My daughter Erin Kelley is running her 4th Boston Marathon this year. Feel free to track her at Bib 31977.
As I write this the Sunday a week before, the realization she’s really running it again is hitting me. Last year, she ran and her parents, family and fiancé were near the finish line.
The pre-Marathon buzz is hitting its own stride, with the coverage feeling about 25% looking forward and 75% looking backward. I don’t want to look back, and only want to look forward.
Friends have asked how I feel about her running. In a word, “apprehensive.” Like her family, she fortunately got through last year without a scratch, although there is definitely scaring. So as a family we are making some changes.
- Last year my son and his wife participated, this year they are staying away from the finish with our grandbaby.
- Erin needs to answer her phone this year. My sense is we should have a designated caller if there is an issue; so many people want to call and reach out. So she needs to know if it is “April” calling she should answer.
- We are also looking at improved tracking. The Marathon sends out updates and we find they are very delayed. We need to know where she is.
- We also need to know where we should meet up if we get separated. Last year we did get separated, and it was hours to be reunited. And the meeting place can’t be close to the Marathon route. I wore a brightly colored hat last year, mostly because I like the hat. This year I will be wearing bright for visibility.
Erin ran the New York Marathon last fall. Security was tight, and her fiancé and I were still able to track her and meet up with her along the course.
So ask how I feel about meeting her along the path. I have a gnawing in my (expansive) gut. Who knows if a nutjob will try a copycat move? At the same time I will not live my life in fear, and while I will be looking out for and avoiding any pressure cookers on the course, parents support their children no matter what.
Erin will run. We will run after her. Any obstacle will be overcome.
Boston Strong.