Once more, we carefully laid out our layers only this time, we had neck gators, two pairs of gloves and extra layers under and over the clothes we wore when it was 19 degrees since the air had gotten really cold over night.
We pumped each other up to get out the door and did our "Gooo Team! We've got this!"
We 'warmed up' with a neighborhood run and planned to go around the small Reservoir but the icy patches made it too treacherous to stay there. Tom and Ruth Anne peeled off to go to Jamaica Pond and I made my way back to the neighborhood where there was dry ground. Even though my fingers felt frozen, I took off my glove to capture the beauty of the winter day.
I used a technique I used when we trained for the 2009 Boston Marathon sending warmth to my extremities imagining warm lava flowing through me. My fingers and toes thawed and I settled into enjoying my run as the sun slowly warmed up the day.
While I was running through the neighborhood a thought came to me comparing where I am today with where I was in December of 2006. One of the 'hallmark' symptoms of Post-Polio Syndrome is cold intolerance. The initial polio virus affected my body's thermostat; the ability to regulate my body temperature. I would shiver uncontrollably in the cold and profusely sweat in summer. But once I harnessed the power of the mind/body connection, I was able to fix my thermostat. I trained through the brutal New England winter of 2008-2009 experiencing the beauty {and challenges} of a New England winter like I had never known before. I was told that I should use a cane with an ice gripper because one fall could result in a fracture that would lead to further rapid decline in functioning. I did have several falls while running (none in winter) and aside from a bruised ego and scrapes on hands, knees and lip, I emerged victorious without a fracture.
While training for Boston, I wrote the poem Courage, inspired by a long run around Jamaica Pond on a bitter cold day:
Courage from "Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life"
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.
As I texted with Tom and Ruth Anne, I celebrated the miles with them cheering them on as they dared to brave the elements for their long run. We marveled at how many runners were out on the roads on Sunday realizing that many opted to do their long run on the 'warmer' of the two weekend days. I felt exhilaration for my own run celebrating the gift of health and wellness. I loved the thrill of being able to enjoy sunshine and blue skies despite cold temperatures. I recalled the exhilaration we all felt during our Boston Marathon training after conquering the miles through the elements. Our longest run was 20 miles on a 17 degree day in March of 2009.
We were so fortunate that winter weather did not really begin until January this year. The sun is higher in the sky and it stays lighter after 4pm. I remember one winter when we were in the Polar Vortex when we had to keep our faucets dripping to make sure the pipes didn't freeze. I stay focused on the positive whenever possible and it's always possible.
There's a momentum started after the first coldest run of the season that will now carry us through until Spring. There's a sense of exhilaration, resilience and strength that external circumstances do not dictate how we engage with life.
In health and wellness,
Mary
Be sure to visit my website at https://marymcmanus.com to learn about my journey to health and wellness in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma
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