No act of terrorism is strong enough to shatter a tradition that belongs to American history

[The Straight Story]

Bombs at the Marathon

A marathon is the most unifying of sporting events. The city that shows up to cheer on thousands of runners doesn’t really know or care much about who wins; there are no sides to root for or against. Those who stand on the sidelines — as they have done in Boston since 1897 — come to celebrate runners from around the world. The country or neighborhood of origin of the competitors matters far less than their stamina.

On Monday, the weather for the 117th running of the Boston Marathon was cloudy and a little chilly — just the way runners like it. Three hours after the winners had broken the tape, there were still many runners on the course, and hundreds of spectators on the sidewalk, when an explosion rocked the finish-line area on Boylston Street, across from the main viewing stand. For a brief second, the flags of scores of nations were bent downward by the blast.

...

It could be a while before officials determine which malevolent ideology was behind this attack. President Obama vowed to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice, praising Boston as a “tough and resilient town” that will take care of itself and will be taken care of by the country. “The American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight,” he said.

The simple joy of a 26.2-mile run was shattered on Monday. But the marathon will be back next year, no matter how much security is required, and the crowds should yell twice as loudly. No act of terrorism is strong enough to shatter a tradition that belongs to American history.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/opinion/bombs-at-the-boston-marathon.html?smid=tw-share

[Honeycombe8]

1. Sorry, but I and many others aren't into running and didn't even know the BM was today.

It was news to me. I find it very odd to run long distances, unless you're entering the Olympics or something. Why would anyone want to do that? As opposed to, say, dancing? Doing home projects? Playing with the dogs or children? What is it these people do for a living that they have all this time to run and run and run? No grocery shopping to do? No home maintenance?

I have new shoes to buy, a tv to replace, drapery hardware to hang, grocery and home shopping to do, car maintenance, a full time job with commute time, movies with friends, a little exercise, walking the dogs, blogging, phone calling long distance relatives, etc.

[Art_from_Ark]

2. I knew a college professor who was into marathons

He said running helped to sharpen his mind for his research and classroom work, as well as give him stamina.

[Honeycombe8]

4. There's a point at which the running is harmful and doesn't increase stamina.

I think it's an addiction for some. It actually harms the joints and causes other injuries. And to have that much time, for marathons, the college professor must have a spouse who takes care of life's necessities. Otherwise, when he got home, the plumbing would be broken, there would be nothing to eat, the clothes would all be dirty, no clean dishes, the floors and furniture would be covered with dust, etc.

I don't have a spouse. It's me, myself, and I who has to do all these things. I also imagine that most of us work longer hours, incl. commute, than a professor, altho I'm not sure about that, if you count grading papers.

[ChazII]

3. Many runners run to raise money for research

for cancer, AIDS, Neurofibromatosis and many others causes.

The elite runners are poetry in motion. The PF Change Rock 'n' Roll Marathon goes through my neighborhood and the event brings folks out to cheer as runners elite and the ordinary Joe's go by. Having volunteered at water tables, finishing line or the expo it is a great feeling to know that one is part of a community. I admit I still don't understand the running of 26.2 miles and putting one's body through that torture but I do know the NF Endurance Team loves marathons.

Edited to add: I meant to respond to the first response not the original post.