A Joy Shared...

 Last Thursday morning was the first time in 7 weeks that we went on an early morning run and Ruth Anne was home from the hospital. She stayed at home to do strength training and went on a run later in the day. I felt joy and gratitude swell from deep within my heart and soul as I saw the sunrise over the Reservoir.

Tom and I reflected on the past 7 weeks and all the people who prayed, sent emails, texts and commented on Facebook posts just when we needed an extra boost of support and faith. Our friends were incredibly in tune with our journey. We rejoiced in knowing that Ruth Anne was safe at home doing her strength training. I expressed my gratitude that I was able to share miles with Ruth Anne after she was discharged on Tuesday.

 It's truly incredible how the things we so often take for granted like going out on a run with a loved one becomes a sacred experience. We weren't sure about the outcome of the hospitalization. We held onto faith and hope. 

There was an incredible outpouring of joy in social media when Ruth Anne announced her homecoming. The joy was multiplied as we responded to all of the comments that reflected how much love surrounds Team McManus. During those very dark times, the grief was divided and diminished in the light of others hearts that poured out love and support.

On Saturday, we had our first run together in 8 weeks as Team McManus. Ruth Anne was so supportive and encouraging of my training for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. It was as though we picked up where we left off yet so much had changed. The love that we share was rekindled. We talked about compassion and forgiveness for the treatment team and how everything happened as only it could because that's how it happened. We took a lot of photos to celebrate healing and appreciating the healing power of nature:

On the run, Ruth Anne decided that she wasn't going to travel to Bermuda with us. She feels it would be too much to experience the excitement of travel right now, is getting ready to finish her Masters Certificate next semester at Boston College and wants to get a dog sooner rather than later. We planned to get a dog after we returned from Bermuda since we wouldn't want to leave so soon after bringing new pet into our home. Ruth Anne said she will be thrilled to have the time to bond with our newest family member. Wonderful conversations and clarity come during 5 fabulous miles!

Tom and Ruth Anne are fired up to run the Bay State Half Marathon on October 15th. They are going to run with their heart as Ruth Anne wraps up her Trilogy of Half Marathons for Victory Programs. She raised $10,500 during this amazing fundraising campaign.

This is a photo from Ruth Anne's 3 mile tempo run on Thursday.

It is a magnificent miracle to be in the brilliant sunshine after 7 weeks of stormy tumultuous times. Running and the amazing friends we have met through running along with family helped us to weather one of the most challenging times in the life of Team McManus. My heart went from being broken to full and overflowing with gratitude. The grief diminished as people touched our hearts with an outpouring of love and prayers, neighbors stopping by with hugs and encouraging words during Ruth Anne's hospitalization. Our dear 86 year old neighbor kept saying, "This will all happen in God's timing." The joy of Ruth Anne's homecoming was multiplied sharing it with our neighbors, and through social media posts. Here's to many many more blessed miles of health and well-being for Team McManus.

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.

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.

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel

Hard Days Are the Best...

 

Even though Boston was only mildly affected by Hurricane Lee, last Saturday's run was a hard run for me. There were gusty headwinds at times but it was my stormy internal state that made it a hard run. When our daughter gets an infection, she experiences concomitant neuropsychiatric symptoms that are deeply distressing for her and for us. Last Saturday we were in the darkest of times not knowing how/if/when she was going to experience wellness again. I have an incredibly strong faith. Our village was praying for her and Team McManus; people were sending Reiki and healing energy. I did meditations and visualizations seeing her as healthy, whole and healed. I imagined her crossing the finish line with Tom at the Bay State Half Marathon to complete her Trilogy of Half Marathons for Victory Programs.

I had to find a way to find comfort in the discomfort of uncertainty holding onto hope, accepting everything as it was. There were abundant signs from the Universe that everything was going to be okay. I would see just what I was supposed to see on social media and friends' messaging me videos and quotes to support me during the time of uncertainty. We created imagery to imagine Ruth Anne's healing like this Unicorn and rainbow:

We imagined the healing powder from the Unicorn's horn helping to bring Ruth Anne to a state of wellness and well-being. The rainbow is a wonderful symbol of hope and our connection to the Divine. 

