Run/Walk For Boston

11.91 through today.

I'll accept that challenge. Most of it will be walking for me, since my arthritic knees don't like too much running. *I* like to run on occasion though so will include some jogging in my mileage. I'll be doing it for seven people in particular: one of the girls in my church was there as a volunteer EMT and was caught in the blast. She suffered only mild scratches on her face from flying shards of glass, and she RAN in to help the wounded and stayed another 4+ hours to help. She's dealing with some post-traumatic stuff but has talked with counselors and has a great attitude. The others...a former co-worker and his wife (both in their 60's) were seriously injured. He has neurological damage in his legs; both have had multiple surgeries already. A current co-worker was also affected. My company doesn't have the day off so she was working. Her nanny was watching her kids. The nanny's husband, his brother, and a friend were at the finish line. The husband and brother each lost a leg; the friend lost both legs. The nanny almost bought my co-worker's young children to watch with them but ended up being not able to. My co-worker would have been all for it if circumstances had played out but now is deeply shaken at the thought. Thank goodness the nanny couldn't get there.

I will be walk/running for Caitlyn, Eric, Ann, the three men whose names I do not know, the nanny whose husband and brother-in-law and friend have a long road ahead, and for my co-worker, whose world has also been shaken upside down by the close call.

Thank you all. We are Boston Strong!

Here's my ticker (hopefully!). Just created a new one:

<a href="http://lilyslim.com/"><img src="http://sfgm.lilyslim.com/gQ6om4.png&quot; width="200" height="80" border="0" alt="LilySlim Fitness goals tickers" /></a>

Whatever. I have no idea how to make this work, lol. I'll update in LilySlim each day and when I'm not falling asleep at the keyboard, maybe I'll figure out how to post it properly, lol.

Definitely in, starting tomorrow

Ps is it walking/running only or can we log distance via other means? I can totally understand if its just walking/running, just wanted to check!

I personally will only be logging miles walked or ran and only those done on the treadmill I will not include any daily roaming. This really started as my personal challenge to really push myself, connect to the situation and show my support. That being said if you feel your unable to complete these by walking/running feel free to join in another way, though the idea is to push yourself a bit so try and choose what will be challenging for you

I think now, having reflected a bit, it's definitely most appropriate to walk and run it. Thanks for setting this up, I'm excited to get started and show my support for Boston.

I'm in....

Added another 2.6 miles by walking to the bank and back with the hubby.

I just have to ask. How does this support people affected by the bombing? It is a great personal goal, but how is it helping the victims? I live and work in Boston. Friday I wasn't allowed to leave my apartment. I've volunteered on the Marathom medical team. My friends were caught in the bombing and my sister has ran in it. I graduated college with the MIT officer. How is this private challenge helping?

For starters, this topic is in "Motivation and Support." For all of those unable to finish the marathon or were injured in the explosion, we are running with our thoughts and prayers to support them. It may not be dollars going towards those in need of financial support, and we may not physically be there to help, but by showing them that we are thinking of the victims we are still supporting them. They are in our thoughts and prayers, and for some of us, that's all we can really do from where we live miles away.

I just have to ask. How does this support people affected by the bombing? It is a great personal goal, but how is it helping the victims? I live and work in Boston. Friday I wasn't allowed to leave my apartment. I've volunteered on the Marathom medical team. My friends were caught in the bombing and my sister has ran in it. I graduated college with the MIT officer. How is this private challenge helping?

Maybe you aren't a runner? Maybe you are? One thing that I've learned is that runners are a family and it doesn't take personally knowing someone in the marathon or injured in the tragedy that occurred there to be personally affected by it. I consider ALL runners a part of my extended family and I am grieving here in Colorado without any personal (family/friend) ties to the race. If running is all I can do to remember those affected by the devastation at the Boston Marathon then you'd better believe I'll be running. If you don't think the victims and their families are in my heart every time I lace up then I think you're very judgmental and optimistic. I pray that you find a healthy outlet for your grief and frustration. I don't believe this is it. We're running for those who cannot or may not be able to run again!

Amanda, thanks again for posting this! We are doing something!

If anyone wants to judge me (by saying I'm judgemental and I think you meant pessimistic) that's okay. It was an honest and respectfully worded question. It's great if people are really doing it for that reason. Some of the replied read as though it's a personal challenge and it seems disingenuous to say they are doing it for a cause other than their own fitness.

I'm in. I'll post yesterday's, today's, and tomorrow's then.

Checking to see if my ticker works!