Ten Years Later - A Full Circle Moment with Marathon Sports

 I received this message from Marathon Sports on my Instagram account:

Hi Mary! I hope you’re having a great start to your week. We would love to share this photo + caption in our newsletter for Mother’s Day - would you be okay with us utilizing your content? Thank you!

Ruth Anne and I were in town the Wednesday before this year's Boston Marathon. "Come on mom. We've got to go into Marathon Sports. It's our Boston Marathon Tradition!"
Me: "Sure okay!"
Me observing woman stacking cowbells in her arms:
"Excuse me. May I ask who you are buying those for?"
Woman: "Sure it's my team. I work for a biomedical company that helps trauma victims with our product. There's a runner who benefited from our product and we're here to cheer him on. He's amazing. He just ran Tokyo."
Me: "Um is that Jared Ewing?"

She was as shocked as we were. Woman: "How do you know him?" 

Ruth Anne: "My mom was on the same podcast as he was - On the Runs. She's a polio survivor and ran the 2009 Boston Marathon."
Her name is Alicia and she had no idea Jared was on the podcast. I told her that my daughter practically pulled me into the store. Alicia said, "Well I was outside but decided to come back in and get the cowbells!"

Yesterday, Ruth Anne was inspired to bring flyers for my upcoming Book Release Party. It's happening two doors down from Marathon Sports at Livite.

The women working there were wow'ed by the flyer and my journey. I got goosebumps to think I was standing in the very spot where I bought my first pair of running shoes - ever - at the age of 53 to train for the 2009 Boston Marathon. It was in February of 2008. I had never run a day in my life, yet my personal trainer was totally non-plussed when I told her my next health and fitness goals were to come out of my toe-up leg brace, to take a walk outside, to feel free in my body, diversify my health and wellness workouts...And as she was getting ready to leave I said, "Wait...I have one more goal!" "What's that?: she asked. "I want to run the Boston Marathon next year for Spaulding Rehab." "Well you are going to need a pair of running shoes." 

 

She sent me to Marathon Sports Brookline where Spencer Aston spent a good half hour helping me to find the right running shoes for my most unusual gait. He even fitted me with an orthotic for my left shoe. So began our relationship with Marathon Sports.

In July of 2008, I ran my first 5 mile road race, the Marathon Sports 5 Miler.

It was an evening race. It was hot and there was a fast field. I wanted to quit. What was I doing and what was I thinking that I could possibly run the 2009 Boston Marathon? But Tom wouldn't let me quit and the support from the Brookline Marathon Sports staff who knew my story were so supportive that I soldiered on through the heat. When I crossed the finish line, the staff blew the air horn and honked the horn on the truck making me feel as though I had broken the finisher's tape!

 

Fast forward to April of 2014 when I approached Brookline Marathon Sports store manager about the possibility of having the book release party for "Coming Home:A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibility" at the store. Ellen was all in. She helped to make the evening more memorable than I even imagined it would be as I wrote in my blog, "Everything I Imagined and More."

Thirty people gathered to celebrate the launch of my what I thought would be my one and only book and to support the One Fund. I met Meghan and her mom Maura at a Boston Marathon L Street water stop. Maura, a professional photographer, took these amazing photos:

I've been so blessed to have many adventures as a most unlikely runner as runnergirl 1953 and to chronicle those in my Trilogy of Transformation that includes "Coming Home", "Going the Distance:The Power of Endurance" and "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953." During the pandemic I wrote "Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" and "Into the Light: Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic." "Into the Light" and now "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ Book Club.

Back in April, when Ruth Anne pulled me into Marathon Sports, I had no idea that I was in the middle of a full circle moment about to happen. That's part of the mystery and magic of how the Universe works. Always remember to go where the Universe leads.

