The Vicarious Thrill of Cape Cod Marathon Race Weekend!

As Kara Goucher once said, "When it comes to running, participation and spectating go hand in hand. Watching the world's best compete, fires you up to achieve your own feats of greatness." I may  not have been watching the world's greatest competing at the Cape Cod Half Marathon, but I was tracking Tom and Ruth Anne as they set out on their quest to finish the Half Marathon in 3 hours or less. I chose to stay home with our newly adopted cat MoMo. We didn't feel comfortable leaving him home along after only 3 months of his being in his furever home.

Ruth Anne and Tom texted me photos from bib pick up and their pre-race dinner at The Flying Bridge along with photos from lunch with our beloved cousin Kathy. She has been on her own marathon of healing. She was in a rehab facility for recovery from complications from a heart attack. She worked so hard in PT to make sure she would be out in time to have lunch. I followed Cape Cod Marathon on social media and the excitement was palpable. On Saturday morning I set my alarm along for 6am so I could join Tom and Ruth Anne as they prepared for race day. I had butterflies and #allthefeels of pre-race jitters. We all took time for meditation to 'get in the zone'. I had exchanged messages with the social media coordinator with whom I have been friends through the years. We had lost touch in recent years. It was a joy to reconnect with her. I asked her about the strict 3 hour time limit and she assured me that she would be there past the 3 hour mark calling the runners in. She knew about what Ruth Anne had to overcome with her journey with Functional Neurological Disorder since July. She has had her own health challenges and her compassion and kindness transcended cyberspace.

I got ready for my Saturday morning 5K. I was planning an easy loop around the big Reservoir at Cleveland Circle. As I checked the tracker for Tom and Ruth Anne, I got fired up. There was no way I could do an easy pace while they were out there giving it their all. I am training for the 45th Bill Rodgers Somerville Jingle Bell 5K happening on December 15th. My goal (and remember that for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair I run pretty fast) is to do it in under an hour. There are a lot of hills and who knows what the weather will be but I have every confidence I can meet or exceed my goal.  I've already conquered the distance of the 10K again in May and did a 4 miler last month. It's a matter now of working on speed. I've been doing two speed workouts during the week so I do try to keep my pace easy on Saturdays. I was too fired up to not see what this body could do while Tom, Ruth Anne and many of my friends were out on the Cape Cod Half Marathon course.

It was a glorious day here on Saturday. I started out with short sleeves and a pull over but after a mile I was in short sleeves. I had to pause for a water stop and to savor the beauty of nature in all of her glory:

I was disciplined and focused on my miles feeling the connection to those running in Cape Cod. It was windy with white caps on the Reservoir. Ruth Anne sent me a video of a view along the course and it was very windy on the Cape with white caps on Nantucket Bay. I pushed myself and was delighted with negative splits and and a 19:48 pace. My total time was 1:01. I visualized my December race during my run while checking in to see how Tom and Ruth Anne were progressing along the course.

I refueled and debated about whether or not to watch the live feed from the finish line. As the tracker told me they were getting close, something nudged me to go to the YouTube channel. It's always a thrill to hear the race announcer beckon runners to the finish line with great enthusiasm. I could see Ruth Anne and Tom heading toward the finish line when oh no....Tom tripped and fell. Thank goodness I was watching the finish line because I got an alert on my phone from Garmin connect that Tom had an incident followed by a text and an email since I was his emergency contact. With the help of the medical team he got up and crossed the finish line. The only thing that was hurting was his wrist and a bruised ego. Ruth Anne got their medals and they were able to relish their epic Half Marathon with a time of 3:01 which was exactly their goal pace.

We all shared an incredible runners' high together in the evening via Face Time. We shared that feeling of the shift in mind, body and soul that happens after an all out effort, being with our runner family in real life and on line. Tom and Ruth Anne exchanged shout outs with runner friends who passed on the out and back route.

Even Tom's visit to Urgent Care on Sunday that indicated he has a hairline fracture of his wrist could not dampen the joy of what we all accomplished together. It was a thrilling weekend that extended into Sunday. The festivities of Cape Cod Marathon weekend continued with the 5K and full marathon. I tracked friends and a family member running in Chicago. As Bill Rodgers loves to say:

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

Sore. The Most Satisfying Pain!

18 years ago I received the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I was told it is a progressive neuromuscular disease and to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. There was a possibility of needing a feeding tube because the left side of my esophagus was sluggish and I was aspirating food into my lungs. My breathing was compromised. I declined the recommendation for a sleep apnea machine. After intensive outpatient rehab with physical therapist Allison, who did not believe I was destined to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I hired a personal trainer who subscribed to Henry Ford's philosophy of "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right!"

