I’m still processing everything that happened but this blog is an attempt to describe my personal experience at the Boston Marathon, and how I watched my environment unfolding. I have been reading the accounts of others and want to get my experience written down. Obviously I had no idea what was coming all day, and things changed very quickly, and I’m checking the news like everyone else, in my case with inflight wireless. I’ll attempt to tell my story as it happened.
Nine days ago, I was sitting amongst a circle of my family and friends at my baby shower in Seattle, drinking growlers of limeade and kombucha and smoking candy cigarettes for a laugh. And every day since then, I have been collecting photos, funny memories, and travel stories to help chronicle the most exciting week I’ve had in recent memory, all of which was set to culminate in my first ever experience with the Boston Marathon.
And now, only a few short hours after the finish line explosions, I am sitting on a plane flying home to Oregon, unable to think of anything else but the whirlwind I just experienced, how horrible the whole thing is, and the series of things that had to happen just-so for me to have my unscathed butt in this seat right now.
Not long before the explosion, I was with my friend Shanna from Oiselle (also pregnant and due June 7th), doing our damndest to get near the finish line. We had been cheering all morning in Wellesley, and before catching my flight home, we had juuuussst enough time to grab a much needed sandwich and swing by the finish line to experience a little of that famous excitement first hand. As it turned out, the area by the finish was so packed that you couldn’t even move, and the sandwich place turned out to be on the opposite side of the finish shoot anyway which was impossible to get to. We considered staying to watch for a while anyway, but our hunger was so intense that we decided to leave and feed the babies and come back later.
Around the corner was the Fairmont Copley Hotel, where the elite athletes were staying. We had a new plan: grab some overpriced food there and visit my friend Steph Rothstein Bruce (who had finished an amazing 15th place and was the 3rd American). As we tucked into our meal with a room full of athletes, coaches, and agents, we heard a loud explosion and felt the room vibrate slightly. It was one of those Jurrassic-Park-rippled-water-glass moments and my stomach turned. It was bad, I just knew it.
People were suddenly quiet, then some nervously mumbled while a few looked out the ground floor windows in the direction of the explosion. At first nothing happened and everyone just looked around at one another. Shalane Flanagan was at the next table over while her husband Steve came back to report what he could see from the window. I tried to read lips, unsuccessfully, and was too paralyzed to ask. Nobody spoke up. People pulled out their phones for information from the outside. A hum of mumblings gradually spread throughout the dining room as the sound of sirens built to a crescendo outside.
...exlosions…
…finish Line…
…many injured…
…bits and pieces fitting into a puzzle. Security people dressed in Boston Marathon yellow jackets came in the room announcing, “all elite athletes please evacuate with us to room ____.” They had to repeat it several times before anyone got up. It was as if we all thought we were watching a movie until that moment, at a safe distance, and then as soon as we started to move together through the hallway we understood that this was real life and nobody knew the ending.
Shanna and I walked briskly toward the stairs to go to Steph and Ben Bruce’s room on the 3rd floor, since they missed the announcement, and on the way there, we saw Dr. John Ball and his friend Marc who were headed to the same place and didn’t seem to know what was happening. Despite trying to keep my cool, I know I had panic in my eyes because I could see their body language change and they came right with us without asking questions.
In Steph’s room, we all checked our twitter feeds and updated one another on anything we could piece together. Shanna opened a photo of a bloody scene from one of the explosions and my eyes welled up and my heart raced. I could feel Lima Bean moving around like crazy, probably from adrenaline coursing through me, so I kneeled to calm myself down. As soon as the news confirmed the explosions down the street, I texted my immediate family and Jesse’s family to let them know that if they heard anything about a bomb in Boston, I was safe. I squeezed it in just in time; that was the last time my phone would work for the next hour. Cell towers were either overloaded or being shut down. I still don’t know which.
