Family, Running & Fitness

Boston Marathon Tragedy

Matt Orlando
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As I watched this story unfold yesterday, I felt numb inside.  As an American, I could not believe there had been another bombing on US soil.  Being a runner, however, I felt the impact of this even deeper.  I didn’t personally know anyone running the race, but as many runners will attest to, being a runner means you are part of a family: a large, world-wide, family of some of the most amazing (and often times kooky) people you will ever meet.  It doesn’t matter race, gender, religion, nationality…you can be a 4 minute miler or an 8 hour marathoner.  Being a runner makes you a member of the family.  So when I saw my family attacked yesterday in Boston it broke my heart.  It also scared me inside, as had I been running that race, I would have been finishing around 4:09, and my family would have been there cheering me on…

As a runner dad, my heart especially breaks for the family of Martin Richard, the 8-year-old boy who was killed in the explosion.  As of this post, his sister had lost a limb and his mother was in the hospital with head injuries.  What should have been such a memorable, exciting event for the father of this family, William, turned into a tragedy beyond imagine.  My prayers are with him and his family, as I hope yours are too.  Pray for strength, pray for a speedy recovery for his wife and daughter, and pray that he has the support he and his family needs as they move forward from this tragic event.

So as you go about your day today and moving forward, just remember to appreciate  each mile you run, each moment you live, and each relationship you have.  Hug your kids, let your family and friends know you love them, and try to make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Martin Richard
Martin Richard

Update: Since posting this earlier today, it has been confirmed that the father was a spectator, and not a participant in the marathon.