Never Tell Me The Odds - Magnificent Miles on the Road to Bermuda

It was an unseasonably warm summer-like day for our Saturday miles. As we went around the Cleveland Circle Reservoir, we passed a little boy wearing a Star Wars shirt. On the front was a photo of the original Star Wars movie poster and on the back, "Never tell me the odds." We passed the father/son/dog trio twice as we got in our miles. It was definitely a sign.

The first chapter in my book, "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" has the title, "Never Tell Me the Odds." I wrote how, in many ways, my life has been like an adventure movie. I battled evil, and fought for my life. Every time somebody told me I shouldn't or couldn't do something, I turned around and said, "Watch me now." Excerpt from "The Adventures..."

The odds of becoming high school valedictorian after contracting paralytic polio and fighting for my life every night were quite slim. The odds of being selected for Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honor Society at Boston College were quite slim. It took me 4 years to complete my Masters degree in Social Work. I nearly lost the use of my right arm due to a misdiagnosed staph infection and had a 6 week hospital stay.

 I was told I shouldn't run again after a serious knee injury in December of 2014. What were the odds I would go on to run 3 consecutive Bermuda Half Marathons? It takes dedication, hard work, perseverance, fierce determination, strength and courage to beat the odds. At times, it was a messy and uncertain journey that required trusting The Force with all of my heart and soul.
 
The deck was stacked against me. Without warning, on June 3, 1959, I dropped to the ground in Kindergarten class. Three years after contracting paralytic polio, shortly after coming out of my leg brace, my father became alcoholic. Nine years of emotional, physical and sexual assaults followed until he died by suicide when I was 17 years old. In December of 2006 I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. 

What a treat to be able to run in a t-shirt and shorts on October 28th in Boston with my sights set on the starting line of the 2024 Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. The warm sunshine, dry ground, crowds of runners and walkers and thongs of individuals heading to the Boston College football game provided quite the contrast from last Saturday's training run around Jamaica Pond. After once around the Cleveland Circle Reservoir, we decided to head to the Route 9 Reservoir for a more serene setting.

My mileage goal for the day was 4.5 miles. Switching up the route in the middle of the run meant that I might not exactly hit the planned miles. That was fine with me. Saturday was one of those days when I felt as though I could run forever. I welcomed a gentle warm headwind that whisked away the sweat dripping from my brow and my back. In short order, I will experience that headwind as a challenge that might not be so welcome as it was today. After one time around my Garmin indicated 4.6 miles. 

Saturday's training run proved to be a wonderful simulation for race day. It was the first training run where I was out on the roads in a more expansive way than in previous training runs, going from point to point. I inadvertently incorporated a lot more uphills and those all important downhills by doing a two Reservoir run. Right after I finished my training run, my phone indicated it was 11:11. Seeing 11:11 is a sign of being connected to Divine power and spiritual guidance. I am able to defy the odds of a progressive neuromuscular disease through my connection to Source. Feeling Divine Presence within and around me is the fuel for this latest adventure on the road to the Bermuda 10K. So don't ever tell me the odds! The Force is strong in this one!

From my heart to yours

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.

 

On Mental Toughness - A Turning Point in Training

 

Saturday's forecast called for rain all day. Prior to training for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K, I would have felt more lax about going out and getting in miles in the pouring rain. While there can be flexibility for a training plan, there can be no excuses! 

We decided to go to Jamaica Pond where we have memories of training for the 2009 Boston Marathon; where Bill Rodgers did his training runs for Boston. There were plenty of parking spaces available and a path with only a few other brave souls getting in a run or walking their dogs. Ruth Anne decided that she needed to get in a good tempo run and would run in the opposite direction from Tom and me. We were blessed that the predicted strong head winds did not accompany the rain. I wore an older pair of running shoes although I was excited to try out my new pair of Ghost Max kicks but since they are white, I didn't want to get them soaked and caked with mud.

We focused on the beauty of Jamaica Pond and the current in the water created by the raindrops.

