Thankful & Inspired | The Boston Marathon


This past Monday thousands of runners lined up to start a race that takes place every year- the impact that some left behind on the course is truly amazing!! If you’ve never watched a Boston Marathon, it’s not just the finish line that is impressive, it’s the entire 26.2 mile stretch, lined with spectators cheering on every single runner to push them to the finish, it’s a sight to be seen! After the elite runners pass by and claim their trophies, it’s the rest of the runners that leave an impact on you! Some run to prove to themselves that they can do it, others run to raise awareness for a cause deeply rooted in them and some run for those who can’t! 




I wanted to share a few truly remarkable stories with you and hope it moves you the same way it moved me.



A Symbol of Inspiration 


A 39-year old Venezuelan man with muscular dystrophy completed his 5th – yes you read that correctly, 5th marathon and finished almost 20 hours after the race started! I saw the story oddly enough while I was running on a treadmill with tears streaming down my face – the strength and courage of this man and the wisdom that he has been able to impart on so many people will forever be engraved in my mind. You can watch part of the video here



A Symbol of New Beginnings


Rebekah Gregory, Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor, ran the last 3.2 miles of the race and when she crossed the finish line it was nothing short of amazing! Just six months prior to the race, she had undergone another operation and to see her RUNNING alongside so many other’s was amazing! You can see her crossing the finish line here and hear how this is the start to her new life! 





A Symbol for Peace – Team MR8



You’ve probably seen the face of Martin Richard, who was one of the victims of the 2013 Boston Marathon tragedy. Shortly after the marathon, a picture of Martin started circulating and gave new meaning to what we should all be focusing on!! With over $780,000 raised, a team of 73 runners participated in this years marathon!! And one of the best stories to come from the race is the engagement of two MR8 runners at the finish line! 






After really processing the reasons why thousands of runners from across the world come to participate in this race – I’m just left feeling so thankful! Thankful for all the blessings in my life, particularly health which I tend to not think about daily. 



I also want to leave this post off on fun and light note and wanted to share one of the best pictures I’ve ever taken and it happens to be of the winner Lelisa Desisa – I took this as he was jetting past our house…it was also picked up by CNN 🙂


 


I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday! 


xo,

post signature

Share:

76 Comments

  1. Andrea Nine
    April 23, 2015 / 11:35 am

    What beautiful inspirations!!! I admit I have cried too watching the footage. That amazing man with MD makes me want to hug him and thank him!!! So glad you got these awesome pics!! So meaningful and the race epitomizes so much more than running. 🙂 xo

    livingoncloudandreanine.blogspot.com

  2. Chesson | Magnolia+Main
    April 23, 2015 / 11:37 am

    That's why I love watching the Boston Marathon – it isn't about a race. It's about the people who run it. Love this post!

  3. Claire | Fashion + Feathers
    April 23, 2015 / 11:40 am

    Amazing stories! I love inspirational little videos that really make you stop and think. That picture is incredible.

  4. Jenn
    April 23, 2015 / 11:44 am

    These are definitely some of the most moving stories…I loved hearing about each one of them. What an inspiration for, not just marathon running, but every day life!

  5. Annie Reeves
    April 23, 2015 / 12:12 pm

    Great way to start the morning 🙂 thanks for sharing!

    Annie Reeves

  6. awhite
    April 23, 2015 / 12:17 pm

    These runners- and their stories- are amazing! The dedication it takes to prep for and endure a race like that is such an achievement!

    Awesome picture, girlfriend!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  7. Rachel Emily
    April 23, 2015 / 12:19 pm

    Wow! That picture is incredible! His legs – holy cow!! These are such touching stories, thank you for sharing!! Our health (mental and physical) is something almost all of us take for granted I would suspect. This is such a great way to be reminded.

  8. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    April 23, 2015 / 12:22 pm

    Wow this is so amazing. So many inspiring stories and honestly I have SO much respect and awe for the marathon runners. Seriously though, that guy's legs are amazing. And he literally looks like he's flying in that picture!