Marc, Dr. Ball and I had flights to catch in less than two hours, and we had to make a quick decision. It seemed as if, with every passing minute, things were getting more and more locked down. We heard our hotel was already locked to outsiders, and we feared we wouldn’t be allowed out soon. We didn’t know if we would be able to catch a taxi or not to the airport, but we decided we had to try or else risk getting stuck in downtown Boston. Now was the moment.
One catch: my bags were left at the front desk of my hotel just a few miles outside the airport, and I needed to swing through there to get them before going to the airport. There was just enough time for a cab to hypothically make the stop on the way…if we could catch a cab.
There were no cabs.
Traffic was totally backed up.
People were everywhere, in mylar finishers blankets, trying unsuccessfully to use their phones, looking confused. There was no panic, only a general feeling of What now? People seemed to be awaiting instructions from a non-existent city-wide megaphone. From a disaster management standpoint, we seemed to be at an angle of repose. We saw the train station and headed straight for it. I had a feeling that if the station wasn’t shut down already, it would be soon once everyone figured out what the hell to do.
It was open and thanks to Marc’s navigation skills, we got tickets, found our way to the correct train, and got on board. I was in a bit of a pickle because I was now on my way to the airport without any of my luggage, but I decided I would get off at the airport and try to take a taxi to my hotel and back. There was (maybe) just enough time.
When I got in the taxi, my phone finally started working again and I quickly called Jesse and very briefly answered the concerned texts from my family and friends. I got word that public transportation was being shut down in the city just as I got back to the airport. The terminal security line was absolutely slammed with people moving at a snails pace due to what I can only assume were beefed up security measures, and I never would have made it through in time if an airline employee hadn’t escorted a handful of us directly to the front. With only a couple minutes to spare, I made it onto the plane and couldn’t help but wonder if the airport would shut down before we took off.
It wasn’t until the engines roared and inertia shoved me snugly into my seat that I was convinced I was going to make it home. Only then did I take a deep breath and pull my hood over my eyes to hide the swell of my emotions.
There are so many things I want to write about the Boston Marathon. I want to write about the friendly and interesting people who came to see me at the expo, getting to know the 110% crew, the reunion with my college coach, a rare opportunity for tea with my sisters in sport from Rhodes Island, the thrill of having my column announced at the Runner’s World Party, funny observations about the culture of the event, what it was like to watch instead of compete, how much more open and happy I feel in my sport now than a year ago. I wish I could write about what it was like to watch Steph run deep in the shadows of the well-deserved media favorites Kara and Shalane, fighting for every step in her quest to reach their level where her heart tells her she belongs, even though her body isn’t quite ready yet. I want to write about so many things, but all I can focus on is the horrible thing that happened, that is in fact still happening for many people, while I stew in this uncomfortable mixture of relief and guilt that I’m lucky enough to be going home.
The Boston Marathon has so many stories from thousands of people that won’t be told , because a few people are cruel and crazy and impossible to understand, and that makes me even sadder than I already am.
Im so glad you are safe, and thanks for sharing :/ what an awful tragedy
Thanks Kim.
I am glad you are safe! This was a terrible tragedy.
Yes it is. Thanks Madison.
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So glad you’re safe Lauren. Thanks for posting. We love you, see you soon.
Thanks Polster.
As always, it is nice to get your perspective on things, even in such horrible circumstances. After hearing that my friends and family were okay, my next thoughts were for the elite runners that I so admire. I am very glad to hear that you and the many other elite runners that I admire are okay, while at the same time, my heart truly goes out to all those who have been harmed by this act of violence. Safe travels~
Thanks for the comment Meghan. I’m glad your people are safe and sound.
Lauren,
Nothing I can write will adequately express my shock, horror, and sadness at what happened in Boston. The world is a poorer place today because of this event.
I am relieved that you are safe and headed home.
Things like this really make mortality hit home.
Hi Lauren. First of all, glad you are safe and were able to make it out of Boston. I’ve run Boston five times and it feels so personal to me right now. I have this combination of overwhelming sadness, relief that those I know who were in Boston are safe and anger about those that executed the attack.
