One Month After The Boston Marathon

It has been a month since the horrible bombings at the Boston Marathon... and I have so many mixed emotions. My eyes still tear up when I think and talk about it. I've been asked about it so many times. Sharing my experience has helped me get through this; one of the toughest times of my life. I have stayed glued to the television, watching every update and commentary. I had a headache every day for a week until they had captured those responsible.

Sometimes, I have a hard time falling asleep. The instant replay of the explosions fill my mind. In time, I know I will think less and less of the bombings, but I will NEVER forget April 15, 2013.

A week after the bombings, I went back to Boston. I went back to claim the baggage that I had left behind at the finish line. When I arrived at 40 Trinity Pl, the Boston Athletic Association headquarters, I didn't expect to cross a make-shift finish line. A volunteer checked my bib and ID. While she recorded my information, another volunteer retrieved my baggage. A third volunteer then placed a medal around my neck and then they all clapped and said congratulations!

The tears just started pouring down my face. The B.A.A. has been nothing but amazing during this time. They had professionals on staff for whomever needed to talk. One of the volunteers introduced herself as "the official hugger" as she squeezed me tight. She sat me down until I could calm down and we talked about race day. Shortly after I wiped the tears and made the journey back home. There is something about having that medal that is special but I still feel like I didn't earn it because I didn't cross that finish line. I know, many of you will say that I did earn it, but I just feel differently.

                                                                                       

B.A.A. headquarter 

Following the marathon, I took a week off from running. My body and mind where pretty beat up. But the clouds lifted a bit and I got back out on the road. Running just makes everything better for me. It's my high. My therapy.

I met an inspirational woman by the name of Mary Signorelli, who has ran 72 marathons. We chatted for a while about Boston and before she took off she said to me "just keep running." Although, I have continued to run, I have not raced since Boston. Instead, I was on bike patrol for the Workforce Challenge race. I felt responsible for all 9,000 runners that day. To see so many runners come out for this race brought on the emotions all over again.

On the same day of the Workforce Challenge race, the B.A.A. sent me an email with an invitation to run the 2014 Boston Marathon. Absolutely nothing could ruin the joy that I felt knowing that next year I would get the opportunity to run down Boylston St and across the Boston Marathon finish line.

Bike patrol at the race

It also brought me joy to see both of my daughters, Gabriella and Brooke, race the Rensselaer Rotary Run. Gabby ran the 1 mile race and Brooke ran the one-lap wonder. Despite the rain, we all had a great time. Matt and I are so very proud of them because despite walking a little, they both did not give up and finished their race.

Gabby and me

            

Our family
                                                                 

   

Brooke, the one-lap wonder kid

One week from today, I will head back to Boston for the Boston's Run to Remember half-marathon. I'm race ready! I am happy to be racing again, but I know my emotions will be running high. I will use them to my benefit. Let them fuel my run during the race. 

In my heart, I will never forget the loss of life and the many injured. THANK YOU to the first responders for your courage during the events that unfolded on what should have been a proud day for so many. And, finally, THANK YOU to my husband,  family, friends, and co-works for your continued support.

Love Sheila