Comments on Shut Up + Run: Pink Heart

I just wanted to send my condolences to you & ...

2012-02-05T16:40:23.573-08:00

I just wanted to send my condolences to you & your entire family. Since the first reports broke of Sherry's disappearance, I've been following the story and hoping for, first, her quick return home and now second, for whatever closure can come of this event. I wrote about how I feel here,http://adayinwhichi.blogspot.com/2012/02/in-which-i-pay-my-respects.html, and I will be hiking a mountain for Sherry this coming Saturday.

The Pink Heart - it is so true. I think about She...

2012-01-25T19:30:17.667-08:00

The Pink Heart - it is so true. I think about Sherry everyday, and am always hoping for some peace and solace for all those who love her. My heart hurts for her, for you and her family.
I think of the wonderful and giving person you and others in the news have described Sherry to be, and of the strength, positivity and honesty you have shared in your posts - and despite the evilness of the event, my heart is warmed to know that as you have said goodness prevails.
I do hug my kids and husband closer, we play,laugh and be silly more. I am acutely aware that life changes in an instant.
Thank you for sharing your memories of Sherry, thank you for sharing what is in your heart - I hope it helps you to heal.

I think of Sherry often...on every single run. Su...

2012-01-25T11:55:34.163-08:00

I think of Sherry often...on every single run. Such a senseless tragedy. She sounds like an amazing woman and certainly someone we all can relate to. I am now carrying mace, and the comments above make me want to think about adding a pocketknife to my running gear as well. Surely all of the awareness around Sherry will ultimately end up saving the lives of others. I am so very sorry for your loss and sorry that this happened. I will continue to be in prayer for you and the rest of the family.

I think about Sherry a lot. I'm glad you have...

2012-01-24T20:38:45.816-08:00

I think about Sherry a lot. I'm glad you have posted so much about her on your blog otherwise I would only know about her through the news and she would have been another news story. Your connection with her and your description has made her very real to me.

On Monday morning I didn't run a loop that takes me through a area of high density apts in Boulder - i was worried about running early morning and there not being many people around. I did an out-and-back instead.

It makes me incredibly sad that she is no longer here with her friends, family and loved ones. It's not fair.

Pink Heart indeed...what a great phrase to express...

2012-01-24T20:21:49.722-08:00

Pink Heart indeed...what a great phrase to express compassion for one another. Because honestly, Beth, I have shed many tears over your Sherri. She yet again was in my thoughts and outloud prayers. I prayed again for comfort for her family and also for her to be found.

As I was driving and praying, I wondered aloud to myself what on earth possesses a person to kill someone?? I mean, ok, I get the self-defense thing, but just a random killing?? I just don't understand WHY. And maybe it's the mere fact that I (and most people) can't make sense of senseless killings that keeps up from being that kind of person.

I used to live in North Dakota (a different part) ...

2012-01-24T19:47:15.342-08:00

I used to live in North Dakota (a different part) and it was the most friendly place on earth. Or maybe it was my naïvety. To think that what happened to Sherry actually happened to anyone makes me ill. I ache for those who love her. The whole "not fair" thing keeps rattling around in my head. It's just so not fair. Bad things aren't supposed to happen to good people.

I haven't been able to muster the guts to run outside since she went missing. Partially because of the weather, partially because I'm just plain freaked out.

Oh yeah....and I keep hoping for a miracle too.......

2012-01-24T18:16:49.382-08:00

Oh yeah....and I keep hoping for a miracle too....as much as I wish I could have one more hug from my Dad.

You got it....I hug my darling daughter a bit more...

2012-01-24T18:16:02.616-08:00

You got it....I hug my darling daughter a bit more tightly and I am more patient during temper tantrums. I would rather be with her in bad times than not be with her.

I am also more cautious on my road runs and less trusting, like you. My run over a week ago had a few hitch hikers that usually aren't there. I found myself trying to stay clear and looking back to make sure we were going opposite ways. And that car that honked....it made me jump a mile high.

