
Flashback to December of 2006. I was in a toe-up leg brace using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility. I'd been diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. I was told I may need a feeding tube, to adapt my Cape house or move to a ranch and to quit my award-winning career as a VA social worker to try to slow the progression of the disease. I was told to expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. At the time, in the treatment of polio survivors, neuroplasticity and the body's tremendous capacity to heal was not part of the prognosis.
I was blessed to first meet an earth angel of a physical therapist who knew about the body's tremendous capacity to heal. After I was discharged from her care in May of 2007, and taking a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning career, I prayed through writing poetry, harnessing the power of my imagination and the mind/body connection and, in October of 2007, was blessed to meet a personal trainer.
When I asked her if she thought we could build on the outpatient home exercise program I received, she quoted Henry Ford. I could not even pass the initial fitness assessment but Janine held enough faith for the two of us. She told me I was too young, at age 53, to not be able to get off of the couch or toilet seat without assistance and to be as deconditioned as I was. We got to work!In February of 2007, she asked me what my next goals were. "I want to feel free in my body. I want to get rid of the leg brace. I want to be able to walk outside. I want to be able to diversify my health and fitness workouts - maybe take a dance class since I took ballet when I was 3 before contracting paralytic polio. She wrote down my goals and gathered up her trainer bag and equipment. She had her hand on the door knob. "Wait," I said. "I have one more goal." Without thinking about what I was about to say, I made a declaration. "And I want to run the 2009 Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab. I hear they have a Race for Rehab team." Without missing a beat, she replied totally non-plussed, "Well you are going to need a pair of running shoes."
At this time of year, I reflect on my journey on the road to the Boston Marathon and how running has transformed my life. Every time I get to lace up my running shoes and enjoy nature, watching the seasons change up close and personal, I remember how I prayed for the freedom I now feel.
I always take time to capture moments on my run; I find and feel beauty in every type of weather. Last week I did a solo run in the rain.

The 'average person' may have seen and felt the gloomy day. I experienced unbridled freedom and joy dancing around the puddles and listening to the raindrops on the Reservoir.
The sun returned, as it always does as every storm runs out of rain. My senses, heart and soul were tickled with delight to experience the harbingers of the return of Spring. I feel the trees getting ready to burst forth with their leaves, the flowers poised to bloom in splendid colors and baby geese waiting in the wings getting ready to take center stage with their parents.


It's an absolutely glorious time of year, whatever the weather. Its magnificence is magnified by my appreciation and gratitude for being able to fully immerse in the change of seasons feeling free in my body's ability to move.
May 25 marks 18 years of when I left my career as a VA social worker to "heal my life." I had no idea what that meant at the time. I had no idea I would go on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon, discover the transformational power of running and feel the phenomenal energy that happens whenever a community of runners gather together. I had no idea I would become an author, poet and motivational speaker spreading a powerful message of healing, hope and infinite possibilities. I do remember when I prayed for the things I now know in my life. I am blessed and so deeply grateful.
From my heart to yours--
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.
My books are available on Bookshop that share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. Be sure to visit my Author Page 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 .