The Tribe

The Boston Marathon was over a week ago.  While I didn't personally know anyone running the race, I was excited for all those who earned the opportunity to run it. 
I was, and still am, devastated by the events that occurred, and the lives lost and changed forever. 
It is interesting to me, because before the tragedy, I had been trying to figure out a way to articulate how I feel about Runners, as a Group.  The terms "sisterhood" or "brotherhood" had crossed my mind, but didn't quite encompass completely my feelings about fellow runners, and being a runner myself.

After the bombings in Boston, a running friend wrote a blog entry ( In The Wake of Boston. . .We Will Run) that really spoke well, I think, about the Tribe that is Runners.  And, really articulated very clearly, a good way to define the group with which I feel so much camaraderie - a tribe.

I can be driving - anywhere.  In North Carolina, Washington, DC, or Maine - and if see someone running, I feel an immediate bond.  I know that release they are feeling, I am instantly jealous of their time on the pavement - even if I have already run that day, or know I will be soon.  I envy their moment of running.

I might be out and about, and see a 13.1 or 26.2 or "runner girl" magnet on the back of a vehicle, and want to madly honk my horn and wave, as if I have found a long lost friend. 

As I've stated in other blog posts, I am generally quite introverted and anti-social.  However, at a race - I am relaxed, and openly chat with fellow corral runners, or running up a hill, I meet up with someone at my pace, and we encourage each other through the push.  I've had moments where I feel like I can't go any further, and someone will come up behind me, and say, "Come on, you can do this!" and encourage me back into motion. 

I feel like this is a group, that no matter where I am, I can belong.  We have this wonderful commonality, and a special understanding - the training, the time, the investment, the adrenaline and rush, the clarity and sanity. 

So, with a heavy heart, I think of my Boston tribe.  I think of my running family near and far. 
You are all my heroes.  We run together, even when we are apart.