Marathon...Nevermind N -- Tues., Apr. 16

In the A-to-Z Blogging Challenge my N words are: Nevermind N.

I am going to skip N and go back to M for marathon. Yesterday afternoon, two bombs exploded by the finish line at the Boston Marathon. Three people died and over 175 were injured. At this point no ones knows who did this or why. 

This deeply affected runners around the world. I know. I'm married to one.

Bob finishing Hilo, Hawaii Marathon, March 22, 2009

Bob has run marathons for the past seven years. He started out with the help of Team in Training who taught him the basics of running. At age 50 Bob completed his first marathon (Honolulu) -- the same age that his dad ran his first marathon -- and has since completed over 30 marathons. Bob's father passed away in April 2001. Running the Honolulu Marathon was a tribute to his dad.

Bob just crossed the finish line, Honolulu Marathon, December 2006.
Look at that smile!

Bob's first marathon complete. Here he is, totally happy in
the recovery tent. Great sense of accomplishment!

Maui Oceanfront Marathon, January 25, 2009

Bob: Finisher, Kona Marathon, June 2009

When we lived on Oahu, Bob joined Runner's HI. Every Tuesday evening he ran with the group to stay in shape. Bob and his friend Mike also ran together on the weekends. Wonderful friendships were formed. Runner's HI welcomed us into their running group ohana (family).

Bob, Johnny Landeza (ran Boston 4-15-13), Mike Passmore -
finishers of North Shore Oahu Marathon, May 2011.

Fifty seven runners from Hawaii ran the Boston Marathon. Thankfully, all of them are safe.

Runner's HI ohana in 2008.

In response to the egregious attack in Boston, Bob is gung ho to sign up for more marathons. Most marathoners feel the same way. They will not let this incident keep them from running marathons. My friend, Danielle, in Washington state ran the Boston marathon last year. She did not run it this year and wasn't planning to run it next year due to injuries. However, because of the bombings, she has "decided to try and qualify again in 2014, and run for those who no longer can."

Fierce independence characterizes marathoners. They like the "high" that comes from their personal efforts on the course. Running 26 miles is not easy. Deep commitment and strength is needed to train for and complete a marathon.

Kauai Marathon finisher, September 5, 2010.

I hate to run as I prefer walking, but I respect runners and their quest for a personal best.

Bob and I are appalled by the cowardice of the perpetrator of the bombings! If they find who did this I think their punishment should be to run 100 marathons, at the point of a gun, if necessary. Maybe it would change their life. (Or maybe not, who knows?)

Because Bob is the runner, I'm asking him to write his thoughts. What follows is Bob's take.

It doesn't matter if it's a marathon finish, the Super Bowl or a Little League game, as a culture, we love to compete, participate and be spectators. Regardless of the actions some will take, this spirit to pursue our happiness and well being will not be put down.

When people who run 30 or more miles per week for months to prepare for a marathon are faced with adversity they use it as motivation. I predict the number of people running marathons over the next year will increase. That is how we are wired, as individuals and as a society.

When you do a marathon, you learn to run through your fear ("Can I do  this? Will I get hurt? I might come in last. Am I good enough?"). The reward is the sense of accomplishment at the finish line.

As a society, I believe we will outlast the fear of terrorism and realize the thrill of victory as we continue to live our lives to the fullest.

I am motivated to train harder and run another marathon in the next few months.

Travel Bug and Bob out.