Running on Thanksgiving

 

Shortly after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I began a gratitude practice. I wrote poetry about gratitude and kept a gratitude journal. On Thanksgiving Eve we read all the post-its from our gratitude jar that we started in January. We shared laughter and tears. What a great way to kick off the long holiday weekend. 

Tom and I got up early on Thanksgiving to get our miles in before breakfast. It was a spectacular morning and we expressed deep gratitude for the blessings in our lives; especially the gift of running. 

 

We had not done a before breakfast run in quite awhile since the seasons changed. I savored my late morning breakfast after putting in the turkey and starting the gravy. We gave thanks for our beautiful home, the bounty of food and the love of our family that is strong and resilient having weathered so many storms during the past year. There were hugs, tears, laughter and joy as we spent several hours around the dinner table.

 

We did early birthday celebrations since Autumn is on call during Christmas week. Michelle's birthday is December 15th.

The weather was gorgeous and we enjoyed an after dinner walk through the neighborhood while Autumn and Ruth Anne shared childhood memories with Michelle.

On Friday, we went to Cape Cod to have a reunion with Tom's cousin Kathy. We used to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas afternoons at Kathy's house sharing dessert and quality family time. Since the pandemic, we realize how precious and fragile life can be. Despite going to the Cape for years, we had never been to the Cape Cod Canal where Kathy suggested we meet.

After breaking bread together and expressing our deepest gratitude that we were able to gather together in love, laughter and tears, Ruth Anne went for a run along the Cape Cod Canal.  We bathed in spectacular sunshine and temperatures warmer than usual for November.

Tom had to work on Saturday. Ruth Anne partnered with me for a fabulous 5K as I count down to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. It was our first run of the season where we were greeted with a blast of cold air when we opened the door! I earned the Frosty Badge from Garmin for doing a workout in below freezing temperatures. Ruth Anne shared her excitement with me for the Fast 5 and Tough Ten Mile Turkey Trot she was racing on Sunday. Her excitement was infectious. She would pick up the pace when she imagined how it was going to feel to run her favorite race again. I had to remind her that I was going into taper mode so we had to keep an eye on the pace. We ended up doing negative splits anyway. Ruth Anne was supportive and encouraging letting me know that she would be with us in spirit on Bermuda race day while she enjoys time in Nashville with her bestie from college.

Our 87 year old neighbor is the first one to put up outdoor decorations on the Friday after Thanksgiving:

It always gives us a boost during winter running and reminds us of the reason for the season.

We wrapped up our Thanksgiving weekend with Ruth Anne running one of our favorite races. The entry fee is 15 nonperishable food items to restock the food pantry in Marlboro, Mass. We ran the Tough Ten Mile Turkey Trot in 2008 when we were training for the 2009 Boston Marathon. Ruth Anne and Tom ran the race two more times. Ruth Anne and I reminisced about our time out on the course and I felt how strong and confident I felt navigating those tough ten miles. I expressed gratitude to my body for all it has given me during these past 17 years.  This year, they had a time limit for the ten miler but offered a five fast mile option. Ruth Anne trained hard during the three weeks leading up to the race; no easy feat since she was going through a lot of health challenges. We got up at 6:00am on Sunday to ensure plenty of time for pre-race "necessities" including making sure there was bathroom time. There was no traffic and we easily found our way to the race after many years. We dropped off our nonperishable items, took pre-race photos and stayed warm in the car.

Ruth Anne absolutely crushed those hills with an 11:00 minute/mile pace. What a thrill to be support crew and watch her finish strong! 

 

Our hearts swelled with gratitude for a perfect ending to a Thanksgiving weekend fueled by running and gratitude running on Thanksgiving!

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.

Let's see what this body can do...

 

“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.” ~Richard Bach

“Let’s see what this body can do,” is a phrase that has echoed throughout my healing journey after I was blessed to meet Janine Hightower in October of 2007. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what this body could do after the setback in 2021/2022. Throughout this training cycle, I have been in awe of how my body responded to the training and how I harnessed the power of my mind to work with my body to nourish it throughout the training. I went beyond what my eyes were telling me with knee pain, calf spasms and different sensations including nerve pain. I was mindful about how far I did push myself modifying my training plan when necessary. I developed a training plan that I knew would work well for me to have success when I toe the starting line on January 13th.

