I don’t know how I should do this. I am creating this post with a heavy heart. I was very excited to share my recap of my Boston trip with you guys, but things have changed after the incident. It will not be like how I had planned it to be.
Yes, I was there in Boston with my husband’s family during the marathon weekend events. Like every runner’s dream, I was excited to have a glimpse and be part of one of the world’s greatest running event.
I was all smiles and so inspired by the happy atmosphere until a friend called on Monday checking if I was ok. I asked why. That’s when I learned about the explosion that was near the finish line, where we walked and took pictures!
(Thank you to everyone who were checking on us, calling and texting. We appreciate all your concern for us. We love you all!)
We are so thankful that we stuck to our plan of going back home to Ohio on Sunday because my husband had work the next day or else we would have been there watching the race on Monday. Of course we would have chosen to watch the race in the best spot – near the finish line.
I am so saddened and shook up by all of this. This saddens me and really hits home as a runner, right to the very core of my heart. How can an inspiring and joyous event like this be overshadowed by something so cruel?
It’s hard to find balance after all this tragedy, but I will try my very best to write this post and share the memories I had in the beautiful city of Boston.
We got in Boston Thursday night.
Since it rained so hard on Friday, we rescheduled our tour of Downtown Boston to Saturday.
We decided to take a trip to Rhode Island to check out the Newport Mansions.
The mansions are incredible! Seeing them really brings the era of the gilded age to life. Absolutely stunning! Amazingly detailed from floor to ceiling. The self-guided audio tour through each of the houses was fantastic! It took us all day (we took a lunch break in between) to tour the five different mansions.
My favorite mansion is “The Breakers”.
got a souvenir Christmas tree ornament
Saturday weather forecast was beautiful – chilly and sunny, perfect to walk around Boston! We anticipated heavy traffic and lack of parking spaces so we opted to take the subway going to downtown.
Subways were packed but everyone was in happy spirit for the marathon.
We got off the subway and walked to our first destination, John Hynes Convention Center for the Boston Marathon Expo.
As we were heading to the expo, I saw a lot of athletes and runners alike roaming around downtown. Thousands and thousands of runners, family, and friends were sharing in the excitement. The atmosphere just made me feel very “at home”, a special feeling of a bond.
For me, this expo is the grandest of all race expos! We had a fun time exploring around.
Entrance to the Boston Marathon Expo
It was super crowded but that didn’t stop me from checking out booths of my favorite running gears.
Newton Running Booth
I thought the Brooks Running booth was cute.
Brooks Running booth
I couldn’t let this section pass. I just had to leave a mark.
We got to see Ryan Hall! 🙂
I planned to stalk as many running idols as I could. I was hoping to see Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher and ask them to sign my Runner’s World magazine. I love them both! Unfortunately, I was unable to find a schedule when certain people were going to be at the expo.
I wanted to buy the official Boston wind breaker as a souvenir, but for $100, I didn’t think I’d really wear it that much, so I passed. I got this North Face hoodie ($55) instead which I know I will definitely wear more often.
I got Sparkly Soul headbands, Injinji socks and a few other things to “commemorate the experience” (excuse of a girl who just likes to shop. I love shopping for running gears! 🙂 )
After the expo we made our way to check out the finish line.
After that, we went for a Duck Tour. It’s a great way to see the historical sites of Boston. We got a lot of laughs out of the tour. Our driver was very funny and informative. I learned a lot of American history from him.
Our driver let me try driving the duck boat. It was fun! I hope I didn’t scare the passengers. 🙂
The best part of Boston for me is the history. There were so many wonderful historical places to see. I just recently migrated here in the US (3 years ago) and I learned a lot of US history from this trip.
I love the city’s old architectural designs. It reminded me of old European cities like London and Italy. I find it very artsy and interesting.
Located in the middle of the historic square is Quincy Market. Huge building with tons of food choices!
Come grab some Boston Chowdah!
What is your favorite word to say with a Boston accent? I love the word “pissah”. 🙂
Other interesting things I saw while walking around Boston.
As we were walking down Hanover, we noticed this crazy line outside Mike’s pastry shop. This must be something extraordinary. The line was long but it was moving fast. We got a slice of Ricotta cheese cake and different kinds of cannolis.
The sight of so many different flavors of cannoli makes this place my kind of dessert heaven.
So, my verdict, delicious huge cannolis! You know when you have one of those desserts that completely knocks your socks off? This is it. Their cannolis are simply out of this world good!
I fell in love with Boston. It became one of my favorite cities in the U.S. I would definitely recommend visiting if you haven’t done so already.
Thanks to my sister-in-law, Ate Lara and Kevin for touring us around BOSTON.
All my enthusiasm and excitement watching the marathon changed on Monday, April 15th, 2013 when I learned about the explosion.
As with most runners across the nation, in honor of those affected, my husband and I wore our race shirts proud yesterday for #raceshirttuesday with a heavy and grieving heart. I did a lot of reflecting the past few days. This tragedy reminded us to hold our loved ones close, to thank every single person who cheers for us and be thankful for our everyday blessings.
This is why I love the running community. Miles apart, runners still unite. We are all strangers, yet we have created relationships with each other. We showed support despite not knowing each other. Runners are amazing group of people.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and families of those who were injured or lost their lives. We can’t imagine the heartache they will endure in the days ahead.
I still get goosebumps when I watch the news but I won’t let this fear get in between the love I have for running. I will run farther and train harder more than ever.
We will move on and we will keep on running!
Much love and lets #prayforboston.
❤ Ja
Ja on the RUN 