I didn't know if I wanted to write about 9/11/01.
I didn't think it seemed appropriate to tell you where I was.
Because I wasn't personally affected. Sure I was in Washington, D.C and my school was evacuated. I was 19 years old and pretty clueless about what was going on in the world. But I was safe.
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I've been watching tributes all week. I've cried a million tears. I've been heartbroken by these stories.I thought about how it could all relate to this blog.
And then I realized it does.
I have enormous respect and admiration for New York City and New Yorkers.
Boston will always be my home and have my heart. But I appreciate New York. Because New Yorkers are passionate about their city, about their people, their sports and cultures. I realize this every time I visit New York.
But I learned the most about New York the day I ran the
New York City Marathon.
New York is a microcosm of different cultures, ethnicities, sights, religions, loves, beliefs and faiths.
During those 26.2 miles, you never get near Ground Zero.
But the passion of New Yorkers is all around you. People of New York love their city. And they should. The city is resilient and full of life even after the worst tragedy since Pearl Harbor.
So if you are running the New York City Marathon this year, dedicate the race to the fallen. Run this race for the people who can't. When you go through all five boroughs, realize how lucky you are to be there. Realize how special this marathon is. Look around at all the New Yorkers cheering for you and savor in the many different sights you get to see while running 26.2 miles. The race is inspirational and moving. And this year, it means even more.
New York is a special special place. A place I will always love.
I will never ever forget what happened on 9-11-01.
Take a look at this commercial if you haven't seen it. Truthfully, seeing this ad inspired this post.
