Like many who ran the race, Misgen experienced a myriad of emotions in a very short time span.
"I didn't think I ran a phenomenal time, but it was O.K. for me," she said. "Then in a split second, you go from thinking about not having a great race to thinking you're glad to be alive."
Misgen said she and her mother, Connie Evenson of rural Ellendale, and sister, Jennifer, Minneapolis, did not witness any injuries, though they could see the medical tent set up for marathon runners was packed with victims.
"It's amazing," said Misgen, "how your perspective can change so fast when you witness such a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and their family members."
Connie Evenson had the same feelings as her daughter.
"It was quite a scare," she said. "It was unreal. Oh my God, it sounded like thunder or something when we heard the blast. Then all the ambulances and everything. It's nothing that you'd ever expect at the Boston Marathon, nothing you'd ever imagine could happen. Why would you? You just can't explain what it's like."
Ironically, Jennifer Misgen was in New York City when the Twin Towers were attacked on 9/11.
The family's post-race plans were altered Monday. There were no pictures at the finish line, no dinner out. They were sitting in a suburban Boston motel room, thankful to be alive.