My plan for Saturday’s training run was for 4 miles. As we approached the Cleveland Circle Reservoir, I needed to go home to go to the bathroom not wanting to risk what happened with Ruth Anne during last Saturday’s training run. Tom and I were left once again to calculate miles given the change in route. We thought we had a fool proof calculation but somehow we ended up with over 4.3 miles. We laughed at how we can never seem to get it right and used the extra mileage as a cool down. The torrential rain stopped as the temperatures climbed. I changed out of my winter jacket to a windbreaker when we made our pit stop. Everything worked out as it was supposed to. 

I embrace the soreness and discomfort knowing that there is power being stored in my body and mind to be unleashed on race day. I feel stronger mentally and physically for taking on the challenge to see what this body can do. For the first time in 4 years, I am anticipating a winter vacation. This isn’t just any ordinary vacation. It’s the first time since 2018 that I am off the sidelines. 

I remember when people asked me why I didn’t take a ‘normal vacation’.  It’s hard to describe the exhilaration of anticipating a reunion with runner friends in Bermuda or checking off what I need to pack for me as a runner instead of a spectator! When I wheel my carry on off of the plane, I anticipate feeling the thrill of having a suitcase filled with my running gear.

My anchor memory of taking on the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K is the Boston Marathon. I recall all the mental training tips for race day. The coaches told us to feel as though we filled up a balloon during the training. We slowly let it all out along the course leaving plenty in the tank for a strong finish. There was only room for thoughts of success in the final weeks leading up to Marathon Monday.

 During today’s training run, I embraced the blast of cold air giving thanks that Bermuda will be much warmer than today’s high of 38 degrees.

 

 

I focused on all that I accomplished during this training cycle. While I see many posts from my friends’ races seeing paces far faster than mine knowing I will be in the back of the pack for the 10K, I straightened my spine and let a smile cross my lips. I felt the power of the miracle of healing I created during these past 17 years. I am proud to be off of the sidelines bringing a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities as I tackle the Bermuda hills.

On January 13, as I cross the starting line of the 2024 Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K, I am going to see what this body can do!

 

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.

Focus on Mental Preparation: The Brain Cannot Distinguish...

 

“Does your brain distinguish real from imaginary?” is a question posed by Dr. David Hamilton in his October 2014 blog. David and countless other mind/body luminaries have written and shared researched about how the brain cannot distinguish real from imaginary. One of my favorite stories from Meb’s book, “Run to Overcome” is when he shares how he visualized his race before going to sleep. He had one of his worst performances because his body believed he had already run the race. Billy Mills won Gold in the 1964 Olympics through the power of visualization. He had read in a college textbook, “The subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between reality and imagination.”

In David’s blog post, he cites one of his favorite studies about the power of the imagination and its effect on the body.
 
Volunteers were asked to play a simple sequence of piano notes each day for five consecutive days. Their brains were scanned each day in the region connected to the finger muscles. Another set of volunteers were asked to imagine playing the notes instead, also having their brains scanned each day.

The top two rows in the image show the changes in the brain in those who played the notes. The middle two rows show the changes in those who simply imagined playing the notes. Compare this with the bottom two rows showing the brain regions of the control group, who didn’t play nor imagine playing, piano.

When I share my journey of transformation as a motivational speaker, I start out by asking members of the audience to imagine eating a lemon. (I bet you started feeling sensations in your mouth as you read that sentence!) I could see by the pursed lips in the audience that I made my point. Through visualizing, the brain undergoes changes that in turn create changes in the body.

Throughout this training cycle, I’ve used my imagination experiencing how I am going to feel crossing the finish line of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. I’ve used  intermittent visualization about being out on the course. Now that the intense physical training has peaked, it is time for me to harness the power of my imagination for race day. I need to hone in on the details of race weekend from start to when I cross the finish line and of course the post-race celebration. I am whisking away the what if’s of travel and pre-race jitters to create my perfect race-cation in my mind’s eye. It’s time to stoke the flames of my imagination and snuff out the doubts, fears and worries. As the holiday music fills the air and I prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas, I anticipate celebrating all that I have accomplished, all that I am and all that is yet to be. I am topping off the tank of training during these next several weeks feeling physically prepared to take my victory lap on the beautiful Bermuda 10K course. Now it’s time to focus in on mental preparation because, during these past 17 years of healing, I have learned that the brain cannot distinguish between what is real and what is being imagined.

