Today is one of my favorite days in the city, Marathon Monday. Long before I ever started running (and to be clear, I did not run today, in case any of you had lost your mind and thought otherwise!), the Boston Marathon has always held a special place in my heart. Back when I was in school, I was mostly thankful for the day off. To be fair, I still get the day off, and it's still awesome. But as I got older, I really started to think about and appreciate the event. The history (it's the oldest annual marathon in the world). The Hoyts. Heartbreak Hill. The energy that seems to encapsulate the whole city. It's papable. And it's become stronger and greater, much like Boston itself, since the events of 2 years ago. I am always proud to be a Bostonian, but never as proud as I am on a day like today.
If you've ever been a spectator, for this or any marathon, you know that the level of athleticism is amazing--and I don't just mean from the elite runners, the ones who run to win. They are pretty awesome to watch, but I'm really in for the the regular people. The folks who are running just to finish, how ever long it takes, and very often doing so for charity. Every age and body shape/size and fitness level are represented. These are the people who really inspire me, these are the runners I love to watch, to cheer for.
This year, I was lucky enough to see my friend, Susan, cross the soggy finish line of her first Boston Marathon. Running for an amazing charity--Dana Farber-- with the other 'regular' people, she is, as far as I am concerned, a superhero. Susan, though in great shape, is not a life- long athlete, and began seriuosly running in her 30s. She's proof positive that running is as much about mental strength and endurance as it is about athletic prowess.
To Susan and all the other 'regular' people, thank you. Thank you for running, thank you for giving us something to cheer for, thank you for being an inspiration.
