Synchronicity - A Bermudaful Memory

 

In December of 2014, I experienced a serious knee injury on my left knee. An MRI in early 2015 indicated lateral meniscal tear, effusion, degenerative arthritis, bone spurs, changes from previous surgeries, an atrophied gastroc muscle and on and on it went... The physiatrist, with the best of intentions suggested that as a polio survivor I never should have started running; that now it was time to stop or cap my distance at a 5K and prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years since the joint was beyond arthroscopic surgery repair. I took my referral  to a physical therapist who was the worst PT I had ever seen. I really tried to make it work but realized the Universe was redirecting me.

I found my way to a chiropractor healer who was totally in sync with what I needed to get back out on the roads and go the distance again! 

Running in Bermuda on Race Weekend had been on my bucket list for years and then it wasn't. At my comeback race post-injury in July 2015, Bermuda Race Weekend had a booth at the Expo. I melted at the sound of the Bermudian accents, the gorgeous race bling and the clever marketing of having little bottles of pink sand on hand. I was hooked and decided that it was time to get to work to cross that bucket list item off of my bucket list.

Fast forward to 2016 Bermuda Race Weekend when I returned to Bermuda for the first time since 2008 without needing a leg brace, cane or wheelchair. My toe up leg brace polio shoes were replaced with running shoes. The energy on the plane from Boston was buzzing with the excitement of a destination race weekend.

"Are you running?" Tom asked a gentleman as we were stowing our bags in the overhead bins.

"No. I am support crew."

As we walked along Front Street, we saw the couple from the plane. Pleasantries were exchanged and we wished each other a Bermudaful day.

As we had our breakfast on Friday morning, I read the Royal Gazette Race Weekend edition. There were our bib numbers and the country we represent.

On race day, I had serious pre-race jitters running my first half marathon distance since I ran the 2009 Boston Marathon. I let the nerves just be as I took in the magnificent sunrise and the energy of race morning. I was well trained mind, body and soul.

From "Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance":
"Hey there. I was determined to find you this morning. What are the chances that we would have our bib numbers in sequence?"
I was a little stunned to say the least. On the flight from Boston Tom and I met Denise and her husband from Kentucky. He was her support crew. We also bumped into them on Front Street on Saturday.

"I was on Instagram and looked for the hashtag #runbermuda. I saw the pictures you posted."

"What? I deactivated my Instagram account yesterday because I was frustrated and couldn't figure out how to use it."

"Your Instagram account is linked to Facebook so what you posted there automatically went to Instagram," Tom explained to me.

"So I saw your photos and I found out about you and I said prayers for your health last night and wished you a wonderful run but I was determined to find you this morning."

A sign from God that I could relax and let go knowing that my body knew exactly what to do to run 13.1 miles.

What a magical moment at the start of the 2016 Bermuda Half Marathon where the Universe brought me together with Denise McMillan. We've remained friends through the years. In 2018, Team McManus returned to Bermuda with Ruth Anne to run my 3rd consecutive Half Marathon in as many years. Denise and her "running wife" Lanette returned to Bermuda in 2018. We relived that moment and the moments that led up to it as recounted in stunning detail by Denise during dinner at The Pickled Onion.

I love how every January, Facebook reminds me of this magical moment of synchronicity that happened at  the starting line of the 2016 Bermuda Half Marathon. I recount this story in "Going the Distance" and, in "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" share the magic and synchronicity that continued during Bermuda Race Weekend 2018. I share how I was almost a DNS (did not start) for the race!

It's so much fun to take a look back at Bermudaful memories. I am still in awe to realize how the mind/body connection  has taken me farther than any diagnosis or prognosis. As Walt Disney once said, : "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

From my heart to yours

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.

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.

For the 2nd year, Mary is an Ambassador for The Boston Run Show happening 3-1 and 3-2 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.  Use FREE Ticket Code MMCMANUS It's colocated with The Boston Outdoor Expo this year and is sure to be a jam packed weekend of inspiration and interactive exhibits. It's FREE and fun for the entire family!

