I am seeing more and more Boston finisher shots trickle in on Facebook. In light of the tragedy, I suspect many felt it previously inappropriate to post these, but I am happy to see them all the same.
The family and I have a ritual of hitting the grocery store on the weekend. It’s kind of our stock-up for the week ahead: dinner prep, school lunches, etc.
For well over a year now, there’s been a shopping cart collection guy we see out in the parking lot. He originally appeared and asked about the Boston Marathon sticker on the car, thinking it belonged to the Caveman.
He shared that he was hoping to qualify, and kept us posted on his progress. He was overjoyed when he qualified.
Yesterday we were loading up the car as usual and there he was again, this time clad in a blue Boston jacket beneath his reflective parking lot vest. He yelled out “I finished! I finished!” and as he approached he pulled his medal out from under his jacket. He was so proud and I couldn’t have been happier for him.
Then I asked him a question I wish I hadn’t: “How long before the bombs did you finish?” I’m not sure if it’s even possible, but I so wish Boston 2013 wasn’t defined by “before bombs” and “after bombs”. The bombing distracts from the accomplishments of so many and in a sense gives power to the monsters who perpetrated the crime. It feels insensitive when so many are suffering, but I hope everyone who ran can eventually celebrate their amazing accomplishment.
I’m closing the book on the bombing talk here and on a very tough week. Here’s how the week shook out workout-wise:
- Monday: 1 hour spin class. Upper body strength.
- Tuesday: 6 miles for Boston. Leg strength, core.
- Wednesday: Sweat Your Nuts Off Yoga
- Thursday: 5 miles, 3x1600m.
- Friday: Don’t wanna talk about it, and quality time on the step mill.
- Saturday: Rest
- Sunday: 7 miles. Should have been 12 but that did not happen, thanks to a certain body part that is very angry after Friday’s workout shenanigans. More on that to come.
Happy Earth Day! How will you celebrate? I am starting veggie seeds (finally) indoors!
That is awesome that he qualified and finished, congrats to him on his achievement
I agree..I hate that everyone’s awesome accomplishments are so overshadowed. I know everyone feels guilt even focusing on the race aspect, but I think they should also celebrate and be proud!
I’m thrilled he qualified and finished too! That’s a great lifetime achievement!
Hooray for your grocery store buddy finishing!!! So cool that he shared with you!!
I am starting to feel like all the Boston stuff is smothering me a little. Last week was tougher for me than I can begin to put into words, and now I’m to the point where I’m shutting my eyes and sticking my fingers into my ears and shouting la la la la…
Maybe that makes me an asshole? But it’s my truth today. I’m looking forward to the point where I can ask someone about there Boston experience without even wondering about their relationship to bombings.
Let’s run together soon! Spring has GOT to be almost here 🙂 Hope your angry body part gets with the program…
I think people should be proud if they were there, whether they were able to finish or not. And hopefully they’ll all be able to go back.
It’s an understandable question but yes, we all gotta stop letting what happened define the day. There was so much more to CELEBRATE!
Hoping you’re feeling better!
Im glad you were able to meet up with the shopping cart guy. Every one is affected by this tragic event in one way or the other, and people deal with it differently. Did he say what time he ended up with? Nice work out week. I should perhaps add some other exercises to my training.
I love that he qualified and was able to finish…and that he wore his jacket and medal to work!
As someone who ran Boston last Monday, I would not feel bad for asking the shopping cart guy the question. People have questioned me in various ways about the race. Some start out by asking me about my finishing time/place, etc., but I know they also really want to know about my entire experience, including the bad, since it was such big, tragic news. Anyway, hope your “body part” issue has resolved themselves!
I’m glad that he finished the race! Yesterday we ran a relay and saw lots of people in finisher’s jackets from this year, it was nice to see them. And my friends are now just starting to share their recaps and finisher’s photos as well.
This Boston will sadly always be defined by the bombs. I would have asked too.
I am so happy for the grocery cart collection guy! I would love to hear more happy stories out of Boston but this is honestly the first one I’ve seen.
Great workout week! So did you really sweat your nuts off in Yoga? LOL
Sweat your nuts off yoga? 🙂 Yes!
Gaye
I guess my comment did not show up – just wanted to say how sorry I am for your child & how crazy this is & especially with social media! HUGE HUGS!
I’m really happy to read people’s race recaps from Boston and congratulate them on the races that they ran. I still quietly mourn for all the people that didn’t get to finish. For so many, this was a once in a lifetime event and I wish them luck to get back there.