We consider this site to be our happy place. A sanctuary away from all the other messes that life can throw our way and a record of the things that we’ll find joy in remembering sometime down the road. So I was hesitant to address this week’s bombings in Boston here, since they’re about as far from happy as you can get.
But two days before the idea ever crossed my mind that participating in a race could end in tragedy, I did just that. Last Saturday I ran Richmond’s Monument Avenue 10k, which USA Today ranked right alongside the Boston Marathon itself. Me and 40,000 others ran 6.2 miles up and down our city’s most iconic street. It was my 12th consecutive time participating and I’d been looking forward to both running it, and sharing it with you guys here (just like last year).
As upset as Monday’s events have made me – both as a person, a runner and a fan of the city of Boston – I figured that maybe offering a reminder of the joy, camaraderie, and sense of accomplishment that can be felt on a race day might be a helpful (albeit small) attempt at bring something positive back. It’s amazing how much love there can be on a day when thousands of runners crowd a city’s streets.
Among the thousands of runners in Richmond that day were my family. Eight of us to be exact. There was my dad, who has run with me for 10 years now (though not literally next to me, since he’s a good deal faster). My sisters Carrie (pink shirt) and Katie (blue), the latter of whom (along with my brother-in-law Martin) traveled from New York City. My cousin Brenna and her son Tyler also traveled (from Northern Virginia) to run with us. And there in the middle is my 12-year-old niece Olivia, who was running it for the first time. We didn’t all start or finish together, but it was still very much a family event.
We also had family on the sidelines cheering us on. Sherry, my sister Emily, and my mom boldly volunteered to (got tricked into?) keep Clara and her three under age four cousins named Emanuel, John and Ben entertained while they waited patiently for the few seconds that each of us would trot on by. That’s dedication if you ask me.
And to my surprise when I approached all four kids were calmly sitting in their strollers, waving some cowbells, and probably wondering where everyone was going. Maybe we all heard an ice cream truck?
This look is the look of someone who has run nearly 4 miles and just got an incredible boost from seeing his wife and child smiling at him from the curb. PS: Note the crowd of runners approaching the turn around point on the other side of the street behind me.
That was also the moment I noticed, as Sherry captured later in this Instagram picture, that Clara had picked out a special outfit to cheer me on. Her “Rad Like Dad” shirt and a neon tutu to match my shirt which, by the way, she helped me pick out the night before. What a girl. Maybe someday she’ll run with me?
It was a really memorable day for our family. I’m so grateful to the people who cheered us on (whether I was related to them or not) and especially to the people who help to organize events like these. I wholeheartedly believe they do wonderful things for us as individuals, as athletes, and as communities. And hopeful they’ll be able to continue to work those wonders as we attempt to process and heal from this week’s tragedy.
PS: Runner’s World has compiled a list of ways you can help and show support for Boston if you’re interested.
It was one of many Richmond 10ks that I had done, as well. Runners really are the friendliest group of athletes I’ve ever met. Keep it up! Maybe I’ll see you next year (yeah right, out of 40,000 people).
thanks from boston! glad you had a good race… looks like fun. boston is such a special place and it has been good to see the healing start this weekend. #bostonstrong
Aw thanks Jess! We heart Boston!!
xo
s
What a heartfelt post. What a beautiful (and fit) family.
Thanks for being a bright spot in all of the recent darkness.
It wont be long before Clara is trotting along at your side.
Another thanks from Boston. We feel the love from around the nation, and appreciate it very much. It’s been a tough week up here, but it’s easier to handle knowing so many others are sending thoughts and prayers our way. :)
I’m so glad :)
xo
s
Lovely post.
Thank you so very much for this post, all the way from Australia. It’s been heartbreaking and sad to feel so far away from home (NYC) but this post brought me so much joy and laughter on such a sad topic. You both always bring us so much joy here in Brisbane, and today is absolutely no exception. And can’t wait for Clara to be running with you – but please – matching daddy and daughter outfits are a MUST!
I thought this was a very sweet post – but my real comment was inspired by the mention of the ice cream truck. When I was young my mom told us it was a music truck so we wouldn’t ask for ice cream every time it drove by. It was years before we were observant enough to realize there was more to it than just music =)
Oh my gosh, that’s too funny!
xo
s
Our parents used to say if the music was playing, that meant the truck was sold out of ice cream. How did we fall for that?
PS – In retrospect, it was prob because our parents didn’t trust creepy Charlie Chimes who was rumored to have sold more than just ice cream out of his truck
Ha ha, I did that also Paula! Worked great for a few summers!
