Running. Boston. Senseless Violence. The wisdom of a child.

Thinking.  While running my three misty miles on the mountain this morning, through splashes of color from Red Buds, Quince, Apple, Dog Woods, and Cherry blossoms, while listening to bird song and the rush of water from little falls in creeks made full from last night's rain, I couldn't stop thinking of running and Boston.

I've visited the city twice.  Once, years ago, when the kids were only 6 and 8 or so, as a start of an adventure up the coast to Quebec and down again.  Last, was when Rosie was looking at MIT in the fall of 2009.  It is such a runner's city with paths and parks and runners...everywhere.  We explored China town and ended up with delicious sushi. There was an amazing tour of the buildings on the MIT campus.  We walked through Harvard's grounds, visited Harvard Square replete with burgers from Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage. We walked the Freedom Trail, past churches, including King's Chapel, the Old Granary Burying Ground, with stops at Faneuil Hall and Quincey's Market Place, to the North End, the Old North Church and Little Italy.  The later being my favorite part of Boston with delicious restaurants, like Antico Forno, little pubs, flower shops, and butchers.  On to meandering walks through Beacon Hill with it's beautiful red brick buildings and cobbled lanes. There was an explore of Back Bay and a visit to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. A hike along the Harbor Walk to an out-of-the-way fish market and restaurant.  But, what figures largest in my memory are our runs along the Charles River Esplanade as rowers paddled sleekly by, ducks waddled, and the many other runners gave a nod of hello.

If you've never attended a distance running event, let me try to paint a picture.  No matter if it's a local 5k, a cross country event, or a marathon, it is filled with health nuts.  Even the families of runners are pretty granola, whole grain bagel and banana wholesome.  And while some runners are intense in spandex and focused on their times, the vast majority are a jolly, supportive group.  On the sidelines, the onlookers cheer for EVERYBODY!!!!  And there is MUSIC!!!!  Lots and LOUD and upbeat!!!...no matter if in a field at the start of a cross country race, the Steeple Chase in Nashville, or a marathon in Atlanta.  The volunteer network for these races is awesome, with cheering, water and Gatorade, encouragement stations throughout the longer races. Running is the most nonviolent sport and attitude that I can think of.  And, while prestigious races like the Boston Marathon require qualifying times, it is a most egalitarian sport.  Age, gender, race, or creed are unimportant. A willingness to run with some half way decent shoes...and you're on your way.  Complete your desired distance...you are already a winner!

So, what sort of evil mind could pick such an event, in such a place, to hurt and maim and inspire terror?  I cannot imagine what it must be like to be you.  Life can be bad enough with lost jobs, unfortunate accidents, illness, devastating events of nature.   Must humans continue to inflict pain on others?  But...enough about you.  In all the horrible footage...what makes me choke with pride, makes me KNOW there is much more good than evil among us...are those amazing souls, running....running TOWARD the blast and smoke and danger.  To save others. To do what they can.  All of them, despite the danger, putting others ahead of themselves.  That is our hope, our heart, our best RUNNERS.

No matter how many words I write.  They pale in comparison to the wisdom of an eight year old child. An angel among us.

"No more hurting people.  PEACE."

Thank you, Martin.  My heart is with your family and all of those touched by this evil among us. - c