Powerful Boston Marathon Story from a Runner’s Perspective

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Inside the Boston Marathon from a Runner’s Perspective

We’ve all heard the news and the details surrounding the tragedy at the Boston Marathon, the ensuing investigation and the ultimate arrests. But the media doesn’t tell the whole story. Lives were lost, others were severely injured and fear swept throughout the other runners like a wave.

The bombing at the Boston Marathon had far reaching effects. People all over the country worried about loved ones participating in the race, working on the course, or just living in the area. They reached out with calls, texts, anything to get through and know their family and/or friends were safe. And they waited anxiously for a reply before they could breathe easy.

My wife was in that situation. Her friend, Debbie (seen above), was a participant in the Boston Marathon and as soon as she learned about the events unfolding, began to wonder and worry. Ultimately we learned that Debbie was unhurt and safe. But Debbie wasn’t alone in Boston. Below is her story and experience being IN the Boston Marathon.

The Boston Marathon from the Inside

“Well, as I sit down to write this, it’s definitely not what I envisioned what my race report would entail prior to the marathon. Of course no one imagined anything as horrific as what occurred. It’s still very emotional for me and I have been having difficulty with my emotions since Monday. Well, here goes . . . As most of you know, I was dealing with an injury during training. Back in January, I was told that I had a plantar plate tear and to take off from running for 4 weeks. Of course in hindsight, that’s what I should have done. I continued training, but not hard and did the minimal amount just to finish the race. Yes, that was my goal, to finish the Boston Marathon, cross that finish line and have that medal placed around my neck. Going into it, I figured I would run and walk and do a 4 1/2 hour marathon. My goal was not to be swept away from the sweepers and enjoy myself.

I arrived in Boston that Saturday morning and so excited to get my Boston Marathon jacket for 20% off at the airport! We went to the expo and took pictures at the finish. All I could think about was that I couldn’t wait to see that finish on Monday and then drink a 26.2 Sam Adams Beer! At the expo is when I found out that Seth was running the race too. So needless to say, our possible plan for him to meet me at mile 20 or so was not going to happen. I did have a moment of panic and thoughts that I better be able to finish it on my own. However, it was the Boston Marathon, I certainly was not going to quit.

Dinner Sunday night was really nice with 22 of us there. That is where I met Bonnie and Fran. I was so excited when I saw that they planned on doing a 4 1/2 hour marathon. My plan was to stay with them and just enjoy the race.

That night, I thought maybe I had food poisoning. I was not feeling well at all. I woke up Race morning better, but still a little queasy. Maybe it was just nerves. We took the bus to the start and waited at athletes village for the start. I was the last wave so I had time to soak it all in. After everyone left, it was Fran, her husband Nate, Bonnie and myself. We took pictures and went off to the corrals. We were running late and I lost them. I went into my corral which was #2. It is a strange start when you are in the last wave. No national anthem, you just start running. The first few miles are downhill and easy. Besides my plantar plate tear, I have been dealing with really bad blood blisters on my toes on my other foot. Although, they were taped up, I started feeling them at mile 3! This is going to be a long day I thought. I didn’t care, I was going to push through the pain, take my time and enjoy myself. Which I did. I can actually say this is the only marathon I have ever enjoyed. It is an amazing experience. The crowd support is unreal and its for all 26 miles. My only regret is not having a camera with me. I started walking/running a lot earlier than anticipated, around mile 7. I did not care, I thought I had all the time in the world. I ran into Fran and Bonnie, as they were keeping a steady pace. I saw them at the Newton Hills. Then I was a little behind them and it was comforting to watch them from behind. I saw them take pictures. For me, Boston College was my favorite. I always heard about the girls at Wellesly, but Boston College out did them. It was amazing.

So now I hit mile 25 and I hear Katie’s voice that says anyone can run a mile. I knew I was almost there and going to finish. I am around mile 25.5 or so and I see people mulling in the running path. I was so confused. I knew I was running slow, but didn’t think that slow that the race was over. Then I came to a stop when the street was filled up and asked what was going on. I couldn’t believe what I was told. My immediate thought was OMG I have to find out if Seth was safe. I knew he finished and didn’t know where he was. I started to panic. I have tears now writing this just thinking of the emotions I was feeling at that moment. I did not have a cell and started asking people to borrow theirs. Everyone was so helpful.  I texted him but did not get an immediate response. My calls were not going through. I kept going to different people and borrowing their cells. I was in a panic at that point. Finally, he responded he was ok and it was a huge relief.

Then I thought about Fran and Bonnie. I knew they were just a little bit ahead of me and I was so close. So I was nervous for them. I also thought about Stacey’s family and John not knowing where they were. It was very scary as we were stuck in one place and didn’t know what was happening. I did text my ex David to let him know I was ok. I know my children would be worrying. I was so thankful that I didn’t bring my daughter Rachel as she really wanted to go.

I was there for around 45 min, cold and not feeling so well. All you want to do after a race is get warm, drink, and sit. I was standing in one place, scared, wet and cold. Everyone was great though. Residents came out with their own clothes, food and drinks. The community and other runners all came together. Finally after around 45 min or longer we were diverted another mile to walk to the buses and get our bags. I was walking with this pregnant lady who ran the marathon too. Her husband found us and he gave me a towel and shirt to help warm up. I was now trying to find a place to meet Seth. As I was right in front of my bus on Boylston Street, the police came yelling and knocking on each bus to get off and evacuate immediately. Panic started settling in again. You didn’t know if another bomb was going to go off. I wasn’t allowed to get my bag. So I had no money and no phone. I still didn’t find Seth. The pregnant lady had to leave so I was on my own.

As I got to the corner, the police were yelling get out of Boston, we are evacuating Boston. More Panic as all I wanted to do was find Seth. Another nice person let me use her cell and she even texted him for me. I felt real helpless and scared at the time. I didn’t know what could happen at any time. Finally I saw Seth and I was flooded with so much emotion. I just hugged and kissed him on the corner. I guess he really didn’t know how emotional it was for me. It’s a lot different when you have a phone and know whats going on.

Well, I know this is a very long and emotional race report. I am still flooded with so much emotion. I feel awful for the people who lost their lives and are injured. I have a lot of guilt cause I am upset that I didn’t get to cross that finish and get the medal. I know I am lucky that I was not hurt and no one in our group was either. I went through the half at 2:03. Who knows what would have happened if I didn’t slow it down more. I thought that I would only do the Boston Marathon once, due to its expense. However, I am determined now more than ever to qualify again and finish the whole wonderful experience with a completely different ending. I am off now for a few weeks due to my injury. I can’t wait to run with everyone again. See you soon!!!”

So glad you’re safe, Debbie. And thank you for sharing your story! Looking forward to seeing you wearing a medal after safely and successfully finishing the Boston Marathon!

Boston Marathon Rocked as Two Explosions Hit Finish Line

Tragedy in Boston: Here are 4 Tips for Dealing with an Awful Day

Before You Leave!

Thanks for stopping by! If you are an entrepreneur or a blogger or you just have a passion you want to share with others, be sure to click on the link below and watch the video to see why I chose Empower Network as my preferred blogging platform. It’s great to earn extra income online as well as get your posts ranked near the top of Google!

Think about it. How did you find this post? It wasn’t by accident 

Learn More About Getting your own Viral Blogging System with Empower Network