Marathoners are the wrong group to target.

 Brooke and I are wearing our race t-shirts.  She has my NYC Marathon one and I have the NWM one on. 

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We went on a silent run this morning for the victims, families of the victims, medical staff, police and people of Boston.  

The other runners on the trail were even more friendly than usual as we passed by.

My sunglasses helped to not let them see the tears that I had when I saw so many of them wearing Boston race shirts/jackets/hats. 

My run brought me peace and hope.  Like usual, running helped me to release some tension and to spend time to really think about things.  Running really is the best therapy.  

Brooke was still napping in the jogging stroller when I finished and so I sat by the lake for a while.  

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I hope that you were able to get in a run today and that you feel a little bit better.   

As Caroline said in my previous post in the comments:

“Runners, we are strong and resilient.  Let’s please stand together and not let cruelty overtake us.”

From Patton Oswalt:

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The best tweet I have ever read:

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College students schedule walk to finish Boston Marathon:

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Chicago Running Bloggers are organizing a 5k on June 15th to raise money for the victims.  

Check out Nicole’s awesome idea to donate $1 for every mile that you run this month to the American Red Cross.

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65 comments

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Thank you for sharing info on the Chicago 5k race.
Marathoners are strong & nobody should mess with us.
Running is the absolute best therapy. I ran silently for Boston today, too.
<3

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Love Patton Oswalt’s quote and how much attention it’s been getting! So great.

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Runners really are the wrong group to mess with. By definition runners push go above and beyond what anyone thinks possible. As sad as I am, I am loving the flood of love and support everyone is showing.

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Thank you for including our race in your post!

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When I saw the “Boston Marathon: The Last 5” event, I teared up (though I’ve been tearing up pretty much constantly today). So moving, and the amount of love, support and solidarity shown by the international running community through this whole ordeal has been so incredibly inspiring. We are an amazing bunch of people. <3

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That tweeted quote is just amazing. I want to repost it everywhere! I’m still a bit unnerved from yesterday’s events, but to see the amazing outpouring of support, especially in the running community, really reinforces my belief in humanity. Thank you for writing this and featuring some of the awesome efforts people are making, I’m glad I now know of ways to help as a runner!

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I’ve been amazed and uplifted by the overwhelming response and flood of support from runners and non runners alike. It really preserves my faith in humanity. I truly believe that runners (and particularly marathoners) and a strong an dedicated bunch – we are not so easily defeated!

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Couldn’t agree more. That lake is beautiful, glad you had a wonderful run:)

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I too saw several Boston Marathon shirts and jackets on my run this morning, and I’m wearing my 2012 NYCM Volunteer shirt to pilates class tonight. I hadn’t heard about the “Last 5” event yet, what a wonderful way to stand together in solidarity!

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Thank you for sharing our race!!!

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That tweet from Alvina says it all. Thank you for posting it!

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I didn’t get a run in today (9 hours of class), but during that time my heart and prayers continued to be with Boston. This is such a nice post with so much love, and I’m glad you’re run was able to help clear your mind.

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I found this quote in a training email today from the half marathon I’m signed up for in a few weeks and I thought you might like it:
” What can I do? I’m not there. I can’t hold someone’s hand and try to comfort him or her. I can pray, but it doesn’t seem like it’s immediate and concrete enough. What can I do? I don’t want to hide away and wonder if having kids was right because the world is turning into a giant pile of crap. So what can I do? These were “my people.” Runners. Folks who have trained and achieved something I may never actually get to do myself. They earned a spot at America’s oldest and most prestigious marathon. Their race was ruined. Their families are scarred–some physically, all emotionally. For those who did finish, their race has been tarnished. I need to do something. So what can I do? I will run. Tonight, I will pray, and probably cry. But tomorrow I will get up and run. I will take my stand, one step at a time, to run for all those who now can’t. For all those who are too scared. For all those who are shell-shocked. I will run. I will move forward for those who are now stuck. I will do what most of them would do when faced with something troubling. It may not be Boston-fast, but it will be Boston-felt. What can I do? I will run.” From Kate Markert.

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I did get out for a run today- not nearly as nice as yours sounds. I actually didn’t see one runner- which is really rare where I run. But it felt good to run. That lake is gorgeous- glad you had time to relax.

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Boston Last 5 is such a great idea and so touching. My boyfriend said, great now everyone is going to be afraid of the most amazing race in history. I said, no way, we’re runners. We’ll become even more united and next year will be even more amazing.

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No run today, but last night the hub read his sonnet, “The Runner’s Song” at his final for his poetry Master’s class while he wore his Boston Marathon shirt from 2009.

Peace.

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We definitely are the wrong group to mess with. This was my tweet yesterday after letting it all settle in: @Olivetorun They are messing w/the wrong sport. Runners are strong, runners have determination & They just pissed a LOT of strong determined people off.

We are strong and we will stand united against negativity and attacks like these. It became personal yesterday for a lot of us.

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Well Said! Thank You :)

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I wish I was going to be there for the last 5 walk! I just can’t imagine what the runners from this year’s race are going through. Prayers for all involved!

