It was a profoundly sad and troubling week here after the shooting that took place just 15 minutes away at a local Fourth of July parade. Before I get into that, here’s how the week in workouts went:
Monday: Walk 4 miles, Trail Run 4 miles
Tuesday: Walk 4 miles, otherwise rest
Wednesday: Walk 4 miles, 20 min cycle, 30 min Upper Body Strength
Thursday: Walk 4 miles, Speedwork 3 miles
Friday: Walk 4 miles, Strength + Core
Saturday: Walk 4 miles, Trail Run 4 miles
Sunday: Walk 4 miles, Heavy Strength
We celebrated the July birthdays on July 3rd, with a day of boating and water sports on lake Michigan. Heading home, I actually drove right down the stretch of street where the shooting would occur just 12 hours later. It’s just steps away from the start/finish line of some of the North Shore’s most popular races.
As the sun set, we made our way to the roof of the boathouse for fireworks viewing.
It was a fun day, but who could predict the terror and grief that would take place the very next morning?. We had plans for more fireworks and fun on July 4th, but cancelled everything when we learned of the tragic parade incident. The killer was still on the loose for much of the day, and honestly nobody felt like celebrating as we watched the victim count grow. The rest of the week has been a fog of sadness.
Running-wise, I did not resist the urge to disappear into the woods and leave my grief out on the trails. How do we move forward from here? What is the learning?
How was your week? Final days for my giveaway here.
I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down. Join us!
I didn’t realize how close by you were to the July 4th shootings. Such a sad and scary blemish on our nation’s birthday. So sorry for all the turmoil…
My daughter’s boyfriend’s family lives in HP…tough week all around (again). I am heading into Chicago for a few days to help her move and I really just need some real “facetime” and some hugs from her. xoxo to you and yours
It was a little too close to home, but that just serves to warn us that it can happen anywhere. I really struggled with it this week. I’m so glad he was caught.
Your getaway looks amazing! Where did you stay?
Sometimes I hate to turn on the news.
Glad you hear you enjoyed your short getaway. And your trail runs.
I’m so sorry, Marcia. I didn’t realize you lived so close. If it shook me so many states away, I can’t imagine how you are feeling. I honestly don’t see how we can put an end to mass shootings like this. 🙁
I’m glad you found some solace in the running trails.
I was terribly sad and shocked when I heard the news so I can only imagine how you felt hearing it as a “local”. I’m glad you got some time with your family earlier on in the weekend to celebrate before the terrible event.
I’m so sorry that all that tragedy hit so close to home. I don’t know what the takeaway is — I wish I did. Maybe just hug your loved ones because nothing is ever for sure. I’m glad you have the trails to soothe the grief. Hugs, Marcia.
It’s just so ridiculous and sad that these shooting seem to be a weekly occurrence at this point. So sorry that this incident hit very close to home. I was happy to read that the suspect was caught but my heart breaks for all the victims and their families. Truly a very tough situation all around. I hope that you and your family were able to take a break from the chaos this week and spend time together.
Highland Park Illinios is where I grew up! Kind of unusual that there’s a bunch of us with close ties to that town. I don’t have family there anymore (my sister lives in a south suburb now.) I can’t even imagine what these families are going through… the kids that were involved… I’m not sure there will be any learning from this. Just the usual shock and horror, until it happens in the next place and then we’ll move on to that. Something is drastically wrong here.
But we have to keep moving! Sounds like you had a great week of workouts.
Oh Marcia I had no idea the shootings were so close to you! I simply cannot believe that these mass shootings continue to happen – leaves me feeling so hopeless 🙁 Sending you hugs.
So heartbreaking. And how tough to be so close. It could be anywhere. I just don’t understand it. There is no reason for guns like these to be in the hands of the public. Ridiculous.
Hugs 🙁
That trail looks beautiful and soothing. I don’t have any words, I don’t understand why it can’t be sorted out (well, I do know but I can’t understand how people can be like that and block legislation). I don’t have much positive to say about the UK but at least we banned certain types of weapon after the one mass shooting we had, although obviously we’ve had terrorist attacks since then.
Oh, dear, I’m so sorry Marcia.
I’m glad you have the trails to help you to process that sad event.
One day, people will look back on our time and shake their heads in disbelief. “What?! Anyone could buy a gun?”
So sorry to hear this was so close to you. 🙁 All just so senseless!
The whole thing was just shocking and saddening. I was downstate Illinois with my 4-year-old at a parade and it just makes you think it can happen anywhere, anytime which is so scary. Sorry it hit so close to home for you.
Looks like a beautiful place for the birthday celebrations.
It sounds like everything was going so well for you and your family until the shooting. I’m so sorry. I guess you never know what will happen so appreciate what you have in the moment. These shootings just have to stop.