After my first training session with my personal trainer, I had muscles that I did not know existed in my body. I made a conscious decision that if I were going to be in pain, I would rather hurt on the side of healing and wellness than the pain of atrophy. In truth, they both cause pain!

After 6 months of working with Janine, she asked me what my next goals were. "I want to feel free in my body. I want to diversify my workouts. I want to come out of my leg brace...maybe take a dance class since I took ballet before I contracted polio..." She wrote down my new health and fitness goals. She had her hand on the door knob and had already gathered up her things when I said...

 

Talk about sore!!! Learning how to run and train for a marathon at 53 years old is no easy feat but what moments of satisfaction I experienced as I built endurance and mental toughness on the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon.

 

 

 

 

 

I continue to experience soreness as I continue to challenge myself on the roads and in my strength training workouts. At 71 years old, and as one who had been diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, I know how vital it is to keep moving forward in my health and wellness journey. I listen closely to my body to ensure I do not cross that delicate line from soreness to pain that could lead to an injury. I do, however, relish the most satisfying pain of being sore.  

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

Every Season Has a Reason

When I was in the fourth grade, we put on the play, "Every Season Has a Reason." Isn't it funny how that stayed with me all these years? Of course as a fourth grader, I could not possibly grasp the depth of the play's meaning. Here in New England, as the seasons change, I deeply appreciate the change in seasons. For years, I was unable to experience the glory and beauty of nature up close and personal due to severely limited mobility. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a whole new opened before me. I found a portal to healing through writing poetry. As my heart and soul expressed gratitude, love, joy and forgiveness and my imagination was ignited to see myself running free, whole and healed, my life was transformed.

Whatever the weather, whatever the season, I am blessed to experience being up close and personal with Mother Nature.

Ruth Anne and I laugh about how we either under dress as when we ran in torrential downpours and wind in South Boston or overdress as we did the other day when we needed to peel off jackets and layers. It's so much easier to just throw on a t-shirt or singlet and shorts but what a joy to embrace the change in  seasons. We have often said we cannot imagine living anywhere else but New England.

On the First Full Day of Fall, given Tom and Ruth Anne's training schedule for  the Cape Cod Half Marathon, I did a solo run. It was overcast skies and I could sense the change coming as yellow replaced the fading green color of the leaves.

I remember the days when I would bemoan the change in seasons. As a polio survivor, I experienced cold intolerance. With limited mobility that eventually manifested as Post-Polio Syndrome, I experienced depression and anxiety with ice and snow fearing a fall.

Soaking in the beauty despite the grey skies filled my heart with gratitude and unbridled joy.

Just as I savored the weather slowly changing over from Winter to Spring, I now savor the slow transition from Autumn to Winter. I enjoy the vivid fall colors of flowers and the soon to be burst of colors from the trees. Just as summer has its unique scents and flavors, so does Autumn. We baked pumpkin bread and made a hearty vegan stew that replaces the sight and smell of food on the grill. It will soon be time for all things apple and the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season. 

I am loving the season of my 70's as I garner all the wisdom I've gained during these past 18 years since setting out on a quest to heal my life. I know that every season of my life had a reason. Do you know what the best season is? The season we are living in right now being mindful to be living in the present moment!

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

Stopping On A Dime!

   

Saturday was the first big change in weather day in weeks with cooler temps and rain. Before Saturday it was a no brainer to just put on either a singlet or t shirt and shorts. Ruth Anne and I went through a deciding what to wear conversation that went something like Hat? No, headband. Could you get out my volunteer jacket? Do I need to put on extra layer? Then the conversation turned to where should we go? Ordinarily when it's raining, we go out the door or no farther than Jamaica Plain. In our infinite wisdom, we decided to go to Castle Island. The rain and wind picked up on our drive there. We mentally dialed in. 

As we were preparing to leave the car I said, "Here let me put my hood up." As I tried to reach for the hood there was none. I started laughing nervously. Ruth Anne grabbed my Boston Marathon jacket which is the same colors as  the volunteer jacket. She felt awful and I told her it was an honest mistake.  "Should we only do 2 miles instead of a 5K?" Ruth Anne asked.

"No," I said with great confidence. "We'll be fine!" We'd done many longer runs in wind and rain so a 5K was totally manageable.

