In the days and months that followed, the motto became a message of solidarity for people all over the country wishing to express their support for the city.

 

When Clear Laker Connie Bauman ran the route of the Boston Marathon April 21, that phrase, “Boston Strong” rang loud and clear throughout the weekend.

 

“This was the most powerful, emotional marathon/run I have ever done,” said Bauman. “Twenty-six point two miles thick of people cheering for us and thanking us. ‘Boston Strong’ was heard the entire marathon and weekend.” 

 

Bauman finished the event in 3:38, a little over what she was hoping to finish at (3:30).

 

“The miles add up depending what side of the road you are on and if you are maneuvering around people,” said Bauman.  “At mile 16, I slowed down and went to the opposite side of the road I was running on, just in case my family was able to make it out there, that is where they were going to be. That added seconds to my time.”

 

Bauman said she was surprised the crowds weren’t as bad as she thought they might be since her last Boston Marathon. Back in 2003, the people were stacked together, shoulder-to-shoulder for much of the first part of the race. This year, despite there being thousands more qualifiers, the crowding wasn’t so bad.

 

“The crowd running was not hard to handle,” she said.  “We were staggered in starting, so it was not as congested as it was the last time I was there.”

 

That didn’t mean all things were free and clear from obstacles.

 

“Once in a while at the water stops, people would actually stop right in front of me to take the water,” she said. “I don't stop, so that was a little annoying. But in a marathon, you never know what to expect from your fellow runner who may be hurting.”

 

One of Bauman’s concerns going into the race was a nagging left knee issue she’d hoped wouldn’t put her finishing the race in question.

 

“ I did not have any pain or issues with my knee,” Bauman said. “I had it taped and was rehabbing it. At mile eight my left IT band knotted, so I slowed the pace as I knew I had many miles and hills to run.”

 

Bauman said she found staying on the left side of the road helped her situation so that is where she tried to run the majority of her steps in the race.

 

“At mile 20, I could feel my quads tightening, but I just took one step and one mile at a time,” she said. “At mile 21, heart break hill, many people were walking, but I just kept focused, dug in and that is where it became mind over matter.” 

 

About 600 Minnesotans ran the Boston Marathon this year and even though Connie, her husband Ken and son Adam didn’t meet any of the MN racers, her husband did run into a person from Becker (didn’t get a name) who was in Maine to cheer on a family member.

 

“That is rare. I was trying to connect with my second cousin who ran and was unsuccessful. I have never seen an expo or streets full of spectators as this marathon. The people in Boston were very nice.”

 

And when she neared the finish line with all those people cheering, she was happy with how well her body stood up to the “torture”.

 

“When I crossed the finish line, I was not tired, but my legs didn't want to move anymore,” she said. “When I am not tired after a marathon, I think I could have sped up. However, with my IT band knotting up, I had to slow down.”

 

Bauman was awarded a medal for participation. The question is, would she ever try and qualify to run in the world’s most popular race?

 

“At this point, if my sister meets her qualifying time, I will probably go out there,” Bauman said. “I like to travel and do different marathons. I have been thinking about New York and was invited to run Chicago. One never knows.”   

 

Bauman says her main reason for going to Boston was to support her sport that had been attacked by people trying to break the spirit of the American people.

 

“All of the people out there thanking us for being there was my favorite thing about this year’s race,” she said. “I did not realize how much this meant to them.I am so glad I went out there.”