As we watch the live coverage coming from the Boston area tonight – the speculation about whether the younger suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing is holed up in a boat in the back yard of a home – I read my emails.  A  friend is running a half marathon this Sunday.  She says she is feeling some anxiety; ripples of the Monday bombing.

Ironically Monday morning, while runners, family members and the community were making plans to enjoy the iconic Boston Marathon I was meeting with a foot specialist in Grand Rapids in an attempt to get my running feet back.  I miss the running community.  I miss running with friends, talking along the way, listening to each others ups and downs, giving and getting support.  I miss the sense of accomplishment felt after a good run.  I miss the applause at a finish line.  I miss that part of my life.

I hope those that ran Boston, especially those whose family members were injured or killed, don’t give up running.  In times of stress it can be a comfort, and certainly the running community is supportive of its members.  If you’re a runner one of the best ways to deal with trouble is to run.  Sometimes solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems are worked out on a long run.  Sometimes running allows you space to recognize that things are not so bad.  And sometimes running is just an escape for a little bit.

For my friend running her half this Sunday…I send cyber hugs and reassurances that nerves before a race are always a bit frayed…and it’s normal to feel some extra stress this time.  I know she will do great.  She always does.  In fact when I’m almost 70, as she is, I hope I’ll be running just like her.

If I can get my feet fixed and get myself out the door I think I will.