    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

  9. Caitlin Elizabeth
    April 23, 2015 / 12:30 pm

    I love all the stories about the marathon, it truly is so inspiring! I was out of town this year and I missed being here to witness it all. That photo is perfect! Look at those muscles!!

  10. Alissa
    April 23, 2015 / 12:33 pm

    I get so emotional thinking about what it means for people to finish the marathon!
    The Adored Life

  11. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    April 23, 2015 / 12:47 pm

    The stories of those who run always tug at my heart. It is a journey to get to that point and takes such strength to finish. Just amazing! Great shot of the winner, and those muscles. Wow!

  12. Kate at Green Fashionista
    April 23, 2015 / 1:02 pm

    Amazing inspirations! I was in awe that I did so well in a 5k last week, but to think of the the training and endurance it takes to run a marathon is just incredible! I love how everyone has come together in support and love since the bombings a few years ago, I just wish it didn't take a tragedy for us to unite.

    And I had no idea that was your picture of the winner! Amazing shot gurlie 😀

  13. Gold Coast Girl
    April 23, 2015 / 1:02 pm

    Such a great post! Love the inspiration!

  14. Cory (playdates and prescriptions)
    April 23, 2015 / 1:04 pm

    I love all of these! And health is definitely something I don't take for granted either. I'm a runner (only ever run a half marathon to this point), but I am often reminded of how blessed I am to be able to do it.

  15. Elle Sees
    April 23, 2015 / 1:21 pm

    i love the hope that has overtaken this tragedy. people are good underneath it all!

  16. Owen Ross Davis
    April 23, 2015 / 1:26 pm

    Gives me goose bumps! My friend ran in it! I can't even imagine the mental and physical strength these people have… definitely inspirational!

  17. Brianne
    April 23, 2015 / 1:32 pm

    This was beautiful. I love the stories.

  18. kerri @ cheshire kat
    April 23, 2015 / 1:34 pm

    and ok this post made me tear up. so many amazing stories and inspiration. who cannot love the boston marathon?! and that last photo – so great!! 🙂

    cheshirekatblog.com

  19. Caroline @ Windy City Chic
    April 23, 2015 / 1:49 pm

    Beautiful stories of truly inspiring people. Thank you for sharing lady and I hope that you have an amazing day! 🙂

  20. meandmr.com
    April 23, 2015 / 1:50 pm

    These pictures are so inspiring and the story about that little boy is so sweet!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

  21. DeborahYanni
    April 23, 2015 / 1:51 pm

    Those are such amazing stories!! And that picture you took is equally as amazing!

  22. Julia
    April 23, 2015 / 1:54 pm

    That photo you took is amazing!! Love the stories, so touching and inspirational! The man with Muscular Dystrophy- WOW what an incredible person!

  23. Karly @ What Karly Said
    April 23, 2015 / 1:56 pm

    What fantastic stories! Definitely serves as a good reminder what we have to be thankful for. And, killer photo there, girl!

  24. BalancingB
    April 23, 2015 / 1:59 pm

    So beautiful. What a great way to honor Boston and the runners.

  25. Cait | Home Sweet Ruby
    April 23, 2015 / 2:09 pm

    Ah I love stories like these!! Thank you so much for sharing because I hadn't found time to read about them yet!! Also on a random note, Ally tells me y'all are coming to Charleston this summer! We def need to get a big blogger date together 🙂

  26. Sierra @ Beautifully Candid
    April 23, 2015 / 2:09 pm

    Great and positive inspiration! It's amazing to think about the endurance and what great accomplishments those participants have. How amazing that your photo was picked up by CNN, congrats! Winks and Eyerolls

  27. Lyndsay
    April 23, 2015 / 2:17 pm

    These stories are so sweet and inspiring. And how cool is it that CNN picked up your photo!

    prosecco in the park

  28. Leah Behr
    April 23, 2015 / 2:20 pm

    Such a beautiful and inspiring post!

    xx, Leah / Eat Pray Wear Love

  29. Paula thirteenthoughts.com
    April 23, 2015 / 2:30 pm

    Loved reading all of these stories, this is such a moving and inspiring post. Great shot at the end there, btw, so cool that it got picked up by CNN!