When I took that leap of faith on 5/25/2007, I had no idea where the path would lead. The path has led me on the most incredible adventures, meeting the most wonderful and amazing people and having the opportunity to spread a powerful message of healing, hope and infinite possibilities! I never dreamed that instead of being jeered after contracting polio, I would be cheered and celebrated by the running community. I wonder what adventures are in store on and off the roads as I celebrate the spectacular seventies!

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.

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

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square

 

Breaking Through - Breaking Free!

Ever since I began this journey to heal my life in the wake of childhood paralytic polio and trauma, I worked to break free from the messages that were imprinted and embedded in my mind and body. Writing poetry was a powerful way for me to transform all that went before harnessing the power of my mind and the bidirectional mind/body connection. As I transformed my thoughts, my body healed and as I healed my body, it became easier to transform limiting thought patterns.

Running became a powerful source of healing in my life. As George Sheehan eloquently said:

After running 3 Half Marathons in Bermuda in 2016, 2017 and 2018, I thought that my distance running days were behind me. I had shaken off the limits placed on me by Western Medicine after a serious knee injury in 2014 to achieve those miraculous feats and felt content with all that I accomplished as a most unlikely runner. I was running 5K's and during COVID did Virtual Races. 

On 5/5 of 2021, I had the booster shot for the 2nd vaccine. Despite doing all the right things with meditation, crystals, hydration, fueling, visualization and consulting my dear friend and mind/body luminary,  Dr. David Hamilton about the safety of the vaccines, I woke up in the middle of the night with excruciating nerve pain down my right leg accompanied by muscle spasms. I kept going with my regular workouts and runs until I had to curtail my activities due to pain and weakness. 

At the end of 2022, Ruth Anne said I had to do something; that I had not come this far in my journey to only go that far. She was right. I had to, in the words of Dr. Joe Dispenza, think greater than my circumstances. It was counter-intuitive to do more when I was in pain and struggling with fatigue again but I knew that's exactly what I needed to do. 

I ran the 2023 First Run Virtual 5K and would have been able to compete in the live race based on my results and the results from the event having finished about ten runners before the last runner. Ruth Anne decided that we needed to do something epic now that the pandemic was over and I was getting ready to celebrate my 70th birthday! Although my plan for the 2024 Bermuda 10K Walk event did not end the way I had trained for and visualized, I was still able to reach my goals of celebrating all I accomplished in my healing journey and in my life and spread a powerful message of healing, hope and infinite possibilities. The stress leading up to Race Weekend combined with a bout of COVID in December resulted in 'calling it' at 3.06 miles. 

But, as I wrote about in yesterday's blog, I had a gnawing feeling that I needed to go the 10K distance again. On Saturday, I let my heart and my mind lead the way. I made no announcement on social media since it was such a spontaneous decision. I knew this was more than a 10K and it was about so much more than me and my goals. 

I keep sharing my story and keep writing my story to let people know what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. While no one expected me to just go out and do a 10K at the age of 70 years old and having had a DNF in Bermuda after a bout with COVID, recovering from a setback in 2021/2022, I needed to go out and see what this body could do.  When others who may be facing difficult challenges see my age, strength, tenacity, resilience and determination, it uplifts them on their journeys. It certainly uplifted me on mine as I embrace and delight in the soreness. I thank my muscles that did me proud in going out and just doing a 10K without building up the mileage again. I give thanks for the miracle of healing and all that my body lets me do on any given day. As Ruth Anne said to me when we finished the 10K, "You still got it ma."

Today is the 70th anniversary of when Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile. No one before him believed it was possible. But once he demonstrated that in fact it WAS possible, others tried and succeeded. There is always a ripple effect that occurs when one breaks through a previously perceived limitation or barrier.

In the beginning of my book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior", I reflect on how, when my mother was the age I am today, she was in an Assisted Living Facility.  My family of origin liked their comfort yet paradoxically struggled and suffered with addiction and mental health challenges. Even though I had run the 2009 Boston Marathon, many 5 and 10K's and several half marathons, Saturday's 10K was a liberating run. I broke through my own barrier of going the distance of a 10K again. I broke free from generations that had a very unhealthy lifestyle while staking claim to my passion and purpose of spreading a powerful message of healing, hope and infinite possibilities!

