Boston Race Report- FEAR NOT!

I was considering skipping Boston next year after feeling beat up from the course. After the tragic events unfolded later I told my wife this just got personal and I would run Boston next year to tell evil to get behind me and symbolically support the victims and their families. Steve
I received an email from coach Bill Leach our clubs' speed coach and thought I'd pass along his statement since I thought it was well said and represents my sentiments completely: "Running appears to have acquired a renewed meaning as a result of the tragic events yesterday in Boston. The renewal appears to include an opportunity to deliver an important responding statement to those who have symbolically and physically assaulted Running as well as the Runners and Spectators that were so viciously attacked yesterday. An examination of the apparent intention of this act of terror, whether to disrupt Running or our society, suggests that an appropriate response is to actively demonstrate that your way of life, in this case Running is not open to change - it is not negotiable. Please reclaim your right to Run by Running. And, while Running, that you also symbolically represent those who can no longer run because of their loss of life and limbs yesterday. I respectfully request that you join your fellow runners by renewing your commitment to Run and to Run and Run and Run! Do not allow those who committed these heinous acts to take away your freedom to Run from you and your Running community!"

I agree and good for you. I know I've said dozens of times how much running has done for me and it's a huge part of my life, not just the running but my great running friends I meet in the mornings who are really my closest local friends. If you can't run, walk. I walked this morning and it's not running but you gotta do what you can do and that's the closest I'm coming right now. Anyway, we continue to pray for Boston and all those affected and I'm praying for the family who lost their son. I wish no parents ever had to bury their child.

I like your attitude! I've had really mixed feelings about running another marathon...even before yesterday's events. Maybe this is the motivation that I need to commit to another marathon and put my best effort into training...who knows maybe I can qualify for Boston...and if I don't I can support the sport and set a good example for my grandkids.
Thanks for posting!

Nice.

We all have seen in the past few years how marathons and half marathons have grown and grown. It'll be interesting to see if the two explosions would have any effect on registrations or, more obviously, marathon/half marathon training programs, especially for the big races.

Some of the 2nd and 3rd tier races could see a boost in registration because some people won't tempt fate at a big marathon and because what statement could be made at a littler marathon by a terrorist.

Just my tired mind typing.

I think it might be hard to get into Boston next year because so many people will want to run it, like your sentiment. You might need a BQ-5 time.

My first thought from all of this was that I want to work harder than ever to get to a BQ someday, because the people who did this cannot ever bring me down. I think they totally misjudged who they were dealing with by targeting marathoners. We are not a group to fold over in fear!

After the concern and deep sadness passed, I was determined more than ever to bring myself back to the form that got me to Boston in years past. I'm still feeling it!

JohnP wrote:I think it might be hard to get into Boston next year because so many people will want to run it, like your sentiment. You might need a BQ-5 time.

I don't think I've seen any sort of announcement yet, but BAA may need to reserve spots for people that ran but didn't finish this year's race. If that happens, it will be harder still to get in, unlerss they expand the field as they did fort the 100th anniversary.

Martin VW wrote:

JohnP wrote:I think it might be hard to get into Boston next year because so many people will want to run it, like your sentiment. You might need a BQ-5 time.

I don't think I've seen any sort of announcement yet, but BAA may need to reserve spots for people that ran but didn't finish this year's race. If that happens, it will be harder still to get in, unlerss they expand the field as they did fort the 100th anniversary.

Sadly, I would like that and take them up on the offer.

Michele "1L" Keane wrote:

Martin VW wrote:

JohnP wrote:I think it might be hard to get into Boston next year because so many people will want to run it, like your sentiment. You might need a BQ-5 time.

I don't think I've seen any sort of announcement yet, but BAA may need to reserve spots for people that ran but didn't finish this year's race. If that happens, it will be harder still to get in, unlerss they expand the field as they did fort the 100th anniversary.

Sadly, I would like that and take them up on the offer.

Maybe we will just bandit it, for you again.

Those are some great words by your coach. Out of the darkness comes light...and some very motivated runners.

Glad to see you want to come back. Nice words by your coach. Congrats on getting it done.

I know I want a BQ for 2014 at the NJ Marathon on 5/5 more then ever!