan of Boston, until I started running. I agree with everything you said except I wouldn't use the term "everyday Joes". The runners participating in the Boston Marathon are special. They are dedicated and very focused, putting an average of 80-120 miles a week. I would called "crazy Joes" instead ;) I will run this marathon one day. If I keep up with my current pace and they don't change the bQ times, it will happen by age 60 :-) Best of luck with your OC Marathon coming up! And YES, wearing a Red Sox hat for this occasion is very meaningful!
ReplyDelete*would call them
DeleteOh, I agree with the "everyday Joes" thing. I just meant it's open to the general population. General population of dedicated and talented runners to be sure, but not pros.
Deletechris,
ReplyDeleteI think I can speak for Bostonians when I say your gesture of wearing a Red Sox hat is a class act. Yes, we would like that very much.
Thanks, Candy. I actually bought the Sox hat yesterday. Tried it on and I think it burned my skin :)
DeleteYour city will be in my heart for 26 miles and then some.
Thank you, Chris. I'm being deadly serious when I say your last line made me cry. The Red Sox will be forever tarnished if YOU wear a Red Sox cap :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'll tell you what - if you ever DO make it to Boston to run, I'll be the guy waiting for you along the route, at risk of my own well-being, wearing a damn Yankees cap. How's that?
That'd be awesome, Jim. I'll have to really step up my game to qualify, but who knows?
DeleteWe also started running last Sept. Mostly 5Ks but Youngest and I are working toward a 10K this Sept. (Ironically it is the same race in which we started last year, just the 10K version of it) We knew many people in the marathon this year as well as at it. (all okay) But next year, there will be so many more. I think a speaker at yesterday's memorial said it best... "There's three things that Boston takes very seriously and that's sports, politics, and revenge. You just messed with the wrong city".
ReplyDeleteI will BUY you that Red Sox hat... AND Suldog's too. :)