The Bannister Effect: Why I Share My Journey

 

   

After Faith Kipyegon attempted to break the 4 minute mile for women, people have been discussing the Bannister Effect. The Bannister Effect describes the phenomenon where the breaking of a previously perceived insurmountable barrier inspires others to achieve the same feat, often leading to a rapid increase in similar accomplishments. It's named after Roger Bannister, who, in 1954, was the first to run a mile in under four minutes, a feat many had deemed impossible. Once the psychological barrier is broken, it opens the portal to possibilities despite all appearances to the contrary.

I was first introduced to the power of the mind/body connection by a nurse who introduced me to the work of Bernie Siegel or Bernie as he likes to be called. She brought in a cassette tape of his talk, "Love, Medicine and Miracles." I am blessed to call him my Bonus Dad. The first time I experienced the power of what he was teaching was when I was undergoing surgery. He talked to his patients while they were under anesthesia and gave suggestions like you will wake up feeling comfortable and hungry.

I had an awesome anesthesiologist who knew about Bernie's work. I always got sick after anesthesia so he told me he would give me a suggestion while I was under anesthesia. In the recovery room I recall feeling nauseous and that I was going to get sick when all of a sudden the wave not only passed BUT I said out loud, "Does anyone have a BBQ hamburger?" The recovery room broke into laughter. The anesthesiologist had given me a suggestion that I would wake up feeling comfortable and hungry wanting a BBQ hamburger. 

In December of 2006, I was given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline as I aged due to the late effects of childhood paralytic polio. In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. I tapped into the mind/body connection through what I came to call my pen, my divining rod for healing. I wrote poetry visualizing a very different future than the one Western Medicine predicted for me. I revisited Bernie's books and joined his on line Forum. The story of Evy McDonald often shared by Bernie was my Bannister Effect. She healed from ALS and had polio and trauma as a child. I highly recommend that you read the article about her journey.

My first poem, 'Running the Race' foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. 

In April of 2007, I had an abnormal mammogram. I knew the Universe was nudging me to wake up. I made the commitment to leave my career to heal my life. During the week before I returned for the repeat mammogram,  I visualized the tumor dissolving sending healing energy to my left breast. When I returned, the tumor was gone. I set the date for me to leave the VA as 5/25/2007.

In December of 2014, I sustained a very serious left knee injury after pushing myself a bit too far with racing every month and setting out to achieve PR's. I returned to Western Medicine to see what I needed to heal. The MRI indicated that the knee had torn cartilage, a fatty lipoma, bone spurs, degenerative changes from arthritis, scar tissue from reconstructive leg surgery, an atrophied gastroc muscle and the knee was basically bone on bone. It was "too far gone" for arthroscopic repair. I needed to stop running or cap my distance at a 5K and prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years.

July of 2015 I was back on the roads:

I went on to run Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018. I partnered with a chiropractor healer who was also a personal trainer. I used meditation/visualization to dissolve bone spurs, grow new cartilage and gastroc muscle. We used chiropractic care to release the body's natural capacity to heal, KT tape and gastroc strengthening exercises and a revamped strength training program to get me running again and avoid a total knee replacement.  

I continue to believe in my body's tremendous capacity to heal, fueled by both what I have seen happen in my life and hearing of so many others' healing stories. As different issues or aches and pains arise, I continue to practice meditation, visualization, self-love, gratitude and exquisite self-care. 

Perhaps my healing journey will be your Bannister Effect giving you hope, healing and possibility for what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. 

 In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews.

 

From Atrophy to Astonishing!

 

 

June 25 was my half birthday. I am 71.5 years young. I said to Tom when we were strength training the other day, "Wow. I've gone from atrophy to astonishing!" We talked about all the equipment I used to use to compensate for the faulty connection between nerves and muscles as a result of paralytic polio that I contracted at age 5 after I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. I had forgotten that we bought weighted utensils so that I could bring the spoon or fork to my mouth to eat. I now use conscious movement and concentration when I eat; sometimes when eating soup I need to use my left hand to steady the soup spoon until the connection is made. I had a tub chair because I was unsteady in the shower; it was also a tool for energy conservation. I had a toe up leg brace and cane for mobility, occasionally using a wheelchair when in the grocery store or to travel by plane. It was a challenge to cut my own toenails because of my lack of flexibility and unsteady hands. I had to brace myself against the sink to get off of the toilet seat and needed assistance to get off of the couch. At 53, I was old before my time. I remember the day we put everything outside when I no longer needed them.

