Loss

This is going out in our next newsletter, but I think it's also an appropriate blog post. If you are reading this and also receive the MCRR newsletter, I apologize for the duplication.

There are many kinds of loss. First, there’s the loss of words that almost, but not quite, happened to me. So much has already been said, so many eloquent words about the terror in Boston, that I don’t feel as though I have much to add. Yet I’ll try anyway. It may be better than the usual dribble that you get from me. Or not.

There’s the unimaginably painful loss experienced by a few families where a loved one was killed. There’s the loss of health and mobility of many more of those who were injured. For all these folks, the only crime was that they happened to be near the location of the explosions.

And then there’s the loss of the feeling of safety and security; our loss of innocence. We all felt this on 9/11, and now it’s happening again. It hits home a bit harder for those of us who run. Large events and gatherings, including those wrapped around running events, will need to take more precautions. In fact, they won’t be the same, especially because we won’t view them the same way.

Every now and then, some incredibly small percentage of the population of humanity gets their brain wires tangled, gets hold of a weapon, attacks some people in some way, and inexplicably causes horrible pain and suffering. The fact that so few are of this bent doesn’t make it any less painful. But what does make the whole thing a little more bearable – at least for those of us watching from a safe distance – is the response of the good people. The volunteers, the medical and emergency personnel, the police, the race organizers, and even the runners are to be commended for their courage and valor.

Boston is such a great event. Running-wise, it’s the celebration to end all celebrations. It’s something nearly all runners aspire to, and for good reason. Speaking for those of us who have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to participate, it really is everything it’s cracked up to be. I understand that not everyone will be able to run it, but I would certainly encourage all to try.

Thank goodness that all our MCRR runners are safe. Those runners who participated in this year’s Boston Marathon are: Connie Gardner, Ladd Clifford, Roberta Gangl, Beth Bugner, Jeannine Nicholson, Jack McDaniel (and family), Bob Pokorny, Debbie Hicks and Delores Manhoff. Great job you guys! We’re all proud of you.