This is the last year we’ll be able to watch the Boston Marathon from our living room window because we are moving nearby but no longer on the route. I am happy that we were able to watch this special year, reeling from the bombings that affected everyone by two degrees of separation. It was especially weird for me because my office is at the finish line.
My kids spent the day on one side the street due to increased security wandering up and down a small stretch with their friends from our house to the marathon and back. The weather was perfect for the runners and many of our friends and neighbors were running for charities. My son’s soccer teammate’s dad ran for a particularly poignant cause. He was the soccer coach for 8-year-old Martin Richard who died last year from the bomb.
Over 100,000 daffodils bulbs were planted along the Marathon route to commemorate the victims of the bombings and more than 36,000 runners signed up.
PickyKidPix and I combined videos to compile our take of the elite leaders at mile 18: first the wheelchair leader, followed by the elite women who were in a tight pack and she caught the leader of the elite men’s while I captured the pack that followed behind.
This Flashmob video came out a few months ago. PickyKidPix’s club soccer friend is in this video.
BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.
Such a wonderful post, Mia! I LOVED the Valentine’s flash mob–such great spirit and energy. It definitely makes me more homesick for Boston!
Hi Maria,
Thanks so much! I loved the Flashmob video too and all the heroes from the Marathon bombing!!
The flash mob was inspirational. I haven’t actually seen one set up. So it was very cool to see. I think the nation saw a resilient Boston as well.
Hi Jim,
All of us in Boston know one person who died in the bombings through 2 degrees of seperation because it really is a small city and security was amped this year, even around my house at mile 18. It was a great marathon this year as everyone I know was determined to participate in some way to show support for the victims of last year and that Boston is stronger than ever.
I am so proud of Boston for how everything went with the Marathon this year. Very inspiring! I’m glad you were able to watch a happy race this year. Thank you for sharing your film footage!
Thanks so much MaryAnne,
I have more photos and I’ll try to make a movie. I tried using iMovie but it was a total fail. My girls are good at it but I am struggling! LOL!
We really enjoyed watching the marathon this year, so inspirational. It must be amazing to see these running greats pass right by your house! Enjoyed your videos too.
It would be cool to happen to see a flash mob!
Hi Ann,
I’d love to be a bystander to a flash mob performance too!! Thanks so much. We are moving so this is our last year with the marathon running past our house!
I love the “Marathon Man” 🙂
Thanks Erik!
It ended up warming up towards the early afternoon and I’m sure Marathon Man was hot in his costume when he ran past my house but he didn’t seem to care and was smiling and cheerful! Love that!
How cool, Mia! I love seeing this from your point of view- it must have been such a wonderful day.
Hi Jeanette,
It’s our last year to watch the marathon from our house! 🙁
Glad this year’s marathon was safe.
Thanks Max! We were relieved too but there were more security than ever to make sure! I saw five different police/military units on my street alone!