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.