A Mom's View of the B.A.A. Mile

  A friend of mine asked me what it was like as a Mother to watch my son cross the finish line at the B.A.A. Mile in Boston. Just reading the question brought forth the wide range of emotions I felt that day and the days leading to it.

  It started with the initial invitation letter. I knew that he would be running, but to see it in print was pretty exciting. He of course, was all about the competition. Who else would be running, past times and how he would do. For me, it was that and so much more. It was ‘this’ year. The year after the unthinkable. The culmination of a year that brought us together; in strength, compassion and the resolve to run again. Such an important year and my ‘baby’was going to be part of it.

  The next few weeks were filled with day to day routines and planning for the big event. What time to leave, logistics, etc. Then the package came filled with running attire and the credential that would allow me to join him in the tent. So thrilling! We were less than a week away and the coverage for the marathon was really starting to ramp up. The track meet before the race Mike came in second to Newton North in the 800. And not a distant second, second by well, .2 seconds! I give this information because as a non-jock, I am constantly amazed at what my son has done and continues to do. I’m also incredibly proud and impressed by the running community as a whole. This level of support highlighted because of recent events? This is not new; it’s the norm for runners. They are a special group and I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in it at the Holy Grail…the Boston Marathon finish line!

  The day was finally upon us and much to my relief, the possible rain broadcasted earlier in the week turned into a clear, spectacularly sunny day. We headed in early knowing that parking in Boston is a challenge on a regular day, a fact played out by the numerous ‘full’ signs we saw in front of parking garages. The other thing flooding the area? Yellow and blue, in the signs, on the people and in the daffodils found everywhere. It was stunning and not the first time I would catch my breath that day.

As we made our way to check in, my son started to really feel the emotion of the day. He was excited, nervous and ready. I would have the exact same feelings later as his name was announced at the start line.

  The other thing I noticed stopped me in my tracks. One name on the back of yellow shirt; Martin Richard. In that moment I was reminded that in all this celebration there was also unbearable loss. Clearly this young boy touched many lives as I would watch a sea of these shirts in the Tribute Race minutes later. We also saw many with ‘Survivor’ on the back and folks making the journey with prosthetic legs. There were tears, smiles, cheers, overwhelming inspiration and I was honored to bear witness to it all.

  The next race was the middle school 1k. (Note to self, lobby for more track availability in all three middle schools here in the ‘ham!) What a great event to jump start a high school track career! They were fun to watch and it gave us an idea of what to expect when the high school races started.

  The high school girls would race first, it was a thrill to watch them approach the start line and have their names announced! There was also a large screen to follow the runners when they were out of our eye sight, something I would be very thankful for when Mike ran! Mia and Julie did a great job as they always do. It’s been a real pleasure following them these past few years.

   Finally, it was time for my track star! We made our way to the Grandstand and upon finding out our son was racing, were given a front row seat by some folks already there. The ladies next to us asked who he was because they had been cheering all day for whoever was sitting next to them. How great is that?? I will forever be grateful for the kindness of strangers and if ever in the position, will return the favor!

  As Mike and his teammate Matt approached the start line, I could not have been prouder. I should also say that I loved the fact that Matt was running with Mike because he has truly been a great friend and mentor, we will miss him as he graduates this year but are excited for his bright future.

The race was a total of three laps and my heart leapt every time I saw my son on the screen, he was holding his own and looking good. Did I yell every time he passed us? Um, yes, I am one of those Mothers. Does he ever hear me? No and that’s probably a good thing! I always say I won’t, but once the race starts something happens and I just can’t help myself. Particularly when he’s doing well. Because really, if I yell loud enough, won’t that pull him over the finish line faster? It won’t? Really?

  The final straightaway turned out to be quite a thriller as Mike pulled ahead from 5th to 4th. He crossed the finish line full speed, sweating and victorious. My fellow seatmates cheered right along with us and as we left, we were given many congratulations and smiles. Matt would come in 8th and both Framingham teams would place third for the Scholastic Mile. A great outcome for Framingham!

For all our runners, this race may have only lasted a few minutes, but the afterglow will last a lifetime. For this spectator, I am continually inspired and proud of our young people. For all those worried about the future? Fear not because there are some really spectacular young adults coming up behind us.

And finally, for this Mom, I spent the day buzzing with excitement, weepy with pride and overwhelmed by just how strongly you can love your child. It is a gift taking this journey and I am grateful for every single moment.