Here’s to the memory of those that are no longer with us, the injured and their families. We will move forward and prevail.
Best to you and your family…Bob
Thanks Bob for the comment. Even in the past 24 hours, it has been so uplifting to see how the running community has come together in support.
I watched the runners world live feed this morning and after seeing Kara goucher cross I shut it off. My 15 month old had had enough of distracted mommy. Then I look at twitter a half hour later and see “bomb at Boston”
I cried and watched the news all day
I’m glad your safe and am praying for all those affected.
What a shock. Not what any of us expected from such a positive athletic event.
Superior thinking deortstmaned above. Thanks!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-125820/US-bomb-kills-30-Afghan-wedding.html meanwhile a news story you won’t hear about today that happened today…
Glad you are safe and so sorry you experienced such trauma. Come back to Boston – we do not let the bastards win here – the Boston Marathon will go on again – better than ever – we defeated the British to gain freedom and we will defeat the morons who planted the bombs.
Thanks Mary. People are really stepping up, as one would expect from our country and the running community.
So glad you’re OK, Lauren. What an upsetting and horrific tragedy. Really can’t believe it. Thanks for the reflection.
Thanks Michelle.
You are always so down to Earth and honest with pretty much everything, but it is particularly appreciated in this instance. Thank you and get home safely!
Thanks TC for the comment.
I am so relieved that you and all the Oiselle ladies are okay. The sadness is just overwhelming today. We are holding our children closer again tonight.
Thanks Nicole.
SO glad you’re safe. I hate that this happened to the running community however, we are strong and resilient people. We will move on from this and come out better than before. It saddens me though that marathons (the big ones anyways) will never be the same after this.
I hear you Drew. I’m sure you’ve been reading the updates over the past day, and it really is impressive seeing how the running community has been responding.
So glad you are safe sweet girl.
Thank you Nancy.
DT and I were so relieved when we saw Jesse’s tweet that you are safe.
I love my sister. Lets never fight again!
deal.
While Allyson Meloni’s answers were good, I still have a porlbem with the conflict of interest thing. Carlos Rodriguez and Danny O’Brien refused to respond to our questions. While they might site political reasons, as Matt McDevitt did the previous year, none of them had any porlbem allowing the Democrat Party to advertise for them.My choices have not changed, although I give complete support to Stephanie now plus Pat Hinnant & Kyle Williams. It’s a shame we don’t have a forth choice.
I’ve cried all day but your last paragraph brought it all home.
Sorry about that Debby.
So happy you are home safe and sound! Thank you for adding your insight. There are just no words that would make me understand why someone would do something like this…… I feel horrible for all those that were injured and killed. It’s just wrong.
It is.
I’m so glad you’re safe, Lauren (and Lima Bean). What a terrifying way to end your fun weekend in Boston.
Definitely not what I expected. I feel very fortunate.
I am glad that you and your lima bean are safe.
I feel so sad that this had to happen. So many bad things are happening this year that it makes it hard not to have a heavy heart.
Thank God for small miracles and that you and yours are safe tonight.
All I can think about are all the narrow misses that we’ve had interspersed between the tragedies…the terrorism threats interrupted and stopped before they occurred, the people working hard to keep us safe.
Between living less than a mile from Copley & having zipped by the explosion sites at the end of the BAA 5k yesterday, I’ve never felt so personally attacked, both my city & my sport going through this mess. I’m very glad that you got to go home literally as fast as you can, now it’s terrifying to run by a trash can on the Charles River. It’s one thing to get over a crappy race or a mysterious injury as you constantly help us through, but this is something else.
Thanks for the comment Doug. Your city is really coming through.
Very poignant. Praying for all in Boston and believing strongly that good is still more powerful than this sad tragedy. So glad you are safe & made it home.
Thanks Lisa.
