O/T - Explosions at the Boston Marathon

[Runscott]

I don't think most people realize the effect that this sort of thing has on marathon runners and their community - we travel all over the United States to run these great races and to meet all the wonderful people in the host cities - there are LOTS of young children on the roadside, smiling, encouraging runners and looking for high-fives. I did a marathon last year where each aid station was manned by a different elementary school - kids everywhere, having fun.

This is tragic beyond words. I won't say anything more until we find out who is responsible, but at that point I look forward to joining back in.

[itjclarke]

Originally Posted by Runscott

I don't think most people realize the effect that this sort of thing has on marathon runners and their community - we travel all over the United States to run these great races and to meet all the wonderful people in the host cities - there are LOTS of young children on the roadside, smiling, encouraging runners and looking for high-fives.

As a marathoner myself, I'm appauled that this happened at a marathon, and near the finish line at that. Not that it would be any less appauling were it to happen elsewhere... but a marathon is one of the most positive gatherings of people you'll ever find. I usually run alone, but it's amazing how quickly you make friends all along the route. It's amazing the support you feel from the thousands of people and volunteers who come cheer friends and strangers alike.. and there is an amazing buzz of exhaustion/pride/accomplishment/love as you finish that last few hundred yards. I cannot imagine the contrast these people must have felt from one second to the next.. from finishing a marathon to expolosion(s), screams and sirens.

Still incredibly angry.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by itjclarke

As a marathoner myself, I'm appauled that this happened at a marathon, and near the finish line at that. Not that it would be any less appauling were it to happen elsewhere... but a marathon is one of the most positive gatherings of people you'll ever find. I usually run alone, but it's amazing how quickly you make friends all along the route. It's amazing the support you feel from the thousands of people and volunteers who come cheer friends and strangers alike.. and there is an amazing buzz of exhaustion/pride/accomplishment/love as you finish that last few hundred yards. I cannot imagine the contrast these people must have felt from one second to the next.. from finishing a marathon to expolosion(s), screams and sirens.

Still incredibly angry.

Very well put. I ran Boston twice myself, in ancient and more peaceful times, and what I expected to be just a physical challenge turned into a truly spiritual experience from the overwhelming outpouring of support and sense of community. Like everyone else, I am horrified, all the more so as it's so close to home, on a block I've walked or driven down countless times.

[ethicsprof]

my heart and prayers go out to the victims and their families and to those who are
ministering to their physical and emotional needs. My prayers also go out to
the many who are deeply affected by this tragedy and the continuing violence that plagues this country and others.
Barry

[deadballfreaK]

I have never run a marathon but used to run 5 to 10 miles at decent times. Now pushing 59 years of age with terrible knees and feet not so much. I can imagine though. You push yourself as hard as you can and you want to give up but you have people cheering for you that never met you. Or you are on the sidewalk cheering your dad or friend or cousin or whatever. And then BOOM from some retardo that thinks he is making some kind of heroic stand. Yeah, big hero with a noble cause. He can be miles away and kill kids and innocent people. Sure advances your cause. We'll all take notice now. And hopefully in ten years fry your sorry ass in the electric chair. I hope they forget to wet the sponge.

[cyseymour]

Originally Posted by deadballfreaK

I have never run a marathon but used to run 5 to 10 miles at decent times. Now pushing 59 years of age with terrible knees and feet not so much. I can imagine though. You push yourself as hard as you can and you want to give up but you have people cheering for you that never met you. Or you are on the sidewalk cheering your dad or friend or cousin or whatever. And then BOOM from some retardo that thinks he is making some kind of heroic stand. Yeah, big hero with a noble cause. He can be miles away and kill kids and innocent people. Sure advances your cause. We'll all take notice now. And hopefully in ten years fry your sorry ass in the electric chair. I hope they forget to wet the sponge.

Completely agree, only correction to be made is there's no death penalty in MA, so the electric chair thing is not gonna happen. But hopefully we can find him and make him spend decades going berserk in a jail cell.

[Shoele$$]

Now 3 confirmed dead....just a terrible tragedy

If I was the father of that 8 year old victim I would be seething.

[Iron Horse]

my heart and prayers go out to all those whose loved ones were affected by these idiots who have no consideration for anyone. It's a sad world that we live in unfortunately.

[itjclarke]

Originally Posted by Iron Horse

. It's a sad world that we live in unfortunately.

it's a sad world in many ways for sure.. But it does make me feel great pride in this country/us/people in general knowing that several marathon runners who'd just run 26.2, ran another couple miles to the hospital to give blood knowing that people needed transfusions. This is what the attacker(s) will never understand... They aren't helping their cause as much as they're strengthening the resolve of their victims.

These f-ing cowards whoever they be, will never win

[howard38]

/

[Tobacco&Gum]

Hug your kids.

[h2oya311]

My son just turned 11 days old today...we live in the 'burbs of Boston and thankfully all of our close friends and family are safe. What kind of world did I bring my boy into?

This sort of thing will make me fearful to take my son to sporting events w/ large crowds down the road - including baseball games - what a shame!

I had to turn off the TV when seeing some of the gruesome scenes. Sickening, absolutely sickening.

[deadballfreaK]

Originally Posted by howard38

I understand and agree with your sentiment but perhaps you can edit out the word "retardo". Neither my nephew or his special ed classmates could conceive of much less do something like that.

Noted. Very poor choice of words. I generally find mentally challenged people to be the sweetest I've ever met. Let's substitute evil, subhuman scum for "retardo"

[midwaylandscaping]

Awful stuff. Can't imagine being the father of the 8 year old who was killed . My anger management is not so good, if they got the suspect, I'd be the one to kill him if I were the Father. It would be my only recourse. Eye for eye.

[oldjudge]

It is sickening to see something like this. My heart goes out to both the victims and their families, and to those who were in the area and now feel just a little less safe in their daily lives. Hopefully, whoever was responsible for this cowardly act will be apprehended quickly and dealt with appropriately.