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.

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

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square

 

 

Finishing Unfinished Business!

 Yesterday's 10K embodied the Nike motto of "Just Do It!"

I had unfinished business from the Bermuda 10K in January. I know that I made the right choice to 'call it' at 3.06 miles to avoid injury or worse. Believe me when I say that you do not want to have to access medical care in Bermuda. Most Bermudians come to Massachusetts for their care. I knew that I needed/wanted to finish a 10K before the year was out. When I was unable to find a race that would accommodate my pace, I opted for the Gone for a Run Virtual Series 10K Challenge. I started the challenge on March 30th.  My planner had a training plan mapped out as I had for when I trained last year for the Bermuda 10K. I planned to slowly increase my mileage.

Last week, during my strength training session, I was inspired to up my game with core work. I'd been inspired by all I had seen and heard at last weekend's Boston Outdoor Expo. I felt the benefits of strengthening the core when Ruth Anne and I did fartleks last Thursday.

Let me digress for a moment, This time last year, I recorded my episode for the On the Runs podcast. I gave them 'an exclusive' that my next goal was to do the Bermuda 10K walk as a way to celebrate my 70th birthday and 17 years of healing in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. Here is the link to my episode on Apple but subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform. 

Race day in Bermuda did not go as planned-spoiler alert for "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior-but other goals were met. Tom and I had a wonderful time.

Having that unfinished 10K was gnawing at me since January. Part of me wanted to do the Hyannis 10K where I knew that my pace wouldn't matter since there is a half marathon and marathon but that didn't feel right in March. I've been using conscious movement and meditation/visualization to continue to heal the late effects of paralytic polio and trauma and the reaction I had to the 2nd Pfizer vaccine (coincidentally 3 years ago today on 5/5).  Yesterday morning I was able to remove the top of the full orange juice jug with ease and pour the OJ into glasses without spilling any concentrating on keeping my hands steady. I tamed the nerve pain in my right leg by lovingly talking to my body with the mantra, "The Power that made the body, heals the body." My day was off to a good start!

I went on social media to do my morning post. I stopped my scrolling when I saw what my dear friend, Candice, who I met through the On the Runs podcast posted. She was diagnosed with an aggressive type of breast cancer last month and has crossed the starting line of her marathon of healing. She posted her 5 mile run with the quote, "Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you." Loved this quote so much! Happy Saturday! 5 miles on this beautiful morning. I go into each run with a number of miles in mind. If I don't hit my number that's ok. I celebrate that I no longer beat myself up for what didn't happen and be proud something happened! It's the little things.

Last Tuesday (the day she receives chemo) she ended her post with, "I'll continue to stay mentally strong and surround myself with amazing people! A seed can only grow to its full potential by what it's surrounded by."

I felt a stirring deep in my soul. I knew I wanted to dedicate my miles to Candice but not the 4 miles I had on the training plan. I knew that even though I had not built up the mileage again to do the 10K, it was go time. I knew in every fiber of my being that it was time to once again see what this body could do ( a favorite phrase from my personal trainer from the 2009 Boston Marathon) and finish that unfinished business. Ruth Anne said she would go the distance with me as was our original plan for Bermuda. There were many layers and factors inspiring and motivating me to finish what I started a year ago. When I said goodbye to Scott Jurek at last week's Boston Outdoor Expo with a hug, he got a gleam in his eye. "Go finish that marathon." I knew he was referring to the 10K. For me, a 10K is a marathon these days. He talked about keeping the fire lit and the passion alive while feeling that child-like aliveness in our endeavors. 

