Boston is all in!

I arrived in Boston a little over a week ago, and from the moment I landed it became obvious - this is a city on the move. Running is a not just an activity here, it is a lifestyle and a mode of transport and a full out obsession. I arrived just in time for Marathon Weekend too which meant the whole city was buzzing with marathon madness... naturally I had to join in!

Just kidding! I am by no means a marathoner! I did however run the 5k race the day before the marathon and finished with a personal best time of 30:06! Definitely not world class but I was thrilled nonetheless. They even gave me a t-shirt and a finishers' medal - I was like a kid at Christmas!

The marathon itself was a great day too. It was literally 26.2 miles of street partying - people came out in droves to cheer on those crazy enough to run in the blistering heat (30 degrees Celsius at midday!) Boston really was all in. The sense of community was wonderfully conspicuous - people were cheering like mad for strangers, holding up signs of encouragement and making all kinds of noise as each wave of runners came by. I watched as two little sisters (reminding me of little Jessie and Kelsey) stood by the side of the road tenaciously holding out orange slices for the runners. When one runner finally took a slice from the older sister she literally squealed with excitement! There were also people who live along the marathon route who set up their own sprinklers next to the road so the runners could run through some refreshing cold water. I also heard that runners running for charity raised over $150 000 000 for various charities this year! Just wonderful!

We joined in all the excitement down the street from our house at mile 23. Standing among all that reverie, strawberry daiquiri in hand, I couldn't help but think of all the things going on that Saudi Arabia would deem "haram"; the alcohol being drunk, the pork being cooked up on the barbecues, the women in shorts and tank-tops, the fraternizing between men and women; and I loved it all! I am so glad and so thankful to be back!