Thursday, April 24, 2014

Boston Strong!

Patriot's Day. Better known as Marathon Monday. 

This year was even more special; the 118th running of the marathon was going to be better and stronger and ever. However, another big part of Marathon Monday is the 11am Red Sox game. I was able to go this year (!) since a friend scored tickets! 
The energy was amazing. The city and stadium felt alive. The ceremonial first pitch was thrown out by someone who survived the bombing last year, he was the last survivor to leave the rehab hospital. Talk about strong and resilient! 
This jersey was created right after the marathon last year by Jonny Gomes - it hung in the dug out all last year, it even went on every road trip - now, it has a special place in Fenway. The vibe was just amazing; marathon day puts a super charge in the city, and today, it was super charged. Usually every fan is in a Red Sox shirt of some kind: today it was a mix of marathon garb, Sox shirts, and Boston Strong t's. Even I didn't know which to put on!
Let's just say the Sox were late to show up, by the 4th it was 6-0, Orioles...but still, Fenway + Red Sox.
In between innings they kept showing marathon highlights. When this flashed the crowd went nuts. First time in 31 years an American had won the marathon and he did it this year. Even the players on the field were applauding. 
Suddenly, we had a ball game too. The Sox bats came alive and the energy in the stadium was beyond amazing. It's a miracle I still had a voice from shouting so loud! It was high five-city every few minutes, but sadly, the rally fell short and they lost 7-6. Not a win, but a great game, and it's was a serious win to be at the Marathon Monday game.

After the game, the focus switched to the real main event of the day. Fenway is right around 1 mile from the finish line. And about 3.5 hours into the race tons of people were still streaming towards Boylston St. 
One of the things that makes this marathon so special is the crowd. People cheer for compete strangers and nothing is better than seeing a runner pick up the pace when they hear a random stranger shout their name.
His shirt says it all: we're back. It was a perfect day: the stories of survivors walking across the finish line, the camaraderie, the tears of joy, the record number of runners.

What a year it's been, what a city I call home. Boston Strong!
Little by Little

15 thoughts on the matter:

Anonymous said... {Reply}

How absolutely awesome that you could be there and be a part of it all!

Suburban Girl said... {Reply}

Exciting for you and I was so thankful there were no copycats this year!

Adrienne said... {Reply}

You captured the feel of the day just perfectly!!

Karen said... {Reply}

What a glorious day!

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said... {Reply}

What an awesome day all around!! Thanks for sharing!

Taz + Belly said... {Reply}

So cool!! I would love to watch the marathon in Boston one year. Definitely on my bucket list :).

Party of 5 said... {Reply}

So nice to be a part of that Tamar! Love your photos.

Buckeroomama said... {Reply}

I always feel the excitement of a baseball game through your posts on the subject, even though I've never ever been to one. :)

Kim Stevens said... {Reply}

Oh wow Tamar, I have tears. You told this so well, and I felt the excitement build as I kept reading! Thanks so much for sharing this, the photos tell a great story all by themselves!

Kim said... {Reply}

Awesome! I have chills! Loved your narrative that was feel with excitement. So thankful for resiliency and not succumbing to fear.

Carol Blackburn said... {Reply}

Hi Tamar, it sure sounds like a very exciting and inspiring day.

tiarastantrums said... {Reply}

wow - what an amazing day!

Deanna said... {Reply}

Go Boston....what a wonderful day you had, so glad you got to enjoy both!!

Sharon said... {Reply}

Awesome! "We're back" -- gives me goosebumps. How exciting for you to be right there to celebrate this day. Boston strong!

Dara @ Not In Jersey said... {Reply}

very cool experience. I have always wanted to cheer on marathoners!