A Marathon Monday Surprise
For those unfamiliar, the Boston Marathon isn't just any race—it's THE race. It draws an international field of the world's most elite runners, along with tens of thousands who have trained rigorously to qualify for this prestigious event. Additionally, there are a couple of thousand charity runners who raise $5K+ for incredible local nonprofits, earning the chance to be part of this extraordinary experience. Having a purpose, coupled with crossing the revered finish line, imbues the training with profound meaning.
Moreover, the marathon unfolds on Patriots Day, marking Boston's annual spring awakening. And yesterday, it certainly showcased this awakening! Patriots Day is when Boston officially emerges from its winter slumber. Daffodils line the course, exuberant cheerleaders and volunteers abound—it's unequivocally the best day of the year in Boston.
My alternate marathon began early in the morning at my ‘T’ stop en route to Dana Farber for treatment. On board, I spotted a few runners heading downtown to catch the bus to the athlete's village in Hopkinton—the marathon's starting point. Proudly donning my favorite Boston Marathon sweatshirt (just one of many!), I struck up a conversation with Chris and his companion Taylor, who boarded with me. When Chris asked if I was running, I shared that I've run 5 Boston Marathons, mostly fundraising for Dana Farber as part of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge team in the past. However, that day, I was headed to treatment instead. We exchanged good wishes as the train arrived.
Chris and Taylor headed to the start!
Moments later, Chris approached my seat and asked for my name; he wanted to run for me. Holding back tears (or at least some of them), I managed to say 'Kathy'. He smiled warmly, understandingly, and returned to his seat. After a few more minutes, he came back, asking if he could take a selfie with me to carry with him.
What a train ride it was. My heart overflowed. But the story doesn't end there...
After my hospital appointments, Henrik met me, and we made our way to the course to cheer on the runners, soak in the sunshine and the unparalleled atmosphere that defines the Boston Marathon. The weather, while challenging for the runners, brought out the incomparable spirit of #BostonStrong. Everyone was out in force! It dawned on me to check on Chris's progress (I had grabbed his number to track him). If the technology was functioning, he'd be running past us any minute. And there he was! He came over for a quick hug, and then he was off (reminder: I had only met him that morning while waiting for the T!).
Finally home, feeling almost as exhausted as if I'd run the 26.2 miles myself, I received a text from Chris:
"I was so surprised and so, so glad to see you out there! If I were running on the other side, I would have missed you entirely. Meeting you this morning and running for you today made my race so incredibly special. I'm sorry you're fighting whatever you're fighting, but you seem like a kickass strong lady!! I hope to see you on the course next year!
Some friends and I are going to Highland Kitchen tonight, if you wanna join and celebrate, we'd love to have you! No pressure at all, of course."
The universe indeed works in mysterious ways. I was deeply moved by this moment of serendipity and was reminded that you never know who you'll meet and how they'll unexpectedly touch your heart.
Thank you, Chris, for being a significant part of making a tough day full of grace and wonder.