#OneRun brought up mixed emotions

Despite the dreary weather that started off Memorial Day weekend, hundreds trekked down to the last mile of the Boston Marathon route for #OneRun. #OneRun gave runners and spectators the opportunity to run or walk the final mile of the Boston Marathon, something many were not able to do on April 15. While short – done and over with within 20 minutes – I couldn’t help but have a mix of emotions. For one, this didn’t feel like the same atmosphere. Yes, every Marathon I’ve watched has been scorching hot, but it still felt tense. As I had multiple cameras with me, I set up under an overpass to shield my equipment (and self) from the drizzle. Looking down the street, I saw bomb sniffing canine units. You feel safe, yet you’re haunted by why they are there. The streets weren’t packed either. That said, there was no shortage of law enforcement – three officers next to me – and that was just on one block of the mile-long route. On the other hand, I think many of us needed this. Talking with others around me, some runners and Bostonians wanted this type of symbolic closure. Others weren’t as open to the idea – it was still too soon. I understand both views.

It has only been a month since the tragedies that took place during the week of April 15, and I know it’s going to take much longer than that for the world to cope with what happened and continue to live our lives, but I think now we’re one mile closer to that.

#BostonStrong