But the number one source of inspiration and motivation for getting out there and just doing it was Candice. While she is doing an incredibly hard thing with cancer treatment, I wanted to do a hard thing in her honor. I ran with my heart and my mind not paying attention to the fact that I was under trained to do a 10K. All of the admonitions from Western Medicine about if you use it, you'll lose it were washed away by the passion and drive I felt inside. I felt incredible joy knowing that once again I was running for something greater than myself. Candice and I are both warriors who refuse to let a diagnosis define who we are and how we live our lives.

When I set out on this quest to heal my life 17 years ago, I knew there would be pain whether I chose the pain of atrophy as a result of Post-Polio Syndrome or I chose the pain of healing and surpassing limits, listening to my intuition. I wore my 2009 Boston Marathon jacket as the anchor memory from when I defied the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome.

Candice talks about one day at a time in her posts. I took the 10K one mile at a time. Ruth Anne was mindful of helping me to keep a steady pace. When the wind intensified around the Reservoir, we went to the track across the street. She asked a person to take our photo. He was the Director of Grounds Keeping for the field at Cleveland Circle. Once the wind died down, we returned to the Reservoir. Although the temperature did not feel like Spring, the beauty of Spring shined through.

Baby geese once again grace the perimeter of the Reservoir.

I did not feel the pressure of a specific pace, reminding myself that for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I go pretty fast but secretly, I wanted to finish in under 2:30 which was the time limit for the Bermuda 10K. I was keenly aware of fueling and hydration. I thought greater than my circumstances as I thought to myself I should have cut my toenails and dismissed the inevitable soreness that was creeping into my IT band, quads and hamstrings.

We took our traditional selfie:

We made a pit stop at the Boston College Recreation Center to refill our water bottles and go to the bathroom when we were at about 4.5 miles. My right knee was crunchy. I imagined putting a washer into the joint to stop the bone on bone sensation and visualized lubricant moving through the joint. I even said to my knee -- there - that's better! When I got to 5.6 miles I said to Ruth Anne, "This is the farthest I've gone since 2018 when we ran the Bermuda Half Marathon together!" Ruth Anne was incredibly supportive and encouraging throughout the miles, especially when I hit this milestone reminding me we only had .6 miles to go. We called Tom to meet us with the medal from Gone for a Run Virtual 10K Challenge. 

 

 I had my third eye on the goal throughout the miles and when I approached the 'finish line', I felt a rush of emotion. It was clear to me that I was meant to finish the 10K on May the fourth! 

Tom put the medal around my neck coincidentally wearing the hat he bought at the Flying Colours in Bermuda:

And Ruth Anne was at the ready to take a photo of me with my medal:

Out of curiosity, I did an age grade calculation. My age graded time is 1:35:08. As Ruth Anne paced me to a strong finish, she suggested that my goal for 2025 should be a half marathon again. I suggested she let me recover from today's accomplishment and we'll see. I did love that incredible feeling that happens after a long run that I had not experienced since I crossed the finish line of the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon.

Thank you Ruth Anne for going the distance with me to finish the 10K distance. I am so grateful to my body, mind, heart and soul for working together to achieve this new milestone. Thank you Candice for being the ray of sunshine that you are. Your strength, grit, grace, remarkable resilience and living life with an attitude of gratitude are an inspiration to all who are blessed to know you. Be sure to listen to her Episode on the On the Runs podcast.

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.

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

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square

 

The Boston Outdoor Expo - Day 2

Before the doors even opened to the second day of The Boston Outdoor Expo, the energy was electric fueled by the very presence of Rudy Reyes who was set to the take the Inspiration Stage to set the tone for an amazing day!

After the traditional queue giveaway, the Ambassadors for the Expo gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony. I spotted Scott Jurek who said, before I could remind him of who I was and our meeting at The Boston Run Show, "I owe you an email!" I wrote to him about the upcoming release of my 7th book and asked if he would write a review. I presented him with an Author Copy and in true fan girling fashion tripped over my words saying, "Well if you get a chance to read it..." "Of course I'll read it," Scott replied.

