Running and maybe some other stuff: Boston Marathon 2013

Boston Marathon 2013 – April 15, 2013

For the 117^th running of the Boston Marathon, visually impaired runner Richard Marsolais (from Ottawa, Canada; bib 20969) and I ran tethered together as I served as his guide. Together we navigated 41km – but with a mere 1km to go our race stopped due to two bomb explosions along Boylston Street near the finish line – a horrific act of violence.

Such an incredible race, so quickly turned sad and tragic. Deep sorrow for those who lost their lives and were injured, and countless others who were impacted. Graphic video cycled by the media, and more personal accounts continue to stream in. The blasts occurred in my Boston neighborhood of Back Bay, my stomping ground - about a half mile from home on the day of my favorite event of the year. I take this despicable act personally and feel a great sadness and loss.

Richard and I were among thousands of fellow runners halted by police on Comm Ave near the Mass Ave underpass. Spectators and fellow runners were all amazingly supportive of one another. Offers to use cell phones, water, shelter, bathrooms, clothing to keep warm, etc. and lots of hugs were rampant in our unexpected, makeshift corral. We tried to keep loose and warm and remained patient to receive more information. I pulled out my cell phone and already had several messages – but the network was overloaded and with great frustration all my outgoing messages and calls could not be completed.

After about 20 minutes and a few more news reports coming in, we decided the best thing to do would be to get home, inside, safe and warm – so we began the 1 mile walk to my place, offering many others along the way to join us if needed. After about 10 minutes of very slow walking due to Richard cramping up, we flagged down a kind soul in a car to drive us the remaining 5 blocks. Thankfully I had my house key handy in the key pocket of my running shorts instead of stowing it in my checked bag which I could not get to.

A few other friends and neighbors stopped by through the evening. With limited mobile network yesterday, it took a long time to make sure that everyone was accounted for – all Team With A Vision folks as well as my neighbors and other friends running, spectating, and volunteering – that was an anxious stretch of time waiting to hear from everyone.

It was a long emotional day yesterday continuing into today – the day after. I am so touched by all the support from friends, family and loved ones from all around the world. Thank you so very much. Lots of choking up, deep breaths and hugs.

Sleep was minimal last night. Helicopters once again flying overhead early this morning. Took my nervous energy and rode my bike over to Mass General Hospital (MGH) to donate some blood first thing in the morning – very therapeutic for me and so great to see John Paul there to donate as well. (By the way, for anyone else wanting to donate blood to Boston Hospitals, the Red Cross/Hospital Admins/MA Governor Patrick all suggest people come next week or in a couple weeks as they have enough blood right now and prefer a sustained donation effort.)

Later in the morning, Betty and I took a walk through Back Bay. Some people – tourists and locals – milling about, but most businesses were closed along Newbury Street. Eerie to have the cross streets and Boylston Street still all closed down. I didn’t feel like taking any pictures, but the barriers were still up and normal discarded post-race paraphernalia was still scattered about within the lockdown zone - so surreal with heaping piles of silver mylar blankets shimmering in the somber muted sun.

They say it’ll take at least a couple more days of investigation work before they reopen that area. So much more of this story to unfold...