#runforboston...it's as simple as that

Well, it's been quite a rollercoaster ride this past week.  I will start with the obvious.  The bombings at the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon early Monday afternoon were a harsh reminder to America that we live in a world where anything goes, and people with radical anti-American views will do whatever it takes to disturb the lives of those they despise (us).  When I first saw the headline, it was from a non-credible online news source.  I thought it was a dirty hoax...until ESPN broke the story.  Then my jaw hit the floor.  The immediate thought is that you hope that all your friends and family up in Boston were safe.  The good news is that the social media world makes that 1,000 times easier then 20 years ago when we relied on the USPS and 20 pound cell phones with poor signals.  Our hearts and prayers are with the victims (4 dead, 175+ injured) and their families.  Fortunately, we woke up yesterday morning to find that Suspect #1 was shot to death during an engagement with police.  Then yesterday evening, Suspect #2 was caught alive.  For the sake of everyone involved, I hope law enforcement gets the answers they need then put him out of his misery.

The running community is unique.  Many of us get up early to go out and rack up the miles and sacrifice valuable free time to rest for a race.  Many of the toughest people I know are runners and that's because running is a sport where you can't fake your fitness.  If you don't go out and work hard, you will not get the results you are looking for.  It was overwhelming to see how the running community put on thousands of runs for Boston over the past few days.  Though I haven't spoken to him directly, I hear our own Dr. Kent, getting a post-race massage when the bombs went off, rushed over to the finish line and offered his medical assistance with the triage set up at the medical tents.  This is one of I'm sure many heroic type stories that make us the best country in the world!  I know we will move past this and become stronger because of it.  As a matter of fact, I've personally become more motivated than ever to sign up for the 118th Boston Marathon next year and run my ass off for those who no longer can.  I think that the race will be one of the largest celebrations that historic race has ever seen!  For those who have or will get a BQ prior to registration opening in September, I encourage you to join me and partake in truly one of the world's greatest races and part of American history...THINK ABOUT IT

Now, let's shift gears and get to the more positive part of the post...race results from last weekend...

Sunday morning started with a Columbia running tradition...the 35th Annual Clyde's 10k.  It was a bit chilly as the starting gun went off, but overall the weather was near perfect.  Kyle Stanton had this race in the bag within the first few steps, going out in +/- 5:05 for the first mile and never looking back, winning in 31:27.  He is going for a sub-30 at the Olympic Development 10k at the Penn Relays next weekend!  Madison took 2nd, running a controlled 32:52.  Mark, running 22 miles the day before, was 3rd in 33:32.  Kevin didn't have his best day, but ran a very respectable 34:48 for 5th.  Adam was right behind in 34:57 for 6th.  Peter won the Master's crown, running 35:44 for 9th.  This guy only runs a couple times a week!  Chris was next, finishing 11th in 36:26.  Our newest addition, the ageless one, Dave Berardi crossed the line in 37:38 (16th).  Phil had a nice race despite battling some nagging injuries (38:11).  Tunde was 27th with a 38:52 and John won his AG in 41:30.

On the ladies side, Kelly rocked it once again, running around a minute faster than last year, finishing 2nd in 38:38.  Suzy, another new addition, wasn't far behind in 3rd, clocking a 39:04.  Robyn was 8th in 40:40.  Vicki had another strong performance, running 43:21 for 11th and Dorothy crushed her AG, crossing the line in 43:44 for 14th.

Here's some pics, courtesy of Mick:

Kyle

Madison

Peter

Chris

Dave, with James and Doug tracking

Phil

Tunde

Kelly

Robyn

Dorothy and Vicki doing battle

Monday was Patriot's Day.  The weather at the start of the 117th Boston Marathon looked about as good as it gets, 47 degrees and light wind.  The gun went off and thousands of runners began their 26.2 mile journey from Hopkinton to Boston.  Conrad was in #beastmode again this year, running 2:43:07.  Keith said he struggled the last 5 miles or so, but added another sub 3-hour marathon to his resume, 2:54:21.  Kent ran the second half with a seizing calf, but this dude is a true baller and still averaged 7:00/mi pace, crossing the line in 3:03:58.

Our lone lady was Caroline who had been training his ass off the past few months for this race.  She indicated that it was painful, but she busted out a 5+ minute PR, meeting her sub-3:10 goal, running 3:09:37.  Way to go Caroline!!!

Boston crew, post-race (left to right): Donnie, Caroline, Grace, Keith

So blessed that everyone was safe and I know we will continue to run hard and achieve our goals!!!