Lauren, the minute I heard about the bombings my thoughts turned to you being there and instantly my heart sank. I was able to get someone to help me find Jesse’s Twitter posts saying he had heard from you and you were okay. The pictures I have seen are unbelievable and it is hard to digest it is real life and not scenes from some movie. My prayers are with you, your friends and family, and everyone affected by this horrible event.
Thanks for thinking of me Jen. Those harmed in this act truly are a case of bad luck, and those who are safe, good luck. Senseless violence is so hard to process for this reason. The support of everyone for those in Boston really is making a difference to lift spirits. I hope you and yours are well.
Thought about you as soon as I heard about the bombing. I spent the next 20 minutes searching facebook for news from Jesse or Picky Bars. Thankfully Jesse posted right after hearing from you. So glad you are safe and so sorry you had to experience it all first hand.
So so sad. Thanks for thinking of me.
That’s exactly how it went down. Glad you made it out quick. We were lockdown for hours and when we got out, no trains or taxis. Ended up going the long way around the city to get to a friends rental car.
What a mess. I really did make it out at the last possible moment every step of the way. Good thing Boston was a safe place after the bombing for all the people who had to stick around.
So well put.
I’m glad you’re safe and sound.
Thanks Mollee.
We are still in shock and our hearts are broken. Thinking of those who are grieving and suffering.
Not something we will forget.
So Glad to hear you, lima bean and co. made it home safe and sound. It was a close call for me too which I also couldn’t help but write about. It truly made my weekend to talk to you about life, running and delicious picky bars at the expo. You guys are bombsauce and I’m so relieved that you are all okay. Hopefully, I’ll talk to you soon!
All the very best!
Thanks for spending time at the expo visiting and for commenting Fiona. It was nice talking to you, and best of luck with your running and work.
Wow. Glad you and your lima bean are safe. Thank you for writting this piece.
Thanks for the comment.
When I heard the news of the bombing, my first thought was “I hope Lauren is OK”. Then I thought, that’s kind of silly, I don’t even know her. I’ve never meet her, I only know her from her blog.
Then I read all of the comments. I see a lot of “…glad you are safe…” and “…thought about you as soon as I heard…”. Perhaps these are close friends of yours, or maybe just some of your readers like me.
I think the connection you have with your readers is very strong, much stronger that I have ever realized.
So, let me echo many of the comments I’ve read so far. I thought of you as soon as I heard about the bombing. And I’m glad you are safe.
Thanks Patrick. The closeness people feel to runners on a blog that share our passion is pretty indicitive of what we are seeing in the community response to what happened in Boston. We feel we know one another because we kind of do. Thanks for writing in.
Thank you so much for sharing… I got teary reading your report and sharing in your emotions… I had a friend running the race for the first time and am saddened that this event shadowed that huge accomplishment. But, again, thank you so much!
It’s something your friend will never forget, or any of us, that’s for sure. Congratulations to your friend on what is a huge lifelong accomplishment for so many people.
My local running community is getting a nation-worldwide running event happening tomorrow (4/17) please be a part and drop a pin on the google map so that Boston knows we are supporting them.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Run-For-Boston-417/613135315380603?group_id=0
Thirty years ago when Greg Meyer won the Boston Marathon, he dedicated his win to my Dad, Dan McClimon, (XC/Track coach @ University of Wisconsin) who had been killed a few days earlier in a plane crash. That’s what the Boston Marathon means to me.
It has such a rich history and so many people have their own special stories and memories connected with the event. It breaks my heart knowing that now there are families who will have grief associated with it.
It seems that running is a microcosm of life as a whole, so I guess we aren’t protected from pain and terror anywhere. Something you don’t think about when running free as a kid. Boston Marathon has lived a full life, like a wise old grandfather with everything from birth stories to battle wounds.
