Those of you who know me know I don't normally comment on current events. It goes without saying that in these kinds of instances people are grieving, or praying, or thinking about those affected. Tragedies inevitably lead to discussions about what comes next -- why did it happen? Where do we go from here? What can we do to keep it from happening again? Some events, like Hurricane Katrina or the tornado in Joplin, leave us confused and lost; how can we make sense of something that no one could predict or control? The shootings at Sandy Hook or Virginia Tech lead to debates on school safety and gun control, and sometimes those debates devolve into finger-pointing and demands that may be impossible to fulfill. Then, of course, there was 9/11 -- the ultimate game-changer.
For those of us who have been fortunate to never have been directly impacted by events like these, it's easy to say "what if..." and wonder how we would ever possibly cope. We think these things will never happen to us, but the reality of events like today shatter that belief. Normally I view tragedies from a comfortable distance; of course I feel sympathy, but I admittedly have a difficult time relating.
Today, though, was different. I found it unsettling to read the news reports or watch updates. I wasn't sure why I felt that way until I thought about the context in which this occurred. While I'm certainly no marathon runner and have never been a part of such an elite event, I've been privileged to compete in several races and know many others who are dedicated to the sport. My ability -- or lack thereof -- often places me in the back of the crowd; it's not uncommon for most racers to finish, bask in the glory of their accomplishments, and move on with their lives before I come close to the finish line. During my first triathlon, I was so far behind that the race organizers mistakenly started taking up the course before I was done. However, it's that part of the race that brings out the best in people. It certainly goes without saying that the athletes who compete to win are exceptionally dedicated and talented. I'm often struck, though, by the rest of the crowd -- the ordinary folks who do extraordinary things. They may overcome pain, or be overwhelmed by the experience, or become frustrated by the feeling that no matter how hard they try, the finish line never seems to get any closer. I know that feeling; I am that person.
We often hear of heroics after tragedies like these, and today was no exception. I wasn't surprised in the least to hear of runners heading straight to hospitals to donate blood. Having been fortunate enough to compete alongside members of the Columbia Multisport Club and others, I know firsthand the generosity these people constantly show. A favorite motto is that the last finisher gets the loudest cheers, and despite the focus and discipline this sport requires these athletes are unbelievably giving. There's no ego here; it's all about supporting those who make the commitment to get up and go regardless of why or how. I've been in races with amazing athletes, and they've never made me feel like anything less than an equal. There's no shame in being slow or clumsy; there's only pride in achieving something special.
News reports will continue to come. Facts will be debated. Rumors will be confirmed or shown to be false. Questions will be asked, and some may never be answered. Some will quickly forget today, while others never will. I wish I had some wise, profound thought to end this with but, truthfully, there are others who will do that so much better than I ever could. For now, I'll just keep watching and thinking...
For those of us who have been fortunate to never have been directly impacted by events like these, it's easy to say "what if..." and wonder how we would ever possibly cope. We think these things will never happen to us, but the reality of events like today shatter that belief. Normally I view tragedies from a comfortable distance; of course I feel sympathy, but I admittedly have a difficult time relating.
Today, though, was different. I found it unsettling to read the news reports or watch updates. I wasn't sure why I felt that way until I thought about the context in which this occurred. While I'm certainly no marathon runner and have never been a part of such an elite event, I've been privileged to compete in several races and know many others who are dedicated to the sport. My ability -- or lack thereof -- often places me in the back of the crowd; it's not uncommon for most racers to finish, bask in the glory of their accomplishments, and move on with their lives before I come close to the finish line. During my first triathlon, I was so far behind that the race organizers mistakenly started taking up the course before I was done. However, it's that part of the race that brings out the best in people. It certainly goes without saying that the athletes who compete to win are exceptionally dedicated and talented. I'm often struck, though, by the rest of the crowd -- the ordinary folks who do extraordinary things. They may overcome pain, or be overwhelmed by the experience, or become frustrated by the feeling that no matter how hard they try, the finish line never seems to get any closer. I know that feeling; I am that person.
We often hear of heroics after tragedies like these, and today was no exception. I wasn't surprised in the least to hear of runners heading straight to hospitals to donate blood. Having been fortunate enough to compete alongside members of the Columbia Multisport Club and others, I know firsthand the generosity these people constantly show. A favorite motto is that the last finisher gets the loudest cheers, and despite the focus and discipline this sport requires these athletes are unbelievably giving. There's no ego here; it's all about supporting those who make the commitment to get up and go regardless of why or how. I've been in races with amazing athletes, and they've never made me feel like anything less than an equal. There's no shame in being slow or clumsy; there's only pride in achieving something special.
News reports will continue to come. Facts will be debated. Rumors will be confirmed or shown to be false. Questions will be asked, and some may never be answered. Some will quickly forget today, while others never will. I wish I had some wise, profound thought to end this with but, truthfully, there are others who will do that so much better than I ever could. For now, I'll just keep watching and thinking...
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