I woke up today with an email alert from my alma mater, Boston College, telling me that campus was closed and students were urged not to leave their dorm rooms as the whole city was on lock down. Just when I thought the madness was starting to end and city was starting to heal, additional deaths were reported and the remaining suspect was still at large.

It’s been a rough week. I also learned that one of my classmates’/and one of B’s suitemates’ brothers was seriously injured, along with his wife, in the week’s attacks. We’ve donated to their medical expenses, I wore blue and gold twice this week AND I’ve vowed to run at least 26 miles this week in honor of all those affected – but still, what else can we do besides sit back, watch, hope for the best, and stay positive?

It’s hard feeling helpless … but I’ve started to realize that what we CAN do is stay together and show our support. From wherever you are. I’m so proud that even in Cleveland, we’re doing what we can. That’s why I hope you’ll join local runners tomorrow morning for Silent Saturday.

From the website:

Running together to show our support.

This Saturday , April 20th we will be running in Downtown Cleveland – to mourn those lost, those hurt, and show our support for everyone affected by the tragedy in Boston. I’m not quite sure how many will be there. This isn’t a race, this isn’t an “official” event – it’s just a way to show support, together. Please spread the word to runners and running clubs in the Cleveland area. Please join us.

Before the run, I am hoping that we can share a brief moment of silence – maybe pray, maybe reflect – just take a minute or so of silence to take everything in together before we head out.

There are two suggested routes on the website (3 and 6 miles)and I don’t yet know if I’ll be in attendance, but if not, I’ll be thinking of all those affected and staying positive as I think of all the survivors and the kindness and generosity that is being shown during these difficult times.

So, to those in Boston, please know that this New Yorker, living in Cleveland, is thinking of you.

“If you’re trying to defeat the human spirit, marathon runners are the wrong group to target.” -David & Kelvin Bright #runforboston

— Real Runners (@RunningQuotes) April 16, 2013