Lauren-from the moment I first found your blog I was attracted by your writing. It’s so clear concise and honest. I didn’t know you as Runner. When I found out you were going to be at the expo I made a point of visiting the 110% booth and even, gosh, butted in to ask a dopey question about how long the effect of the ice sheets last. You so kindly responded. (Of couse i bought a pair and used them in the marathon) Anyway. Up until the bombing on Monday that would have been one of the favorite memories of this marathon. It’s all changed- especially for the families who lost loved ones. This is just crazy.
Glad you are safe and hope we all figure out how to keep putting one foot in front of the other
Thanks for visiting me in Boston Charlie and for commenting here. I hope that the good memories get a chance to resurface and the accomplishment of the race gets a chance to bring satisfaction after the pain in Boston begins to subside, for all of us. No event is defined by one thing, but it sure does feel like it right now doesn’t it? Glad to hear you are safe.
I am glad you got out safe unscathed, Lauren. I wasn’t there because of injuries, and not real happy about it. After what went down, I know I don’t have it so bad. And it’s nice to see runners of your caliber get out and cheer too.
The sadness I think everyone feels over the Boston Marathon is palpable, for many reasons. The “it could have been me or my family” (I had a friend cheering in between the two bombs, I almost skipped school to go watch and cheer, what if I had been there and a few feet over?) to “why?” and so on and so forth. In addition, I feel sadness over the fact that such a joyous place – a marathon finish – line was turned into a war zone.
A friend worked 3.5 years to qualify for Boston, as so many do. The finish is often the culmination of an ultimate victory lap in a runner’s life. Then to have the support crew, who usually play a big role in getting you to that finish line, attacked just makes my heart hurt.
I know a lot of people went and ran today in memory. I was supposed to do a workout. But, I was too sad. Getting in a hard workout seemed sort of trivial.
I guess we all just hope for a better tomorrow.
Welcome home Lauren! Thrilled that you are safe.
Lauren, The one “must do” (other than pick up her #) my daughter had at the Expo was to meet you and we are so thankful that we were able to stop by to say hello and welcome you to Boston. After she finished the race yesterday, we stayed back for some time for our traditional lunch near the finish and when everything “happened” one of my thoughts was of you and your “Lima bean” and hoping you were safe. Glad to read that the “Transportation Angels” were looking out for you and your friends.
Laurel let us know you were safe it was horrible We were so glad leanne had finished and was safe block away Now question did u have to leave your luggage ?
Yoiu could be a writer u do so well so glad u and baby fine
So sorry Lauren, My heart goes out to the runners, their families and the community of Boston. I am so sad- not just for the physical victims and their families; but, to the runners who have put so much work into making their dream come true. It is not just another “bucket list” quest- it is a kinship among fellow runners (everyday people) to set a truly difficult goal, train hard, sacrifice many things and pursue: the best that they can be. I hope everyone who raced there that horrible day, works harder than ever to come back. Most importantly, enjoys every run more. A group of people I train with on the trails (Sunday long runs) down in Southern Oregon is having a memorial run (not a race) to raise some funds for the victims. It was on the Medford News. My friend Justin Rosas was also at Boston and will be leading the way. I am a runner!
I’ve read several accounts of that day, but you have a way of making it so real. Such a scary thing, I can’t even imagine. Glad you are safe. Evil is around, but good will prevail.
Your post about PTSD on twitter today got me thinking. As someone who has struggled for years with the disease, I hope you and others don’t fall into the same trap I did. It took a long time for me to ask for help because I’m a strong, independent woman so I should be able to take care of this myself I thought. For anyone who was there, please don’t hesitate to get help now even if the problems are small. The investment now will pay dividends later. It’ll take time to figure out what will help you the best and get you back to normalcy, but don’t give up. Whether it be a friend, a therapist or a run, do whatever it takes.
I am glad to know that you are safe. I feel sorry for those innocent lives that were claimed during the bombing. Lets keep them in our prayers the next time we go for the Bostom marathon again.
Edmund
I am going to start from scratch this time I think.
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