In February of 2007, after getting still and asking for Divine Guidance, I discovered the gift of poetry in my soul. Although I knew about the power of the mind/body connection from Bernie Siegel, MD, I did not realize at the time that the portal to healing was opening before me. The first poem I wrote, "Running the Race" foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. Isn't that astonishing?

In December of 2014, my left knee sustained a serious injury. The MRI indicated a whole host of issues. The physiatrist told me that I would need a total knee replacement in a few years and to stop running or cap my distance at a 5K. He told me that the left gastroc muscle had atrophied as a result of childhood paralytic polio. "There's nothing you can do about that and that's in part what caused the knee injury. It's been that way for years."

I was so fortunate and deeply grateful to meet a chiropractor who had Candace Pert, Ph.D. as an instructor in chiropractic school. He was also dialed into the  work of Dr. Joe Dispenza and his book, "You Are The Placebo."  We used chiropractic, KT tape, Theraband Stabilizers, a revamped strength training program and the mind/body connection through visualization and the mirror neuron system as explained by Dr. David Hamilton in his free weekly newsletter, "Better You. Backed by Science." It's incredible to now have the science to understand how I've been able to heal. I went on to run the 2016 Bermuda Half Marathon, the 2016 Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K and the Bermuda Half Marathons 2017 and 2018. In 2021/2022 I had a setback in my healing journey after an adverse response to the 2nd COVID vaccine. But true to form, I did a virtual 5K on 1/1/2023; the comeback is always greater than the setback! To celebrate turning 70 in 2023, I set my sights on the goal of the 2024 Bermuda 10K. Although I was a DNF in Bermuda, on May 4th as in May the Fourth Be With You, I went out and went the distance of a 10K again. Astonishing!

I'm in a joy filled new training cycle for the 2026 Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. I had an astonishing experience during one of my early morning meditations. I embodied myself as the young, lithe ballerina from Miss Patricia's ballet class before I contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5 and a half years old. I remembered every detail of going up the stairs to the 2nd floor (think of the song "At the Ballet" from "A Chorus Line"). My friends and I giggled and chatted as we put on our Capezio ballet shoes that I carried in my patent leather Capezio case. 

 

My leotard was under my clothes. As we took off the outer layers of our clothes, we were transformed into Miss Patricia's ballerinas. It was all business once we entered the room with the lacquered floor, barres and mirrors. I loved the music, the movement, and the rhythm of moving as one with my classmates. As much as moving as one for 3-5 year olds would allow that is.

"All I ever needed was the music, and the mirror and the chance to dance for you." In June 1959, my world crumbled around me as I contracted paralytic polio. The dancer within me was resurrected through my poetry and now in my mind's eye through visualization as I meditate. 

   

Ellen Langer has written a brilliant book, "Counter Clockwise: Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility." In another recent, "Better You. Backed by Science" free newsletter, Dr. David Hamilton summarizes the details of the study.

"In 1979, Langer invited a group of men in their 70s to spend a week at a retreat designed to resemble life 20 years earlier – 1959.

But they weren’t just reminiscing – they were asked to be who they were back then.

Langer’s hypothesis was: “If we put the mind back 20 years, would the body reflect this change?” 

 

The results of the study were astonishing!  

 

In addition to embodying the ballerina I was before I contracted paralytic polio, I am using anchor memories of all the races I have run since I became a most unlikely runner in 2008. I am focused and disciplined on training days and rest days. I have two mantras: "My body recovers with ease" and "The body believes what the mind can conceive."  During my meditations, I focus on visualization and express gratitude and love to my body for all it has given me and continues to give me.

 

A half birthday which just happens to coincide with being almost halfway through the year is a great time for reflection.  What a joy to celebrate 18 years of healing and going from atrophy to astonishing.

 

 In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews.

 

The Joy Is In The Journey

 

I am giddy with delight and gratitude to be in a new training cycle on the road to the Hyannis Marathon 10K. I am today years old when I found out that it is the 45th Edition of Hyannis Marathon Weekend. Hyannis was the first half marathon race I ever participated in. I emailed the race director asking if there was a time limit for the Half explaining that I am a mobility impaired runner and was training for the 2009 Boston Marathon. We've become dear friends through the years. I affectionately call Hyannis Marathon Race Weekend, Camp Hyannis. There are many runners who gather there every year and it's usually only once a year that we see these runners in real life. The last time I was in Hyannis, I was the guest speaker at the Pre-Race Pasta Dinner. What a thrill to share the stage with Bill Rodgers. 

