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.

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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.