Injury Prevented East Lake Woman from Running in Boston Marathon

East Lake resident Christine Lenyo is thankful a family tradition did not happen this year at the Boston Marathon.

The avid runner, who has participated in the last two Boston Marathons, suffered an injury in February that prevented her from competing in the race, even though she had registered.

If Lenyo would have participated in the Boston Marathon, she would have gathered with her family and friends to pose for photos underneath the international flags after she finished the April 15 race.

That could have been catastrophic.

"In some ways it was a blessing for me because my family and friends stand under the flags," said Lenyo Tuesday afternoon. 

The location looked like a war zone after the bombs went off Monday afternoon.

Lenyo has friends who made the trip to Boston to run in the marathon. As far as she knows, none were hurt. Although she did not attend the race, Lenyo still feels bad about what happened to fellow runners and race enthusiasts.

"It was unfortunate for the spectators and runners at that time."  

Lenyo says the attack in Boston will not keep her from participating in future marathons there. "I said to one of my friends that I'll try for next year," she said.

The 51-year-old has been running for five years now and has no plans for stopping any time soon. "There's a sense of personal achievement," she said.

Lenyo also likes the camaraderie of the sport. "I can go to a marathon and not know anyone and then have friends."

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