This Week in Training: The Greatest Sport!

 

 

"How is it that I am so fortunate to call you a friend when you are one of the greatest American runners of all time? I mean in any other sport you'd probably be surrounded by security and I'd be lucky if I got to get an autograph from you."

"That's why we're the greatest sport!" Bill Rodgers said to me at the start of the 2016 Hyannis 10K. 

This week's training plan included a Thursday bye day to meet up with Bill Rodgers at the bib pick up for the Somerville Jingle Bell run happening on 12/14. He graciously invited me to share his table at Marathon Sports to sell and sign copies of my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Runner." He wrote a review for my book AND has it included in the Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner."  I knew that I needed to pace the day especially since we are at a critical time in our training cycle for Hyannis.

On Saturday, Tom and I had a fabulous 5.5 mile run feeling so grateful for where we live. We did an out the door run to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, once around and to the Route 9 Reservoir back home plus a little extra in the neighborhood to get to 5.5 miles. We are training for health and well-being in our 70's. We experience joy, gratitude and the sacred time of being unplugged seeing the beauty, mystery and awe that comes with the change of seasons. The reservoirs are beginning to freeze over. We enjoyed seeing snowflakes fall at the end of our run. Before the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, as one who survived paralytic polio and endured years of abuse at the hands of family members, feeling free and joyful outdoors was foreign to me. It's never too late to have a happy childhood as Tom Robbins said. 

As I was looking through the photos I took on yesterday's 5.5 miler on the Road to the Hyannis 10K, I was reminded of my poem, "Courage."

Courage   

The fear of ice and snow and slush embedded in my soul
a training run in winter - the path to Being whole.
A winter scene - Jamaica Pond - a feast for eyes' delight
to witness nature's splendor and behold this glorious sight.

A leaf - a tiny dancer - skating free without a sound
God's breath directs her movements as She guides her twirling 'round.
Families of ducks decide to walk or take a dip
a comedy of errors into icy water slip.

Branches now bejeweled though bare bend with loving Grace
sparkling diamonds' anchor water's surface hold in place.
God's hand a glove of glistening snow hugs rocks along the wall
their heads peek out reminding me I'm answering God's call.

A scene I'd never witness if I let my fear take hold
courage triumphed, steppin' out with footsteps sure and bold.
Knowing that the pain subsides and Spirit can prevail
the Marathon is beckoning - through those miles I shall sail. 

Saturday's run was one of my favorite training runs that broke through the doubt of can I really do this again? Well yeah I am doing it again. 

On December 25th, I'll be running 7.2 miles to celebrate my 72nd birthday. It will be the longest distance I've gone since the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon. I already feel the cheers and love surrounding from my village who embraced my journey ever since I bought my first pair of running shoes in February of 2008 and the wonderful new friends I've been blessed to meet along the way. 

Before breakfast Monday morning strength training sessions are the best way I know to start a new day and a new week with Tom. It's a great complement to our training runs. For someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged, I'm doing great!  One of our favorite songs on our playlist is, "No Time At All" from Pippin. It's a celebration of life and living life because soon spring will turn to fall in just no time at all. With every training run and workout, I express gratitude to my body for all I am able to do. Working out is a joy and celebration of the body's tremendous capacity to heal.
 

 

 What made Tuesday morning's magnificent miles in 10 degree weather so special? I'm grateful for every run but being able to get up at 6am and go out in frosty air is a sweet victory for me. One of the hallmark symptoms of Post-Polio Syndrome is cold intolerance. The initial polio virus adversely affected my body's ability to respond to extreme temperatures. Through visualization, I was able to rewire my thermostat. Beginning in February of 2008, as I trained for the 2009 Boston Marathon during a brutal New England winter, I was able to experience the joy of being outdoors in Winter. That experience inspired the poem, "Courage." I was also 'warned' that if I went out in Winter, I should bring a cane with an ice gripper. I was at risk for a fractured hip if I fell. I did have several falls during training runs, but none in winter and I am still in one piece!

I love that I can get out with Tom and share the sacred early morning time together. We run without headphones and the only time I take out my phone is to capture the beauty of nature that I had missed out on for many years. 

I first met Bill Rodgers at the 2009 Hyannis Marathon Weekend.

I shared my story with him at the Pre-Race pasta dinner having no idea that it would be the start of a beautiful friendship. 

