My heart has been heavy all day since hearing of the terrorist attack in Boston. The city will always be special to me – every time I visit I get excited when the Boston and Cambridge skyline comes in to view, and so many memories and friendships come from my time there.

Patriots Day / Marathon Monday was always a day to look forward to and celebrate – it meant Spring was coming, the Red Sox were playing, and school was almost done.

MIT AXO Boston Marathon Water Booth Volunteers, 1999

In addition to being a spectator a few times, I had the chance to be a Boston Marathon Volunteer with my AXO sisters, and ran it in 2000 with Jennifer Long Maxwell (along with a lot of support of friends along the way).

MIT AXO Boston Marathon Water Booth Volunteers, 1999

I’m praying for and thinking of those impacted by what happened today,and I know that the spirit, support, perseverance, and kindness brought out each year in the running of the Boston Marathon will endure.

Banner to cheer me on when I ran the Boston Marathon in 2000