We tuned out the weather and tuned into breathing in the sea air, feeling the awe of Mother Nature especially as she churned the ocean's waters.

As we went over the bridges to run the Sugar Bowl (IYKYK) the rain pelted our faces as the wind picked up. We started to sing because well what else are you gonna do? We shared an indescribable joy in our strength and resilience braving the elements. I felt strong and determined to keep a steady pace while pausing to take photos and document this adventure.

At mile 1, I paused to hydrate knowing how important it is to stay well hydrated despite cooler temps and rain. "Hmm, this has a funny taste to it." We both started laughing so hard! Ruth Anne had prepared the water bottles and remembered it wasn't completely rinsed out after she had a Nunn tablet during her last long run.

Note that Ruth Anne's headband is inside out! We didn't realize it until we looked at the photos after our run! For some reason, my Garmin has been tracking pace and not the mileage. "We're at 1.55," Ruth Anne said. We wondered if perhaps we shouldn't go back over the bridges since the wind wouldn't be as strong on lower ground but Ruth Anne was determined to go the same route.

All of a sudden I stopped and paused my Garmin. "Mom are you okay? ... What are you doing?" 

 

"Is that a dime?" I asked Ruth Anne. I wasn't wearing my glasses because of the rain.

"Yes. Come on. We gotta keep going!"

I bent down and picked up the dime. I was a bit unsteady between going at a fast pace and being buffeted by wind and rain but I was drawn to the dime. Finding dimes when I am on a run holds special significance for me. FDR is on the dime because during his presidency he vowed to eradicate  polio. Eddie Cantor, a radio personality, suggested that people send in their change to the President. There was an influx of dimes and the money was used to support research into the polio vaccine. He also founded the March of Dimes to support those who contracted polio. I was one of those who was able to benefit from the support of the March of Dimes. I could never go out and play in the rain or mud puddles given my physical limitations due to polio coupled with severe trauma. But, as Tony Robbins likes to say, it's never too late to have a happy childhood. The poem, "Come Out and Play" was written after I had a dream shortly after the diagnosis. I dreamed that I came out of my leg brace and was splashing in the puddles a la Gene Kelly in Dancing in the Rain!

 Ruth Anne and I laughed a hearty belly laugh at how I looked stopping my run and staring at the ground without communicating what I was doing. I told her "Wait a sec. I gotta see the date." "No put that dime away, we've gotta finish this thing."

And so I did and so we did.

We cranked up the heat in the car putting our jackets and headbands in the back seat. We had an amazing feeling of accomplishment for having the courage to start and then finishing our 5K. Ruth Anne checked the date on the dime. It was 2022. That was the year that the mother of Ruth Anne's best friend with whom I was very good friends made her transition. We've been experiencing a lot of signs from her.

"Yup that was Carol," Ruth Anne said.

On the drive home we reminisced about Carol and the special times Ruth Anne shared when she'd spend time at her best friend's house. We were both very happy that I decided to stop on a dime in the midst of wind and rain to remember an old friend and to experience a hearty laugh!

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story. My interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

On 9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp for a book signing and inspirational conversation, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong." Details are on the News and Events  Page.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

A Fabulous Four Miler & An Early Morning Run

After a major setback in my health and wellness journey in 2021/2022, I realized that I could have hung up my running shoes and focused on trying to maintain my fitness routine as best I could. But I realized, with the help of my husband and daughter, that I had not come that far to only go that far. I remembered all I had done to heal my life up until that point, after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, and after a serious knee injury in December of 2014. I knew that the comeback is always greater than the setback. I also knew I had nothing to prove. Running the 2009 Boston Marathon and 3 Half Marathons in Bermuda was a great feat and I certainly could have rested on my laurels sharing my incredible journey as a most unlikely runner. But something stirred deep within my soul. My comeback is shared in my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior." After mastering the distance of the 10K again, I experienced a wonderful momentum enjoying everything I fell in love with when I first started my running journey.

On 9/7, I was inspired to go beyond my usual 5K with a 4 miler. It was a glorious end of summer day.

 

I am delighted to feel the joy of running again feeling strength and freedom in my body.

 

 

 

The Gone for a Run Calendar on 9/9 had this quote:

It was a glorious morning and I was delighted that we set the alarm to be treated to the dawn of a new day:

I write in my bio how every day is a celebration of life for me at the age of 70. While life will always have its challenges, running always helps to clear away the cobwebs of worry and brings refreshment mind, body and soul.