 That was in February of 2020. We haven't been back since. Tom and Ruth Anne ran the 10K that year. The last time I ran Hyannis was in 2016. 

There's a stirring in my soul and excitement in my Being to be training for Hyannis again. On Saturday, Tom and I went to South Boston to run 3.5 miles as I slowly build my base to go the distance again. My goal is to get to 10 miles by January and then taper for the 10K. The heat in Boston began to build although there was a cooling sea breeze on the first full day of summah as we like to call it in Boston.

 

We are so fortunate to live just 25 minutes away from South Boston where we get to experience the expansiveness of the ocean and the beauty of Boston's Bay. I was mindful to focus on hydration, fueling and not pushing the pace given the heat and that I am going for distance. When I trained for the 2024 Bermuda 10K in 2023, I had the time pressure of finishing in 2:30 (and bear in mind that for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I run pretty fast). During this training cycle, there is no time pressure as the finish line is the same for the 10K, Half and Full Marathon although I want to have a solid performance for me. I felt so much joy on Saturday's run. Going back to where I ran my first half marathon, where a friendship was born with champion Bill Rodgers and when I was given a blessing by Frank Shorter for my Boston Marathon run fuels the joy in the journey.

As I was waiting in line to meet Bill and Frank, I started a conversation with Ric Beaudoin, sharing my story on the road to Boston with him. That's why running is the greatest sport. You strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and before you know it you become like family. At the time, Ric was a member of the L Street Running Club and Merrimack Valley Striders Running Club. I was welcomed into the running family with open arms. Ric ran the 2020 10K with Tom and Ruth Anne. I'm still a member of L Street and friends with the Striders. I was a guest speaker at each of the Clubs after my epic Boston Marathon run. 

 The weather forecast called for a heat advisory for Monday and Tuesday. I set the alarm for 6:00am so Tom and I would beat the heat of the day. It was 70 degrees with high humidity. To be honest, if I weren't training for Hyannis, I might have either taken a rest day or done cross training in our air conditioned home. I had put the water bottles in the refrigerator Sunday evening and laid out my coolest tank top and shorts. No excuses when there's a goal race on the horizon. 

It was a gorgeous morning at the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. What a blessing to see the Dawn of a new day; a privilege not given to everyone. Being able to be out in nature feeling vibrant and healthy is not something I EVER take for granted. I remember one day when I went to Wollaston Beach shortly after I started working with a personal trainer after being discharged from outpatient physical therapy in October of 2007. I could barely walk with my cane and toe-up leg brace. Every day I get to train is a gift; my journey is a miracle. It takes incredible effort and discipline given the toll on my body from paralytic polio and trauma to train but what gratitude swells in my heart when I see the beauty of nature with a before breakfast run:
          

What a serene and peaceful way to start a new day and a new week setting the tone and intention to be a harbinger of light and peace. What a wonderful antidote to the noise and chaos in the world. 

 

Mile by mile, I am training mind, body and soul for the 45th Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K but my sights and intention are focused on every run and strength training workout feeling the incredible joy in the journey.

 

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews.

 

 

 

 

A Redemption Race!

 

I wasn't planning on running it and I certainly wasn't planning on racing it. As I reflect on Sunday's Squirrel Run XXVII aka my accidental race, I realized the impact that the DNF at the 2024 Bermuda 10K had on me. I was 'gun shy' of being part of a race again where I'd feel the pressure of a time goal. There is no time limit for my next goal race, the 2026 Hyannis 10K. I will, of course, be training to make it a personal best with a goal of 2:30 or less. I opted for the 2.5 mile fitness walk at the Squirrel Run to take any time pressure off of myself. The Universe had other plans. I am so glad She did! 

As I reflect on that DNF, I realized that while there were physical factors that contributed to my DNF, there were also psychological factors that contributed to my body calling it at 3:06 miles. Somewhere inside of me, I had doubts about being able to go the distance again in Bermuda despite having had 3 successful half marathons there in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and an exhilarating 10K in Hyannis in 2016. I went into the race feeling depleted mentally and physically from having contracted COVID in December of 2023, and family crises that year. I neglected to focus on mind and body self-care during my training cycle. 

