Sickened…to the core

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
– Muhammad Ali

I am beyond saddened by what happened today in Boston.   There aren’t really words…I’m am in shock….(so this will be a short one).

This is what a race should look like….

People lined up, the elites ready to go….. adrenaline pumping.  And that pending sense of self curiosity……not doubting yourself that you will or won’t finish (You know you will), but will I be as good or better as I was last time?  That’s why I race.  To prove it to myself that I am as strong as I know I am.  That I am capable of more…that I am tough as nails……and for me, it’s a lot about the medal at the end.  🙂  Yes, I like jewelry.

So when I was notified this afternoon that something terrible had happened at Boston today…it was like a punch in the stomach!  WHY?  I seriously sat in shock for a good couple of minutes while my brain processed.  I walked over to check the tv, just to confirm.  Not that I don’t trust the news and it’s source 110%….I just had to visualize it for myself to make it real.

This is not what a marathon is supposed to look like…

Who in their right mind sets up explosions at a marathon finish line?  I mean seriously?  I’m so angry and sad at the same time.  I feel for those who lost their lives and the injured…and everyone who was present for this awful event.  Marathons and marathoners should not have to be concerned with their safety or terrorism or some crazy-ass psycho at the finish line.  They should only be concerned about getting to the finish line in an upright position, or can they make it to the next port-o-john without slowing down, or when is the next water stop, or is this massive blister I feel on my right foot going to hold for the whole race or (god forbid) is that a toe nail I feel about ready to rip off completely…..and will I finish in a faster time than the last marathon.   Those should be the only concerns of a marathoner.

Again, there aren’t words.  And I can’t even begin to understand or explain why someone would want to mess with a marathon, especially an elite one, such as Boston.  In the absence of my own words, I’ll quote a wise man, “Because some people are assholes”.

I hope everyone who was present at today’s marathon in Boston can find peace of mind & stillness in their hearts.  And, please, for the love of God, do not let this be the end of your racing career!  Be tougher & stronger in will than the coward who did the unthinkable today.

Hope, Peace & ZUMBA Love,

Jen 🙂

p.s.  Yes, I will still be running the UASF Marathon (well, only the 1/2 this year).