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
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.
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