Part of what made Saturday's race as spectacular as it was for me was that I took two rest days before the event. I treated it as just another 2.5 miles to do to support ALS research, a cause near and dear to my heart. When there is a breakthrough for treatment and understanding the etiology of any progressive neuromuscular disease, there is hope for all of them. There were no pre-race jitters because well - there was no race. The inner fire was lit when I found myself mid-pack.

 I was on the struggle bus early on at the Bermuda 10K. The weather was warm and muggy. The hills were unrelenting and extremely challenging. I didn't feel the joy of being off the sidelines in Bermuda. There were no crowds and the roads weren't closed. There was an energy and sense of purpose at the Squirrel Run that was missing in Bermuda. The roads were closed. The high school kids who hosted the water stop were genuinely happy to be there. There was camaraderie among the participants and there were some spectators lining the course cheering us on. There was no water stop in Bermuda until after the 5K mark! Ironically, the scene that I mentally rehearsed of coming into the finish with Tom and Ruth Anne, hands held high, receiving a medal,  happened not in Bermuda but at Saturday's accidental 5K. It was a moment of redemption for what did not happen in Bermuda.

 My love of being off the sidelines and seeing what this body can do was rekindled last Saturday. When I crossed that finish line, I stepped into feeling the joy of my next training cycle. I feel focused and a deep stirring in my soul that I am called to do this again. Hyannis Weekend holds incredible memories for me. It's a beautiful course and the weather adds to the magic and mystery of the event. At my first Half in Hyannis in 2009 on the road to the Boston Marathon, it was cold at the start with sleet at the end.  In 2011, it snowed. In 2014 it was a picture perfect end of winter day when Tom ran it. In 2020, it was a cold but sunny day. One year the race was cancelled due to unsafe conditions. I'm manifesting a picture perfect day for my triumphant Hyannis return and my return to the 10K distance at a live event. Even though I was a DNF in Bermuda, I did do a Virtual 10K on May the Fourth last year.

My heart overflows with gratitude and my soul dances with delight for the accidental 5K race. When I did an age-graded calculation for my 1:00:30 time, it came to 41:44. Wow for somebody who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I really do go fast! 

This training cycle is a mile by mile every step is a gift every mile is a blessing adventure. Training beyond the distance of the 10K with my long term goal of doing a half marathon next Spring gives me a bounce in my step and a boost to my mental training. I see it and I feel it happening. Isn't it crazy how the Universe works sometimes?

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews.

 

I'm Now Off the Sidelines - An Accidental 5K!

I'd seen posts from members of our L Street Running Club about The Squirrel Run for years. Last year I was support crew for Tom and Ruth Anne's 5K. I knew we'd be back this year. The original plan was for me to do the 2.5 mile fitness walk, and Tom and Ruth Anne would run the 5K again. When it came time to register, Ruth Anne said we hadn't done any in-person events together in a long time so why not do the 2.5 mile fitness walk together?

Jake Kennedy was the Physical Therapist for our Club. His younger brother Jimmy, aka Squirrel, and father died from ALS. Club members were devastated when Jake was diagnosed in November 2019. The family started the Jake Kennedy ALS Fund which supports the research by Dr. Brown and his team at U Mass. Jake sadly died from ALS in 2020 . His brother Rich, aka Ratt was diagnosed with ALS in 2016 and is alive today, using only canes for mobility thanks to the Angel Fund research happening at UMass. Having been diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, another progressive neuromuscular disease in December of 2006, I know how blessed I am to be able to be healthy and mobile, supporting the research to ultimately find a cure while finding treatment to forestall the progression of symptoms.

We arrived early at Pageant Field to get our bibs and have time for meet ups with our L Street running family. Gun time was 10:00 but when we arrived at 8:45 the festivities were in high gear.

 

 We took a selfie with Paul Falcetta, President of L Street. We exchanged hugs and high fives with members of our L Street running family, shared congratulations from the Boston Marathon and got caught up on what was happening in our lives and the Club.

 

 

 

 

 This year there were 469 runners as compared to the 255 runners from 2024. There were 185 walkers as compared to 115 in 2024. During the pre-race remarks, Ratt expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous turnout, the support of community groups and the Mayor of Quincy. He introduced Dr. Brown as the celebrity to his right.

