Boston Marathon. Some Perspective

[Alabama Stakes]

I'd like to talk a little about the Boston Marathon for those who have never been. It starts early in our lives here. Going to the Sox game and then to the race afterwards starts young. It's better than opening day. There's no school, no work, nothing. At first, your dad takes you. As you get older you go with your buddies. When you are looking for your first action, you head out to Wellesley College and see if you find some ugly Welleseley chick drunk enough to give you a twirl. You could always sit on the route and drink beers and cheer for the skinny people. My preferred location is about a mile from the finish as they make the right turn onto Boylston st. People have slowed to a walk and we all get together to get them running again for that last mile. It works. It gives you a great feeling. The 26 mile flow of positive energy is a marvel similiar to the great vibe at Saratoga, or at a Grateful Dead show. Skinny people from all corners of the world, and even people from "parts unknown" come here to run, and as good hosts, everyone goes to the race and cheers them on. It's only right. Kenyans and Ethiopians are some of the coolest cats ever. They're coffee rules, too. Seeing the famous and not so famous is a great mix. The fast and the slow, tall and short. Seeing the Hoyts every year. News anchors, former sports professionals, politicians. It's a big deal for everyone. A point of huge pride for us. Right now most of us feel like we've been punched in the stomach (by me) i.e. really hard. Others feel like their hearts have been pierced. It hurts for sure. We'll find these guys and make examples of them. Please sent good healing vibes to those fighting these horrific injuries and especially to the Richard family who lost so much. Thanks in Advance. Dan from East Boston.