The Sunday before the Boston Marathon, Dr. Walter Bortz of Stanford gave a lecture that received a standing ovation (I do not think I have witnessed a lecture receive a standing ovation). Most of it was about the failings of our current healthcare mode of treatment focus and how each individual can achieve healthier lives.
Dr. Bortz is 83 and was running Monday when the blast occurred.
They stopped the race (he was about 19 miles in) and family along the course took him in and got him back to the hotel. There were no contingencies for this scenario.
Two quotes he gave ring true: He uses this analogy to the aging body: “When a grandfather clock stops running, it is broken, worn out or needs to be wound up.” and “we live too short and die too long”.
So keep moving to wind your clock up and live.
“There will be continued outdoor events in our futures that challenge the human spirit. These events will not have stadiums or walls.”
His website is filled with wisdom http://walterbortz.com/
Several physicians who attended the conference were in the finish area at the time of the bombs and quickly responded also. It took significant time for any emergency vehicles to get to the area so the critical actions of on the scene responders saved lives.
West Virginia Public Radio called to talk with me about the tragedy. Article and audio here.
Please devote a few minutes of prayer or reflection for the Monday’s victims.
Hi, Dr. mark,
I ran Boston marathon barefoot entire course except approximately 1 km the last portion. I was on my target bq-time 4:25. I can run the last portion with 5 or 6 minutes. I had 10 minutes cushion. This is my third barefoot marathon in 8 months. At mile 6 I peeled my right big toe skin and bleeding pretty bad. I could not stop running and ignored bleeding. Fearing to peel the same toe again which would end my dream. I focused on my toe as best as I could. Somehow bleeding stopped after 15 miles run and no more pain. The unfinished runners walked another few miles to reach Boylston. We were really thirsty, cold, hungry, and tired. So many Bostonian offered us food,water, clothing, and offered their warm place. It was such a memorable walk and everlasting memory. It was a broken dream to many unfinished runners. BAA should offer another Boston run to make their dream come true. Like me bg-time is not big deal to qualify next year. It would be true celebration for all 117th runners if we runagain together. What a historical run would be and making such statement!
Wow…thanks for sharing Tyson. I ran 10 miles of the race with barefooter Julian Romero. he took off and finished in 239 to my 242. I think this is the fastest barefoot marathon since Abebe Bikile. hope we can run together someday..maybe Boston 2014. Mark