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.

 

Phenomenal Final 5.5 Miler in Afternoon Autumn Splendor

 

Although my plan was to "maintain..maintain..maintain..." I knew I needed to get one more 5.5 miler in the books before I went into my taper mode for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K happening in just two months. This training cycle has flown by!

Two months from today I will be enjoying my victory lap on the beautiful Bermuda 10K course. I have butterflies as I anticipate a day I have diligently trained for since May; a day to spread a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities despite a diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease.

Ruth Anne wanted to join me on this training run. Tom and Ruth Anne's training for the Los Angeles Marathon kicks into high gear. This was the last opportunity for us to share a training run together at my pace. The timing is Divine. As I go into taper mode, Tom and Ruth Anne amp up their training. After Bermuda, I will be able to be support crew for them.

Although afternoon runs are not my favorite time to run, it's how the day played out. I harnessed the power of my mind/body connection telling myself I was going on an after breakfast run. I had a bagel and cream cheese for lunch. The sunshine was brilliant and warmed our faces. It shimmered on the still water of the Reservoir. The golden leaves remaining on the trees glistened as the sunshine peeked through the bare branches. 

We kept a steady, easy pace passing disappointed Boston College Eagles football fans. At halftime they were losing and fickle fans were leaving the Stadium. Ruth Anne had to make a pit stop. The Waterworks Museum doors were locked. We changed direction to have a shorter route to the Boston College Fit Rec Center which we thought would surely be open. It was closed because of game day! Two girls wearing Virginia Tech jackets asked if we would take a picture of them. Ruth Anne shared how her dad works for V-Tech. He'd be delighted they won although Ruth Anne and I are both Eagles.

We had another half lap around the Reservoir before heading back home. Ruth Anne suggested we engage in conversation to keep her distracted from needing to get to a bathroom.  I was surprised to learn that Ruth Anne wanted me to have a new goal so I would have the opportunity to get more fit. I am exhilarated that I have risen to the challenge of training for a 10K again. I feel stronger, more resilient and more determined than ever to conquer the hills in Bermuda. I feel the joy of being off the sidelines again and the thrill of anticipating being a part of Race Weekend. I embrace the discomfort that comes with being out of my comfort zone again after a 5 year hiatus!

Ruth Anne spotted a Portapotty just in time to avoid a #codebrown. Fortunately it was open! I stretched while I waited for her feeling the soreness that comes with training for a 10K. 

That was my final 5.5 miler of this training cycle. I was profoundly grateful for the warm sun and moderate November temperatures. I am hoping the weather will cooperate as I top off my training with easy miles focusing on my mental preparation over this next month and 29 days according to the website's countdown clock. Here is my race day mantra:

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.

Going the Distance: Success is the Only Option!

 

I haven't gone the distance longer than a 5K since January of 2018 when I ran my 3rd consecutive Bermuda Half Marathon. I knew I needed to take time off from going any distance farther than a 5K to give my body a chance to recover after running 3 half marathons in 3 consecutive years! After the pandemic and my setback in 2021/2022, I was incredibly grateful for all my body had given me against all odds given my history of polio and trauma and the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome.  I was content to be on the sidelines with the proverbial #morecowbell.

While Ruth Anne was encouraging me to take on a new goal, I recalled an Op-Ed written by my beloved physiatrist, Dr. Eugene Moskowitz in the New York Times. He was my doctor after I contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5.

Caution and Hope On Polio 'Signs'
Published: March 3, 1985
I read with interest the article entitled ''A Group for Polio Survivors Who Have New Symptoms'' (Feb. 10).

Having supervised the rehabilitation of poliomyelitis patients at Grasslands Hospital during the epidemics of the 50's and 60's, probably including the ''then'' infants mentioned in the article, I would like to add a word of caution and even hope as an afterthought. Firstly, there is no reason to suspect deterioration in the nerve cells in the spinal cord. After 30 years, one must accept some loss of endurance, increased fatigue and even some discomfort induced by other unrelated medical problems. This is true in the athlete with repeated injuries, in the obese person with back problems and even in the jogger with foot ailments.

