Why does this happen?
I heard about the bombing almost immediately via Facebook, probably the same way millions did. And via social media I started accounting for my friends running and cheering in Boston. I sent out texts and made phone calls. And I received them, too. I'm a runner- a marathoner- and I could have been there. If it wasn't for a work trip, I may have gone to cheer. Or maybe if I met my time goals, I could have qualified for this race. My family and friends know this and they reached out to know that I was ok.
I felt attacked. That could have been me near the finish line, cheering our teammates. Worse, it could have been my family. As runners, we all shared this sentiment. Jeanette wrote so here. Gina shared her thoughts here. This Jezebel article agrees and expresses how so wrong it is.
But this wasn't about attacking runners. This wasn't some scheme of vengeance by a runner that couldn't BQ. I suppose it is all speculation at this point, as it has been all week. I don't want to fall into the trap that so many do. As soon as I heard about the explosion, I hoped it was simply an accident. When it was discovered to be at least two bombs, well... It was an attack our way of life- that's no speculation.
I run because I can.
My Team in Training family regularly sites this mantra. Though usually referring to our health, it is applicable here. I am fortunate to have the time, the funds, the safety, and the freedom that allows me the pleasure of a run for fun. I appreciate this fact and am thankful for every stride.
What could possibly drive someone to terrorize?
Saturday during our Red Hook Ramble, Debbie, a new runner, asked me what I thought about while I ran.
"Life," I responded. "I try to solve the worlds problems and my problems."
She thought I was kidding. But I wasn't.
I think about the background of the suspects and how they seemed like normal Americans. They emigrated to this country to seek a better life. So did my parents. What drove these men to do such a horrible thing? I try to comprehend. I fear not doing so and over simplifying this would lead us to be vulnerable to another attack.
I worry about racial profiling and the Saudi student who was detained and questioned, home searched and scrutinized because of the color of his skin or his accent or his religion. I worry about what fear could drive a good person to do. I'm thankful my president has similar concerns.
"Does it work?" Debbie asked.
"No. It's pretty repetitive."
I don't find many answers on a run.
"But it's therapeutic."
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| Brooklyn loves Boston |
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| More BK to Boston love |
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| The spirit of runners on full display |
