All over the country, runs have been scheduled in honor of the tragedy that took place at the Boston Marathon.  Pavement Runner, a fellow runner and blogger put together #BostonStrong – a chance for runners to come together in their own community and run for Boston.

In New York, I saw so many bloggers and friends getting ready to do #BostonStrongNYC, headed up by the amazing Abby at Run Stronger Everyday.  I was sad not to be able to run with my fellow New Yorkers since I just got a taste of how wonderful it is to run in NYC just 2 weeks ago during my triumphant Kick Ass 5K.

All was not lost because a member of the Pasadena Pacers running club organized the Unity Run at the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl and I was lucky enough to participate with three 5K first timers, my husband, Jay, the newly minted 6 year old, Wild Boy and our pug, Griffin.

Unity Run Pasadena, #BostonStrong

Messages For Boston

Unity Run Pasadena, #BostonStrong

Start Line, Unity Run Pasadena

I’ve written about how the events in Boston hits home for me but my family are also part of the running community – Wild Boy has already run 2 kid races and Jay has been a spectator at nearly every single race I’ve ever done.  If the bombing in Boston was in NYC or LA, any one of us could have been killed, hurt or traumatized.  My family and I are so very lucky and realize that so many people in Boston were not.

The running community and races have allowed my child to see some of the gold standards of humanity first hand: community, love, encouragement, joy, determination, perseverance, support, volunteerism, motivation, hope, and what one’s body, mind and health can help someone achieve.  Runners and races are unique – it’s an environment worth preserving for so many reasons.

It’s been estimated that 16 running clubs and nearly 700 people attended the Unity Run Pasadena (including my friend, Mr. Pasadena and his lovely family).

3.1 miles isn’t long but it wasn’t easy for a non-runner by choice, a non-runner by Physical Therapist order and a 6 year old – but it was the best reason to do a 5K ever.

Wild Boy didn’t even care that he didn’t get a medal.