The Meet and Greet and book signing with Bill Rodgers at bib pick-up for the Bill Rodgers Somerville Jingle Bell Run was better than my wildest imaginings. Tom and I got a parking spot across the street from Marathon Sports. Someone was pulling out just as we pulled up. I'd imagined that very parking space! Paulie Collyer is the Race Director for Somerville and Hyannis. I was surprised to see this post on Facebook earlier in the afternoon:

 He gave me the nickname Double M; much better than the "Easy Out Alper" nickname that followed me in gym class. Paulie introduced me to the Marathon Sports staff and made sure we would have a table and chairs. I was chatting with runners who were shopping in the store before Bill arrived sharing my story to inspire them and asking about their running story. One woman just started running this year. She wants to run Boston after successfully completing the BAA Distance Medley and run for Big Brother/Big Sister. She is on their waiting list. Her eyes lit up when she shared that she is a Big Sister and would love to run for her little sister.

There's a lot of talk these days about how we have lost the art of in-person conversations and connections. I struck up a conversation with Nicholas who said how wonderful it is to have in-person conversations. We talked about how the running community is one that fosters connections and conversations while enjoying the health benefits of moving outdoors. I offered that's why we are the greatest sport.

 

Bill and his brother Charlie arrived. We exchanged hugs and Bill set out memories from his scrap book of the very first Jingle Bell Run in 1977! I love hearing Bill reminisce and share running history while offering my own memories of meeting amazing people like Tommy Leonard (who was in one photo) when we were at the Quarterdeck Restaurant in Falmouth.

  

Before the runners arrived for bib pick-up, I presented Bill with his birthday gift; a personalized poem in a frame:

For Bill Rodgers on the Occasion of his 78th Birthday!

December 23, 2025

This year has been filled with celebrations of your legendary Boston Marathon run
whether on the roads or off the roads as a person you are always #1.
What fun we had at Central Perk Coffee schmoozing and sipping Billy’s teas
always time for thumbs up, photos and autographs your fans you always please.

I love how you are unapologetically you with your unique style and flair
however long the line may be you let every person know you care.
You’re a legend, a champion beyond compare to your own self you’re always true
may your next trip around the sun be filled with blessings every moment the whole year through.

While celebrating your 50th anniversary of Boston, such humility and love were a treat to behold
you shared Bob Hall’s pioneering efforts with stories each generation needs to be told.
On center stage throughout the festivities you took your rightful place
that ever present youthful smile you sure do age well with grace.

How blessed am I to call you my friend, my journey as an unlikely runner you take delight
you inspire me to run forever always setting and keeping goals within sight.
As you celebrate your special day from morning until sun is set
may all your wishes and dreams come true – may this be your best birthday yet!

With love and gratitude,
Mary

Tom gets the photo credit for capturing me giving the gift to Bill and how he warmly received my gift:

It was heart warming to see how runners greeted Bill, often saying what an honor it was to meet him. Other runners shared how he inspired them in their running careers. I was inspired when a disabled woman veteran shared with me her running story. Her physical therapist suggested she start walking to help alleviate the pain of her arthritis. She went out and walk/ran a 5K. Now that's a woman after my own heart. She resonated with not only my running story but that I worked as a VA social worker. 

I love how running brings people together and how the sport transcends political affiliation, race, nationality, shape, size or age. Here are photos with our new friends and fans who will be running the Jingle Bell on Sunday. Bill and I also talked about Hyannis Marathon Weekend encouraging runners to join us for another great race experience.

 

 

That's a wrap for another week of training on the Road to Hyannis Marathon Weekend and having my sights set on my 7.2 mile birthday run to celebrate 72 years.  I still pinch myself at times to realize that I am a beloved part of this running community. Whenever runners gather there are instant connections and conversations. A legend like Bill Rodgers makes everyone feel like a legend when we are blessed to be in his presence. When I set out to run the 2009 Boston Marathon in February of 2008, I had no idea that I would be stepping foot into the greatest sport.

 In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** 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.

My Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

 

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.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

 

This Week in Training: Follow Your Dreams!

 

 

Today, on December 5, 1988, I began my career at the Boston VA Outpatient Clinic. On December 6, 2006, when I was at the height of my award-winning career, I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. But what's a social worker to do when she's been told that she needed to leave behind her career to try to stabilize the debilitating symptoms. 