When Turbulence Hits -- Throttle Up Gratitude...

 and stay tuned to your DGS (Divine Guidance System)

We did not expect turbulence in our first miles of 2025 but we fastened our seat belts, locked in a lot of gratitude and held each other close. Ruth Anne was recovering from an infected cyst on her back. The last Sunday of 2024, we spent the morning in Urgent Care to have a procedure done but we still got out in the afternoon to get in our miles. With the fog, puddles, and patches of ice around the Reservoir, we opted for an out and back route on Beacon Street. On the way back, I stopped as I saw an angel on the sidewalk. It was the exact same angel Ruth Anne had spotted a few months ago in almost the same spot! It was a sign that we are Divinely protected. A message that would hold us in good stead as we navigated the last week of 2024 and the first week of 2025.

 

 

Ruth Anne and I had a wonderful run on New Year's Eve. Tom had been ill for several days with a hacking cough and he needed to stay home and rest. The cough worsened as the week wore on but he went back to work on the 2nd. He took Friday afternoon off from work. I hadn't slept in a few nights because of his cough. I felt depleted despite my best efforts with meditation and self-care so I opted to try to get some sleep downstairs on the couch. I put on a series of visualization meditations to boost my immune system. I heard grunts and a thump and ran upstairs to find Tom on the floor with an altered mental status and a temp of 102.9. My heart raced and I called 911. Ruth Anne and I went into crisis mode getting information for the first responders and praying that Tom would be okay.

Once we learned that they had ruled out a stroke and would continue tests throughout the early morning hours, we came home to pray and get some rest.

Fortunately I had access to Tom's on line medical record and learned that he had Influenza A. The altered mental status was due to encephalopathy due to the virus. We all breathed a sigh of relief that he would need lots of rest and hydration, but would make a full recovery!

On Saturday, Ruth Anne wasn't feeling well She was running a low grade temp with ear pain. She had to change providers because her insurance would no longer cover her previous pcp. Ordinarily we would have gone to Urgent Care close to our home. I stayed close to my DGS to figure out what the next best steps would be. I wasn't feeling well but knew that I was feeling the best out of the 3 of us. Ruth Anne started feeling better by the afternoon  but when she woke up Sunday morning, she suspected she needed antibiotics.

There was one appointment at 8:45 at urgent care, but I needed to have breakfast remembering how important it is to put on my own oxygen mask. At first Ruth Anne said she wouldn't take the appointment but I told her to call back and she could use an Uber. It was definitely a communication from my DGS. Fortunately the appointment was still available.

Ruth Anne had an amazing physician who suspected she had a sinus and ear infection but had to rule out COVID and the flu. They were able to fill her prescription at the clinic pharmacy. We spent the rest of the day resting and feeling gratitude deep in our hearts for good health care, insurance, Uber, antibiotics, caring professionals, a warm home, good food and being together as a family despite feeling under the weather. We were so grateful for the outpouring of prayers from our fellow passengers.

On Monday, my body experienced congestion and a nagging cough but no fever and no signs of any bacterial infections. I did, however, need to reschedule the recording of my podcast interview for The Optimism Institute. My only choice was to surrender to the circumstances and know that everything happens in Divine Timing. Bill Burke's Virtual Assistant is a delight and made the process of rescheduling the interview so easy. With meditation, visualization and rest, I am getting ready for my talk next Wednesday at Cohasset Elder Affairs. I've experienced spasms which has affected my speech; it has happened before when I get a rare upper respiratory virus and is a result of Post-Polio Syndrome. I am bringing compassion and kindness to my body realizing that the turbulence has set into motion this cascade of symptoms. I use my mantras and affirmations trusting once again in my body's tremendous capacity to heal. I focus on feeling grateful for all my body has given me through the years and continues to give me. I remind myself of how I have witnessed my body's process of transformation and healing and most recently, watching the transformation of the once infected cyst on Ruth Anne's back be reduced to a small scar! I feel Divine Love course through my cells riding the waves of emotions and physical symptoms as I eagerly anticipate seeing the seat belt sign turn off.

I look forward to getting back on the roads but know that I need to create time and space for healing in the wake of these recent stressors and upper respiratory infection. 

I appreciate that the turbulence we experienced is relatively minor compared to what the people of LA are going through. My gratitude is intensified as I focus on all the blessings in our lives. The other night, Tom and I shared how what we went through could have been so much worse if... We took it to the theater of the absurd and laughed so hard we went into coughing fits.

2025 may not have begun as we hoped and visualized. We certainly did not anticipate trips to the ER, Urgent Care and an upper respiratory virus wreaking temporary havoc with speech and spasms but with the throttle up on gratitude, a close connection to my DGS and being surrounded by the love and warmth of our fellow passengers, we are once again at cruising altitude feeling blessed and grateful.

