Moms RUN This Town - on the Boston Marathon Tragedy

First and foremost - All of those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings are in the thoughts of the Moms RUN This Town Champlin/Maple Grove chapter (and other local/national chapters, as well). We spent much of the day yesterday in disbelief and shock at what was unfolding, and our hearts are with Boston.

This was an absolute tragedy by any measure and in any mind. To the running community, it holds an extra degree of heartbreak. This is our sport, our passion. Whether we are casual or hardcore, running is something we love. The runners and spectators could so easily have been (and in some cases WERE) us, our family, our friends.

Innocent people were hurt and killed, turning an amazing dream come true for many runners, into a nightmare. People are shocked, angry, saddened and heavy-hearted. Many questions are asked: How can somebody do something so terrible? Why hurt (or kill) all of those innocent people? Why ruin such a joyous event? What is this going to mean for the future of racing and marathons? The future of the Boston Marathon?

As runners, we are determined to not only pull through this, but to come out even stronger and united.

My co-leader, Jen, is an experienced marathoner - including having run in the previous 2 Boston Marathons. The decision to not participate this year was made somewhat last-minute, but otherwise she would have been there; and her family would have been at the finish line, cheering and waiting. As she shared on her "Marathon Mom" blog, "This hit way too close to so many of us but we will bond together and support each other with our strength as a running family".

While nothing can change what happened, there are many ways that people are honoring, remembering, and helping in the aftermath. A movement quickly spread online to wear a race shirt in honor of Boston, and dedicate miles or time run. When MRTT - Champlin/Maple Grove has our next regular group run, that time will be in honor of Boston, too.

Also, because Moms RUN This Town has such a massive community nationwide, the founder, Pam, decided to initiate a fundraiser. She came up with some great shirts in honor of Boston, and worked with a company to offer these shirts for sale - with 100% of proceeds (above the cost of the shirt/shipping) to be donated. The donation destination is being thoroughly researched to be sure the money goes somewhere it is needed most.

For those interested in checking it out, the shirts are at Recovery Brands. Their apparel is 100% recycled. MRTT has shared this information and the website is being bombarded with hundreds (maybe, hopefully thousands) of orders, so please be patient if it is slow or temporarily unavailable. We also encourage people to donate via other routes if they prefer that, but MRTT just really wanted to also think of a creative way to help.

Time will help heal the wounds, but we will not forget. Those who died, their familes, everyone who was injured, the heroes who rushed in to help, the people who witnessed the horror, the runners whose amazing accomplishments may now feel, to them, tainted - we honor and salute them all.