    Paula
    Thirteen Thoughts

  30. Shannon Jenkins
    April 23, 2015 / 2:34 pm

    So many incredible stories!! I think I would be crying about that Venezuelan man too! That's just so inspiring! That picture is amazing! No wonder CNN picked it up!!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  31. P!nky
    April 23, 2015 / 2:40 pm

    Wow, you took an amazing picture, lady! Such mad skills.

    I never used to pay attention to the Boston Marathon, because we had the Marine Corp marathon down here and it was just another race. But, after the bombing [on my birthday] I've tried to keep up with all of the press, the stories and the inspirations regarding this race. Thank you for posting, lady! You are an inspiration and you inspire me.

  32. Courtney B
    April 23, 2015 / 2:44 pm

    I can't even believe it about the man with muscular dystrophy! What a miracle! And an inspiration! The St. George is a pretty big deal in Utah and I have been inspired SO many times watching people accomplish such a task! I have no desire to ever run one myself just because of injuries I've received in the past… anything more than 6 miles and I can no longer walk 🙁 But I love how inspired I am after watching the runners!

  33. Rebecca Jo
    April 23, 2015 / 2:52 pm

    Its the personal stories from races that always just tug at my heart….
    I literally bawled my eyes out when I saw the lady collapse at the end. What a redemption story!
    So are you applying to CNN as a photographer now? 🙂

  34. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    April 23, 2015 / 2:59 pm

    How big is that about the CNN pickup!?!! That's awesome girl. I take care of a lot of Muscular dystrophy kids and reading that story definitely was inspiring since it is literally the saddest condition ever.

  35. Carly Messmer
    April 23, 2015 / 3:01 pm

    I love all of these stories. I watched the video of the man with muscular dystrophy cross the finish line and started sobbing. It's so nice to read about uplifting happy stories, rather than what's regularly on the news.

  36. Shelly @ The Queen in Between
    April 23, 2015 / 3:02 pm

    Thanks for sharing B…..so much inspiration reading these stories. It is true how often I should be thankful for my physical abilities but I just take it for granted because it is life as I know it. Great picture! This past December I ran a 1/2…and about 3 miles out the marathon winner came sprinting by me and I was just in awe watching him run…so beautiful.

  37. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    April 23, 2015 / 3:07 pm

    Great stories girl! One of my former tennis partners finished 5th in his age group in the marathon. So proud of him! Love hearing the personal stories
    Congrats on the CNN pick up! That's fantastic!

  38. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    April 23, 2015 / 3:10 pm

    My boss runs it every year, I always love hearing about it.

    I liked being a marathon spectator much more than I thought I would. The energy is amazing.

  39. Susie W.
    April 23, 2015 / 3:22 pm

    Oh my goodness this post brought me to tears. It is so incredible what people are capable of!

    And congrats on the photo!

    xx,
    Susie

    SequinsandStrawberries.com

  40. Elegance and Mommyhood
    April 23, 2015 / 3:23 pm

    Yeayyy for the Boston Marathon. I appreciate people who can run and do marathons. so much. I am not one of them. =D

    Have a great weekend, babe!

  41. 365HANGERS
    April 23, 2015 / 3:23 pm

    All of these stories just gave us chills. Thanks so much for this!! What a great way to start the morning.

    xx 365Hangers

  42. Jaelan @ Making Mrs. M
    April 23, 2015 / 3:33 pm

    That photo is SO amazing. Yay! How cool that they picked it up.
    The Boston Marathon is so special.

  43. Anonymous
    April 23, 2015 / 3:53 pm

    We've also had a marathon in our city this past Sunday, but unfortunately these things are not as big here as they are in other countries. That is truly a good photo and it's so cool that CNN used it too!

    Fashionably,
    Patricia
    wingsforliberty.com/

  44. Nadine
    April 23, 2015 / 3:54 pm

    So many wonderful, heartfelt stories 🙂 And that last picture is awesome!! Look at that dudes leg muscles! And obviously having CNN pick it up makes you totally legit.