From my heart to yours - 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.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing details on my website.

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.

Welcome Aboard Flight 2025!

 

During my morning meditation on New Year's Day, as I was sifting and sorting through thoughts and clearing negative energy, I heard the words, "Ready for take off." The Flight Instructions post that I have used the past several years with editing for the current year, popped up in my Facebook memories.

This memory also popped up:

Believe is my word of the year

What a great start to 2025 with wondrous synchronicity. Every morning, I open up the door and take 3 deep breaths of fresh air to start the day. It was pouring yesterday. Of course there is no mail on New Year's Day and we had brought in the mail from New Year's Eve yet something moved me to open up the mail box. There was a snoaked envelope for Ruth Anne with a note from our beloved neighbor Gene Kelley. Inside was $25 dollars for her fundraiser for  Spaulding Rehab!He was having trouble with his computer and wanted to be sure to get in a 2nd donation for the New Year. If it would have been left in there any longer, I'm not sure the note and money would have been legible. 

What a great way to start the day. 

I am so excited for this New Year. As I love to say, every day is a celebration of life for me. In December of 2006, I was diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disease, Post-Polio Syndrome. I could have easily succumbed to the diagnosis but instead, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. Whenever I tap into Source, magic happens. 

I have 3 events lined up so far for 2025.

Next week, I am blessed and grateful to be recording an episode of the Optimism Institute's Blue Sky podcast. I reached out to Bill Burke on LinkedIn after I 'just happened' to see a post from Lee Woodruff about her being a guest on the podcast. We made an instant connection when he and I had a pre-interview chat to see if I would be a good guest for his podcast.

I met Meg Stewart last year at the Boston Outdoor Expo. We "just happened" to be standing next to each other after another speaker's presentation and started a conversation. A few months ago, Meg asked me if I would be interested in doing a presentation at Cohasset Elder Affairs. She 'just happened' to be the Director of Elder Affairs.

On 1/15, I will be sharing my journey, "A Most Unlikely Runner: A Story of Resilience, Strength and Determination." It's an event for all ages but be sure to RSVP at 781-383-9112 or www.mvactioncenter.com

On 3/1-3/2 I return for the 2nd year in a row as Ambassador to The Boston Run Show. You can use Free Ticket Code MMCMANUS for tickets for entry to both the Boston Run Show and The Boston Outdoor Expo. 

April 21, 2025 brings the Boston Marathon which I like to call Runner's Christmas. This year is an incredibly special year. Ruth Anne is part of the Race for Rehab Team running and raising funds and awareness for Spaulding Rehab. Here is the link to her fundraising page. I get goosebumps in anticipation of Marathon Weekend when so many friends near and far will gather to celebrate a successful training cycle and those special bonds of friendship forged through the sport of running.

The first third of the year looks amazing! I am ready for take off!

From my heart to yours - 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.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing details on my website.

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.

In 2024, I.....A Different Kind of Year in Review

Here is my year in review highlighting what I've learned, done and what I am grateful for:

Loved more deeply
Had faith more fiercely
Practiced gratitude more intently
Learned to be more patient and kind
Self-love isn’t selfish
Let go of people and habits that did not serve my well being
Learned failure is not fatal and there are always opportunities to succeed
Success doesn’t always look the way we think it should
Grew my village of like-hearted souls
Published my 7th book
Amazon reviews are great but getting messages from readers make my book a NY Times bestseller
Embraced lovely synchronistic events
Became more unapologetically me and learned to value who I Am
Made it through challenges and extremely difficult times learning once more how strong and resilient I am
Learned the power of forgiveness of myself and others
Everything passes
Being graceful and grateful is better than grumbling
Life is better with a cat
It’s better to be kind than right
Rekindled my joy of running and movement
Learned the power of accepting everything as it is
Learned it’s vital to keep a sense of humor
Whenever I complain, replace it with 5 positive things
There may be less years to live than I’ve already lived and I plan to live those moments to the fullest
Rekindled my love of cooking
Was reminded of our bodies’ tremendous capacity to heal after illness or injury
There are more generous and kind people in the world when we look for them
Rushing slows you down
Love is always the answer
Saying no to someone or something is saying yes to myself 

I’m wrapping up the gifts of all that I learned and lived in 2024 and bringing them with me into 2025!

 

Happy New Year!

From my heart to yours - 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.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing details on my website.

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.

