south carolina

A week ago I got back from visiting my 26th state—South Carolina. Work was a little crazy in March and I hadn't left NYC in over 3 months, so was itching for a long weekend away. I was deliberating on where to go when a friend at work suggested the Charleston area. I figured it wouldn't be quite beach weather, but would be hopefully warmer than NYC. I just wanted a few days on my own, near the water, with drinks and a masseuse very accessible. I landed on Wild Dunes, about 20 minutes outside Charleston. 

southern sunset.

It was a very relaxing weekend. I pretty much hung outside as much as possible, whether I was reading and having a drink by the pool, or taking photos on my beach walks. I finished The Great Gatsby, did my long run (and some shorter ones), ate some good seafood, and got a little sun. It was quite nice (and I'm wishing I was back there as I write this). 

beach time.

On my last day, I spent the day walking around the lovely Charleston. I ate at Hyman's, walked through Charleston Place, and got some nice views of Battery Park and Rainbow Row. It was a nice quick trip away. Although when I checked my blackberry after I got home, I kind of wish it was a longer trip. I'd like to return and explore more of South Carolina, or even try to get to one of its neighbors North Carolina or Georgia soon. 

rainbow row.

we are runners

I woke up this morning and I had a lingering remnant of a bad dream. In my sleepy haze, people had gotten hurt and it had something to do with running. As I started to wake up, I came to the realization that it wasn't a dream.

After I checked my phone for updates, I put on my 2010 NYC marathon shirt and went running. I ran for Boston. I ran because I can. I ran because that is what runners do. 

I know that my solitary thoughts this morning were shared with the other runners in Central Park. We were all thinking of our families, our friends, and the residents of Boston. We were thinking of the 8-year old boy that lost his life. We were thinking of those that were injured. 

We were also thinking of all the good people out there. Those that ran to the explosion to help. The first responders who appeared immediately to take control of the situation. The people who've opened up their homes for displaced runners and friends. The communities around the country supporting Boston. 

Every time I see Boston Marathon Bombings in the media, I get a little teary-eyed. Then I get a little angry. How does something like this happen? How does an event where people of all races, genders, ages, and religions are pushing themselves physically, raising funds for various charities, and celebrating Boston and the American spirit end on such a tragic note? I was watching a live stream of Shalane and Kara battling for an American win. I was tracking my friends. I was waiting to hear all about the finishes. 

And then tragedy struck. I should have seen pictures of runners wrapped in foil with their medals, celebrating with their friends and family. I should not have seen a video of the bomb going off and pictures of spilled blood near the finish line. 

Over the last 24 hours, I've been emotional. I've tried hard to not break down. This was personal. My teammates and friends were there running and spectating. I was there in 2009 and 2011 with my family to watch my sisters run. Qualifying and running the Boston Marathon is one of my biggest running aspirations. I'm shocked, dismayed, sad, and angry. But runners are the strongest people I know. Everyone has dealt with their own personal tragedies and this horrific event is like any other senseless act. We will come out on top, all with the support of our spectators. Good people do outnumber the bad people. 

I will be in Boston next year. 

We will keep running and cheering. 

‘If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon’ - Kathrine Switzer