We were grateful that there hadn't been any more disconcerting phone calls as there had been during the previous Saturday's run but I was clearly feeling the cumulative effect of the stress of Ruth Anne's hospitalization.

It was the first cool, cloudy and drizzly run we had in a long time. The weather could easily be like that on race day in Bermuda although I am visualizing a perfect sunny yet cool dry day. Training in all kinds of weather, especially while having a hard run is great physical and mental preparation for race day. Up until Saturday's run, I hadn't realized how much I was missing Ruth Anne on our training runs. It was also the first time that I wasn't sure how Team McManus was going to be able to emerge from the darkness that descended as a result of Ruth Anne's infection. I reflected on how excited Ruth Anne was to have me take on this goal and having us train together. My heart was heavy but I kept focusing on how vital it was for me to train hard even when/especially when it was a hard day!

We focused on the contrast between the delicate flowers that dotted the path around the Reservoir and how the powerful wind created waves on the often still waters of the Reservoir. I breathed deeply knowing that in the midst of mist, a grey sky and clouds the sun still shines somewhere. I remembered a recent fortune I got at our favorite Chinese restaurant that said, "It's always darkest before dawn."

I felt accomplished and empowered after getting through those 5 miles. It wasn't my best pace but it was a pace that was well within finishing before the 2 1/2 hour time limit. 

Saturday afternoon we received a call from Ruth Anne. She wasn't quite back to being/feeling herself yet but she was certainly better than she was the week before. And then...after 7 very long hard weeks...all of a sudden Ruth Anne was ready to come home!

To celebrate her homecoming, we went on a run together. It was the perfect weather day with warm sun, blue skies and puffy clouds:

What a blessing to be able to take a selfie together:

Team McManus navigated through seven weeks of mostly hard days. We feel like champions after weathering those storms and are so deeply grateful to have a loving, supportive village surrounding with prayers and healing energy. We know we can get through anything with our faith, our love and the healing power of running in our lives.

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.

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.

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel

The Joy in the Journey

Even though we can see and feel that summer in New England is preparing to make its exit, we are so blessed and grateful that we can continue our early morning runs. While it is exhilarating and exciting to focus on Bermuda Marathon Race Weekend, especially since we are going to stay at the host hotel for Race Weekend, as we went out our front door, I felt this sense that the joy is in the journey. 

In our email receipt from Marathon Tours and Travel, it said, "Bermuda is hilly! You will find Front Street Mile to be flat, however the other races – 10K, half marathon and marathon are hilly. It is highly recommended that in your training you prepare for the hilly terrain."

Even though we have been training on hills, I felt inspired to suggest to Tom that we incorporate the hill we used for hill training during the 2009 Boston Marathon. Ruth Anne has been going through a rough patch on her ultramarathon healing journey back to wellness. I remembered her words of encouragement and support when I started training for the Bermuda 10K and said a prayer that focused on seeing her healthy, whole and healed experiencing all the joys that life has to offer; the joy she exuded when she supported my training on the road to the Bermuda Marathon 10K and her joy and zest for life. I remembered when we trained for the 2009 Boston Marathon together and how exhilarated we felt when we crossed the finish line together. There were so many incredible joyful moments in the journey on the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon with our Tufts 10K race together, the Hyannis Half Marathon when we met running greats and runner friends that we are still friends with today.

As Tom and I conquered the hill, we said "What do we eat for breakfast? Hills!"

 

 

What joy we felt experiencing the dawn of a new day overflowing with healing, hope and infinite possibilities:

I allowed the gentle ripples of the Reservoir's water to create ripples of joy in my heart and soul feeling the expansion of the scene before me reminding me of God's great love. It is so easy to get caught up in fear and worry in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Worries are dispelled by feeling gratitude and then joy that despite all appearances, all is well.

Before heading to the downhill (since downhill training is as vital as uphill training) there was spectacular sunshine peeking through the trees:

We took the downhill with ease:

before taking the right to head home while we tackled the long gradual hill to end our morning miles.

 

While we visualize how we are going to feel as we come into the Stadium and cross the finish line at the Bermuda 10K, we are making sure to find the joy in the journey.

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 for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

 

I had a great time sharing my journey and announcing my new goal of taking on the Bermuda Marathon 10K on the On the Runs podcast. Here is the link to my Episode 56.  Be sure to download and subscribe to their podcast on your favorite platform.