We high fived with Ruth Anne as she ran 11 minute miles with negative splits for 5 miles. She is a warrior after a 7 week hospitalization and ongoing medication changes in the wake of a very serious UTI that caused neuropsychiatric symptoms. Tom and Ruth Anne are training for the LA Marathon in March.

She did her cool down while Tom and I finished our 5.5 miles. I really wanted to call it at 4.5 miles with the rationale that I had just done 4.5 miles on Sunday so this would be my 2nd long run in a week. But something switched on within me. Rather than feeling the discomfort of my soaking wet feet and the chill I felt from the rain, I focused on the strength and resilience of Team McManus. We have weathered so many storms in our lives. We keep moving forward. I heard a voice within me say, "Just keep going."

 

I did just that! I was amazed that the intermittent knee pain I'd been experiencing was gone despite my soaking wet pants and needing to push on through the inclement weather. There was a sense of being fully present in my body yet beyond my body. I felt as though there was nothing in my tank yet simultaneously I felt a strength and a fierceness as I kept going until my Garmin hit 5.5 miles. I am so exhilarated that I did not quit before 5.5 miles. It was a turning point in my training for the 10K. It was the first time since 2018 that I ran longer than a 5K in downpours. I remember when we ran 11 miles and were soaked to the skin. We could have traded our run day with Sunday's strength training day but know that mental toughness comes with miles in the rain. It turned out to be a sunny and warm Sunday. We enjoyed the enormous sense of satisfaction that came with crushing those miles in the rain when we trained for the Bermuda Half Marathon.

On Saturday, I drew inspiration from running in the rain quotes I've used:

 

 

 

 

 

I was so grateful that I had prepared a big pot of Spanish Bean Stew, a vegan stew chock full of flavors and nutrients that was simmering on the stove. The house smelled delicious as we peeled off our layers and got into a hot shower. I was tired and sore yet felt invigorated by having weathered the weather to run 5.5 miles!

Whatever the weather may be on race day, I now know that I have the mental toughness to push through. I am, however, focusing on manifesting amazing weather for Race Weekend. 

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.

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel

 

Give a girl the right pair of shoes...

 

 

I've had a challenging relationship with shoes ever since I  contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5. Red polio shoes were the order of the day to accommodate my ankle to hip leg brace and to have an orthotic in my left shoe. Red polio shoes are part of an exhibit at the National Museum of American History. Before contracting paralytic polio, I danced ballet. I felt such joy with my classmates and Miss Patricia our beloved ballet teacher. I loved slipping into my Capezio ballet shoes with an eye on when I could go up on point. It was not meant to be but there was another story meant to be written. After coming out of my leg brace, I still had to wear red polio shoes but on special occasions could wear Mary Jane pumps. High heel shoes were out of the question. As an adult, buying shoes was always a challenge given the difference between my right and left foot.

After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006,  my left foot needed a toe up leg brace. To accommodate the brace, I had to wear black orthopedic shoes and use a cane to conserve energy and relieve stress and strain on my body.

In February of 2008, after working with a personal trainer and meeting my initial goals of getting off of a low toilet seat and diversifying my health and wellness routine, she asked me my next goals. After telling her I wanted to run the 2009 Boston Marathon having never run a day in my life she said, "Well you're going to need a pair of running shoes!" Janine suggested I go to Marathon Sports where I was blessed to meet Spencer Aston. I borrowed a pair of Ruth Anne's sneakers. When Spencer asked me "What are you in now?" I said, "Actually, I am in black shoes with a toe up leg brace. I just borrowed these from my daughter."

Spencer was enthralled with my story. He took a half hour with me to evaluate my gait and figure out the best pair of running shoes given my unique foot discrepancies and somewhat unusual soon to be runner's gait!

Through the years I've explored different kinds of running shoes. For those of you reading this who are runners, you'll feel me when I say that just when it seems like you have the perfect shoe, the shoe manufacturer changes the style. 

