"I'm sorry I didn 't get that." - Preparing for My Victory Lap

 

It's called taper madness for a reason! 

There's a poetic arc to a training cycle. Even before I registered for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K, I wrestled with whether or not I wanted to or could go the distance again after a setback in 2021/2022. Once I committed to the goal, I was focused on building miles, working on pace, becoming acquainted with all of the sensations that go with pushing my body and training my mind to embrace this new goal. It's just a little more than a month to go before I toe the starting line. I know that it is vital to taper and allow my body to heal all the 'niggles' that occurred during the training. It takes conscious effort to trust the training and go into a relaxed taper mode. 

As the body shifts from a doing to being mode, many thoughts arise filled with doubts focusing on the aches and pains once more questioning if I can really do this as I did at the start of training. As Tom and I were getting ready to start the day on Monday, I said, "You know there are times when I could really just go and have a relaxing vacation. Neither Tom nor I had our phones open and our laptops were downstairs.  Siri said, "I'm sorry I didn't get that." Even my wonderful husband who tends to be on the skeptical side of things said 'whoa.'

Yes - whoa. The Universe was speaking to me through Siri's voice. I felt a stirring in my soul that this is meant to be. 

Early on in my healing journey, I said that I know there's going to be pain. I'd rather hurt on the side of progress, health and wellness than allow the pain of decline secondary to disuse and atrophy to prevail. As my personal trainer Janine and I walked back to the Mandarin Oriental Boston Hotel after crossing the 2009 Boston Marathon finish line, she asked me how I was feeling. Every marathoner experiences pain but my pain had an extra layer given my history of paralytic polio and trauma, I told Janine that if I were to focus on the pain I experienced during training, I would not have made it to the starting line." "I knew there was a lot you weren't telling me," Janine said.

The Universe has orchestrated wondrous happenings to accompany this taper time. On Wednesday, despite freezing temperatures, I had a photo shoot with a Boston University photographer. The editor of Bostonia, the alumni magazine, interviewed me for a piece they are doing about accomplishments of older alumni. The shoot included action shots of me running and portraits of me wearing my Boston Marathon jacket and medal. I felt the Divine surge through me as I experienced the miracle of healing of the past 17 years. I felt the muscle memory of training for the Boston Marathon through a bitter cold New England winter. We did the photo shoot where I had a photo shoot for the Brookline Tab in May of 2008 as I first set out on my Boston Marathon journey. Talk about a full circle moment!

Later that afternoon, I had a Zoom call as an Ambassador for The Boston Run Show.  I sent in my journey as a most unlikely runner and was selected to be an Ambassador for the Boston Run Show happening January 27-January 28. As Ambassadors, we promote the show in our social media outlets and have VIP access to the event. During the call, the organizers said that they needed Ambassadors to assist with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Meet and Greets for the guest speakers. I connected with David Whelan, an incredibly inspirational runner who is going to be a guest speaker. He is an amputee after experiencing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. He crossed the finish line of the Indian Wells 70.3 Ironman! He uses his pain as fuel to reach his goals!

Bermuda Triangle Challenge posted the medals for Race Weekend on their social media pages. I visualized how I am going to feel after crossing the finish line of the 10K and wearing the medal for the rest of the weekend.

It's been four years since I've experienced taper time. I'm remembering the motivation and inspiration from when I trained for Boston. During a challenging training run, Janine asked me if I had ever heard of Wilma Rudolph. She told me to go home and google her. She was an American sprinter who overcame childhood polio and went on to become a world-record-holding Olympic champion and international sports icon in track and field following her successes in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games. 

Just as Siri "didn't get that" when I said that sometimes I'd like to go and have a relaxing vacation, I shall prepare for my victory lap visualizing only success, enjoy reeling in the distance and pace, and celebrating 17 years of healing and entering a new decade of life ablaze with determination and a new found strength from taking on the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K.

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 and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.

