Boston Marathon

Just tuned into BBC.....The little boy that got killed had just watched his father cross the finish line...My heart goes out to this family..

Yes....Keep running and good on you!

So I am from Mass and have every intention of running the marathon next year and would love to have people join me to show their support. If it can't be the Boston Marathon, maybe a Marathon in your area. I'd love to get a bunch of people together who will hold each other accountable, let me know if you're game for this... I need to run to support the great city of Boston. That was way too close to home yesterday and I need as much support as possible.

Thanks every one.

I'm from Mass as well and I have every intention of running the Boston Marathon next year as scheduled. My goal is to run it and I WILL RUN IT! the person/people who did this will not take this away from ME!

Good for you! I think next year will be the 50 anniversary of the first woman who ran it as well.

Boston is too far away for me, but he LA one... Heck yeah.

I have my BQ but didn't run this year...you can bet I'll be running next year. Clearly whoever did this has no idea how tenacious marathon runners (and spectators) really are.

Its been on my bucket list to run the boston marathon. I think next year is the year to do it. 12 months to train should be more than enough time, yeah?
Let's be brave.

Today I ran 8km in honour of Martin Richard the 8 year old boy who was killed yesterday. It's far from a marathon but one way I can show my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.

there is no way on earth i could qualify for Boston, but i am running Toronto in May. go for it!

there is no way on earth i could qualify for Boston, but i am running Toronto in May. go for it!

Ditto! LOL!

I am doing two halfs this year...so put them together and BOOM! There's my marathon! :laugh:

I lived in Boston for a year, when I had a fellowship. In those days, people who had qualified with a time in a previous marathon ran with numbers, but about twice as many people just lined up behind them and ran the course. My brother and I did this.
The mayor of Boston at the time used to run it. So, my brother heard that, and decided that everyone who lived in Boston simply rolled off their bar stool, once a year, and ran the race. My brother got me to commit.
Turns out it is not that easy.
But, the race itself is absolutely amazing.
I remember that when the starting gun went off, there was a bit of a delay before we people in the back could get going. Then we started slowly as everyone was packed together. We picked up speed as the crowd spread out. And, then, at about 500 yards or so, all the runners darted off the course into the bushes.
See, the race was early, and you gotta pee. But you cannot because you are nervous. Until you get moving, and get your blood going, then you cannot hold it in.
I always felt bad for those people that lived at that spot along the course. Every year . . .
Crowds line the entire course -- fairly dense crowds. And they cheer enthusiastically. Strangers pick out something about you or your attire and they shout encouragement: 'Go red shirt [or 'feather boa or whatever]. You're lookin good."
The whole way.
The mid-point of the race is in Wellesley, where Wellesley College is, and the entire student body seems to come out, and their cheers are deafening, just when you need it.
Many people who live along the course set up a table and have water, or orange slices, or donuts, and stuff.
I have never seen a race were people are so enthusiastic and hospitable. I think the race gave us one of the shiny blankets and a medallion when we finished, even though we were not registered.
Training for a marathon is grueling, and boring. But I would do that one again.

I say we get them to drop the qualifiers and open it to all comers next year.

I'm in.

Let's get 250,000 runners!!

...because I got no chance of qualifying, mind you...