  45. According to Kiki
    April 23, 2015 / 3:57 pm

    I think since the horrific bombing incident this marathon has been about so much more. The fact that it is still going on is a sign of strength and perseverance. A coworker had the chance to run it and crossed the finish line only minutes before the bomb went off. I can't even imagine. <3 Bless your Boston.

  46. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    April 23, 2015 / 4:08 pm

    How cool is that you get to absorb yourself in this marathon every year and so many touching stories that go along with it. That's awesome that you snapped a winner of the winner! He looks hardcore! lol

  47. MushroomStew
    April 23, 2015 / 4:13 pm

    How awesome that your best shot was picked up by CNN! What an incredible post about such an amazing journey and recovery — positively inspiring!

    — Sed Bona

  48. Dorrie @ Rt 1 US 1
    April 23, 2015 / 4:19 pm

    So great! I have friends that go down for the baseball game every year, then catch the end of the race. The pictures that came out in the days after the bombing were so eerie- a girl I went to high school with posted some on Insta and the entire city was shut down!

  49. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    April 23, 2015 / 4:57 pm

    this is an amazing post!! thank you for sharing all the wonderful, inspiring stories. I try and be thankful that I'm alive and healthy but sometimes it is so easy to take for granted and grumble about the little things, and here are these amazing people doing amazing things, not to mention the people who were killed that do not have that luxury anymore. So sad. life is short!
    that picture you took is amazing! look at you on CNN!

  50. Amanda | Kids and Cabernet
    April 23, 2015 / 4:57 pm

    Such a great and inspiring stories! And congrats on your picture being picked up by CNN!

  51. For the Love of Leopard
    April 23, 2015 / 5:02 pm

    Such a great post girl! I love the picture that you took of the winner – how cool!!! Thanks for the uplifting post <3
    xoxo Danielle
    For the Love of Leopard

  52. Elena @ baby Ridley bump
    April 23, 2015 / 5:08 pm

    People often tell me how much of an inspiration that I am, then I hear stories like these that you've shared and I am nothing compared to these people! Truly amazing! I can't imagine running a race for 20+ hours, his determination is awe inspiring! And that photo you took, look at the muscles in those legs!? Hot damn!

  53. Evelina
    April 23, 2015 / 6:08 pm

    You're famous! Great picture. I love reading the stories.

  54. Pink and Fabulous
    April 23, 2015 / 6:51 pm

    I love that he's running past your house! I love these stories and how inspiration can come out of something so dark <3

  55. Denise
    April 23, 2015 / 7:04 pm

    Such an amazing post and so inspiring! I always love things like this because it makes you just break away from everything for a moment and think. I was overseas when this happened and I remember thinking about all my college friends from Boston. Now a bunch of them run this race and it is such a beautiful thing! Thanks for sharing this.

    Denise | Fashion Love Letters

  56. Caroline {Virginia Sweet}
    April 23, 2015 / 7:17 pm

    Awesome Biana – this post was too much for my preggo hormones! So much wonderful inspiration going on here!

  57. Shenine joon
    April 23, 2015 / 8:07 pm

    That photo you posted on instagram was amazing and no wonder CNN picked it up! Good job!! I wanted to post a similar thing today about the guy with muscular dystrophy. I mean, what an inspiration…I literally teared up watching the video and reading the story about him.

  58. Trish @ The Trish List
    April 23, 2015 / 9:48 pm

    This post gave me chills. Its so great to see all the support even after such a tragic event. Great photo too!

  59. Anonymous
    April 23, 2015 / 10:09 pm

    This is such a wonderful post girl 🙂 Made me really think about how much I have to be grateful for.

    xoxo
    Karen
    kensingtonwest.me.uk

  60. Unknown
    April 23, 2015 / 11:07 pm

    thanks for the inspiration <3

    xo,
    Bri
    cityfashiongirl.com

  61. Unknown
    April 24, 2015 / 12:04 am

    Wow. I love this post. Great pictures and great message 🙂

    xoxo

    Kaley

    My Closet Life Blog

  62. Anonymous
    April 24, 2015 / 12:41 am

    Even though I'm years away from ever being able to run the Boston Marathon, if I ever even meet the time requirement at all, as a runner, and knowing what it takes to get to a finish line and the challenge it can be to even get through a whole training cycle, Marathon Monday is such an incredibly special day. I watched the feed of the elites with tears in my eyes and stalked news media for updates as the rest of the runners crossed and completed that huge personal victory. I can only imagine how much more incredible it must feel to be there witnessing it in person. Maybe next year I'll be able to join you on the spectator side!