We have been so blessed with end of summer weather of abundant sunshine, warm temperatures and low humidity. There's rain in the forecast and the Fall Equinox is on the horizon. Stay tuned for the next season of running!

 

 

 In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story. My interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

On 9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp for a book signing and inspirational conversation, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong." Details are on the News and Events  Page.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

 

 

 

Synchronicity & The Stories of Two Septuagenerians

Mary McManus, motivational speaker, critically acclaimed author and poet, 2009 Boston Marathon finisher, polio and trauma survivor has wowed audiences and readers with her remarkable story of resilience, healing, hope and possibilities. Every day is a celebration of life for 70 year old Mary who refused to take the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 sitting down. Her pen became her divining rod for healing harnessing the power of the mind/body connection  through poetry. She embarked on a journey that took her from taking a leap of faith, leaving behind her award-winning career as a VA social worker in May 2007, to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon, and many adventures as a woman transformed through the sport of running.

After a major setback in her health and wellness journey in 2021/2022, Mary knew she had not come that far to only go that far. After a 6 year hiatus from participating in running events. Mary set the goal of the 2024 Bermuda 10K Walk to celebrate her 70th birthday and 17 years of healing in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. During her training runs, Mary used visualization to imagine her experience on race day. She consistently imagined pairing up with a walker or two at the back of the pack as a way to temper her nerves of being able to finish in the 2 and a half hour time limit.

When Mary and her husband Tom caught up with Marlene Rose Gamba, she knew that God was with her and her visualization was manifesting in physical reality. Although Mary’s race did not go as planned,  she was blessed with friends who became family!

Spoiler alert: She did go on to finish her unfinished business on May 4th which you will find in the Epilogue of "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior."

 Mary holds a BS in Communications from Boston University, an MSW from Boston College and many fond memories of her veterans and their families from the VA close in her heart.

She lives in Chestnut Hill, MA with her husband of over 45 years and is the proud mother of twins, Ruth Anne and her brother Autumn. 

 In June of 2021, Marlene Rose Gamba came close to death after an emergency appendectomy that required 6 pints of blood, 4 pints of plasma, time in a trauma ICU where she was strapped up and in intense pain, a regular ICU, a regular room and 4 weeks in rehab. Her surgeon told her that what saved her life was being in great shape before the surgery. She entered rehab with a walker but had a dogged determination to regain all of her strength back in daily rehab. In Marlene’s words,  “I went from a walker to a cane and then transitioned to full strength.  Amazing how the brain works.  I had to retrain my brain to get back my muscle memory.”

Marlene retired from her job as a Principal in 2021. She was a principal for 20 years. It was difficult for her to leave a job she loved, but at 72, she needed to concentrate on her health. She became a part of Fit Body Forever,  a program for seniors 55 and over at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp specifically designed to help those 55 and over strengthen stamina with a special emphasis to address the signs of aging.

She always wanted to complete a 10K and she asked herself, why not do a 10k in Bermuda. She knew it would be difficult but she wanted to try. She prepared for the event with two coaches from the gym and another member from the over 55 class.

In Marlene’s words: “In January 2024 at the Bermuda 10 K, destiny put me right where I was supposed to be walking in a 10 K with a person that brought me back to life. Mary McManus’ courage and determination changed me forever. We helped each other and when she was unable to finish, at that moment I said, “  I have to finish.”  Yes,  at the most unexpected  times , “A hero comes along!”

The last mile was the most difficult and I wasn’t sure if there would be walkers and runners left. The motorcycle policeman monitoring the race kept checking on me. I promised him I would finish. He asked my name so he could let my daughter know I would finish and that they would keep the finish line open past the 2 hour 30 minutes.

When I made it to the stadium,  I saw my daughter at the entrance to the stadium … but  there at the finish line were Mary and  her husband cheering me on. They waited for me, I hugged them both and cried.  A moment I would never forget. God proved to me that there are angels walking on earth.”

Marlene Rose Gamba has been a lifelong Rhode Island resident. She graduated from Emerson College with degrees in English and Speech  Communication followed by a Masters Degree in Education from Rhode Island College with a Concentration as a Reading Consultant for grades K-12.  In 2001 she earned her Principal Certificate K-12 from Providence College. Marlene’s husband Jim, passed away in 2015. She is the proud mom of two daughters, Renee and Melody.

Please join Mary and Marlene, and their daughters Ruth Anne and Melody on 9/28 for an inspirational event for all ages! Providence Fit Body Boot Camp in partnership with Marathon Sports is proud to present:  Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong!              You'll hear first hand about their journeys of transformation that will uplift, motivate and inspire you to know what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. Read more of the back story in my blog, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong."