 

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, I walked with Scott into the Expo and asked him for a photo. He said, "Of course. Let's take it with the book." He asked USA Marketing Director Chloe Hyland to take the photo which she eagerly and graciously agreed to take.

CEO of Raccoon Media Group Mike Seaman passed by and said, "Oh I see you're hanging with my buddy Scott." He gave me a big smile and a hug.

I headed to the Inspiration Stage where Dave Fatula was welcoming everybody to Day 2 of the Expo before introducing Rudy Reyes. He lit up the Convention Center with his infectious energy while also sharing his powerful and poignant story. Dave was a wonderful facilitator drawing out the highlights of Rudy's experiences and work both past and present. We were treated to an impromptu sharing of the YouTube video about the organization he founded, Force Blue Team that helps vets help the planet. I had goosebumps all over when Rudy shared how the organization brings in kids from Gold Star Families into the program. With warmth, wit, grit, vulnerability and honesty, Rudy captured the hearts of all in attendance.

Rudy took time to answer questions and to do a meet greet posing for photos, answering questions and offering support and guidance to the vets and their spouses in attendance. What a privilege and honor it was for me to take the photos and be privy to these tender conversations.

One of the themes for The Boston Outdoor Expo weekend was about the importance of representation. When we don't see someone like ourselves in an activity, we are hesitant to venture out and stake our claim to participate. But Kimber Cross would not let a limb difference stop her from becoming an adaptive ice climber and mountaineer. With her clear eyes and strong voice, she shared her journey with a combination of humility, humor and passion. Her motto is "I Can't. I Will. I Did." She reminded us that this cycle is not a once and done but can repeat as we challenge ourselves with different endeavors.

What a blessing to meet her, take photos for the meet and greet and share my journey. I told her that after a particularly challenging training run on the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon, my personal trainer told me to google Wilma Rudolph. I found my role model and strength to take on the Boston Marathon after reading her story. We talked about what a blessing she is to the children she teaches; how their lessons go far beyond learning the ABC's and extend to learning about life! 

I walked around the Expo after feeling incredibly inspired by Rudy and Kimber. The Boston Outdoor Expo promised over 120 brands, features and inspirational speakers all under one roof. They delivered! Two of my highlights were meeting Dan Minnich, founder of Waypoint Adventure. I started following them on Instagram after hearing about them from the Expo promos. Dan's passion for inclusion was evident as he shared his why for starting Waypoint Adventure. As one who has lived with different ability, I know how vital it is to provide opportunities for exploration of the great outdoors. What a great connection!

The Boston Harbor Islands had a booth depicting the natural beauty of the Islands. They are offering free ferry service the weekend of May 18-19 to Spectacle Island where I ran my first trail race several years ago. I am so excited to return there this year and take advantage of the great outdoors that is practically in my backyard. 

It was time to return to the Inspiration Stage for Scott Jurek. Although described as a living legend, Scott will be the first to say that he does not think of himself as a celebrity! He was quite surprised when somebody recognized him in an airport while he was wearing a mask. Dave and Scott engaged in a conversation that was quite different than having Scott talk about his previous achievements. Scott talked about how the everyday person can make their own adventure in a way that challenges the individual. He is emphatic that testing fortitude leads to transformation and developing confidence. He encouraged us all to keep our fire lit and fuel our passion.

Scott believes it is vital for us to feel alive like a kid when we plan our adventures from urban adventuring to more daring adventures that extend to over nights. He often gets asked "what's next for Scott Jurek?" He off-handedly said that he still has a few speed records in him. His eyes sparkled when he said how much joy he experiences being a sighted guide for runners. 

What an incredible way to end two days of inspiration, exploration, education, meeting up with old friends and making new connections. Scott's comment about feeling as though he's not a celebrity gave me pause. I wrote to him in a follow up thank you email, all of us who are out there spreading powerful messages of possibility, living by example and creating change in the world are celebrities in our own right! 

