The Adventures of Running Lisa

Ok. I’m going to rant for just a minute, then I’m not talking about this any more. Also, I might use some inappropriate language, so Grandma, if you’re reading this, please stop now. The NYC marathon is scheduled to go forward as planned this Sunday, just 5 days after hurricane Sandy devastated much of the area. A lot of people are upset about this, which I understand, but please don’t take it out on the runners. A lot of the comments I’ve read are things like “The runners should be ashamed of themselves.” You know what? A lot of them feel conflicted about this moving forward, even after all their hard work and training, but they’re doing something about it. The New York Road Runners, the organization that puts on the marathon, is donating a million dollars to Sandy relief. They’re also asking each runner to donate $26.20 to help the recovery. Some of them have put together last minute fundraising pages to the Red Cross. I heard someone recommend that each runner should be asked to bring canned goods, bottled water, blankets, etc to be handed out to residents in need on Staten Island. They’re trying to turn this into something positive and people are still spewing hate and negativity. NOT COOL. There are people that will be running this weekend that are without power, water, food. Their homes have been destroyed. They’re sleeping on friends’ couches and THEY’RE STILL RUNNING. To me, that is the epitome of hard work and resilience, which is exactly what the city needs right now. Don’t taint this with your negativity. Not to mention a lot of local businesses need the money the marathon brings in, or they would be financially crippled. So my suggestion to anyone that thinks this is a terrible idea? Don’t blame the runners. Donate money to the relief then get out there and support the runners. Spread positivity. Or better yet, on race day, get out there and volunteer. Work at a shelter. Hand out food and water to people that need it. If you’re not doing SOMETHING, then don’t shit all over people that are trying. Marathons are about over coming adversity. We can only over come if we all work together.

Now, I’m signing off of everything social media related until after the marathon. See you all on Monday!