Whether you’ve crossed it as a runner or watched it as part of the crowd, there’s no place on Earth quite like a marathon finish line – especially the Holy Grail of races, Boston.

Although I’ve never run the race myself, some of my fondest running-related memories were made on the Boston Sports Clubs‘ (BSC) rooftop near the race’s finish line, where I worked part-time as a personal trainer while in grad school.

The entire staff would gather above the entrance and cheer runners on for hours at a time, relishing in watching the range of emotions as they crossed the line – pure joy, relief, pride…and a thousand other thoughts at once.

That’s why it’s especially painful and surreal to see the stark contrast in this year’s coverage – of the same exact place where so many good memories have been made. Except now, in one moment, it’s been marred by an unbelievable tragedy. An incomprehensible act of evil.

But only momentarily will we falter. Little do they know they picked the wrong city and the wrong group of people. Boston is tough and has so much heart – and so do runners – which is why I know we will prevail and not allow this to let us lose our faith in humanity.

I think Kristin Armstrong said it best in her reflection on yesterday’s race, saying:

We cannot undo the evil that was done. But we can inhibit the goal of division. Let’s do that. Let’s not give them the pleasure of our division, the foothold of our futility.

Let’s instead do what runners do best. Let’s be strong. Let’s be patient as information comes in. Let’s pace ourselves. Let’s endure. Let’s close the gap and tighten up the pack. Let’s recover together.

The road ahead is long. But little do they know, we’re good with that.

Join me in praying and offering miles for the good people in Boston.

Yes, Kristin – I will be praying and running today for all those who cannot.