This race report won’t follow the traditional reports you
may be used to seeing. Given the events
of last year, this event is too huge to focus on the marathon itself. In my opinion, Boston is an experience like none
other. As such, any race report that
only focuses on the marathon itself doesn’t give the reader a view into what
the Boston Marathon is all about. The
mecca that is the Boston Marathon is about the city, the people who live there,
and the unyielding support they give to provide a world class event. To overcome the largest domestic terrorist
threat on US soil since 9-11, the people of Boston opened their arms and we as
a running community should be ever grateful.
From the moment I stepped on the plane I could sense a buzz
in the air. People were smiling, the
flight crew even joked with us, saying you guys going to run some race? From the airport a couple of us went right
downtown – to the finish line. We were
just in time to see the teen 1KM race.
The energy was electrifying and you knew this weekend would be
special. Many people were saying we are
here to finish the race and take our city back.
Cordell Hull stated, “There is no greater responsibility resting
upon peoples and governments everywhere than to make sure that enduring peace
will this time – at long last – be established and maintained.” A marathon by no means can erase the hurt and
harm brought to those who tragically lost their lives, neither can it feel a
void. But, it’s as if the event itself
has brought a sense of peace to the city, by knowing the event will take place
and finish it will bring about an enduring peace.
People from all over the world came to see the city, to run
the marathon, or just show their support for their loved ones. Many, like me, were there to run their first
Boston Marathon. Others were returning
to finish the race. People like my
running buddy, Joe Lenahan, were back to “take back the finish line”. Runners are truly a special breed. We all come from different walks of life for
one common goal. This goal brings us
together to create unique bonds. It’s
through those bonds we are all like family.
I met people from as far away as Australia and India, as well as many
others from various states across the US.
We were all happy to play a small part in helping Boston move forward.
As for the race itself… like any other race, my intentions were to
race it. Miles 1-13 all was going
according to plan. But after mile 13,
something hit me… maybe it was the deafening sound of the ladies of Wessley
College, or realizing that for the last 13 miles there have been people along
the course cheering the entire way. I
found myself not really focusing on racing but actually taking in the various
sites and sounds of each of the towns I was going through. Reading the signs, hearing the cheers, and
just getting caught up in the emotion of the event. It was truly amazing to see first-hand. About mile 18-21 I tried to check back in and
go ahead and finish fast, but I was honestly mentally checked out from a racing
standpoint and decided to play with the crowd the rest of the way. Many spectators were cheering USA, USA… after
the race I found out Meb Keflezighi had won the men’s race, so I assume it was
for him. I just can’t say enough good
things about the race and the crowd support, which I will grade as an A. I’ll give myself a C+ for overall racing, but
A for Spirit of the Marathon.
J
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