Thank you The Boston Outdoor Expo for a wonder filled weekend. Until next Spring when you join with The Boston Run Show for what is sure to be an epic weekend!

 

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.

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

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square

The Boston Outdoor Expo - Day 1

Raccoon Media Events Inaugural Boston Outdoor Expo Show came into Boston with an incredible line up of speakers, vendors and features to get everyone excited to get outdoors and get moving at whatever pace in whatever way that suits the individual. As an Ambassador, I experienced the excitement up close and personal beginning with queue giveaways.
 

 The excitement in the foyer at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center was palpable as Ambassadors handed out swag and welcomed visitors to the show.

As I walked toward the Inspiration Stage, I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to meet Mike Seaman, CEO of Raccoon Media Group. I presented him with an author copy of my book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior." He was gracious and kind to write a review after reading my manuscript and to pose for photos:

Dave Fatula was host, moderator, speaker and exhibitor for the Expo. After welcoming everyone to the Expo, he introduced the first speaker, Sir Ranulph Fiennes. The audience was enthralled and captivated by his photos and narrative of his daring explorations. My favorite quote from his talk was, "Don't go through your problems, find a way to go around them and Lady Luck will find you from time to time. When she does, make sure you take advantage of it!"

 

 

I walked through the Expo where attendees were playing pickleball, being taught survival skills, trying out bikes and balance boards, exploring tents and vans, practicing yoga, sampling foods and attending talks at the Hiking Stage and the Inspiration Stage.

Before heading back to the Inspiration Stage, I helped out attendees at the Colorado Ski Shop bike ride feature.

Next up on the Inspiration Stage was Andrea Bailey of Evolving Mind and Body. Her topic? Ruck It: Healing with Movement in Nature. I had the opportunity to chat with Andrea at her booth. How wonderful to connect with a like-hearted soul. She was vulnerable, warm, witty and conveyed information in a way that lay people could understand. She is a licensed mental health counselor who combines her counseling skills with passion for the great outdoors knowing the healing power of nature. She is also a certified Reiki Master.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I ended my day with hearing the panel "Women In the Outdoors: Sharing Perspectives." Paige Emerson, Meg Stewart, Arwen Turner and Sarah LaCourse spoke on a range of topics from the challenges of being a plus size hiker, lack of representation and compassion for different body types and abilities on the trails, to the benefits of being out in nature that everyone should have access to regardless of size or ability. I was especially moved by Meg Stewart's perspective that when we are out in nature and tracking trees, the eye movements are the same as in EMDR therapy used to treat trauma. The panelists were vulnerable, strong, articulate and spoke to the unique challenges women face when hiking. They also shared tips for feminine hygiene and safety.

Such an exciting, inspiring and invigorating day of Day 1 at the Boston Outdoor Expo.

To be continued...

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.

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

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square

The Magic of Marathon Monday!

 

Ever since Team McManus ran the 2009 Boston Marathon, we have felt the incredible magic of the Unicorn on Marathon Monday. We spent more time at the Expo this year than we had in previous years which fueled our excitement to cheer on the runners. Being a part of the On the Runs podcast family, texting with Kim Sutton (who I met at the LA Marathon), and our new friends the Power family all added to the thrill of Marathon Monday. I woke up without the alarm on Monday feeling that excitement of race day even though I wasn't running. Tom and Ruth Anne were also eager to get our spot on the corner of Dean Road and Beacon Street. We meditated, had breakfast, packed our food for the day and headed to Dean Road. When we started to unpack the car, we realized that in all of the excitement, we forgot the cooler. Fortunately there was plenty of time for Tom to drive home to get it while Ruth Anne and I set up camp for the day.