Thanks for a great post, John. Race days are inspiring and exhilarating for runners and spectators alike; with folks like you that will not change.
Too funny. My cousin told all her kids the same thing until they were old enough to figure it out. ( seeing all the other kids walking away with delish ice cream)
I ran by Sherry cheering on the sidewalk! My husband is still shocked that I didn’t stop to ask for a photo. :) Great post John!
Aw, I bet we’ll run into each other again sometime! That picture WILL happen! Haha!
xo
s
Yes! – thank you from Boston <3 I think anyone who was a runner felt a little bit personally attacked last Monday, but we are moving forward here in and around the city. We'll all finish the race. Keep running :)
That’s awesome, your early morning run Instagrams are some of my favorites!
Love this post! I enjoy seeing the posts of you running, and of your family enjoying it with you in their own ways (such a cute outfit for Clara!). I agree with the others that (even if we weren’t particularly attached to Boston), it affected all of us, especially as runners. I felt like one of the most cathartic things any of us could do was to sign up for another race, lace up our shoes and keep going!
So thanks for keeping this “happy place” corner of the web. And for posting about your races!
This, exactly! I had been thinking about signing up for my first half-marathon before Boston and the attack just made me sign up all the faster.
Simply a lovely post :)
This year was the first year my sister and I ran the Monument 10k and we loved it! We got the the finish line and looked at each other and said “Can’t wait to do it again next year!” It’s very addicting, isn’t it?
I’ll admit it. I’m not a runner. Too many annual ‘presidential mile’ ordeals in my elementary school days, I guess! But a father-in-law I adore is a multiple marathon finisher and a bit of a hero of mine. (The first marathon that incorporated East and West Berlin? He was there. Police and Fire Games all around the world? He’s been there.)
Add to that, the Dublin Marathon’s annual route goes just past our apartment complex (shout out, mile 19!), so I’m pretty familiar as far as non-participants go with the amazing vibe and good will that suffuse these amazing events.
Thanks for adding your perspective in such an uplifting piece. Congratulations to your family. What a great tradition.
Hi!
I ran the Yonge Street 10K yesterday in Toronto (on Yonge street, the longest street in the whole world), and there was a moment of silence for the runners (and spectators) to remember what happened in Boston, and also bibs to show support, like this one:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152743038315375&set=a.10150814731875375.732433.625120374&type=3&theater
Like you said, race day atmosphere is incomparable, and I hope that the runners (and soon-to-be runners) never forget that, and continue to show their support of one another.
Such a relief to see smiles, cheer, and happiness on all your faces. One of the worst things we could do is let all this hatred and hurt stop us from doing the things we love. I’m so glad you posted this, thanks John!
It’s been a really tough week here in Boston, but this post was such a bright spot. Thanks for writing such an uplifting piece and glad you had a great race!
Thanks so much Elyse.
-John
This is a beautiful post and I’m glad your family could enjoy the 10K together!
My hub ran the Boston marathon in 2009. Last Monday his final for a Master’s class was a poetry reading. He read “A Runner’s Song” as a tribute to the day’s events and his own experience.
http://www.sonnettics.com/a-runners-song-2/
Peace to all.
My heart goes out to Boston… what a terrifying time that must have been for everyone there! I’ll just say, I am NOT A RUNNER. noooo thanks…! But when I see such joy on John’s face in the picture when he’s running past with the big happy smile on his face it inspires me juuuust a little to maybe try to start running. someday.
;D
So funny to see John in an actual “tech shirt” and not the usual graphic tees he’s always wearing, even for running! ;) Looked like alot of fun as usual. Keep on keepin’on!
That was a really nice way to broach the subject of Boston. Thanks for focusing on the positive!
P.S. You really do seem like such a wonderful Dad. It’s so great to see.
It’s nice to hear you had such a positive experience at your race!
I read (scanned) the comments and I’m surprised no one else brought this up: that second to last photo is definitely John’s “Ridiculously Photogenic Guy” photo. (see: http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/ridiculously-photogenic-guy-zeddie-little)
Haha!
xo
s
John, this is such a lovely and uplifting message. I really loved reading this and appreciate that you guys are constantly sending out such positivity and hope and love into the world (really living up to your blog name!). Thanks for being such a reliable source of happiness for me and all of your other fans.
Another thank you from Boston! :)
We’re strong here. And resilient. This won’t keep Boston down. The support from around the world has been beautiful and overwhelming. I have literally cried/almost cried near every day just because of the sheer love I see everywhere.