 

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

I'm So Grateful....

 

 

 

I've recently been reflecting on how grateful I am for all that my body gives in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome now almost 17 years ago this December.

Let me take you back to how limited my functioning was in the months and years leading up  to the diagnosis.

 

I had difficulty walking and hugged the banister as I walked up the stairs. I had difficulty breathing and swallowing. I walked with a limp. I had difficulty sleeping because I was in adrenal overload. I couldn't carry the laundry up and down the stairs to the cellar. We used Pea Pod for grocery delivery or Tom and the kids would get the groceries. I was depressed and anxious yet soldiered on for the sake of my family, my Team at work, my veterans and their families. What is noticeably absent from that equation is myself and self-care!

I was blessed to meet an earth angel of a physical therapist and then a personal trainer. They told me I was not destined to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. They helped me find my way back to myself! I went on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953.

In 2021/2022 I had a setback in my healing journey. I had to curtail training, running and had to conserve energy again. 

Training for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge  10K has given me such a boost. There's momentum building both on and off the roads. 

Last weekend as I mentioned in my previous blog, Tom had to work last weekend starting at 6pm on Friday. I did the groceries Friday afternoon, did a 5 mile run on Saturday, laundry and cleaning on Sunday and being 'support crew' while Tom focused on a server upgrade. We both marveled at how I was able to have the endurance to take care of the chores and train!

My heart overflows with gratitude for all that I am able to do. I remember how I felt in the months and years leading up to the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and how I felt during the 2021/2022 setback. What a blessing to feel healthy and vibrant as I get ready to celebrate my 70th birthday on Christmas Day.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary 

Visit my ***NEW*** 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. https://mikereilly.net/mary-mcmanus-stories-from-the-finish-line-presented-by-curad-performance-series/

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.

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel

Sweat Cleanses From the Inside Out

 

Tom had to work this weekend on a special project that required ongoing attention throughout the weekend. I am so grateful he has this wonderful job that he enjoys especially as a 71 year old. Two years ago at this time we were wondering what was going to happen after Tom took his leap of faith leaving behind his 7 year Boston College career as a Systems Administrator. Would he get a 'retirement' job or would he continue to work in technology? We weren't sure but we were sure that the job at BC was no longer fulfilling and the stress was taking a toll on his health. 

We had to get up extra early on Saturday to ensure that Tom would be back home in plenty of time to monitor the system he was upgrading. It was a win/win since summer decided to linger well into September this year. The heat and humidity was palpable even at 7:30 in the morning! 

We had another 5 miles on tap on the road to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. As sweat poured, I made sure to hydrate and to also be mindful of my nutrition. I thought that we would have to dial back our pace but I kept a pace consistent with what we have been doing in recent weeks.

Ruth Anne continues to heal from an infection making her way back to wellness. We know that it can take time for med changes and for the body's natural ability to heal to take effect. I know that we can't rush the healing process although at times it seems to be painfully slow for everyone especially Ruth Anne.

Tom and I savor our training time together. We are unplugged and out in nature which nourishes our mind, body and soul. We always take time to soak in the beautiful surroundings of the Reservoir. We paused as we saw a solo goose serenely swimming on the near still water. We watched it turn around with such ease and grace; a reminder that we need to be in the flow accepting all that is right now going with the current of life.

We were grateful for the cloud cover for most of our run. When the sun came out, the heat and humidity really kicked in but fortunately we had only a mile left to run. Our emotions while Ruth Anne finds her healing path were getting wrung out with the sweat. Tom and I used Louise Hay's affirmation while we got in our miles: All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. Only good can come out of this. I am safe. Louise recommends using it to clear away worries during a challenging situation to allow the Universe to create the solution. We shifted our attention to how Ruth Anne was when her mental status cleared and how Ruth Anne is when she is well saying a prayer "May Ruth Anne be happy. May Ruth Anne be safe. May Ruth Anne be well. May Ruth Anne be at ease!" It's amazing how troubles and worries are released out on a run in nature while sweat pours.

On our way home we were blessed to see two dear neighbors who hold Ruth Anne close in their hearts and prayers. We paused our Garmins to take time to chat with them and soak up their love and support.

