ICON | Kathrine Switzer

I'm depressed about the news, as we all are. While I'm not sure it's appropriate for a blog like this to comment on the tragedy at the Boston Marathon, it's on my mind. When we stop for a second and reflect on Monday's atrocities—the fear, the panic, the violence—the one uplifting notion that shines through has been the strength and courage we've seen in ordinary people determined to act in extraordinary ways. The people that ran towards the explosion to help others, the people that took in the temporarily displaced, the people that acted out of pure kindness—that's what I try to think about when processing such a senseless act.

While this is no way meant as an exact parallel to what happened on Monday, the same words, bravery and resilience, come to mind when describing Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to enter the Boston Marathon in 1967. Her story is incredible, and I highly encourage you to watch the short video below from the PBS documentary Makers: Women Who Make America. I found an old quote by Switzer that gave me the chills, but upon further reflection found it was prescient in a way Switzer could have never imagined as we witnessed such a large force of humanity responding to such a small-minded act of terror.

"If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon." —Kathrine Switzer, 1967.

Our hopes, prayers, and positivity go out to all those effected by this horrible tragedy.

Comments

MELI. said…
well said, a very human post lizzie.
this has been devastating to know that there are people that achieve such tremendous goals and people that have the mentality to cause such terrible things. so sad. the quote by switzer is indeed chilling.

just this AM I sent one of my GFs videos of the olympic champ allyson felix as she didnt know who she was, the niketown in SF has a big foto of her in their window.
<3 my thoughts are with boston +the people from all places +walks of life that participate :(
Mamavalveeta03 said…
You're absolutely right to share these thoughts, Lizzie. I've been watching the series, "Makers", on PBS and I find it inspiring that there are so many strong women that paved the way for me.
My prayers are with the people of Boston, and our world!
Unknown said…
A powerful sentiment to the human condition. I just ran my second 5k on Sunday and I always said if you saw me running there must be something scary coming. Now in reflection I am happy to have started running and even with this horrible act I hope that someday I can have the strength to run a marathon. I am not surprised runners were the first to help, it takes an incredible spirit to run. Amazing to see a woman as well paving the way.
Anonymous said…
Epic video, thanks for sharing.
Cait Kovac said…
Thank you for sharing this.
Marianne said…
Thank you for sharing that very powerful quote. So appropriate. I am fortunate to live 2 blocks from the marathon route and find it an exhilarating experience to cheer on the runners. Its simply my favorite day of the year. I'll be back next year - cheering louder than ever!
Anonymous said…
As much as my sympathy goes out to the two victims that died. I am much more pained by the three bombs that the US government dropped in Iraq and Afghanistan killing hundreds of people at the same time this happened. One at a wedding killing about 70 people and another two in civilian areas killing over a 100 people. The world is full of heartless people. But the good that people MAKE happen outshines everything else.
Sarah said…
I applaud you for being one of the only blogs I read daily to even mention the tragedy. This is an event that affects a huge number of people in some way and it is important to acknowledge what happened. As an avid reader of your blog I appreciate your post. I'm very intrigued by the "Maker" show on pbs and will have to check it out!
Anonymous said…
Thank you.

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