Just over eighteen months ago a very good friend and running buddy of my cousin was killed while cycling on a Sunday morning. Heather Boyum was following all of the written and unwritten rules of the road and yet left her family and friends far too soon when a drunk driver irresponsibly and recklessly hit her from behind near Rochester, New York. I read every article that was released as those responsible we're given their sentencing and Heather's family tried to find a way to grieve the mother, wife, teacher, friend, and triathlete passing. It broke my heart that the extended running community had experienced this senseless tragedy.
Fast forward.
Last week the world learned of Meg Menzies death. Meg was an avid runner training for the Boston marathon, a wife and a mother to three young children. She was out for a morning run when she was hit and killed by a drunk driver.
I did not know Meg or Heather however they both seem to have very similar qualities as I'm once again reading all there is to know about Meg's death. Friends and family describe them both as the 'nicest person I've ever met'. They rave about their love for their children, their spouses, their friends and their communities. I'm sure that you can think of others that may not have received as much press but have had the same impact on their loved ones.
I'm pretty sure that society's increased interest in fitness, especially endurance sports, contributes to the increased accidents involving vehicles and athletes. I'm certain that this is a sad excuse. I used to dread some runs due to feeling lazy, feeling sore, being uber busy at the office or at home, among a thousand other excuses, but today I can add the fear of drunk driving, the fear of abduction and/or rape, and the fear of texting while driving. Its not enough to tell runners and cyclists to "be more aware" of their surroundings. Being a city runner comes with a few hazards on a good day. I've nearly jumped over the hood of a taxi who only looked one way; I've dodged the car that inches into the crosswalk while not paying attention; I've landed my fist on a hood or two for people who are simply disrespectful to runners. In each of these situations, I've nearly been paralyzed, albeit for a simple second, by the thought of being hit by a car. Now enter a drunk driver or an absent-minded texter. You simply cannot dive out of the way fast enough to avoid these accidents.
I can't say that I have the answer to ensuring the safety of runners and cyclists everywhere. The death of Heather Boyum has sparked her friends and family to aggressively pursue changing the laws in the State of New York with regards to DUI punishments (Sign their Petition Here), but I know that this needs to be a bigger movement, a broader push in order to make a global impact. How do I, how do WE, make a bigger impact to lessen the chances of this happening to someone else? The city that I love has gotten drastically smaller in order for me to lessen the concerns while running alone. How can I go back to the mere reasons that I started running the first place - solitude, mind-clearing, empowering and strength (and the ability to dance publicly to those amazing 80's tunes on my ipod)? The answer can't simply be to run with a buddy at all times; it's not feasible and it doesn't fix the problem. And frankly, with the accidents that we have seen lately, there isn't strength in numbers. Education is part of the answer, but accountability is a larger part. What I do know is that running shouldn't be accompanied by a constant nagging concern for what could happen each and every time you lace up your running shoes. So, the best that I can do at the very moment is to ask that you make wise decisions when you're starting your car. Call a friend, call AAA or call a cab if you've had too many drinks or if you're simply too tired to get behind the wheel. You could be saving a life with these simple decisions...and that life could be your own.
If you're in the Rochester area, check out the memorial 5K that has been established in Heather's memory: Iron Angel 5k
Continue to follow fundraising and remembrance events for Meg Menzies by visiting http://www.megsmiles.com/
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