You are an incredibly strong woman and Sherry will be on all of your runs now....she will be there when you need her the most. Trust me.

I think about Sherry, her family, you, nearly ever...

2012-01-24T14:58:08.085-08:00

I think about Sherry, her family, you, nearly every day. I keep wondering why anyone would do such horrible things. What happened to Sherry did make me more afraid, but it also made me more aware. I love the idea of the Pink Heart, this tragedy has brought us all closer and made us remember the beauty that is life.

I am off to but my road I.D., had a horrible exper...

2012-01-24T14:54:08.138-08:00

I am off to but my road I.D., had a horrible experience yesterday that shook me up and made me think of Sherry, though I don't know what they have decided was her cause of death, I know I was dummy when I went out on my run yesterday. Here I had told you I would take precautions and then did no such thing. Hugs and apologies.

RIP Sherry. May you rest in peace.

2012-01-24T14:01:42.906-08:00

RIP Sherry. May you rest in peace.

Unfortunately we live in a fallen, evil world. I ...

2012-01-24T13:42:06.935-08:00

Unfortunately we live in a fallen, evil world. I do not understand how anyone could even think about hurting another human being. I hope and pray that she did not have to suffer and that she is resting in the arms of our Lord.
It has touched me in so many ways. It makes me realize that life is fragile, precious and short so live like its your last days.
I truly appreciate you sharing with us all of your very personal thoughts on thsi very private matter. I hope it gives you some kind of comfort now and in the future.
Thank you and God Bless you, her family and friends.

Thanks for another wonderful post. All your postin...

2012-01-24T13:28:40.011-08:00

Thanks for another wonderful post. All your postings about Sherry and what happened have impacted me a lot. Namely, I have talked about it to my Mom, who would go walking every night, with no phone, mace, or even a note as to where she was. Now she calls my Dad at work to let him know, and she carries her phone. We've discussed it at length. I've not been outdoors running much lately, but when I do, even though it's in my neighborhood, I'll be taking my phone, and taking out my mace in the wooded areas. I've always been hyper aware, but much more so now. Sadly, it seems to take something like this to make us more aware. I hate the fear factor in it, but I will pray in faith as I leave the house.

Thank you for your honesty throughout this whole experience. We are all behind you!!

I think about Sherry every day! I do news searches...

2012-01-24T13:26:44.283-08:00

I think about Sherry every day! I do news searches daily, looking for updates. I think about you Beth, and Sherry's family. It's impacted my running, as I'm a predawn lone female runner. And I've been running in my neck of the woods before dawn for over 15 years, and have been taking my safety for granted. This is what Sherry's tragedy is teaching me. For the first time since I started running (high school!) I carry a knife and pepper spray. I'm considering buying a treadmill. Yes, Sherry's tragedy has effected me permanently. RIP sweet lady! I hope you are returned to your family soon.

I hate that evil like that exists too. I don't...

2012-01-24T12:39:48.120-08:00

I hate that evil like that exists too. I don't even like watching movies with violence in them b/c I truly love all people....well I guess not all, I hate those guys. I don't understand why these things happen. I am so sorry for you and for sherry. I too hope there's a miracle and that she is ok.

it has affected me in every way imaginable. When ...

2012-01-24T12:02:28.182-08:00

it has affected me in every way imaginable.

When I start my run at 430a I look around and make sure nobody is out there waiting. I never take my keys with me so I make sure there is nobody around when I hide my keys b/c my family is in the house.

I look at the cars and houses and more keenly aware.

I pay much closer attention to how long Karen is gone when she is running and will sit on the front porch waiting for her if I think its been too long.

stay strong

Your brave to share all of this, I honestly hope i...

2012-01-24T11:59:00.409-08:00

Your brave to share all of this, I honestly hope it helps you heal.

Sherry's death has affected me in many ways, a...

