Witnessing Boston from San Diego

two little runners ~Kristen

Three thousand miles southwest of Boston, flags hang at half mast in downtown San Diego. Signs around the city express support. The County Fairgrounds' sign reads, "Our thoughts and support to Boston. God bless America." The TVs at the office, the gym, the coffee shop. All tuned into the latest breaking news on Boston.

Just hours after the bombings, the San Diego Track Club sends out an email blast. All the club members who ran Boston are okay and accounted for. On Tuesday, hundreds of runners filled Balboa Stadium at the club's weekly Tuesday night track session. They vow to run Boston 2014. A day later, the club sends out another email blast in response to the same question received from so many runners:  "What can I do to help?" 

The local running store, Road Runner Sports, has been receiving the same question and donates $10 for every shoe purchase. 

The Challenged Athlete Foundation - headquartered in San Diego - sets up a fund to help the victims of the Boston bombings.  

Competitor Group - a local company that puts on the Rock 'N Roll Marathons - is reviewing safety and security protocols for the 16th Annual Rock 'N Roll San Diego on June 1st, and for other races in the series. Spokespeople for the company are giving interviews on the local news. The Amgen Tour of California, which will bring the world's best cyclists to Escondito in May for day one of the eight day race, is also beefing up security. 

But even with heavy hearts, running continues. The SoCal Ragnar relay finishes today in downtown San Diego. I saw blinking Ragnar signs last night dotting the streets of Encinitas. I saw relay runners and vans as I drove to the office this morning. In Mission Bay, I saw triathletes cycling in the ITU World Triathalon San Diego. Hundreds of people are expected to run the Boston Strong San Diego Run Monday night to support relief efforts. 

My first run after Boston was on Thursday. And I felt proud. Proud to be part of this wonderful, heroic, and inspiring community of runners. 

to Boston - from San Diego - with love

two little runners ~Kristen