I was a "most unlikely runner" who, in December 2006 was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. As I had always done when faced with life's challenges, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The poem "Running the Race" flowed out of me in February of 2007. Many poems flowed out of me igniting my imagination with a future very different from the one the doctors predicted for me and a path for healing my past of paralytic polio and severe child abuse. In May 2007, I took a leap of faith leaving my award winning career as a VA social worker to heal my life.
In February of 2008 after being discharged from outpatient rehab at Spaulding Rehab and working with a personal trainer for 6 months, I declared that I wanted to run the 2009 Boston Marathon although I had never run a day in my life.
I trained through the grueling New England winter and harnessed the power of the mind/body connection through writing poetry, meditation and visualization in my journal to prepare mind, body and soul for Marathon Monday.
From "Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life":
Marathon Metamorphosis
Pounding pavement, feeling strength the journey now begun
training for the race of my life a 26.2 mile run.
Feeling God in every step in every beat of my heart
I undertake this challenge as a new chapter of my life I start.
I ran around in circles carrying baggage by the ton,
destination was survival hardened shell let in no one.
Fear and worry doubts prevailed, adrenaline in my veins
a headless horseman running wild no one to take the reins.
Stopping in my tracks I froze no longer could I move -
clawing, fighting had to cease there was nothing more to prove.
God's grace touched like a magic wand, a softness and a glow
emerging from a troubled past my blood began to flow.
Loving teachers lit the way their love a healing balm -
focusing on who I am now brings a sense of calm.
Stretching every muscle feeling God in every cell
wholeness now a blessing out of prison - no more hell.
The race is still a year away each day my dream I see
mind, body, spirit tuning turning toward the Voice of Thee.
Flexing what had once been stiff to brace against the pain
old habits die and I'm reborn to write a new refrain.
And when the starting gun goes off poised with strength and grace
the thunder of the running feet will help me set my pace.
But the starting line's the finish my race already won
achieving the impossible preparing for this run.
The healing power of self-love and faith to spark the flame
transformed me from a victim once filled with so much shame.
Unearth my buried treasures my inheritance I find
connected to my Loving God in my heart and mind.
And when I cross the finish line the greatest cheer of all
has been this magnificent journey of answering God's call.
Courage
The fear of ice and snow and slush embedded in my soul
a training run in winter - the path to Being whole.
A winter scene - Jamaica Pond - a feast for eyes' delight
to witness nature's splendor and behold this glorious sight.
A leaf - a tiny dancer - skating free without a sound
God's breath directs her movements as She guides her twirling 'round.
Families of ducks decide to walk or take a dip
a comedy of errors into icy water slip.
Branches now bejeweled though bare bend with loving Grace
sparkling diamonds' anchor water's surface hold in place.
God's hand a glove of glistening snow hugs rocks along the wall
their heads peek out reminding me I'm answering God's call.
A scene I'd never witness if I let my fear take hold
courage triumphed, steppin' out with footsteps sure and bold
Knowing that the pain subsides and Spirit can prevail
the Marathon is beckoning - through those miles I shall sail.
Ode to Marathon Training
Blisters, black toes, aches and pains, a change in my routine
Long training runs, the hills, the sprints running clothes fresh and clean.
Carbo load and plan each meal power gels and gatorade
no matter what the weather no time to be afraid.
Humid - hot or freezing cold snow against the face
wind or sun or raining those running shoes I must lace.
What mile is this how long we been out check heart rate drink H20
meltdowns joys and triumphs only a few more weeks to go.
Heartbreak Hill won't break my heart this year has been the best
found myself and made new friends I feel incredibly blessed.
When I stepped up to the starting line, I had imagined the 26.2 mile journey many times in my mind's eye but the actual experience was far more intense, exhilarating, emotional, joyful and satisfying than anything I could have possibly imagined. It's an experience that I now get to share with others to inspire them about what's possible; how we are never our diagnosis and that the body's capacity to heal is far greater than anyone has initially led us to believe.
After I crossed the finish line and received my medal, I was a woman transformed experiencing what I wrote about in the poem, Marathon Monday.
Marathon Monday
It's Marathon Monday, it's my day to shine
with husband and daughter poised at starting line.
I know I can do this - there's no way to fail
tethered to God through this race I can sail.
For over a year, we've trained from our heart
mind, body, spirit - we're ready to start.
We know the course and we know the terrain
we're primed for the challenge - we know they'll be pain.
The glory's far greater than what we may face
we're living examples of God's shining Grace.
Shake out all the nerves - there's nothing to fear
let in all the love from the crowds as they cheer.
With prayers and angels our feet feel so light
Joy overflowing the finish in sight.
We conquered the course fueled by love in our heart
the race had been won blessed by God from the start.
From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
Mary
For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website.
My Trilogy of Transformation and poetry books that are sure to inspire and uplift you are available on Amazon.
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