Any individual with paralytic disability in an extremity will experience the normal process of ''wear and tear'' except that it may be more difficult to adjust to it. Just as one learned to compensate for the initial impairment so must one adjust to the later, more subtle changes rather than develop an emotional hang up of being a ''polio victim.'' ~EUGENE MOSKOWITZ, M.D. Mount Vernon 

I re-read two articles written about my Boston Marathon journey that appeared in The Brookline Tab. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to reboot my confidence about taking on the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. While there were moments when the pain and fatigue seemed overwhelming at times, I knew in every fiber of my being that I would cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. 

After last week's speed workout and training on the Newton Hills, I was the most sore and tired I'd been during this training cycle. I noticed every ache and pain which sent me into a "I don't know if I can do this" state of mind.

I referenced the notes I took from Deena  Kastor's book, "Let Your Mind Run." I was reminded that there's no such thing as over training, only under resting. I realized that I need to increase the time I spend with my heating pad, meditating in the afternoon and being mindful of what I say 'yes' to in doing errands and household chores. From all of the work I've done during my 17 year healing journey, I know that the body responds to the messages I send. Two of my favorite quotes are, "The fatigue was there but I didn't claim it," during training and "When my mind talked, my body listened." She talks at length about the biochemistry of belief in the context of performance and injury recovery. "What you believe about the biochemistry of your body, it unquestionably obeys and manifests it." I experienced this reality on so many occasions throughout my healing journey. 

Deena distinguishes the difference between force and power. "Force has counter force. Power flows from giving body time to adapt to fitness by building it." I need to ease up on the throttle and dial back my pace balancing hard and easy workouts. On a subconscious level, I was feeling the anxiety of being at the back of the pack remembering what it was like to be left behind lugging my leg brace. It's amazing how those old feelings get reawakened in the context of a new challenge. It's a wonderful opportunity to heal, transform, evolve and grow.

Deena invites us to do exercises after she shares her amazing story with the reader. I did the exercises a few months ago and brought them out to help imprint my beliefs about my success in Bermuda:

Goal: Cross the finish line of the Bermuda 10K on January 13th 9:00am-11:10am Bermuda time

Why: Transcend limits and share what's possible with others despite a diagnosis and a setback

Affirmations:

I am a Bermuda 10K finisher.

I have the strength and determination to do this.

I have the persistence and discipline.

I believe in my healing.

I believe I can do this based on all my successes from past events.

I trust what the Race Director told me.

I enjoy the journey and the process of meeting this new challenge.

I believe my abilities can improve through effort. I shift from worry, doubt and fear to confidence, belief and trust as I get reacquainted with my body as we go the distance once more. Why? Because success is the only option.

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.

Rise---Shine---Run! Life With The Volume Turned Up!

 

The melodic tones of Barry Manilow's "I Write the Songs" pierced the darkness as my 6:15am alarm went off on Saturday morning. What a contrast to when we would get up at 5:45am during the summer to go on a training run before the heat of the day took hold and the light of a new day peeked through the curtains. Ruth Anne and Tom are training for the Los Angeles Marathon. Ruth Anne recently joined Heartbreak Hill Running Company's running club, The Heartbreakers. They meet for group runs at the store on Heartbreak Hill at 8am. 

Ruth Anne opened the door to check the weather. "Mom...come here..look at this!"

"Let me grab my phone," I said after I saw what caused her to gasp.

"You won't be able to do it justice."

I did a pretty good job capturing the fiery glow of the dawn as the sun was low in the sky casting a masterpiece of pink and blue hues. We agreed that it was an incredible gift to be able to see a stunning sunrise despite needing to get up early on a Saturday morning.

This time of year can often pose a challenge with what to wear. Without rain or wind in the forecast and moderate temperatures for this time of year, we were able to select outfits that perfectly suited us for the day.

I orchestrated the organization of water, fuel and fuel belts, and post-run fueling. We packed up the car at 7:45 having gone to the bathroom and arrived at Heartbreak Hill Running Company right on time for Tom and Ruth Anne to meet up with the group. I went on my way for a solo 4 miler.

The day was overcast. The trees were past peak foliage. I wondered if there would be anything to photograph on my run. As always, the Newton Hills never disappoint.