--Enjoy a 15 minute workout led by a Providence Fit Body Boot Camp Coach

--Inspirational conversation with Mary and Marlene moderated by their daughters Melody Gamba and Ruth Anne McManus

--Book signing of Mary’s book, “A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior,” a selection of the WBZ NewsRadio Book Club
Order your copies on Amazon   I will also have books available for you to purchase.

***RSVP here: https://forms.gle/mxASGoEkfp2ny3ts5

Admission is Free!

Light refreshments & Raffle Prizes!
3 - $50 gift cards to Marathon Sports Providence
1 - $50 gift card to lululemon Providence
1 - $50 gift card to Rhode Runner
A pack of FlavaBars from FlavaNaturals
2 - autographed copies of Mary's Book
A special gift from Providence Fit Body Boot Camp-One week of free membership and (2) shaker cup/supplement sample
Free entry to Run Rhody's 10/27 Providence Monster Dash race

So excited to see you on 9/28 in Providence!

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story. My interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

On 9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp for a book signing and inspirational conversation, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong." Details are on the News and Events  Page.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

From Crocus to Crickets - End of Summer Miles With Smiles!

 

While I am nicknamed the Empress of Enthusiasm and my posts are primarily positive, there is something that not a lot of people know about me. I used to dread Labor Day Weekend. My father died by suicide on 8/1/1971. Somehow, I mustered the strength and resilience to begin my freshmen year at Boston University in September. The diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 opened a portal to healing. I discovered the gift of poetry in my soul and the runner within me was born in my imagination. I transformed from a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma to one who experiences life through the lens of gratitude, joy, celebration with eyes wide open to the miracle of life.

The feelings of angst that were once an integral part of Labor Day Weekend have been transformed to now experiencing all the excitement of a new month, cooler temperatures for running, baking, bringing out recipes for heartier foods and the beauty that comes with transition and transformation.

I wrote the poem "From Crickets to Crocus" during the 2020 Pandemic. You can find it in my book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic." It's one of my favorite poems to revisit at this time of year when the cricket's song serenades us to sleep. It's so easy to bemoan how quickly summer flew by. During our run on the last day of August, we celebrated with our hearts filled with gratitude knowing how blessed we are to be able to be outdoors getting in the miles filled with smiles.

 The bright green colors of late Spring and summer are beginning to fade. We can sense the shift in the light. The sun rises later and sets earlier. Temperatures are starting to dip. But our spirits soar as we anticipate #allthethings that Autumn brings. We had a fabulous 5K as I train for the Somerville Jingle Bell Run in December. With cooler temps, Team McManus will head over to Somerville to train on the course. Tom and Ruth Anne are running the Providence Downtown 5K on 9/15 and the Cape Cod Half on October 12th. 

On 9/28th, we are having an event in Providence at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp in partnership with Marathon Sports Providence. It's an uplifting and inspiring event for all ages; a wonderful way to kick off a new season. 

 

Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong! {You can read the back story by following this link.}
             
Marlene Rose Gamba and Mary McManus, both in their 70’s were two strangers when they met at the back of the pack on the Bermuda Hills 10K in January of 2024; two unlikely runners who overcame  tremendous health challenges to toe the starting line. They forged a friendship to last a lifetime. Their journeys of transformation will uplift, motivate and inspire you to know what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary.

--Enjoy a 15 minute workout led by a Providence Fit Body Boot Camp Coach

--Inspirational conversation with Mary and Marlene moderated by their daughters Melody Gamba and Ruth Anne McManus

--Book signing of Mary’s book, “A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior,” a selection of the WBZ NewsRadio Book Club

***RSVP here: https://forms.gle/mxASGoEkfp2ny3ts5

Admission is Free! Books are $15.00

Light refreshments & Raffle Prizes!
3 - $50 gift cards to Marathon Sports Providence
1 - $50 gift card to lululemon Providence
1 - $50 gift card to Rhode Runner
2 - $15 gift cards to Kwench Juice Cafe
A pack of FlavaBars from FlavaNaturals
2 - autographed copies of Mary's Book
A special gift from Providence Fit Body Boot Camp

I'm always open to how the Universe will surprise me as the cricket's song heralds the beginning of this final quarter of 2024!

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story. My interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

On 9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp for a book signing and inspirational conversation, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong." Details are on the News and Events  Page.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.