2012-01-24T11:39:11.717-08:00

Sherry's death has affected me in many ways, and I am sorry to my core for the pain her death is causing those who love her. One direct influence her death has had on me is I now turn on the live GPS tracker in my runkeeper app on my iphone. My husband logs into mapmyrun and can now track me on my runs live. It's not fool-proof, but it's something extra that adds peace of mind to my husband and to me when I am out on a long run for a few hours by myself. It's a pretty cool feature and I bet there are other running apps that can do the same thing...worth looking into if you don't already do something like this.

That was beautifully written. It's made me thi...

2012-01-24T11:24:44.259-08:00

That was beautifully written. It's made me think twice about running alone. I never do, but probably never will. It's made me think about how short and precious life is and to not take people for granted.

I am sorry for your pain.Thank you for sharing you...

2012-01-24T10:49:51.692-08:00

I am sorry for your pain.Thank you for sharing your words about this evil story. Sherry's story as made me think of the safety precautions I need to take before every run.

What happened to Sherry has been both angering and...

2012-01-24T10:14:52.707-08:00

What happened to Sherry has been both angering and eye-opening.

I'm shopping for a knife, and user-friendly pepper-spray. One to carry in my gym bag/purse, and one to carry out on runs.

It's also made me more determined to alert gym employees when there's some jerk is acting suspicious and creepy, which happened recently for several days in a row. I'm waiting for that D-bag.

Though there may not have been anything she could've done at the time to defend herself. Sherry's story has made me realize that if a situation arises, and there is a chance to fight back, I need to be prepared for that.

I have to say I am so glad you have this outlet ri...

2012-01-24T10:11:44.411-08:00

I have to say I am so glad you have this outlet right now--it is cathartic, even if you don't realize it now. It also honors Sherry's life and the light that she was.

I think about her/you quite a bit. Just last week I was running alone and my thoughts turned to her and I got angry about whatever she went through. It's just so wrong. But like you said, the anger isn't what we need to focus on, it's the lessons to be learned. Thanks for keeping this in the forefront.

How can you not hate them? I don't have the v...

2012-01-24T10:08:53.289-08:00

How can you not hate them? I don't have the vocabulary to express how vile, evil, monstrous they are. Strength to you for not letting it consume you. I don't know that I would be that strong.

Vanessa and I have had some serious talks about our running "protocol", as it were. We both run with headphones. How safe is that? Most of our routes are through neighborhoods or on established trails, but our riding routes are farm roads; pretty remote except for other cyclists and light traffic.

We've already experienced random violence: Vanessa and three others were accosted by man with an axe, of all things, when he pulled over angry that they were taking up so much of the road. Fortunately nobody was hurt, and he was prosecuted...but even in our quiet corner of the country, you absolutely can't be too careful.

This tragedy was a catalyst for us. We will seriously be reevaluating how we train.

This is such a horrible story... if only it were j...

2012-01-24T09:34:55.590-08:00

This is such a horrible story... if only it were just a story. I think about Sherry anytime I am alone somewhere living my life. Hate is such a horrible thing but at the same time a valid emotion. Those awful men will eventually have to pay for their actions when they meet their maker - that needs to be the only thought to have. Live in the light of what Sherry would have wanted you to do, live to the fullest life can give. And give to others like she and our maker would want us to do. Sadly, this is the reminder that is left in this situation but even through the hate it should be the way to overcome it, to move past it and not give it a second glance. That is where we find the good in a terrible situation. Dare I say that she was chosen to deliver this message to us - I know that may not be the most comforting thought but just think about what an important task that is. I have had some significant loss in my life and that was the only way I could put perspective on the awfulness and a reason to place on why this would happen to such a good person.
I wish I could give you a hug Beth.

I live in a rural area. Sherry's story makes ...

2012-01-24T09:32:58.380-08:00

I live in a rural area. Sherry's story makes me extremely weary of running these back roads alone in the early hours of the day. I also think about the possibility of not being able to see my kids reach various milestones in life. That thought is probably the scariest.