“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
I don’t even know what to say, but I feel like I need to say something.
First off, I am relieved that the marathon has been cancelled. I believe that the intentions behind continuing with it were good. I feel that the powers that be believed the marathon had brought people together in the past and it would do it again. Clearly, they were wrong.
I couldn’t get on board with the idea that I could wake up at 4:00a.m. on Sunday morning and be concerned about minute things like chaffing while heading to an island that was wrecked by Sandy. I no longer wanted to run.
Secondly, my heart is heavy with disappointment in human beings. The personal attacks and threats to runners I’ve witnessed over the past few days is beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I understand it was an unpopular decision to hold the marathon. I understand that people were upset. However, trolling social media platforms to say horrible things to and or threatening runners isn’t acceptable.
The amount of judgement and arrogance shown by these bullies sitting behind their computers was astonishing. Just because you’re a runner doesn’t mean you aren’t supporting relief efforts or doing good deeds in your community during a time of tragedy. You can be both.
At Girls on the Run we have a lesson about dealing with bullies, I never really thought that it was something that adults have to deal with, but we do. Here’s a tactic taught at practice: Stop, breathe, listen, respond(SBLR). Clearly, I need to work on the response part since I generally try to just ignore.
Anyhow, I don’t really know where I’m going with this but to sum things up: I’m relieved the marathon has been cancelled. I’m disappointed with the actions of others. I’m glad this didn’t continue any further and hope we can move on and focus on things that really matter.
Thank you for all of your support and love along the way.
Megan says
So well said! The outrage that has been going on through social media is just appalling. I totally agree with you about feeling relief that the marathon has been cancelled. I’m not sure why people don’t understand that you can sympathize with both the runners, who have trained their hearts out and are disappointed, and the victims, who are enduring a much bigger and horrific challenge. It’s really sad to see such a dark cloud over what is normally such a uniting factor to the city. Hopefully next year will be better. Hang in there!!
Amanda @ Click. The Good News says
I’m with you- mostly just relieved that they finally cancelled it. It’s a sucky situation all around- from the runners who worked hard & spent so much money to get there, but at the end of the day, that can’t even compare to the loss & grief experienced by all the people who have lost almost everything they own. I’m so so thankful that I caught the news just in time to not board our plane & I’m just hopeful that the NYC marathon can move forward in a way that restores their relationship with the city & also with the many runners who are very disappointed about the situation.
Lauren Slayton says
I think you summarized what many people are feeling and I think it means a lot coming from someone who had trained to run. So many of those little things chafing, watches and even workouts and details about diet seem to be insane considerations in the face of Sandy. I see what you mean that just because some were anti marathon doesn’t mean they were actively helping. However, I heard the converse “I’m running but I volunteer too” used by many runners. We all need to help and those of us with kids need to get them helping as well. As for bullies, threats and meanness are never right. I heard runners saying “people are being so mean”. Is voicing an opinion mean? Is saying, “I know you trained but despite what the city says resources are diverted elsewhere” mean? I sort of felt like many runners played the pity card for being criticized rather than looking at the intent- what’s best for the city and storm vitctims? I have a Philly race # if you or anyone would like to use it. I found out Red Cross isn’t taking clothes so off to figure out where to donate (not that easy to determine).
Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes says
I agree with you, Jess–I think they made the right decision. As a runner, I do feel for everyone–including–you trained hard and logged the miles, only to have a Hurricane Sandy wreak havoc and ruin marathon plans. During my bike ride on the West Side Highway path, there were so many runners out, and my heart really went out to them. I hope everyone finds an alternative 26.2 to run if that’s their goal.
lindsay says
i am relieved too. It’s such a heartbreaker, on both sides! but a relief now to focus on the city. Sending lots of love and prayers.
Jen says
I ran the loop in Central Park this morning, and even though I wasn’t running the marathon, I still felt sad as I passed the marathon signs, just because they seemed like a symbol of all the amazing work you and other runners put in this training season. It was so inspiring to see and read about, and I wish circumstances had been different. I agree, too, that it was a relief that this controversy could end and we could all focus on what really matters right now: recovery.
I’ve loved discovering the community of runners in New York, and I hated seeing it divided in this way. I really respect how well you handled the craziness.
cassie says
Hi Jess – I’m with you, I was so glad they cancelled the marathon. It’s sadden me that people can be so cruel, I just don’t understand. I know you trained like hell for the marathon and I feel for you and other runners but no that all your hard work will not go in vain. People hide behind their social media channels and use it for bad vs good. Thankfully you continue to use your platform to inspire and for good. All the best.
Jennifer says
It’s the Internet. A place where people grow a pair and spout off stupid empty threats that they normally wouldn’t say in public. You should see the stuff they’re saying about the victims just because they’re getting FEMA help. They spout off that the people are open for criticism because they’re getting federal assistance (at least I read 1 person say that), but these are people that have paid their taxes too. That person isn’t the only one in the country paying taxes. But again, people spout off stupid things behind a screen. I’ve read numerous times people putting that no one should be allowed to build near the beach again, but it was a freak storm something that hadn’t been seen for at least a hundred years, and it’s Mother Nature, you can live in a “safe” place and one day it’s not anymore. People way in land were affected just as bad too, so I guess no one should live on the east coast then by their logic.
But off my rant. I could see both sides, wanting to run, you’ve worked extremely hard. But I could see canceling it in the wake of what happened. That doesn’t mean the people against it should be attacking the runners, they haven’t done anything wrong. Protest the run, don’t make empty threats to people that can’t do anything about it.
Jess says
I’m totally with you. It was REALLY a late call on their part to cancel it as late as they did but I’m relieved that they did. For all parties involved. What a sad, frustrating time all around. I’m sending strength and prayer to all involved not just in the whole marathon business but anyone affected by the storm in and around NYC.