An Open Letter about my Boston Marathon Experience (from 4/22)

I thought I would post this again as my May newsletter goes out.

I had written this in late April.

Thought you might like to read it.

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Dear Friends:

It’s taken me a week to process all the goings-on from last week.

I still can’t believe that the one year I chose to run this heralded race that it was chosen to be the target of terrorism.

I feel fortunate to be safe, and deeply saddened by those who were hurt, or worse.

First and foremost, you all deserve a huge thank you.

I was able to raise much more than I expected for Leukemia and Lymphoma research, thanks to you.

Usually, I would give a pithy little wrap-up about my race, that I finished without injury, and had a great time running through what was my old stomping grounds from 1996-2001.

My 13th race is under my belt.

But what an awful and tragic

end to a beautiful day.

I finished about 5 minutes prior to the bombing, and was close enough to hear the bombs, very loudly, and see the smoke.

With nowhere to go but forward with the rest of the finishers, I consider myself

lucky to have gotten to the Team in Training suite, gotten my street clothes, gotten on the Amtrak soon after the race with two close friends who also ran the race.

Boston is a marvelous place, with marathon fans that really do support in an outsized way.

We never got the opportunity to celebrate our finish as we should have, as the city should have.

What I will share is my gratitude for having so

many incredible people in my personal and professional life.

The

outpouring

of texts, emails, and calls from you and so many others was astonishing in its speed, volume, and quality.

This is my takeaway from the experience

and what I will focus on.

I’m glad to be unharmed, glad my wife only had 5 minutes during which she didn’t hear from me after the bombing, and glad to have a terrific network of supporters.

Thanks again for your generosity, in all its forms.

Fondly,

Scott