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