I'm Really Off the Sidelines Now!

 

In February of 2007, after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The answer came in the form of a poem. The first poem I wrote was called "Running the Race" and it foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. Here is an excerpt:

 

Using wheelchair to travel, set limits on what I could do

resulted in joy to realize I could live life anew.

Celebrated my body-creaks, groans and need for a brace

while in my mind I focused on winning a 10K race.

 

I'm now off the sidelines, no need to sit and whine

so much gratitude fills my heart and love and beauty shine.

After all these years I can join the loving human race

I exceed all expectations and now I set the pace.                                                                                             

At the beginning of this year, I wrote a blog after running the First Run of 2023, "I'm Now Off the Sidelines...or..." It was a glorious start to the new year and the year I turn 70.

Yesterday I ran 3.5 miles, the farthest I had run since late 2021. I have been using the mantra, "The power that made the body, heals the body," to remind myself of my body's tremendous capacity to heal. I knew I needed to get back on my healing path after my body had experienced an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine. It took a little while for me to shake off what I'd been originally told about Post-Polio Syndrome and to shift from focusing on symptoms to healing but here I am! 

 It was cold and rainy yesterday, quite a contrast to the heat we experienced during Thursday's run. I know the weather during January in Bermuda can be anywhere from rainy and cool to sunny and warm. I expressed gratitude for the gift of running, being able to feel the joy in the challenge and savored every foot strike with a heart overflowing that once again I am training to go the distance. {I even have my sights set for another half marathon where there is no time limit.}

On Friday, the Bermuda Triangle Challenge posted on social media that the guest speaker and ambassador for race weekend is Deena Kastor.

"Did you hear the exciting news? 

Olympic medalist Deena Kastor will be the guest speaker for the 2024 Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge."

I responded to the post, "I did and am over the moon excited! We are all booked with flights and hotel and registered for the 10k. We are celebrating my 70th birthday on the Island and a comeback race."

 

To which Bermuda Triangle Challenge responded, "Mary McManus oh my gosh!!! You’re coming back!!! That’s so exciting! Please let us know where you will be staying! And we should get you in touch with The Royal Gazette and maybe they can do a feature article on you closer to race weekend!"

 

Wow!  

  

Deena Kastor is a hero of mine. In 2019, I wrote a blog post review of her book, "Let Your Mind Run." I dusted off my copy, un-dogeared the pages and am devouring all the wisdom that Deena shares as I get ready to go the distance again!  

 

To avoid the midday high heat and humidity last Thursday, we got up early and got in our miles. What a great way to start the day and despite the heat, which was once my nemesis, I felt great.

 

I feel wonderful after yesterday's training run on rolling hills in and out and back route on Beacon Street. Hills are my friends and I will become intimately reacquainted with them as I train for Bermuda. As we peeled off the layers of wet clothing, shoes and socks, and as I remembered how amazing it felt to do an early morning run again,  I thought to myself, "Yup I'm really off the sidelines now!"

 

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.

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:

Join us on episode 56 for lovely Mary McManus as she shares her remarkable and inspiring story of hope and unimaginable possibilities that she made happen after being diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome and being told she would live the rest of her life in a wheelchair. But at the age of 53, Mary wasn't going to let that happen and she started doing something for the very first time in her life, Run. However before she could start that journey, she needed to get a pair of running shoes first.