For you, Boston

Yesterday my friend B and I took advantage of the stunning weather and went on an afternoon walk of Charles and Newbury Street. We were engrossed in a discussion of professional development, and the struggles of being in our early twenties. We stopped by the finish line of the Marathon and saw the throngs of people picking up their medals and reuniting with their families with such a look of accomplishment and joy. I thought to myself "There's no way I have the endurance- I barely finished a 5k last year, but wouldn't it be great to run a marathon some day." It was so inspiring to see the people who had just accomplished a battle of determination and endurance that we walked on Boylston Street from Dartmouth to Hereford and back, and then stopped to take some photos outside of Marathon Sports.

I don't know why, but we decided to turn and walk towards Newbury Street when suddenly the world stopped. We heard two loud booms, which sounded like cannons, and then saw people running. I was so confused, approaching terrified, but I just knew that I should keep walking. Police officers started running past me, and then an onslaught of police cars, EMS vehicles, and unmarked cars started whizzing by. We picked up the pace and walked to the Common as we frantically called our parents to let them know that we were all right, while trying not to cause a panic to those who may not have known yet.

It wasn't until this morning that it really sunk in just how lucky we really were. I was standing directly behind the flags moments before, where there is now footage of police ripping down the barricades to save spectators. I have photos of people sitting in bars that I can now recognize as the injured in news coverage. (Don't worry, I already sent the FBI everything.) I thank my lucky stars that I am safe, and my heart breaks for those who are not and their families.

Along with so many others, I've been trying to wrap my head around all of this, and just want to do something. Though there's a list of the ways to help on the websites, I want to do something more drastic. I want to do something to remember the lives that were lost and the perfect day that was ripped away. And so I've decided to dedicate the next year to training for the 2014 Boston Marathon. I'm sure I'm far from the only one - they just put together the One Fund Boston nonprofit to help those affected, and more information will come out in the following days.

But 364 days from now, I'll be running for the 177 injured and 3 killed yesterday. I don't care if I have to crawl over the finish line. Every morning run, evert blister, every toe nail that falls off will be my way of  remembering those individuals and the way that a perfect, inspirational day was taken from all of us in such a cruel and cowardly way. This is for you, Boston.