  63. Myra
    April 24, 2015 / 12:41 am

    Great picture, friend! The stories are so inspiring and I definitely shed a few tears watching people cross the finish line this year!

  64. Zelle B.
    April 24, 2015 / 2:15 am

    I watched that video this morning of the Venezuelan man who completed the Bostom Marathon and I was in tears. So motivational! I love the stories of the Boston Marathon. My thoughts and prayers are still will all the families who were forced to face tragedy, but thankful that so many continue to run in honor of that year!
    xo

  65. Tracy
    April 24, 2015 / 3:09 am

    So awesome that you got to witness this! I think any endurance event is such a testament of human strength and will, it's amazing! Getting to watch Boston would be the ultimate experience and I hope I get to see it someday.

  66. Unknown
    April 24, 2015 / 3:14 am

    So amazing that you were there to see this! Thank you so much for sharing this Biana! That clip really made me tear up. Its amazing how resilient people can be.

    Wishes & Reality

  67. Emily
    April 24, 2015 / 4:06 am

    Such incredible stories!

  68. Unknown
    April 24, 2015 / 6:47 am

    Such powerful and moving stories! It is amazing what the Boston Marathon symbolizes and means – thank you so much for sharing!

    xo,
    Jessica
    fortheloveofbubbly.com

  69. Paige @ Reasons to Come Home
    April 24, 2015 / 4:43 pm

    Wow! What a post. I saw the article about the guy with muscular dystrophy but these are all such wonderful post. I didn't know about Martin Richard but just read a few articles about him. So incredibly sad that a young man lost his life but how wonderful that people are giving meaning to his untimely death.

    Great picture, by the way! And CNN?!?!

  70. Annessa
    April 24, 2015 / 6:09 pm

    I've never seen a marathon but I would love to watch one someday. I just can't imagine having the motivation to run that long. I struggle to reach 3 miles! It's pretty crazy though, I used to work at a restaurant with Rebeka's husband. Such a small world.

  71. sara [at] journey of doing
    April 25, 2015 / 8:46 pm

    Love this post!! One of my sweet friends was running by as the bombs went off, and she ran her last Boston Marathon last year because she just can't do it emotionally anymore. I was so, so, so, so proud of her (it's on my blog), and I LOVE Boston for how they have wrapped their arms around all the runners ever since!! Love, love, love

  72. Stephanie Chalk
    April 26, 2015 / 4:12 am

    I love, love, love this post! So many beautiful stories are highlighted here, what an amazing race! Xo, Stephanie

  73. Meghan at Champagne & Suburbs
    April 27, 2015 / 2:56 am

    This makes me so emotional. What a beautiful post! And that is an awesome picture of the 1st place finisher. His leg muscles are INSANE. xo

  74. Kay R.
    April 27, 2015 / 4:58 am

    Beautiful post B! My family lives in Boston and they are so proud to be there esp since this incident when the community just rallied around each other. Beautiful place with beautiful strong people!

  75. Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMee
    April 27, 2015 / 5:08 pm

    I love how the community pulled together and became stronger than ever, rather than letting a horrible event ruin such an empowering day for them. 🙂
    So awesome that your picture got picked up by CNN!

  76. Carly
    April 29, 2015 / 4:51 pm

    You got such a great shot of the winner– so exciting to see everything in person and those stories are all so inspiring I can't even imagine! We saw a little bit of the Cherry Blossom 10 miler a couple of weeks ago and just watching that made me feel super emotional to see people cheering others on, so I can only imagine what it would be like to see the Boston Marathon in person!