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Marathoners are completely the wrong people. And next year, you better believe they’re coming back stronger than before.

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Thanks again for sharing ideas! Agreed… marathoners are the wrong group!!! We are more dedicated and resilient than most.

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I haven’t seen the Chicago 5k, but thanks for sharing that! I saw that they’re doing a virtual race on that same day, which is AMAZING and I will so be participating in that in the FL heat :D I ran my 2.62 miles (give or take) in silence (by coincidence, it was hot and I chose to run short with no music/GPS to show my support) and when I got home, I saw the 2.62 silent miles. I’m so happy I participated. I have also seen 4.09 for the marathon time when the bombs went off. I am so incredibly happy to be a part of such a tight knit community. However, I didn’t see too many people outside of my run (i.e. at school, work, etc.) wearing blue/yellow or race shirts. This is so much more than just a runner’s tragedy, so I think as runners, we need to use our voices to spread it to our non-running counterparts and encourage their participation (I’m not saying that there weren’t people I encountered in my day who weren’t hurting as badly as I am).

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Thanks for sharing the ideas!

And AMEN to that tweet!

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Love this post muchly. It was an emotional day here too, in Montreal, Canada… as I ran along the running/bike path on the famous Lachine Canal.
-JulieC http://www.theportobellas.com

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I sat with a heavy heart all day today at work. I wasn’t going to run today but I forced myself to (2.62 miles in memory) and I feel SO much better!

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Yes. A silent run to pray was exactly what was needed to thank God for the courage and selflessness of the people who were helping each other. And when runners (and non-runners) get together and pour out their goodness, those couple of bad guys will get owned.

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I am proudly wearing my BAA half marathon shirt and went for a bike ride along the ocean. The water is very therapeutic for me and I prayed for all affected by this tragedy. My city is strong. We’re resilient and we will overcome. We have lots of healing to do, but with everyone’s thoughts and prayers, I know we will.

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Totally agree! I woke up extra early today to squeeze in 5miles before work at the gym today. All of the TVs were covering Boston and every time I started to get a little choked up, I would run faster. It was such a great way to start the day, memorialize, and feel like I’m somehow supporting them. I’ve also been rocking a marathon shirt all day today, which has sparked some great conversations with people about the spirit and resilience of the global running community. :)

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I can’t tell you how many times I have cried on runs. I use my runs many times as a chance for quiet prayer and self reflection and I often get emotional. Thank you for sharing today.

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I am not a runner – far from it – but the resilience and solidarity your community has shown in the face of this atrocity is inspiring. Please know how many people are standing with runners everywhere and with the beautiful city of Boston. <3

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I love this community! I got out for a run today and spent it in prayer.

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I wore my Run For Life race shirt under my scrubs today, then wore it proudly afterwards for my first treadmill walk in 2 months. #prayforBoston

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You are seriously such an inspiration, Janae! Thank you for being part of this community and it is amazing to be a part of as well. This post is very well said, thank you for lifting spirits today

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I couldn’t have said it better myself. We can all be prayer warriors and warriors in running shoes just the same!

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Great post! I live in the bay area as well. Is that Almaden Lake in San Jose??? I just started reading your blog and especially loved today’s post.

Elisha

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I love this. Runners will all ultimately stick together in times like this. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to finally see the finish line after a long 26 miles and then have your world explode. In honor of those who can’t run, I will!

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Love seeing alvina’s tweet on your post. I went to school with her and is an amazing person.

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Yay for seeing so much inspiration and positive thoughts coming out of such a negative situation.

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Runners are def NOT the group to mess with—we are winners. We overcome all battles . We are persistent. We will not be defeated. We will not let lazy, weak, pitiful humans stand in our way. We are warriors.

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Thanks Janae for sharing so many touching, powerful stories of the many ways the running community has come together to send an enduring message of love and hope. It is an honor for me to be part of this amazing community!

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I had very similar thoughts on my run today, although I didn’t get to see anyone with Boston gear on. I had to get out there and run because I can and to run in honor of everyone impacted by this horrific event, and I’ll probably do the same every day this week. And, when I run my next marathon in just over a week, I’ll run for them then, too.

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LOVE the tweet!

I also teared up a bit when I read the part about the college kids–being a college kid myself, sometimes our general apathy towards things that aren’t related to school or partying frustrates me, so it’s awesome to see these students caring so much and wanting to help out!

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Sitting by that beautiful lake with Brooke would be the perfect place to reflect after your run honoring the Boston Marathon tragedy. Thanks for your great post.

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Love hearing about everyone being more friendly on your run this morning. In all this sadness that brought a smile to my face to know runners are coming together.

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Thank you for sharing the ChicagoRunningBloggers 5k.

((hugs to you and Brook))

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Well said and thank you for sharing the information. That lake is beautiful and it looks like a great place to reflect and give thanks for the blessings in life.

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I love runners!! I ran 2.62 miles as a warm up at the gym for a lifting session then hopped in with a local running group for a 5.5 mile run around dinner time! 8+ miles in the books today! Wearing a race shirt the whole time obviously!