In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The runner within me was born in my imagination as the poem, "Running the Race" flowed out of me. It foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. Throughout this incredible journey from wheelchair to the finish line of the Boston Marathon and beyond, I've harnessed the power of my imagination to visualize healing when needed, and to imagine crossing the finish lines of different races. The 2016 Bermuda Half Marathon was my comeback race after a very serious knee injury in December of 2014 when I'd been told to stop running or cap my distance at a 5K. On the Bermuda Race Weekend website, there were photos of Ed Christopher, the Town Crier with finishers and their medals. As we trained for the race, I held fast to that vision. Here are Tom and me with the manifestation of the vision.

As Tom and I set out on our 5 miler last Saturday, counting down to my 7.2 miler on my 72nd birthday on December 25th, I reflected on how, since February of 2007, I've been following my dreams. My first dream after leaving the VA, was to be a NY Times Bestselling Author and be on Oprah. That dream, much to my surprise, quickly morphed into running the 2009 Boston Marathon. 

It was 5.1 fabulous frosty morning miles as we went from once around the Route 9 Reservoir to once around the Cleveland Circle Reservoir and back to the 'finish line' of our car. We held hands high imagining what it's going to be like in Hyannis on 3/1. We felt such unbridled joy and a sense of accomplishment with Saturday's run after a busy week of Thanksgiving preparation and hosting. We braved a cold headwind knowing that training is not only for the body but the mental toughness as well. Our hearts were warmed as we bumped into two of our neighbors and their families exchanging Thanksgiving greetings and wishing each other a healthy, happy, peaceful and joy filled holiday season. It was a special and sacred time together out on the road.

 

We embraced the warmth of the sunshine despite the cold temperatures and took time to enjoy Nature's beauty. 

On Sunday's rest day, I played around with our playlist for Monday's strength training workout. It was just the boost we needed as winter's weather begins to settle into Boston. I selected this quote to kick off a new day and a new week reminding myself of the importance of ditching the fear and slaying the dragons of doubt. Even those of us with the most positive of attitudes have moments when we need to remember our why and recharge our passion and persistence. 

Despite waking up at 4am on Tuesday and meditating until the alarm went off at 6am, there were no excuses to skip an early morning run. We used to do lunchtime runs in winter but we are going to keep the same schedule as long as it is safe to do so. I reminded myself of the quote, "When passion and persistence meet, dreams become a reality." 

We were blessed to see a heron again. The heron spirit animal symbolizes patience, self-determination, and stillness, representing the wisdom of waiting for the right moment and the ability to find balance. It also signifies divine communication, grace, and self-reliance, encouraging individuals to trust their own wisdom and pursue their unique path. Seeing a heron can be a message to slow down, observe your surroundings, and find serenity in life. Thank you Universe for the reminder! It was a December sky. The weather forecast called for a storm watch. We could feel that the first snowfall was on the way. We hoped it would not interfere with our training plan.

On Thursday morning we woke up to black ice. Our bodies are accustomed to early morning miles but it just wasn't safe. Fortunately, Tom did not have any meetings that would interfere with a "runchie." I did my best to fuel and get mentally prepared to run much later than I am accustomed to. I was grateful that the day had warmed up and the black ice was gone. 

Despite the still very cold temperatures and the gray day, we experienced joy and laughter having silly conversations. At one point, we had to stop our run because I was laughing so hard I lost my equilibrium. Our time together out on the roads, unplugged, connected in conversation out in Nature is such a special sacred time together. Early on in my healing journey, I struggled with cold intolerance but I visualized regulating my thermostat and now, I am able to embrace the elements and appreciate the wonder and awe that every season brings. I no longer feel as though my nose is pressed against the window pane watching life pass me by. I could barely walk and had to hug the staircase in our home in order to walk up the stairs. I know what a gift it is to be able to follow my dreams of being a most unlikely runner sharing a powerful message of healing, hope and possibility. I appreciate everything and take nothing for granted. I mean it with my heart and soul when I say every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing. 

It was a strong and solid finish to another week in the training cycle on the Road to Hyannis and counting down to 7.2 on 12/25. When those gremlins of doubt creep in -- can I really do this again? Can I go the farthest I've gone since the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon, I remind myself of this Jason Kiddard quote. Of course I can and will doing the mental and physical preparation to follow my dreams of once again going the distance.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** 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.

My Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

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.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

This Week in Training: It's a Celebration!

Next month marks 19 years since I received the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome when I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. I reflected on this milestone last Saturday as Tom and I kicked off another week of training on the Road to Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. The weather was gray and rainy but fortunately temperatures were relatively mild for late November here in Boston. I asked Tom if there was some place new we could run for our 4 mile run. He said he had just the place. As we made our way to the Charles River, Tom was turned around at first thinking there was parking just off the main road that would lead to the running path. After the 2nd time of not finding the spot, I suggested we go back to the Reservoir. But, he wanted to try one more turn. He found it!

 

We stretched,  fueled and hydrated and set off on a wonderful adventure along the Charles River. Tom used to run along that path but it was unfamiliar territory for me. Tom pointed out it was great training for race day since I'll be running along a course I have not run in 10 years. Tom was able to capture a photo of geese taking off from the water.

I was curious to see if geese can be considered an animal spirit since I see them so frequently. When I think of the geese around the Reservoirs, I am usually only focused on avoiding stepping in goose poop. I googled the meaning of geese as an animal spirit. As an animal totem, the goose symbolizes community, kindness, communication, loyalty, bravery and guidance. It represents the ability to synchronize with others, balance leadership and teamwork, and the importance of family and protecting loved ones. The goose signifies endurance, vigilance, freedom, and the ability to know when to lead and when to follow. When the trees are mostly bare and it's a seemingly gray and dreary day, Tom and I consciously sought out finding the beauty despite the weather.

 

As I've mentioned in previous blogs, at this time of year, our conversations often turn to how far I've traveled on my healing path since I was first diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome. One of my favorite sayings is, "I still remember the days I prayed for the things I have now." 

I had to hug the staircase when I walked from the first to the 2nd floor of our Cape home. Forget going into the basement and doing laundry. I depended on my family to get the laundry done. We either used PeaPod delivery service for groceries or I would use a scooter in the grocery store. I used weighted utensils to eat, drank water through a straw and could not talk while I ate because of the risk of aspirating food into my lungs. I used a tub chair because I did not have the endurance to stand for a shower. Going for a walk outside even with a toe-up leg brace and cane was not even a possibility. I felt as though my nose was pressed up against the pane on the window of life and I was watching the world pass me by. 

This is why I have such a profound appreciation for every step and every mile, regardless of the weather or season. This is why I say that every day is a celebration. The joyous feelings of celebration enable me to surf the waves of discomfort and pain. As I said when I set out on this quest to heal my life, I knew there was going to be pain and discomfort so why not experience it on the side of health and well-being rather than atrophy and decline.

Gratitude and celebration go hand in hand. Monday's strength training session was a celebration of all our bodies can do especially being in our 70's. 

It was a wonderful way to start a new day, new week and the week of Thanksgiving. Tom had worked on Sunday. We were a bit tired when the alarm went off but by the end of the workout we were energized and exhilarated that it was Tom's Friday since Tuesday would be comp time. It always feels so good to push through and get to the other side of the workout.

Since Tom didn't have to work on Tuesday, we got a later start to our morning miles but still got our miles in before breakfast. The still water made for a beautiful canvas of the trees and the Boston skyline in the distance. My perception of the geese shifted and I appreciated their special place in the Universe. After breakfast, Tom and I worked on getting things ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. What a treat to have unscheduled time together. Since every day is a day of celebration and gratitude, I don't experience a build up to the holiday as many people do. I focused on the gift of being present and enjoying the moments with Tom.

 

 

 

What a treat to finally see the sun on our before breakfast, before putting the turkey in the oven miles! There were many runners getting in their miles before the feast. Tom and I joked that they were probably also getting their ya-ya's out before getting together with the family. It seemed as though celebration was the theme of everybody's morning run as we exchanged smiles and Happy Thanksgiving when we passed each other.

What a glorious day to wrap up another week of the training cycle focusing on all there is to c elebrate and be grateful for.

We turn the page on the calendar on Monday to the last month of the year and the beginning of my birthday month. I'm gearing up for 7.2 miles on my 72nd birthday on December 25th. It will be the farthest I've gone since the Bermuda Half Marathon in 2018. Celebrating my journey of healing and having a heart overflowing with gratitude lights and fuels the miles on and off the roads!

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** 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.

My Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

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.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.