Our go to store for everything we need as runners now is Heartbreak Hill Running Company.  After my go to shoe for several years changed the design, I asked the amazing staff to help me find a new shoe. I fell in love the Brooks Ghost 15.

I'm on the Brooks Running email list. When Ruth Anne was getting new gear, while she was trying on a new top, I was moved to ask, 'Hey have you heard anything about the new Ghost Max?"

"Why don't you try it on?

"Oh I'm all set right now. I don't want you to have to go get them if I'm not planning to buy them."

Vivian said, "It's no trouble at all. What size are you?"

"9 1/2 wide."

"Oh they don't make the Max in wide but why don't you give them a try."

As soon as I put them on I knew it was the shoe for me. There's cushion exactly where I need support. I don't need the extra width. There's more support for my feet without the extra width. They look great and feel great:

I went back to Heartbreak the next day to get a second pair.  I am so excited to take them out for a spin for a training run on the road to the Bermuda 10K. What a thrill to experience a new pair of kicks that fit so well! As I said to the staff at Heartbreak, "It's as though they were made for me!"

When you give a girl the right pair of shoes, she can conquer the world or in my case, conquer the Bermuda Hills in January. 

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.

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel

Fun with Fartleks and 4.5 Miles On the Road to Bermuda

Fartlek - Swedish word for speed play

"Hey mom, can I get in a few miles with you for my taper time for Sunday's Half Marathon?"

"Sure. I'd really love that." 

"Tom - do you want to get in a shakeout run?"

"No. I'm fine with a rest day. You two go ahead and enjoy!"

Last Thursday, Ruth Anne and I headed to the Cleveland Circle Reservoir taking an easy pace. Somewhere along the way we went from easy pace to Ruth Anne taking the lead to help me do speed work also known as fartleks! 

The day started off chilly but after the sun came out and our bodies warmed up doing speed work, we quickly peeled off our jackets. We felt the joy of playing with speed; a part of the joy came with the spontaneity of the workout. We had wonderful conversation when I caught my breath after the fartlek. Ruth Anne was wondering out loud to the Universe about a decision she was pondering. Just then she found a penny and realized she had her answer.

I was very very sore after our workout knowing that soreness is a sign of building strength. But it might have made more sense to wait to do a speed workout until my body was acclimated to the 5.5 miles. My right knee was bothering me for several days. I harnessed the power of the mind/body connection in my meditations while using a heating pad and ibuprofen at night. On Saturday night, I still felt the niggle in my knee that went to niggles of doubts that I could go the distance again. I remembered Dr. David Hamilton say that sometimes the meditations we've been using need to be changed up. I remembered the success of using conscious movement. As I mentioned, it was amazing to read about something I did instinctively in Norman Doidge's book about neuroplasticity. In Norman Doidge's book, he talks about a variety of techniques that stimulate the body's incredible capacity to change. I reflected on the Feldenkrais method. It's a form of body work in which the practitioner gently guides the client's body to relax and release a tightly held posture that is causing pain. In my mind's eye, I went through the muscles of my right leg and was able to release whatever was pulling on my right knee causing the pain. I said a prayer of Thanksgiving knowing that I can and will go the distance.

Ruth Anne and Tom were slated to run the Bay State Half Marathon. I was planning a bye week in my training plan to be support crew. Ruth Anne made the wise decision to sit out the race as she continues to heal from a seven week hospitalization and having contracted COVID while in the hospital. Rather than wake up at 4:30am, we turned off the alarm and had a leisurely Sunday morning. Unlike New England summer runs when we had to get up early to beat the heat of the day, in Autumn and Winter, we wait for the day to warm up. 

We were treated to angel slides and a burst of sunshine as we savored the beauty of nature and Autumn. Instead of focusing on Ruth Anne sitting out the Bay State Marathon, we expressed deep gratitude for what our bodies give us on any given day.