 

When Passion & Persistence Meet

 

It took the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 to ignite having a dream for my life. Passion was set aflame in February of 2007 after I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. A spigot was turned on in my soul as poetry poured out of me. Once I made the commitment to leave my award winning career as a VA social worker to heal my life (having no idea what that meant at the time) and follow my new found bliss as a poet. I was a Communications Major at Boston University and rekindled my passion for writing. As I journaled about "A Day in the Life Of" as I prepared to leave my career, I dreamed about being on Oprah and becoming a NY Times Bestselling Author talking about how I transformed my life by taking a leap of faith reinventing myself.

In February of 2008, my soul gave birth to a new dream; to run the 2009 Boston Marathon! My passion to raise money for Spaulding Rehab and to defy the diagnosis and prognosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and persistence fueled my training on the road to Boston. I never missed a training session. When the weather prevented us from running outdoors, we ran the track at Boston University. On April 20, 2009, my dream of crossing the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon became reality!

Receiving my medal from a BAA volunteer! We raised $10,535 for Spaulding Rehab and I was a woman transformed!

My bucket list item to run in Bermuda got derailed by my nephew's death by suicide on 3/4/2011 and a serious knee injury in December of 2014. But at my comeback race from the knee injury and feeling a fire in my belly again after being across the street from the Boston Marathon bombings, I met the Bermuda Marathon Weekend Race Directors at the July 2015 Finish at the 50 Race Expo. With passion and persistence, my dream to run in Bermuda became a three time reality in 2016, 2017 and 2018!

Passion and persistence have been the theme for my training cycle on the road to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. I set weekly goals for running and strength training. I had to modify some goals being mindful of how my body responded to work outs. There were days when I was sore and hurting.  I wanted to take an unscheduled rest day but I knew persistence and consistency are key when pursuing a dream along with remembering my why.

It's time now for me to stay persistent and consistent while reeling in my pace. The weather this week has been balmy for New England in late November/early December. I did my two weekday runs of two miles each in glorious sunshine; one around the 'small rezzie'

 

 and one around the 'large rezzie' capturing sunbeams and orbs in my photos:

I felt a need to do tempo runs. Despite a grey damp day for Saturday's 5K, I felt sunshine in my heart and soul. 

 The training cycle is winding down. I just need to reel in my pace and focus more on my mental training. With Tom and Ruth Anne training for the Los Angeles Marathon, my runs are solo runs. I love the solitude as I enjoy nature. Gratitude overflows that temperatures are mild and there is no snow or ice on the ground. I pushed the pace at mile 2. During my last mile, I took time to reflect on what caused me to push myself. The only thing I can possibly gain at this point in training is risk for an injury with more speed work. I talked to my tender child who desperately tried to catch up to peers while wearing an ankle to hip leg brace using crutches to compensate for the muscles and nerves compromised by the polio virus. Tom will be with me on race day and help with my pacing to ensure a safe and happy run. Over the next few weeks I am going to get myself in the zone and trust my training! After Saturday's miles, I took a hot shower, reminded myself that my body recovers with ease from training runs and meditated with a heating pad.

I released the tension around race day, visualizing staying loose and went through my affirmations focusing on strength

When I first set out to heal my life in May of 2007 with passion in my heart and soul and the seeds of persistence planted by my incredible physical therapist, I've been blessed to see dreams become reality. As I check off training runs, and put the finishing touches on my mental and physical training, my dream of conquering the Bermuda Hills on January 13th, 2024 is coming into view. 

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 and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.

Running on Thanksgiving

 

Shortly after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I began a gratitude practice. I wrote poetry about gratitude and kept a gratitude journal. On Thanksgiving Eve we read all the post-its from our gratitude jar that we started in January. We shared laughter and tears. What a great way to kick off the long holiday weekend. 

Tom and I got up early on Thanksgiving to get our miles in before breakfast. It was a spectacular morning and we expressed deep gratitude for the blessings in our lives; especially the gift of running. 

 

We had not done a before breakfast run in quite awhile since the seasons changed. I savored my late morning breakfast after putting in the turkey and starting the gravy. We gave thanks for our beautiful home, the bounty of food and the love of our family that is strong and resilient having weathered so many storms during the past year. There were hugs, tears, laughter and joy as we spent several hours around the dinner table.

