To Run or Not to Run

They've been holding the Boston Marathon for over one hundred years now.  Since 1897    folks have run 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to downtown Boston.  Some have run it in record times, and others have been lucky to straggle across the finish line hours later.  And every year, those who qualified for the event have had to decide to run or not to run.

This year folks ahd to make the same decisions before the race, and during the race as they tired out, especially near Heartbreak Hill.  But some also ahd to make such a decision for reasons that had nothing to do with physical conditioning.  Some had to decide to run or not to run because of the bombs that went off at 2:50 PM right at the finish line near the intersection of Boylston and Exeter.                 .

One ER doctor, who was waiting for his wife to finish the race, who experieinced the explosion, who was unhurt by the blast, had to decide whether to run to safety or not.  He decided to not run--but rather made his way to the medical tent where he helped provide much needed treatment and care for the victims.

Many runners nearing the finish line had to decide whether to run to safety or not.  They decided to keep running, all the way to Mass General, where they volunteered to donate blood for the victims.

The Boston Athletic Association volunteers who lined the route near the finish line had to decide whether to run to safety or not.  They decided not to run.  Rather, they styed to help aid the many victims.

Next year many runners will need to decide whether to run or not to run.  One Southwest Florida runner told reporters he has already decided to run.  How could he do otherwise, he said.  Otherwise the bombers win.

Sometimes, in the race called life, we we need to run, and sometimes we need to stay put.  But we are always being called on to decide.  And sometimes just making the decision takes more courage than the running itself.