I could use the same old excuse, too much school work, to explain my recent absence, but in reality it was that I never felt like I had the time necessary to commit to a post about Marathon Monday.
After the bombings last year, Boston vowed to go on, to host a bigger, stronger marathon the following year, and I vowed to be there. I felt compelled to be out and about in the city on Marathon Monday and to celebrate my city.
Marathon Monday 2014 was a beautiful spring day. After a long, grueling winter it was the kind of day that makes you happy. The sun was shining, there was a slight breeze, and all the flowers were blooming in the city. I suppose it was a bit too hot for the runners, but as a spectator I couldn't have asked for much more.
When I got off the train at Park Street I was greeted by these stealthy looking helicopters that were apparently sweeping for radioactive material.
I decided to head down to the finish line area to see if I could get in. Security was tight but after a quick bag check and wanding I found myself walking down a near empty Newbury Street. I don't remember shops being closed on Newbury Street during prior marathons, but maybe the security had something to do with it. It was a bit surreal to be walking down the center of the street, but it was oddly peaceful at the same time.
After a short walk, I headed over to Boylston Street. It was fun to see the city all decked out for Marathon Monday.
I found myself walking up the street, past the finish line, and behind the infamous grandstands that were the center of the first explosion last year. There was a respectful restraint in the crowd, and it seemed appropriate. Everyone was having fun, but everyone was remembering back a year ago.
I kept walking until I got to the intersection with the large jumbo-tron tv and was able to watch the race for a while. The crowd cheered every time they showed the American leaders. While I watched the race I took in the crowd around me. I remembered back to those first few hours last year, after the bombing, when everything seemed so horrible and hopeless. Boston was really back! We were standing on Boylston, cheering on the runners, on Patriots Day in April!
I stayed there for quite a while before heading up to Comm Ave. to meet up with some friends. We watched the runners make the turn onto Comm Ave. and go under the overpass. Everyone you looked you say Boston Strong shirts and you couldn't help but feel the strength in the city.
After lunch we headed back to our friend's house on Comm Ave. and spent the rest of the afternoon watching the racers from her stoop. At one point some runners who had finished the race and were headed back to their hotel stopped and thanked our friends for their help last year. People living all along Comm Ave. raced out of their buildings last year when the race was stopped to pass out food and clothing. These runners said they came back this year to repay the city of Boston and to give them something to celebrate. (I'm actually tearing up as I write this because it was that touching.)
None of us wanted the day to end so when JO asked if he should join us when he got back from work, of course the answer was yes.
We all headed over to Piattini Wine Cafe for some outdoor dining. It was great to see the racers walk by, off to celebrate their accomplishments. It was a quintessential spring day in the city but it was so much more than just a day out in the city. It was a day to take back our city and to cleanse it off all the sadness associated with last year's marathon. I'm thankful I got to experience this special day in the city. #BostonStrong
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