 

It was an unceremonious start for the walkers after the runners went on their way. I had to ask if the walkers should start and was told, "Just go over the mat." Bag pipes played at the bottom of the hill. I was overcome with emotion. My initial plan for doing this 2.5 mile fitness walk was to take it in stride, relax and enjoy the day. It was the first time I had a bib on for an in-person event since the Bermuda 10K in 2024 when I experienced my first DNF. I did go on to do a Virtual 10K on May 4 of last year. 

Right before gun time, I decided that, since it was "only" 2.5 miles I would play with speed to see what this body could do. 

The first mile had an uphill. I glanced at my pace and it was 20:15. Keep in mind as I share my pace, that, for somebody who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I go pretty fast. Something stirred in my soul at the 1 mile marker:

I know that I am only in competition with myself but I wanted to push myself for the next 1.5 miles. I asked if there were anyone behind us. I expected the answer to be either no or a few people since I am typically a back of the pack runner. Tom, Ruth Anne and another walker said "There are a lot of people behind us." I couldn't believe it! I was lit thinking that I can do this for one more mile. Ruth Anne was pacing me by going in front of me. She usually has to wait for me to catch up but I was able to kick it. I was totally in the zone rocking 16, 17, 18 and 19 minute/mile paces. 

    

What a thrill to be in the middle of the pack. Tom was kind enough to take photos so I could focus on my effort. It fueled my joy and exhilaration to be off the sidelines again. My mileage was at 1.6. We approached a water stop hosted by teenagers who were part of, I am presuming, the Quincy High football team. Jimmy was an outstanding football player and track athlete at North Quincy High. It was a God send. I put the cotton race t-shirt over my lightweight running shirt. The air was cool before gun time, and I hadn't planned on racing or going for more than 2.5 miles. The air was warm and humid by Wollaston Beach. The boys were enthusiastic; genuinely happy to be serving and cheering on the participants. One of them said to me, "You're doing great! You're halfway there." 

Wait, What? Halfway there? We have less than a mile to go. It got curiouser and curiouser as the turn back to the finish line was nowhere in sight. Thank goodness I dumped the cold water over me at the water stop. As my Garmin turned over to 2.55 miles and I was still keeping a brisk pace, it dawned on me that perhaps we were on course to do the full 5K. We paused for a moment. Ruth Anne asked me if I wanted to call it and just walk it in. Something deep within me said, "No way. This wasn't what I planned but for some reason it's what I am being called to do."

I kept up my pace of 16's, 17's, 18's and 19's and stayed focused. I transcended something within me. I felt a sense of reckless abandon while being very mindful of what was happening in my body. I was leaving nothing out there on a day when I was planning to just take it easy to go out and support a great cause. We finally saw the turn to the hill - yes hill cuz why not? going to the finish line.

It was a dig deep, boy I can't believe I just did that moment. Thank you to Kick to the Finish, LLC Timing Company for capturing the moments getting ready to hit the finish line mat:

Ruth Anne secured the last medal for me letting the person giving out the medals that even though we were signed up as walkers, I did the 5K. Side bar - you see Tom holding a blue bag in the photo. Our car was parked at the bottom of the hill and "for some reason" I thought to throw a bag of pretzels in the bag at the last minute. Tom grabbed the bag so I would be able to ease the nausea and replace the salt lost from the sweat at pushing my body to its limit after we crossed the finish line.

I placed 3/15 in the female 70-80 Age Group. I placed 68/185 'walkers.' My splits were 20:19, 19:20 and 19:21. Chip time was 1:00:33 for an average pace of 19:32. I could have done the 5K run and come in at 456 several runners ahead of the last person to finish. 

 

What a confidence boost for me during this training cycle for the 2026 Hyannis 10K. What an amazing lesson to learn about expectations,  spontaneity, what happens when I dial in to possibilities and run with heart and soul. 

 

I am deeply grateful to my body for all it gave me yesterday. I am incredibly grateful to the Universe for presenting me with this phenomenal opportunity to be off the sidelines and race an accidental 5K. Thank you to Tom and Ruth Anne for being a part of my celebration; celebrating 18 years of healing in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair.  God Bless Ratt, Dr. Brown and all who are tirelessly searching for treatment and ultimately a cure; the amazing community of runners, volunteers, police and all who worked together to put on the Squirrel Run XXVII. 

 

After the race we met a few more members of L Street near the finish line and in the parking lot, and Amanda, the winner of the Women's Division who we've been friends with for years. It was a perfect ending to an accidentally perfect kind of day.

 

 

 

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews.