Keep on track: Runners in Massachusetts
Running is simple yet liberating.
Just focus on the present, look ahead, and your feet will take you anywhere you want. Running was my brief getaway from the pressure.
It wasn't until moved to Boston that I noticed runners everywhere.
They are zooming through the streets and parks, like the city's heartbeat.
But what are their motivations?
Was it for the thrill, the competition, or maybe for the iconic Boston Marathon? This idea strikes me to follow these runners’ path.
This series documented the moments of running, not just the physical act, but the personal journeys and collective spirit within each workout.
As you walk through these images, maybe you'll see a bit of your own story in these runners.
Running is a solitary sport that builds community.
Patrick Bugbee runs in his own pace
Patrick wasn't always into running.
His thing was more gym sessions and basketball until a buddy got him into it. Over a decade of hitting the pavement, what had running taught Patrick?
"Running taught me patience, consistency, and be humble," Patrick said.
"Because there's always someone who runs faster than you, you got to be patient and push your own limit as you can."
For him, running's not just about the physical benefits.
It's a way to connect with his surroundings and bring back great memories.
He loves how certain streets and corners trigger flashbacks to good times and deep conversations with friends. For him, running is more than just exercise; it's about the experience.
The Bugbee Pub
Hanging out with friends is what Patrick loves most.
Last year, Patrick, his family, and his buddies started a new tradition.
After their Thursday Appleton hill drills, they'd all chill at the "Bugbee Pub." Jon Hunter, Jean-Dany Joachim, Doug Johnson, Terry McNatt, and his family—Elizabeth, Finnegan, and Otto—they're all regulars.
How about their favorite ritual?
Grabbing a cold beer and chatting about life. It's the highlight of their week, where they can kick back, relax, and just enjoy each other's company after a good, hard run.
It's these moments, more than the miles, that really keep Patrick running.
His marathon journey
Growing up with the historic Boston Marathon, it’s a regular part of his life that woven into the fabric of his city and experiences.
"I was at the bombing in 2013," Patrick recalled.
"Elizabeth was waiting for me a couple of miles away from the finish line. Sometimes I think, if I had slowed down and arrived just 20 minutes later, maybe it would have been me and my family..."
The surreal nature of the tragedy didn't hit him immediately. It wasn't until he was running another race in California two weeks later that he realized the news had gripped the nation.
"Why would someone ever do this to such a beautiful city... it was heartbreaking," he said.
Despite the haunting memories, Patrick still runs everyday.
This year, running his 13th Boston Marathon has a special meaning.
His bib number, 1942, coincidentally aligns with Elizabeth's dad's birth year.
For Patrick, the marathon is more than just a race: It's a testament to resilience, a commitment to keep moving forward.
His only goal is to maintain his pace, stay on track, and keep running, no matter what.
