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.