The day after the Boston Marathon bombings, my local running store, Big Peach Running Company, held a short run at 7 a.m. I was bummed that I couldn’t make it as I had to be at work by 7:30, but was excited to find out they decided to host another one on Monday, April 22nd.
source – Big Peach Running Company weekly newsletter
A fellow blogger, Pavement Runner, decided that she needed to do more to show her support for Boston, so she organized the #BostonStrong global running event. She encouraged everyone across the nation, and even the world, to show their support for Boston with a run. It could be a couple of friends or a large group. This movement even received national recognition.
I linked with a new running friend, Brandi, at the BPRC location in Alpharetta, so that we could run together. When we arrived, we noticed a LOT of people wearing their Boston gear. It was pretty cool (and a little intimidating!) to be running with some amazing athletes that had the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon.
We gathered together for a group picture and were told that we were doing a 1 mile run totally in silence to reflect and remember those affected in Boston just a week before. It was kind of neat to run in silence since you usually have the noise of the crowd or music in your headphones.
Source – Peachy Runs Facebook page
After the mile of silence was done, they continued with a group run, which Brandi and I participated in. She was tapering for the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in DC that weekend, so we took it nice and slow and had a good chat along the way.
I wasn’t able to stay for the after party, but there was Boston lager and some other Boston themed treats to nibble on and chat with other runners. They also collected money for The One Fund. It was announced on their Facebook page that between all the BPRC locations, over 800 runners came out to show their support for Boston! There were other running stores across Atlanta that also held runs, including Phiddipides and West Stride.
Did you participate in the #BostonStrong run? How are you paying tribute to the Boston Marathon and those affected by the tragedy?
Until next time,
What an great event! Glad you were able to make the second one!
ReplyDeleteIt really was a lot of fun and a great way to bring the running community together
DeleteIt was such a wonderful event! I agree, it was intimidating at first to be running with so many Boston runners. However, it just goes to prove that whether we run 6:00/mi or 13:00/mi we are all runners and part of the running community! :)
ReplyDeleteAgreed...it was fun to run with you, too! :)
DeleteI've been thinking a lot about Boston on all of my runs, and I'm not sure if that will ever go away. My fiance's company is doing work for "RUN NOW" and he was able to snag be a blue/yellow bracelet that says "run now" and "boston 04.15.13" on it.. I wear it ALL THE TIME. I don't care if it doesn't match my work stuff.
ReplyDeleteI've been looking for a bracelet like that to wear :)
DeleteThese runs were all so meaningful! Except when I accidentally yelled out for a friend during the silent mile part. Oops. ;)
ReplyDeleteHaha that made me laugh out loud. :)
DeleteI love the idea of running in silence. Especially as a group. It just seems like it would be a really powerful feeling.
ReplyDeleteIt really was...it made it a little difficult to communicate with the friend I was running with, but it was a very cool experience
Delete