It’s nice to see Boston recognized with a little bit of normal. We miss normal. Normal needs to come back.
Thanks for the post & the love.
Aw Stephanie, we love you guys like crazy! So glad you’re feeling the love :)
xo
s
Great post! It took me a few days to remember why the sport of running is so great, but after reading a couple of runner’s articles about it and now your post, I can still be excited for my next “race.” Thanks for focusing on the positive while remembering Boston.
Hard to tell from the pictures, but I assumed a lot of people would be wearing yellow for Boston, where there more than average?
John’s race was 2 days before the Boston Marathon, so no one running had any idea what would happen that coming Monday.
xo
s
Thank you so much for posting this John! As a runner from Boston, and someone who was at the finish line cheering on my friends when this horrific event happened, I appreciate the support from our favorite DIY couple all the way down in VA. Thank you for capturing the amazing feeling of race day- I hope that everyone who was affected by the tragedy is able to regain that feeling. <3
Glad to hear you’re safe, Kathleen!
-John
I’ve dropped a few miles since the bombing, and I can’t stop thinking about all of the people from my area that were there. One lost her legs. :( When my internal self starts to whine, I remind it that I will run because I still can, and in honor of all the miles that will never be completed by the vitims.
What a beautiful reply Kristen, and a great reminder to us all. Thank you for sharing this.
I love the amount of compassion, and love, that people have shown out of this tragedy. There were so many people I knew right there. One person caught between the two bombs. Another who was a first responder and used his belt as a tourniquet. Another was the groom in a wedding I was at last year and saw both go off. Another friend moved five minutes before the first one went off, right where she had been standing. She posted a picture she took right before they left the exact spot. Needless to say, it was scary to be so close to in so many ways…and yet, there were also so many stories of heroism, of the best in humanity coming through the worst in humanity.
We often say the things we should say everyday, to those we love, in times of tragedy. We don’t often say them to those that are aquaintances though so let me say this: Thank you for being a daily source of happiness and joy on here. You inspire people, make us laugh, make us cry in a good way sometimes. You allow us into your lives, and your home, in a way many people don’t. While some look up to you, I have to say that I personally just truly and honestly enjoy what you put out and what you give as just two other human beings. Thank you.
Oh Heather, you’re so sweet. And I know what you mean about hearing from those who were there (our cousins were at the finish line, but moved to a different spot 10 minutes before the explosion). Such a scary time, but you’re right – there are so many stories of heroism and the best in humanity is clearly apparent on those dark days.
xo
s
I know what you mean. I did the 10K on Saturday, and I think all runners feel kin to each other, even if some are running Boston and some wonder if we can keep that pace for a single mile, haha. Either way, my heart’s with you, Boston–we’re praying for you as you come back strong!
My husband and I ran the Monument Ave. 10k this year too – our 5th year! It’s my favorite race I’ve ever done (guess that why I keep coming back!). This is such a lovely, well-written post. Thanks, John, for sharing!
Another thank you from Boston! I was working in the Hancock Tower Marathon Monday – right near the finish line. Last week felt like three weeks with everything our city went though. Never the less, it is heart warming to see comments from other Bostonians but even more heart warming to know that you are keeping our city in your thoughts, YHL. Keep on keepin’ on!
We <3 Boston! So glad you're feeling the love :)
xo
s
I participated in a 5k on that Saturday as well. It never once crossed my mind that something terrible could possibly happen at a race. I was just thinking about the fun atmosphere, hoping I wouldn’t be last, and looking for smiles from my little boy at the finish line.
What a wonderful post. John has the cutest possible cheerleader with her matching tutu, but it’s really touching to see how the Petersik clan gets together to run. I hope Olivia enjoyed her first run and is back for more!
She did so well! We’re so proud of her – and I think she’s already training for next year :)
xo
s
What an amazing, positive way to support the people of Boston. I never write about these things on my blog because no matter what I say, it just never seems to be “enough”. Thank you for making me look at things from a different perspective. I love it when that happens. (My hubs is also a long distance runner and our daughters love to stand and wait for him to pass by so they can cheer.)
Hi John & Sherry! Love your posts — I was the girl who walked up to you all at Urban Farmhouse the evening before the race and told you how much I enjoy your blogs. :-) It was a beautiful day for the race Saturday and I enjoyed running it too. I know all of our hearts are with Boston after Monday’s crazy events there. It was even more poignant coming right after a beautiful run on Monument Ave. the Saturday before. Keep running and doing all that you do. :-)
Bonnie
So nice to bump into you Bonnie!