There was a strong headwind and a chill in the air. I was still in late summer mode with my attire. I had on a long sleeve shirt and capris but no jacket, headband or gloves. I embraced feeling the chill smiling to myself with the awareness that my body's thermostat once affected by polio and Post-Polio Syndrome was no longer an issue! 

Sunday's 4.5 miler was a big confidence booster on the road to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. I did not focus on pace feeling confident that with taper time and planned rest before Race Day, I'll be able to meet the challenge feeling physically and mentally strong. I was able to turn the tide of a painful right knee and leg after a 5.5 miler and doing speed work in the same week. As Tom and Ruth Anne said after Sunday's training run, "You could go out tomorrow and have a great race day!"

At almost 70 years old and having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair 17 years ago, I feel exhilarated to be pushing my limits again going the distance of a 10K in my happy place in January.

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.

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel

That's why we're the greatest sport!

 

"How is it that I am so fortunate to call you a friend when you are one of the greatest American runners of all time? I mean in any other sport you'd probably be surrounded by security and I'd be lucky if I got to get an autograph from you."

"That's why we're the greatest sport!" Bill Rodgers said to me at the start of the 2016 Hyannis 10K.

Training for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K catapults me smack dab in the middle of the running community again. What a joy to be here! This past weekend was an epic weekend for running. Three of my friends ran their 47th consecutive Boston 10K for Women! It was a glorious weekend for the Cape Cod Marathon. One of my runner friends came from out of town to run it. I loved seeing Cape Cod through the lens of a tourist. Several of my friends ran the Chicago Marathon. Three of them received another star in their quest for the Abbott World Majors.

The big stories out of Chicago were a new world record for the men's marathon by Kelvin Kiptum:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sifan Hassan won Chicago, only her 2nd marathon, with a new course record:

 

 

 

 

 

 

and Boston Marathon's champion Des Linden set a new Masters Record for the marathon breaking Deena Kastor's record by 12 seconds. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two runners in the 75-79 age group racked up numerous accolades. Jeannie Rice, 75, broke the women’s masters world record in the marathon with a time of 3:34:32, and also racked up American records over the course of the race, including the 10K (49:14) and half marathon (1:43:09). Gene Dykes, 75, also set an American marathon masters record of 3:17:01.

 

Training for my own event again has reignited my passion for the sport that is the greatest sport. I've been listening to the On the Runs, AdaptX and Mike Reilly's podcasts discovering inspiring stories that give me goosebumps all over. One such story is that of Ashley Grace Norton.

She is getting ready to make history by being the first person with multiple sclerosis and multiple heart surgeries to become an Ironwoman! 

I had goosebumps all weekend long seeing pre-race posts, race day posts and then race day recaps. Another reason why we are the greatest sport is the friendships that are forged through the sport. I have yet to meet in person several of my friends who were racing. New connections were made among my friends in social media who were running in Chicago. The unconditional love and support, the camaraderie and celebrations filled the news feeds. 

This time seventeen years ago I experienced alarming and debilitating symptoms. I was undergoing extensive testing in an attempt to get a diagnosis. I suspected I was experiencing symptoms of Post-Polio Syndrome, a diagnosis confirmed in December. In February of 2008, I traded in my toe up leg brace

for a pair of running shoes with a goal of running the 2009 Boston Marathon! I'd never run a day in my life but somewhere deep in my heart and soul I knew that the advice I received from Western Medicine of "if you use it you will lose it" was not ringing true for me. 

I was astounded by the outpouring of love and support I received from the running community. The friendships I have made lasted through the years while the village continues to grow and grow. I've been blessed to share expo tables next to Bill Rodgers  

and the stage with him at the 2020 Hyannis Marathon Pre-Race Pasta dinner!                   

He read my books and incorporated my journey into his speech! 

