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Not sure I’ve ever had such a roller coaster of a day emotionally in my whole life. I eagerly got up yesterday morning, day off of work, to set up my computer to stream Marathon Monday live– to witness an epic battle between Americans and foreigners for that signature floral wreath and a spot on the podium. And I sat in my apartment, for 2+ hours, and certainly was not disappointed. I glanced back and forth from the live feed to my Twitter feed, noticing Boston filled nearly all the trending topics, recognizing really for the first time the full magnitude of the event– the Boston Marathon is the equivalent of a runner’s Super Bowl.

I left my computer, a little disappointed the Americans hadn’t placed higher, but after having watched the event unfold, knew they had given it absolutely all they had through those hills and to the finish.

I returned a few hours later in a Panera, where I was refueling and going to get some work done (doing a little soul searching with some career help books). I opened up my laptop just before 2 p.m.. and was glued to it in disbelief for the next hour and a half. Those top trending topics on Twitter were still Boston related, but this time, filled will words like tragedy and terror. I wanted to believe it was “just” a generator that had caught on fire, or a celebration cannon gone awry. But my optimism soon faded. I immediately begged the question WHY?! and then texted furiously to ensure those I knew running were safe. They fortunately were. Everyone else around me was sitting quietly, talking amongst each other, and in some cases, smiling and laughing. I felt like knives were being jabbed in to my stomach. Suddenly, that very same race I happily watched this morning, that was still going on for thousands of runners, changed running forevermore. And while it tugs at the heart of one of America’s greatest assets, our safety, I believe it can and will make us stronger and more united. Look at the reports that came pouring in, how many ran towards the blaze to help those affected rather than away from it.

Yesterday, we all found out about the horrible events at some point, and we all could picture ourselves crossing that finish line, or cheering on a loved one when it unfolded. And it cut deep for me, as it did for many other runners, knowing the simple sport I love will never again feel quite as safe. But, I think what we can all do now is forge ahead and remember the community that running represents–that while those evil perpetrators of the tragedy want nothing more than to divide us, that through this event, and through running, we are united. Deep down, aren’t we all runners anyway? Each one of us played tag or ran around the playground as a kid. Let’s remember the camaraderie, strength, hard work, and perseverance running brings out in people, and let it shine through in our daily lives. Spend more quality time with your loved ones, give a random act of kindness, help those less fortunate, even help motivate a friend or family member to get healthy.

Let’s mend our broken hearts by being united in all that running represents. Just as runners are spent yet elated crossing that finish line at the end of a race, isn’t that how you want to be as you cross that elusive finish line of your life? I know I sure will want to lived and given every last ounce I have in me.

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