NOVA Remembers Boston

by Erin Masterson

The NOVA community has been deeply saddened by the recent events that took place at the Boston Marathon on 15 April 2013. A race of such historical and personal significance, not only to the running community, but to the entire city of Boston and many of our sister cities around the world, represents the best of what we seek to achieve as athletes. The bombings at the finish line of the marathon, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to 176 others, followed by the events leading to the capture of the suspects, were therefore even more egregious to all in this community. To harm those runners who are seeking to achieve a significant personal goal is an affront to all those who work a lifetime to accomplish it, and to those family and friends who support us along the way. We are grateful that the suspects have been captured and justice may now be served. And we look forward to racing again, to honor and commemorate those who have been harmed, to demonstrate our resilience, and celebrate our continued accomplishments in the face of adversity. 

Two members of the NOVA Running Club ran Boston that day, and we are glad to report that both are safe. Jay Jacob Wind had finished the marathon with a strong time of 3:37.39. He was in a bus changing clothes when the two bombs exploded. He says, "I mourn and pray for the victims of the senseless bombings at the finish line of the Boston Marathon." Mr. Wind directs the Potomac River Run Marathon, which will take place on Sunday, May 5, and plans to donate $1,000 to The One Fun Boston (www.onefundboston.org), the charity established by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Mennino to aid the victims and their families. Others can donate to this fund as well. 

Erin Masterson, NOVA Board Secretary, also ran the race and finished with a PR in  NOVA Team Member Erin Masterson before the Boston Marathon  (photo by Erin Masterson) 3:20.45. She was two blocks past the finish line at the time of the bombings. She is thankful to be safe along with her brother and friends who were safe with her as well. Running her first Boston Marathon, she reports that it was one of the most amazing experiences of her life, and though it was a followed by a tragic turn of events, she holds the positive memories of the day close to her heart. Her first Boston race therefore was a combination of very happy personal accomplishment, and devastation for all those who were harmed. She is determined to run Boston again next year, and keeps the faith for Boston alive. NOVA Coach Jerry Alexander offered his thoughts on the events. He says, "The bombing put the race into perspective for me. Earlier in the day, I was anxiously watching the results to see how my athletes were running. Later in the day, I was anxiously watching my emails awaiting word that all of my athletes were safe. When real life intrudes so dramatically, and in this case tragically, into what should be a joyous occasion, it makes us all realize what is important, and that running is not the be all, end all that we can sometimes make it into." NOVA legend Betty Blank, a veteran of eight Boston Marathons (PR 3:04.15), says, "We should be able to celebrate our runners rather than be grieving for the loss of loved ones. I love this course and the spectators are fantastic!! Never will you ever run a marathon with so many people screaming and cheering you on. I was watching the marathon on TV when I saw that a bomb went off. I was in shock, I felt the pain, and I truly wish I was there to help people to a safe place. Next year, we will see Boston stronger than ever!!! We will look back to this tragic event and be stronger for it and hang on to each other and love each other even more. 118th Boston Marathon - Boston or Bust!!!" NOVA continues to keep in our thoughts the victims of the Boston Marathon and all who were affected by this tragic event. Though never forgotten, we look towards the day when the sad memories of this day are lessened. We will run again, proud for our accomplishments and thankful for our families and friends, without whom these achievements would not be possible.