One of the things I love about a sultry end of summer sweaty run is to feel the sweat continuing to pour even after the run has ended. George Sheehan has so many incredibly wise quotes about life and running. It's true what he said about sweat. Sweat cleanses from the inside out in a way no shower possibly can!

Another 5 miles deposited in the Bank of Bermuda. Let the excitement build about being a part of Race Weekend. I am always in awe of how the Universe speaks to me and sends me messages and signs. I 'just happened' to see on Instagram that the Grotto Bay, the property where we planned to stay was doing extensive renovations that would not be completed until Spring of 2024. I called to find out that the renovations would affect food service. We planned to have our pre-race breakfast at 6:30 at their Coffee Shop which is now closed. Breakfast wouldn't be served until 7:30 and they were not sure where they were going to serve breakfast. 

We decided to pivot and stay just for race weekend instead of the week long stay at Grotto Bay. We easily changed our flights. We are going to stay at the host hotel in Hamilton at the Hamilton Princess Hotel through Marathon Tours. They have a great VIP Package that is going to thoroughly enhance our Race Weekend experience and make Bermuda Race Weekend a true race-cation! Everything always works out for better than the best!

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary 

Visit my ***NEW*** 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.

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.

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel

With a new day...

 

It was another glorious start to the day on Thursday for early morning miles. I am going to miss the days of putting on a singlet, shorts, water belt and heading out the door and having the blessed opportunity of seeing the dawn of a new day! Soon it will be time to have the hats and gloves bag arranged and have our layers of clothing laid out the night before an early morning or afternoon run depending on the temperatures. We will head out for early morning runs for as long as we are able to as the season makes its transition to summer to fall and eventually to winter. I am beyond thrilled and excited to be heading to Bermuda in January for a week long race-vacation. I am imagining perfect weather for the entire time we are there especially on race day. But back to the present. The light was absolutely breath taking on our way to and around the Route 9 Reservoir.

 

There were only a few other runners beating the heat of the day with an early morning run. I set an intention to carry the serenity and peace from the still water of the Reservoir with me throughout the day. Trusting that all is well with Ruth Anne and that the Treatment Team is taking outstanding care of her can be a challenge at times. But when my eyes behold the magnificence of the colors of dawn and the sun rising in the sky, I KNOW that all is well. 

I know how hill training is a critical part of my training for the Bermuda 10K. After a lap around the Reservoir, I did speed work going up the hills on the way home.

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Isn't it absolutely amazing that at almost 70 years old and in the wake of the diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease in December of 2006 that I can continue to build strength? In addition to building physical strength, I am also building mental and spiritual strength as we navigate Ruth Anne's hospitalization and journey back to wellness. While I have always practiced meditation and prayer, it has become a deeper practice during this challenging time. My gratitude and affirmations practice have also deepened. I have traditionally been a giver and love to give to others but during this difficult time, I have learned how to receive love, care, support and prayer from others. I am so deeply grateful for our incredible village!

Every morning after meditation, as I put my feet on the floor, I take a deep breath and give thanks for the gift of a new day overflowing with infinite possibilities. If any insights come through during meditation, I jot them down in the Notes on my phone so I'll remember them. Often times, insights come through during the magical time of an early morning run with new thoughts and new strength to greet the day.

Fridays are my rest days and a more leisurely morning routine. The phrase, "The only thing you need to prepare for is good things happening," came to me. As one who survived childhood trauma and more recently the trauma of what happens when Ruth Anne's body has an infection, I tend to 'brace myself' for what if's and what negative things might happen. But it's time for me to make a shift with new strength and new thoughts. 

I haven't written poetry in quite awhile. It's an old friend that brings such comfort during challenging times

I started writing poetry after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. I called my pen my divining rod for healing. This poem flowed out of me this morning:

Release

Release all thoughts of worry fear and doubt and dread

pounding pummeling happiness in my heart and head.

Transform all the darkness Source is here to light the way

embarking on infinite possibilities of this glorious brand new day.

Honoring the trauma on my body mind it took a toll

focus only on all wellness the path to being whole.

Peace and equanimity let my aching heart open wide

expanding feeling gratitude knowing the Universe is always on our side.

Courage strength and ease and grace when I turn to loving Source

compassion loving kindness self-love through all my cells now course.

Appearances accepting yet I know the tide does ebb and flow

while navigating challenges a time to learn and grow.

When those thoughts of disaster impending rear their ugly head

take deep breaths and make a shift ask what shall I think instead?

Snuggling with Source knowing I am Source's beloved child

harness power of positivity let my imaginings run wild.

Reeling in my future heart's delights are now in sight

magic and miracles abounding as everything turns out all right!

 

Five magnificent early morning miles on tap for tomorrow as I continue my journey on the road to the Bermuda 10K greeting every day with new strength and new thoughts tapping into the infinite possibilities that await us all.

 

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** 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.

Be sure to subscribe to their newYouTube 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.

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel

My Morning Run and Letting Go!

Since Monday was a holiday, we got up at 6:30 instead of 5:45. We knew we were going to miss the spectacular sunrise views over the 'small' Reservoir on Route 9 but knew we would still have beautiful views as we ran around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir.

You can see the haze in the 2nd photo that seemed to come and go during our run. What a metaphor for life. As Tom and I navigate Ruth Anne's journey back to wellness, there are moments of clarity and calm. We feel hope and optimism surge through the very cells of our Being. We know and trust that the Treatment Team and Ruth Anne doing everything they can to emerge from this recent flare of PANS and to support her journey back to wellness!

 I've been allowing signs from the Universe to help temper the anxiety of the unknown and help heal the trauma of this recent flare. One of my favorite messages came from August 30th:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Running and being out in nature raises my vibration. My heart opened with gratitude in tandem with the clearing haze. I greet negative thoughts with love and compassion. Let's not think about what happened or what might happen but be in the present moment. Is that thought going to help me feel better? If yes then let's keep it. If not then LET IT GO!!! We shared what we've learned with supporting Ruth Anne on her journey to wellness. I am learning what it means to have faith. I am learning what it means to truly let go and always reach for the higher thought. The past does not equal the future and there’s a beautiful peaceful joyful present moment to be had in every moment.

 

Tom and I talked about all that we have to be grateful for in our lives especially my health. During the run I thanked my body for all that it gives me and the gift of being able to train for another 10K and a 10K in Bermuda. We recalled his Bermuda 10K in 2020 with Ruth Anne. I asked him to review the course with me again to boost my confidence through the power of visualization. Whenever we see a hill when driving or running, I ask, "Is that a Bermuda hill?" Tom consistently replies with "You've got this!" We talked about how supportive and encouraging Ruth Anne has been when we train together and imagine how wonderful it's going to be when she's back on the roads with us feeling healthy and well. We imagined when Tom and Ruth Anne cross the finish line of the Bay State Half and wrap up a year of training and fundraising for Victory Programs.

The morning run before breakfast is comparable to a meditation. We clear out thoughts that contribute to suffering and reach for thoughts and experiences that speak to beautiful possibilities. There's a hill that leads back to our house after we leave the Reservoir. Tom said, "All right! Let's take that hill. Let go of it all, running into a beautiful future of incredible possibilities." 

What a charge I felt charging up that hill feeling my strength surge through me. After our morning run I was ready to take on the day feeling hope and optimism that in the invisible and silence miracles are taking place on Ruth Anne's journey to wellness.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary
 

Visit my ***NEW*** 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.

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.

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel

 

Five Fabulous Miles

This is one of my favorite running quotes. I chose sneakers over a toe up leg brace and polio shoes:

 I love this story from "Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance" from when I ran the Hyannis 10K in 2016:

"In the distance a figure came toward us. The expanse of ocean was to our left and this beautiful woman came up on our right. She stopped me to give me a hug. She whispered in my ear," Run with all your  heart." I felt she was my fairy godmother and I was Cinderella being told, "You will go to the ball." It was Jacqueline! You see growing up as a survivor of paralytic polio I was always the outcast. When it came to gym I was "easy out Alper” and those words were seared into me.  I was bullied and teased and struggled with my identity as a  runner when I first started running. It’s time to leave that part of me behind and to allow the manifestation of running unencumbered and free to fully come into being.

 

 After Jaqi's hug I felt something ignite within me."