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That tweet is amazing. And 100% true. Thanks for sharing- what an awesome thing that the Boston students are doing. Wish I could be there!

xo

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Janae,
I’m not a runner but I love your blog and check it daily. Your spirit and enthusiasm for life are absolutely uplifting and inspiring. Your passion for running is only eclipsed by your love for your family and friends (and maybe food too!) I wanted to say those things because upon hearing the news from Boston, I went immediately to HRG because I knew that, while the tragedy would be devastating to you personally, you would have a way of telling how the running community is reacting. You did not fail and I think you should know how important your voice is at this time. Thanks for being you and maintaining a blog that is both positive and real and thank God you and yours are safe.

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And this is one if the many reason I love running….the runners. The feeling on race day is hard to explain. But it sis amazing. I am glad you got your run and could process your emotions. I was teary eyed on my treadmill run today, but I bet everyone at the gym would understand. I am not sure if you have seen or read this yet, but I have loved reading everyone’s posts/links so I thought I would share. I am so bad with words (hard to believe, since I talk to much;) but true) so I just read posts, nod my head and cry along with everyone else.

Running can be a lonely sport — hours on the road solo at times so early people can still be seen stumbling out of bars and hailing cabs home, declined invitations to evening activities, neglected significant others, and truly disgusting feet. In fact, unless a runner trains with a group that doesn’t annoy the living daylights out of them, the months leading up to a long race can be profoundly antisocial. But on race day, all of that disappears when, as the marathon runner embarks along a path lined with people — all kinds of people, they’re bathed in the encouragement of thousands of people who cheer for them without knowing their names.

…..

One of the many puzzling aspects of yesterday’s attacks was the question of what, exactly, the perpetrators thought they’d accomplish by targeting what basically amounts to a celebration of human tenacity. If anything, the tragedy in Boston will further solidify the bond between runner and spectator. And when the Chicago marathon happens this October, I’ll show up to run harder, and they’ll show up to cheer louder. If anyone thought this attack would discourage the runners or the watchers, they’ve clearly never been to a marathon.

http://jezebel.com/the-people-who-watch-marathons-473405924

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http://jezebel.com/the-people-who-watch-marathons-473405924

Thought you might enjoy this post. It is so very true about the spectators at races. They are what make them enjoyable and the bond between racers and spectators will be even greater than ever!

I also wore my NWM 2012 shirt today on my run! I’ll be running in the inaugural DC NWM at the end of the month!

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So glad you got to have a run, be with your sweet girl, and have a quiet moment after the fact.
Thank you for helping me grow (don’t even know if you know you did!) in my running. Becoming a runner ~ moving past that couch to 5K app ~ was a big transition and it’s one of the best things that has happened to me.

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I had to work today, but tomorrow I will do like you did, I’ll wear my race shirt and do 2.26 miles around my town. Sunglasses up to those who ran towards to help!

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Love your race shirts, girls! I wore mine too :)

The running community has been so incredible and I’m honored to be a part of it. Runners are determined people by nature. Imagine the fire that’s just been lit for so many (myself included).

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There is no “right” group to target with any type of terrorism and destruction. I understand the sentiment but the quote, especially without the first half makes me uncomfortable.

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Absolutely love this post. When I first heard about the bombings, I was beyond horrified! How can some humans be so heartless?
http://sherbertdreams.wordpress.com/

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That tweet is amazing!

I am so moved by all the great gestures that have come forth from the tragedy. It’s amazing to see how much runners stick together, even though running is a mainly solitary activity in the end. It’s like were all running on our own, but are never doing it alone.

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I also ran my silent 2.62 today for Boston. WOW. How amazing to lose the earbuds and be alone with the thoughts of the victims and people involved in this horrible event. BLESSED. GRATEFUL. HUMBLE. That’s how I felt afterward. Sunglasses also helped hide the tears when passing other runners and walkers. We are a great team!

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I absolutely admire our running community.
All of us coming together to fight and to show pride in what we do every day.

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It’s so beautiful how runners, and all communities, can come together in a time of despair. It’s sad and unfortunate that it takes a tragedy for such acts and events, but it will mean the world to those grieving from Monday’s tragedy.
Can’t wait for my reflective 26:20 run later.

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I had an amazing silent run in a race shirt. It’s just so awesome to see how strong the running community is.

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I went to BC and was a block away from the finish line on Monday…I will stand with my fellow Bostonians on Friday to walk that final 5 in honor of the victims and survivors of this horrendous attack.

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All of this is amazing and brings joy and hope to my heart.

Thank you for posting such powerful and positive things!

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Running the OKC bombing memorial marathon next weeked!! Can’t stop us!

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I did get out and run. I think I shall try to run 26 miles this week in honor of those who ran – and didn’t – the marathon. As a Boston College grad, I’m so proud of what students at my school are doing, but as someone living afar right now, I somewhat feel helpless and unsure why I feel so affected.

Thank you for posting. I love your blog and read it daily (delivered to my email box) and this post definitely hit home. You may also enjoy this article that definitely helped put to words, better than I can, how I feel, as a runner: http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/17/politics/boston-runners-heart-essay-foreman/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

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