 

We did early birthday celebrations since Autumn is on call during Christmas week. Michelle's birthday is December 15th.

The weather was gorgeous and we enjoyed an after dinner walk through the neighborhood while Autumn and Ruth Anne shared childhood memories with Michelle.

On Friday, we went to Cape Cod to have a reunion with Tom's cousin Kathy. We used to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas afternoons at Kathy's house sharing dessert and quality family time. Since the pandemic, we realize how precious and fragile life can be. Despite going to the Cape for years, we had never been to the Cape Cod Canal where Kathy suggested we meet.

After breaking bread together and expressing our deepest gratitude that we were able to gather together in love, laughter and tears, Ruth Anne went for a run along the Cape Cod Canal.  We bathed in spectacular sunshine and temperatures warmer than usual for November.

Tom had to work on Saturday. Ruth Anne partnered with me for a fabulous 5K as I count down to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. It was our first run of the season where we were greeted with a blast of cold air when we opened the door! I earned the Frosty Badge from Garmin for doing a workout in below freezing temperatures. Ruth Anne shared her excitement with me for the Fast 5 and Tough Ten Mile Turkey Trot she was racing on Sunday. Her excitement was infectious. She would pick up the pace when she imagined how it was going to feel to run her favorite race again. I had to remind her that I was going into taper mode so we had to keep an eye on the pace. We ended up doing negative splits anyway. Ruth Anne was supportive and encouraging letting me know that she would be with us in spirit on Bermuda race day while she enjoys time in Nashville with her bestie from college.

Our 87 year old neighbor is the first one to put up outdoor decorations on the Friday after Thanksgiving:

It always gives us a boost during winter running and reminds us of the reason for the season.

We wrapped up our Thanksgiving weekend with Ruth Anne running one of our favorite races. The entry fee is 15 nonperishable food items to restock the food pantry in Marlboro, Mass. We ran the Tough Ten Mile Turkey Trot in 2008 when we were training for the 2009 Boston Marathon. Ruth Anne and Tom ran the race two more times. Ruth Anne and I reminisced about our time out on the course and I felt how strong and confident I felt navigating those tough ten miles. I expressed gratitude to my body for all it has given me during these past 17 years.  This year, they had a time limit for the ten miler but offered a five fast mile option. Ruth Anne trained hard during the three weeks leading up to the race; no easy feat since she was going through a lot of health challenges. We got up at 6:00am on Sunday to ensure plenty of time for pre-race "necessities" including making sure there was bathroom time. There was no traffic and we easily found our way to the race after many years. We dropped off our nonperishable items, took pre-race photos and stayed warm in the car.

Ruth Anne absolutely crushed those hills with an 11:00 minute/mile pace. What a thrill to be support crew and watch her finish strong! 

 

Our hearts swelled with gratitude for a perfect ending to a Thanksgiving weekend fueled by running and gratitude running on Thanksgiving!

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 and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.

Let's see what this body can do...

 

“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.” ~Richard Bach

“Let’s see what this body can do,” is a phrase that has echoed throughout my healing journey after I was blessed to meet Janine Hightower in October of 2007. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what this body could do after the setback in 2021/2022. Throughout this training cycle, I have been in awe of how my body responded to the training and how I harnessed the power of my mind to work with my body to nourish it throughout the training. I went beyond what my eyes were telling me with knee pain, calf spasms and different sensations including nerve pain. I was mindful about how far I did push myself modifying my training plan when necessary. I developed a training plan that I knew would work well for me to have success when I toe the starting line on January 13th.

My plan for Saturday’s training run was for 4 miles. As we approached the Cleveland Circle Reservoir, I needed to go home to go to the bathroom not wanting to risk what happened with Ruth Anne during last Saturday’s training run. Tom and I were left once again to calculate miles given the change in route. We thought we had a fool proof calculation but somehow we ended up with over 4.3 miles. We laughed at how we can never seem to get it right and used the extra mileage as a cool down. The torrential rain stopped as the temperatures climbed. I changed out of my winter jacket to a windbreaker when we made our pit stop. Everything worked out as it was supposed to. 