I became a most unlikely runner as one who was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. My last epic running adventure was in Bermuda in 2018 as I crossed the finish line of the Bermuda Half Marathon; my third half marathon in as many years. In 2014, I sustained a serious injury to my left knee. I was told to prepare for a total knee replacement and stop running or cap my distance at a 5K. Harnessing the power of the mind/body connection and partnering with a chiropractor/healer, I was able to get back on the roads and experience the thrill of running in Bermuda which was on my bucket list for years. I even did the Hyannis 10K after the Bermuda Half Marathon in 2016!

In April of 2021, I received the 2nd COVID vaccine. Despite my best efforts with hydration, bringing a crystal with me to the injection, proper nutrition, meditation and focusing on the healing and freedom that would come with the 2nd vaccine, I had a lot of physical symptoms that seemed to progress over time and eventually led to me having to curtail running and strength training. There was also a lot of stress happening in our lives at that time that may have contributed to experiencing more physical challenges. Regardless of the cause, I made modifications to my workouts and runs and increased meditation with focusing on healing. But truth be told, I wasn't sure what I was healing and became content with a scaled back training and running schedule.

At the time, I believed that my participation in running events was over. I was grateful for all my body gave me and would enjoy the sport from the sidelines. I did begin to use what I now know is called conscious movement to shift out of patterns such as getting 'stuck' on the stairs or having difficulty getting up from a chair. Little by little I realized there were neuromuscular connections that needed to be rewired again as I had done after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome.

Ruth Anne was adamant that I still had more events to participate in. She told me how much she missed running with me and having me be part of Team McManus during races. She wanted to find a balance between her training and finding an event we could do together hence training began on the road to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge as Team McManus.

My heart aches that Ruth Anne continues to be in the hospital recovering from a flare of PANS but I know she will be back with us very soon. Oh what a reunion it will be! In the meantime, I owe it to myself and to her to put in the best training cycle I possibly can.

Tom and I set the alarm for 6:30 am on Saturday wanting to have plenty of time to meditate, stretch, go to the bathroom (other runners will note how vital that part of the pre-run routine is) and mentally and physically prepare for my longest run since I ran the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon.

On last week's run, we did 4.7 miles so I knew I just had a little bit farther to go to make it to 5 miles. I was in awe of how far I've come since that set back after the 2nd vaccine.  Having this goal has sent powerful healing messages to my body. 

It was another beautiful end of summer's day as we ran twice around the Reservoir adding on the extra distance at the end of our run. We live on a street with a very long hill. We continued on the full length of the hill to the top visualizing how amazing it is going to feel to cross the finish line of the 10K in 4 months.

At times, I had to dial back the pace to make sure I had plenty in the tank to finish strong. Tom and I decided that on this run, we wanted to focus on being in the present moment, releasing our worries, doubts and fears about Ruth Anne to the Universe. I shared with Tom the mantras I use; how journaling, staying connected with friends and allowing the Universe to speak to me with quotes is keeping me in the vibration of love, light and out of the vortex of darkness that we've experienced over the past several weeks. Tom went on to run another 4 miles maintaining his training for the Bay State Half Marathon, Half Marathon #3 for Victory Programs. I cheer him on with ice water as he goes around the small Reservoir while I refuel. We continue to imagine that epic moment when they cross the finish line with arms thrust high in the air closing out a wildly successful fundraising campaign for Victory Programs. Ruth Anne's dedication to helping others with housing, healing, hope and substance use recovery has been phenomenal. Between all of her campaigns, she raised over $20,000!

I was dripping with sweat and felt incredibly satisfied with the fabulous five miles on the road to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. I thought of Ruth Anne with every footstep and every mile feeling so grateful she encouraged me to set this goal. We sent her healing energy and imagined her with us, supporting and encouraging me, and seeing the joy and freedom in her eyes. I know that every day in every way she is healing, feeling stronger and so eager to return to her life on and off the roads as she felt a couple of weeks ago. I know that the energy and exhilaration I experienced from my fabulous 5 miles are beaming positive ripples of energy to help her in her healing process. I feel in every fiber of my being that we are going to have a phenomenal race day at the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. 

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** 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.

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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 https://www.youtube.com/@OnTheRuns 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.