My Word For 2025 - Believe

 

 

 

As I reflected on what word to choose for 2025, the phrase clearing a path to joy came to me. A poem started percolating and then flowed out of me. Thank you to Nita Sweeney's books, "Make Every Move a Meditation" and "A Daily Dose of Now" for inspiring this poem.

 

Clearing the Path to Joy

 

Believe
Just be
Whisking away fear and doubt
leave behind dead end thoughts
robbing us of life’s joy
In mind’s eye see the way
Clarify
a path paved with problems or possibilities
burdens or blossoms of hope
Weeding with compassion
tender understanding for roots of despair
path once strewn with lies
belied my being joyful
Consumed with worries
robbing me of today’s joys
blocking out landscape?
Shift perception
unlock the fullness of life
What if…?
Ease lights the way
erasing nagging negativity
a knowing smile
gifting myself presence
unwrapping treasure troves of truth
trusting
Simplest of pleasures tickles soul with delight
Believing is seeing the way made clear
clearing the path to joy!

I realized that my word for 2025 is Believe! 

From the Polar Express: "Seeing is believing but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we cannot see."

Ever since I was a little girl, I had a powerful imagination. I would imagine a life very different from the pain I endured in the wake of paralytic polio and abuse at the hands of family members. I believed that I would make it through that horror and one day have a wonderful life.

For years, I allowed busy-ness to quell my imagination and creativity. In the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, my imagination and creativity were fired up and I believed that one day, in my mind's eye, I would win a 10K race. Well I may not have won that 10K race but I did go on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon despite all appearances to the contrary.  I was in a toe-up leg brace at the time using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair.

For many of us, the results of the 2024 Election were devastating. I am blessed to be surrounded by like-hearted friends who, like me, can share the emotions while also believing that ultimately love and light win the day. The arc of justice may bend slowly but it always bends toward the light. One of the things my friends and I agree on is that we can not and will not allow ourselves to be as shaken as we were for the 4 years after the 2016 election. We all see beyond the appearances of what may be and tune out the doom and gloomers figuring out what we can do to be the change, to be the light workers and believe that something beyond what our eyes can see can happen at any moment to turn the tide.

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.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing.

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.

Race Report: My 2024 Goal Race

 

Team McManus was trained, poised and ready to toe the starting line of the 45th Annual Bill Rodgers Somerville 5K Run and Walk. We had a wonderful time at bib pick up. On Wednesday, Ruth Anne went to Urgent Care and was diagnosed with an infected cyst on her back. She was on antibiotics and we thought we would be fine to run the live event. Tom had recovered enough from his wrist fracture and received the all clear from his surgeon. As we sat around the dinner table on Thursday evening, basking in the glow of time spent with Bill Rodgers and engaging with other runners, we realized that given the intensity of these past two months with Tom's healing and Ruth Anne's recovery from Functional Neurological Disorder combined with frigid temperatures, we would shift to doing our own Virtual 5K.

The temperature was 14 degrees but there was bright sunshine. I had trained really well for my goal race of the year. I had tapered for a week and my body really needed to get out and run. One of the cold running tips that I love is to put Vaseline on my face and feet. 

 I hummed "Let It Go" to myself and thought of the phrase:

Oh wait a minute. It sure did as I wrote about in "Courage & The Joy of Winter Running."

 Besides -- it's true that it's only cold if you're  standing still. As the temperatures began to drop here in Boston, I have a habit of opening the door first thing in the morning and allowing my body to embrace the elements. Race morning on Saturday was no different. I felt invigorated by the frigid air.

 

 

To simulate the hills of Somerville, we opted to go to the Newton Hills. I knew that Boston Marathon training was getting underway and that the energy of other runners would be inspiring and invigorating.

Everything was going smoothly. Just as we were about to head out, I realized something was 'off'. Lo and behold, I had on my slippers and forgot to put on my running shoes. Ruth Anne and I had a good hearty laugh about that.

As we were heading out to do the first half of the race, we spotted Jack Fultz, 1976 Boston Marathon Champion with the Dana Farber Marathon Team table. He told us they have 500 runners on the Team. He was thrilled that Ruth Anne is running Boston this year for Spaulding Rehab.

 My legs felt fresh and well trained. I reflected on how, during taper time, I felt sluggish; quite a contrast to how exhilarated and energized I felt pushing my pace, being in the moment, feeling the unbridled joy of the sport I came to know and love after the diagnosis of a progressive neurological disease 18 years ago.