 

 

 

As I passed the Johnny Kelley statue, I remembered the magical encounter we had meeting Johnny's nephew Tommy and his wife Dottie. We went to Puerto Rico to get a respite from the brutal winter cold of 2009 while training for Boston. Ruth Anne 'just happened' to be sitting next to Dottie and Tommy on the return flight. We became instant friends. We have a beautifully handwritten letter from Dottie dictated by Tommy who lives with Parkinson's Disease and a framed photo of Johnny Kelley's Boston Marathon years that now graces our living room.

Tom, Ruth Anne and I briefly exchanged texts checking in with one another. Runners and walkers passing by exchanged pleasantries and smiles. For the majority of my run, however, I was with my thoughts visualizing my day out on the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K course. I made it so real that I cried when I thought about coming into the Stadium. My Bermuda friends were there to cheer me into the finish as the clock read 2:10. I feel all the feels and goosebumps as I write this. 

I stretched, hydrated and refueled when I got the finish line - ahem our car - and waited for Tom and Ruth Anne to finish their 8 miles. We hugged and celebrated while sharing how incredibly sore we felt; the sign of a great training run. We chatted with other Heartbreakers who finished up their runs. We shared our next races and the excitement of upcoming races whatever the distance and whatever the pace.

It was the first long Saturday run that we were up and out the door by 7:45.  We had the rest of the day to shower, stretch, refuel with a wonderful homemade brunch, read and relax. I spent time on social media making sure I had my friends and niece in my NYC Marathon app to be able to track them all on Sunday.  I felt that deep sense of accomplishment that comes with a solid training run and relished being part of the remarkable running community. It was a luxury to be in sweats by mid-morning feeling that delicious ache that comes after a good run. What a blessing to rise, shine and run! Running is definitely life with the volume turned up!

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.

 

Defying Gravity

 

There were many Facebook memories that popped up from when I ran in Bermuda. I turned on of the photos at bib pick up into a story on Instagram and Facebook.

 

When asked if I wanted to add music, I instinctively chose an excerpt from the song "Defying Gravity" from Wicked. During the early days of my journey with appointments at the Spaulding Rehab International Clinic for Polio and Post-Polio, I listened to Wicked on a CD player. One of my healing journey anthems was "Dancing Through Life" which features a character in a wheelchair. The message of the song is that whatever circumstances life may bring your way, there's a way to dance through life. The other song that inspired me as I healed from the effects of paralytic polio and trauma was "Defying Gravity." "And nobody in all of Oz no Wizard that there is or was is ever gonna bring me down!"

The countdown clock is on. It's my first trip back to Bermuda in four years and my first event since 2018. I'll be defying gravity aka the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome that I received 17 years ago this December. There's two months and 9 days until we land in my happy place. On January 13th, I toe the starting line of the Bermuda 10K. For many, the 10K would be a walk in the park but for me it's my hard as I turn 70 years old and catapult forward from the setback I had in 2021/2022.

On Thursday, Ruth Anne joined me for my training run. Before we knew what was happening (as often happens when Ruth Anne joins me), she was pacing me with a tempo run. It was a glorious Autumn day and the first day when I put on long running pants and my running jacket in a long time. Ruth Anne suggested we stay in the neighborhood which is a great way to get in hill training. 

The red berries on the holly leaves reminded us that Christmas is fast approaching. Ruth Anne put on Phil Wikham's Christmas Album on Spotify sorting out what songs were too early to listen to and those that would be acceptable since it's not yet Thanksgiving.

 

Ruth Anne called out the paces and kept saying, "You're doing great mom!" We ended up with a big negative split and my fastest pace was 15:13 for a brief time.

"I'm through accepting limits 'cause someone says they're so."

I can feel fitness continuing to build. The muscle soreness indicates strength. My goal in this training cycle was to get a solid base of miles, speed work and hills in the warmer weather. Over these next two months I will, in the words of our former L Street Running Club President, Mac, maintain...maintain..maintain. 

On January 13th, 2024 my plan is to defy gravity enjoying every step and every mile of 6.2 miles conquering the Bermuda hills, celebrating 17 years of healing and 70 years of the gift of being alive.

"I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game."

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.