I embrace the soreness and discomfort knowing that there is power being stored in my body and mind to be unleashed on race day. I feel stronger mentally and physically for taking on the challenge to see what this body can do. For the first time in 4 years, I am anticipating a winter vacation. This isn’t just any ordinary vacation. It’s the first time since 2018 that I am off the sidelines. 

I remember when people asked me why I didn’t take a ‘normal vacation’.  It’s hard to describe the exhilaration of anticipating a reunion with runner friends in Bermuda or checking off what I need to pack for me as a runner instead of a spectator! When I wheel my carry on off of the plane, I anticipate feeling the thrill of having a suitcase filled with my running gear.

My anchor memory of taking on the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K is the Boston Marathon. I recall all the mental training tips for race day. The coaches told us to feel as though we filled up a balloon during the training. We slowly let it all out along the course leaving plenty in the tank for a strong finish. There was only room for thoughts of success in the final weeks leading up to Marathon Monday.

 During today’s training run, I embraced the blast of cold air giving thanks that Bermuda will be much warmer than today’s high of 38 degrees.

 

 

I focused on all that I accomplished during this training cycle. While I see many posts from my friends’ races seeing paces far faster than mine knowing I will be in the back of the pack for the 10K, I straightened my spine and let a smile cross my lips. I felt the power of the miracle of healing I created during these past 17 years. I am proud to be off of the sidelines bringing a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities as I tackle the Bermuda hills.

On January 13, as I cross the starting line of the 2024 Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K, I am going to see what this body can do!

 

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 and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.

Focus on Mental Preparation: The Brain Cannot Distinguish...

 

“Does your brain distinguish real from imaginary?” is a question posed by Dr. David Hamilton in his October 2014 blog. David and countless other mind/body luminaries have written and shared researched about how the brain cannot distinguish real from imaginary. One of my favorite stories from Meb’s book, “Run to Overcome” is when he shares how he visualized his race before going to sleep. He had one of his worst performances because his body believed he had already run the race. Billy Mills won Gold in the 1964 Olympics through the power of visualization. He had read in a college textbook, “The subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between reality and imagination.”

In David’s blog post, he cites one of his favorite studies about the power of the imagination and its effect on the body.
 
Volunteers were asked to play a simple sequence of piano notes each day for five consecutive days. Their brains were scanned each day in the region connected to the finger muscles. Another set of volunteers were asked to imagine playing the notes instead, also having their brains scanned each day.

The top two rows in the image show the changes in the brain in those who played the notes. The middle two rows show the changes in those who simply imagined playing the notes. Compare this with the bottom two rows showing the brain regions of the control group, who didn’t play nor imagine playing, piano.

When I share my journey of transformation as a motivational speaker, I start out by asking members of the audience to imagine eating a lemon. (I bet you started feeling sensations in your mouth as you read that sentence!) I could see by the pursed lips in the audience that I made my point. Through visualizing, the brain undergoes changes that in turn create changes in the body.

Throughout this training cycle, I’ve used my imagination experiencing how I am going to feel crossing the finish line of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. I’ve used  intermittent visualization about being out on the course. Now that the intense physical training has peaked, it is time for me to harness the power of my imagination for race day. I need to hone in on the details of race weekend from start to when I cross the finish line and of course the post-race celebration. I am whisking away the what if’s of travel and pre-race jitters to create my perfect race-cation in my mind’s eye. It’s time to stoke the flames of my imagination and snuff out the doubts, fears and worries. As the holiday music fills the air and I prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas, I anticipate celebrating all that I have accomplished, all that I am and all that is yet to be. I am topping off the tank of training during these next several weeks feeling physically prepared to take my victory lap on the beautiful Bermuda 10K course. Now it’s time to focus in on mental preparation because, during these past 17 years of healing, I have learned that the brain cannot distinguish between what is real and what is being imagined.

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 and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.