I checked in with Barbra with whom we had a magical moment on Friday before we went to the Expo. They were set up at Cleveland Circle. She texted me a photo. One of the Brookline Firefighters who was part of security 'just happened' to have been one of Ruth Anne's camp counselors. The other first responders teased him about how old he was that one of his campers was all grown up!

It wasn't long before the lead male wheelchair runner came along. To no one's surprise, it was Marcel Hug who went on to win!

After the excitement of seeing the first participant come through, the crowd quiets until the next lead vehicle approaches. Coming through was Eden Rainbow-Cooper who went on to win the women's wheelchair division.

While waiting for the male lead runner to come through, I was getting pumped by watching live videos from my friends, the hosts of the On the Runs podcast at Mile 19.

{I have only videos of the men's and women's leaders.}

The lead male runner came through and we wondered what happened to the rest of the pack. We watched the race on WCVB TV on Tom's iPhone. There was a moment of a challenge from 2nd place winner Mohammed Esa but Sisay Lemma broke the tape.

The lead women's pack was well - packed! It was a race to the finish with Helen Obiri claiming victory for the 2nd year in a row. We have videos of Ruth Anne screaming, wishing Sarah Hall Happy Birthday as she ran by and screaming to Emma Bates how much we love her. The crowd, as always, went wild for Desi Linden.

It was time to settle back and track our friends hoping to see them as they approached the last 5K+ of their amazing journey from Hopkinton to Boston.

I texted with Kim whose husband Tim was having a great day to make sure that the tracker was working (unlike what happened at the LA Marathon). She said it certainly was; she had a perfect spectator spot in front of the newly opened Dick's Sporting Goods store. I told her that I hoped I would see Tim and if I did would send her a text.

Tom had a wonderful time cheering on the runners with #morecowbell wearing his L Street Running Club t-shirt that was made after 4-15-13 reminding us that we run as one and are Boston Strong.

Although Tim didn't see us because he was in the zone, he looked amazing coming down Beacon Street. Right after he passed, I let Kim know he was on his way to see his biggest fan.

I was blessed to see Jared Ewing looking so strong as he came down Beacon Street. He was too fast for me to get a photo but he acknowledged our cheers for him by blowing us a kiss. 

How lucky was I to get to meet a real live Unicorn:

 

 

 

You must listen to Yuki Chorney's episode on the On the Runs podcast. She is truly a magical being who spreads glitter, light, love and the magic of the Unicorn wherever she goes.

We cheered on Charity Runners, asked runners who were cramped if we could share pretzels or water with them and, at times, because of the heat, called out for medical attention. The volunteers were phenomenal! They would kneel down to apply Biofreeze and massage out cramped muscles, ran to bring water to runners and were vigilant about spotting runners in distress encouraging them to come into the medical tent. 

Tom spotted Amby Burfoot. He called out his name and in typical Amby nonchalant fashion, he gave Tom a wave acknowledging the shout out. Tom asked the spectators around us if they knew who Amby was.

We continued to track our runners and 'watch' them finish their incredible races. Breanna Power had an amazing day. Her mom texted me a photo of her coming into Cleveland Circle surprised by a friend from Connecticut who had come in to cheer her on. Kim texted me a photo and video of Tim's phenomenal finish. He ran another BQ IN BOSTON! 

We thought that John Young may have 'called it' given the heat of the day. At Mile 23 he posted an update on Facebook that he was still on the course determined to finish!

To cap off a magical Marathon Monday, I received an alert from my tracking app:

What a magnificent way to top off a most magical Boston Marathon Weekend 2024. To experience more of the magic of Marathon Weekend, watch the On the Runs Episode 104.

I often wonder what my life would look like if I would have succumbed to the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 or if I would even be alive today. My heart overflows with gratitude that I get to be a part of this vibrant, inspiring, fun loving and health and wellness conscious community. I have made friends that I otherwise would not have met and experienced places in wondrous ways as a most unlikely runner.

Until next year Boston! Thank you for the magic and the memories!

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.

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

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square