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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Because of Boston

It's been three weeks since the terrorist activity in Boston, and outside of the occasional nightmare, life is slowly returning to normal. My boys have all resumed doing the things that typical 11, 14, 17, and 19 year old boys should be doing. I have successfully crossed the finish line in two 13.1 races, which has alleviated some of my fears and has allowed me to once again feel safe as I follow my passion. Most importantly though, I have had time to process and reflect on all that has happened. In true marathon style, here's 26.2 milestones and moments that I have come to appreciate now more than ever...
because of Boston.

1)  Because of Boston I know that there is a reason for everything. There is a reason I qualified for the Boston Marathon by 48 seconds. There is a reason that when I qualified, the 2013 had miraculously not yet filled, so my time would count for both the 117th and 118th Boston Marathon. There is a reason I stopped for water breaks when I usually run right past. We don't always need to know what the reasons are, but we should always make the most of the moments we have.
2) Because of Boston my kids have learned that acts of kindness are more powerful, and more plentiful, than acts of terror.
3) Because of Boston help has come in all shapes and sizes from one of my kindergartners baking cookies for Bailey, to the daughter of Newbery Award winning author, Cynthia Lord, offering her help from her home in Boston.
4) Because of Boston I now have an entire collection of new t-shirts, bracelets, posters, and headbands in support of the victims.
5) Because of Boston I have proof that there are angels among us one being the stranger that led my family back to me three weeks ago.
6) Because of Boston little things like kicking the soccer ball around with Bailey, have become big things.
7) Because of Boston I have become buddies with several members of the BPD and FBI as the search for my luggage continues.
8) Because of Boston what was supposed to be my last marathon, has now become my motivation to run without limits.
9) Because of Boston I have now joined my son Connor in being a Red Sox fan. (Unless they are playing the Cubs.)
10) Because of Boston my love for running has jumped from passionate to obsessed. (I may seriously need a Runners Anonymous intervention soon.)
11) Because of Boston I have formed friendships in the running community that that have not only made me a better runner, but more importantly, a better person.
12) Because of Boston each finish line will be a victory against terrorism.
13.1) Because of Boston I was motivated to run faster and stronger than ever in the Nike Woman's half-marathon on April 28th, earning a new PR of 1:50:07.


14) Because of Boston I know that if one of my boys was in danger, the others would be there in a heartbeat.
15) Because of Boston I have an even deeper respect for local, state and federal authorities who put their lives on the line everyday to keep us safe. In addition the Boston Athletic Association and the many marathon volunteers each deserve a medal of their own for their ongoing commitment to everyone affected by the bombings.
16) Because of Boston I believe more than ever that teaching students how to be kind and respectful, is so much more important than test scores.
17) Because of Boston I make sure that the people I love, never doubt it for a minute.
18) Because of Boston I have learned that taking 3 hours to finish a half marathon with friends, is just as meaningful as beating a PR. (Wisconsin half-marathon, Kenosha, WI 5/4/13)
19) Because of Boston I know firsthand, that people really are more important than things. I will never forget the outpouring of texts, calls, messages, emails and unending support from friends, family, co-workers, students and their parents.
20) Because of Boston towns that a year ago I had never heard of including: Hopkinton, Ashland, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, and Cambridge, now have a special place in my heart.
21) Because of Boston I have inspired others to try things that they didn't think they were capable of.
22) Because of Boston I have learned how to face my fears head on.
23) Because of Boston I know that Walt Disney was right. It really is kind of fun to do the impossible.
24) Because of Boston I now wear a lot of blue and yellow.
25) Because of Boston it is so much easier to not sweat the small stuff. (I no longer freak out about a sink full of dishes, or not being able to check my email every hour.)
26.2) The big finish! Because of Boston my two oldest sons, Ryan & Nick, have become runners! They have always been athletic, but they never understood the point of running just to run. Until now.  This text from Ry may be the most meaningful gift I have ever received. Wether he pursues this challenge or not, I could not be more proud of the person he has grown up to be, and his three younger brothers are following right behind in his footsteps. (Disclaimer...Ry entered himself in my contacts as "favorite son!" I, of course, love them all equally!)
THANK YOU BOSTON!!