This weekend Tom and Ruth Anne will be toeing the line at the Bay State Half Marathon. It's the third half marathon in Ruth Anne's Trilogy of Half Marathons for Victory Programs. Race week excitement is building! Ruth Anne exceeded her $10,000 fundraising goal by $500!! The running community opened their hearts and pockets to support Ruth Anne's fundraiser to help those in need in Boston from as far away as Scotland and England. 

It is an epic comeback for Ruth Anne whose determination, strength, resilience and courage is unparalleled. We feel the support in social media and in real life as we ask the question "You running Bay State?"  It doesn't matter how fast or slow anyone runs, we are all so thrilled to be a part of this incredible village. "I'll be at the finish line with #morecowbell."

That my friends is why running is the greatest sport! 

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

Celebrating the Journey! - Fabulous 5.5 Miles!

 

Last Thursday, I was blessed to share morning miles with Ruth Anne. Dense fog filled the air. I love how the Universe offers wonderful metaphors during our runs. While Ruth Anne was in the hospital, there was a dense fog enveloping Team McManus. While we always held onto hope and faith, we did not know the outcome. 

 

We had to trust that the sun and light would break through the fog; that some how and some way, despite all appearances to the contrary, Ruth Anne would find her way back to herself and to our home.

The forecast called for a dense fog advisory for most of the day, but during our morning miles, the sun miraculously broke through the fog:

We celebrated Ruth Anne's journey of healing and how far she's come. She has amazing goals ahead of finishing her Masters Certificate and o ththen degree at Boston College, running the LA Marathon and getting back to work part time. It's so vital that we celebrate every step we take toward our goals and not wait until we cross a finish line. Ruth Anne started Occupational Therapy last Tuesday. She is so excited to be partnering again with her therapist who supp on for next Sunday's Half Marathon while Tom and I get in our miles. I was a bit anxious about the distance although I reminded myself that it was only a half mile farther than September's 5 mile runs...that is unless Tom McManus is calculating the miles - smile please!

As the weather turns cooler, we prefer to sleep in on Saturdays but with rain in the forecast for late morning, we were up and out the door early. I had a bit of pre-run jitters realizing that there are 3 months left until race day. I know each training run takes me one step closer to the starting line. I know the body achieves what the mind believes and that new sensations signal strength and building fitness! Yet this is my first in person event since the pandemic. I am going the 10K distance for the first time since 2018. This is also the first time that I am not partnering with a massage therapist or chiropractor but relying on exquisite self-care and the mind/body connection. 

We started out at an easy pace. "Tom this is for distance, not pace right?" "That's right. The pace will come as you've seen with your previous training runs." But my nerves started to get the best of me thinking about the 2 and a half hour cutoff time. It's really quite silly since my pace has been way under what's needed to make the cutoff. We've been training on hills and I can feel how my fitness is building. Last Saturday I had a PR for a 5K with Ruth Anne.

 

Tom suggested I let go of my focus on the  pace, run from the inside out and enjoy the beautiful start to Autumn. There was a lovely formation of geese and swans in the Reservoir with golden leaves gracing the perimeter of the trail that goes around the Reservoir. 

After two laps around the Reservoir, Tom 'calculated' what we needed to do to get in the extra .5 miles. When we realized he didn't get the math quite right, I used the extra distance for a cool down. We had done close to 6 miles. For those of you who might not be runners, a 10K is 6.2 miles. At the end of the day, I had close to 15,000 steps for the day! I remember when I thought 6,500 steps was a big accomplishment for me.

We celebrated my farthest run since 2018 with a hearty lunch and a long hot shower. The rain held off until later in the afternoon. I took a nap with a heating pad and visualized recovery from the run with the mantra, "My body recovers with ease." I made sure to thank every part of my body for giving me a fabulous 5.5 (+) miler on Saturday. 

Look out Bermuda Triangle Challenge Weekend - I'm comin' for you! {This is the countdown clock as of 10/9 at 10:45am.} That's a lot of mystical and magical number 3's and my moniker as runnergirl1953. What a wonderful sign and affirmation as I move ever closer to the starting line celebrating 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.

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