My goal pace for my goal race was 1 hour. Mile 1 was 19:49; a good warm up pace but I knew I was going to need to push the pace in order to hit my goal time.

Runners passed us in the opposite direction, cheering us on and sharing smiles through the miles. They asked us what race we were running and many commented on our festive attire.

We took the obligatory selfie at the halfway point:

My pace for Mile 2 was 19:19. The sun warmed the day through the barren trees, as it always does in Winter on the Newton Hills.

 

 

 

 

 

We paused at the Johnny Kelly statue to take another selfie and paused to document ourselves along the course.

My pace for mile 3 was fairly consistent at a 19:22 pace. Very impressive going up the famous Heartbreak Hill.

As we approached the 'finish line' at the car, I pushed to finish strong for a 17:02 pace for the final .11 of our 5K. 

Total time: 1:00:26 with average pace of 19:25. I was thrilled. I've come to embrace my pace as a soon to be 71 year old. As someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair. I run pretty fast!

I had the runner's cough and felt exhilarated with what I had just done. 

 

I came within 26 seconds of my goal pace on a frigid Winter's day on the Newton Hills.

My 2024 goal race was done and dusted!

On my Christmas Birthday, I will see how many miles I can do in 71 minutes to celebrate turning 71 years young.

During the early part of 2025, I will continue to work on pace and look for an all pace friendly 5K. My stretch goal for 2025 is to build up to the Half Marathon distance again. As I like to say, "It always seems impossible until it's done!"

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.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing.

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.

 

 

 

As Long As We Keep Moving...Book Signing with Bill Rodgers

 

 "Our stories are proof that passion and purpose in life can lay dormant for years. But then one day, you find your desire, your dreams, your strength. It was in you the whole time. And once you find it, you will never be the same. From that day forward you will everything on the line, make every day count, test the limits of your heart and embrace the challenge of your Spirit." ~Bill Rodgers

It is always a treat to spend time with Bill Rodgers; to hear his worldly wisdom, running conversation about running history and to bask in his warmth and wit. At the 45th Annual Bill Rodgers Somerville 5K Jingle Bell Run and Walk bib pick up, I was blessed to do a book signing of my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrrior" next to Bill's Meet and Greet. 

Bill will turn 77 on 12/23 and I will turn 71 on Christmas Day. We teased each other about being Capricorns - "the GOAT right?" but then had a serious conversation about aging. I told Bill that I'm a lot slower now but love challenging myself to be the best I can be. Bill replied with, As long as we keep moving."

As runners came up to chat with Bill, get a book or poster signed, he was quick to share my journey, letting the runners know that I had quite a story and encouraged them to buy my book! Bill wrote this review as I was getting ready to publish it this past May:
"I enjoyed reading your new book, which is so appropriately titled, A Most Unlikely Runner....I especially like the way you understand Running as more than just the physical movement, and how you linked the great American Poet, Robert Frost to Running...  I know you will always be a Runner!" ~Bill Rodgers, Olympian, former record holder in the marathon and 4 time Boston and NYC Marathon Champion

Bill and I reminisced about our friendship through the years. We each acknowledged that what makes running the greatest sport is that every day runners and champions get to interact with each other and forge friendships through the years.

Bill was incredibly loving and supportive to Ruth Anne who is running the 129th Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab. {Here is the link to her fundraising page with her incredibly inspiring story.} He had known about her journey through his partner Karen and repeatedly told her that she was doing great things. He even wanted to know what kind of Asics she was wearing and did a shoe critique as to why those were good marathon shoes for her.

He gifted her a signed copy of his book to use in her Thank You to donors gift giveaway!

We chatted with a new runner, Keith, who lives with Cerebral Palsy. Race director Paulie gave him the bib with #1. Bill insisted that I too sign Keith's bib.

That's Ruth Anne and Bill's brother Charlie in the photo. One can only smile whenever Bill Rodgers is around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I first met Bill at the 2009 Hyannis Marathon Weekend. It was my first half marathon. I was in awe meeting Bill and Frank Shorter who embraced my journey and were inspired by what I'd overcome to take on the Boston Marathon. Bill and I would meet at future Hyannis Marathon Weekends and we forged a friendship through the years.

We share a similar philosophy on aging; that age is just a number. As long as we keep moving, whatever the pace and whatever the distance, we can live to be 100!

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.