-John
Thanks for writing this. My husband ran the Boston Marathon this year. I was there, about 3 blocks before the finish line, with my 8 year old and 6 year old, cheering for him as he ran by. Luckily, he did run by, and it was at about 1:15 in the afternoon, so we had cheered him, found him, and checked into our hotel, so the kids could swim, when the news started rolling in on my phone, fast and furious. It was surreal, sad, shocking, and mostly sickening. He has been running marathons for over 10 years, trying to run in every state. This was his 24th marathon, but the one he has been wanting to run ever since he began, always working to improve his times do that he would qualify for Boston. It’s just beyond belief that this horrific tragedy will forever mar this amazing event and celebration of human endurance. Boston is strong, marathoners are strong, runners are strong, humans are strong!
Oh my gosh Kerry, I’m so glad you and your family are ok!
xo
s
As a lifelong Bostonian and long time reader of your blog- I am SO happy you still posted about this. Our city is certainly in mourning- and in shock- but we are strong (I am sure you’ve seen all the Boston Strong logos by now). The day after the attack, my husband and I ran our own private 5k as a tribute to those lost. Running is something so many people take joy in, I know I do. To think something so horrific could happen during a race… well it is just UNthinkable isn’t it? My point is, keep running and keep sharing the joy you take from it. It does us all good!
It’s so awesome that you ran that 5K Steph. Boston strong!
xo
s
Thank you for this.
When I saw that now iconic picture of Jeff Bauman Jr. in the wheelchair being rushed by three rescuers to get medical help, something in his face reminded me SO much of you, John. It was chilling, and made it all more real, even though I only “know” you via following the blog here. You guys are real people to me.
And real people deserve the freedom to participate in fun, healthy community events without fear or harm.
More thanks from Boston. The outpouring of love and support both from in and outside of Boston has really helped in the healing process, because it’s been quite a week. We are one Boston, and we are Boston Strong!
As a former Bostonian and someone who runs and has cheered at the marathon, I thoroughly enjoyed this blog:
http://www.runnersworld.com/races/boston-bombings-loss-innocence
which states that running is “the only sport in the world where no one ever boos anybody.”
So true!
xo,
s
Thank you from Boston! Thank you so much for this post, loved reading it. Maybe next year you can be one of the many that will be running the Boston Marathon for the first time. :) I think we will have quite a few first timers next year.
Boston Strong!
I have to echo what the others from Boston have said – it’s been a rough week up here, but the outpouring of support from around the country and the world (Thanks, London Marathon!) has been amazing. Thanks also for including the link from Runner’s World! Will we ever see you up here running the Marathon?? ;-)
I would love to!
-John
The annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon (honoring the 168 lives lost in the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995) takes place this weekend and many, MANY people in the community will be wearing knee-high “red socks” in honor of those affected by the bombings in Boston. Our community knows first hand how devastating something like that is… we still feel the deep pain of our incident 18 years later. So we also know how encouraging it is to feel an outpouring of love from others!
Another thanks for this post from Boston. We really appreciate all of the support from around the country…and I think runners especially “get” why the marathon is so sacred to all of us. Even though it’s been an awful week, I’m enormously proud of my city and the face we’ve shown to the nation.
We’ve got some great 10K races up here, too. :)
I am a first responder for the city of Boston (and longtime YHL fan – met you guys here on your tour!!) and I can tell you firsthand that the support this city and our department has received over the past week from everyone has been so uplifting and awe-inspiring …. Thank you so much for the love. :-)
You’re a hero Heather! So proud to have met you.
xo,
s
Thank you, John! As a lifelong Bostonian, former BOS marathoner, and YHL lover, I appreciate your sentiment.
I wrote about my experience here, on Huff Post.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kerry-h-mcmanama/boston-marathon-community-bombing_b_3088913.html
I agree that the running community is a force to be reckoned with, and Bostonians are strong — bolstered by the support of wonderful people like you.
#BostonStrong #YHL4Eva
I haven’t run since November consistently (much to the dismay of my body) and decided this week to to start running again. Between my cousin who completed a triathlon on Sunday and the Boston tragedy, I was inspired. Somehow I managed 3 miles in between drop off and pick up of my three kids today! My goal is to run the SF Giants half marathon in August. At the end you get to run onto the baseball field! Heck ya! I’ve never logged longer than 6 miles, so this will be a lofty goal. Love these posts John! Wish me luck!
Lots of luck Jessica!
-John