Countdown to Bermuda!

 

With the 17th anniversary of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, and celebrating my 70th birthday on Christmas, I've been reflecting on the miracle of my life. It was a miracle that I made it through my childhood and adolescence becoming high school valedictorian. It was a miracle that I received scholarships to Boston University not knowing how I would pay for school after my father's suicide when I was 17 years old. It was a miracle that I found my way to the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. I didn't know how I was going to pay for my last semester when miraculously, Paula Lyons came on Channel 5 evening news with a new program for student loans. That money enabled me to finish my last semester and graduate as a member of the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society.

For the past 17 years, I've experienced the miracle of healing in my life after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. There were inevitable setbacks with the most recent one in 2021/2022. Yet it's a miracle that on January 13th, I'll be toeing the starting line of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K feeling strong and grateful being the embodiment of strength, resilience, determination with a powerful message of healing, hope and infinite possibilities.

One of my friends posted this photo on Facebook with the caption, the first four words you see will be your mantra for 2024:

 

My words are: Strength Purpose Miracle and Gratitude

I have needed a lot of strength (and resilience) to navigate through challenging circumstances with Ruth Anne's health while training for my first event since 2018! I am garnering all of that strength and taking it with me into 2024. I was so blessed to share my purpose and passion as a most unlikely runner overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds in the On the Runs podcast, in Boston University Alumni Class Notes, was selected as a 2024 Boston Run Show Ambassador, featured in Mike Reilly's Stories From the Finish Line presented by Curad Performance Series, was a guest on the AdaptX podcast and a contributing author to the 2023 eBook "Creating Inclusive and Accessible Road Races" by AdaptX, and Ruth Anne and I were featured in the Boston College News as Pillars of Strength and Community. I am excited for continuing to share my purpose in the coming year knowing that doors will open as they did in expected and unexpected ways in 2023.

I will continue to look at life through the lens of everything being a miracle and giving thanks for all wondrous happenings in my life. When there are challenging circumstances, I'll focus on faith, grace and most important of all - GRATITUDE!

For the end of 2023 and for every day in 2024, I am writing at least two things I am grateful for every day and putting the post-its in a gratitude jar!

I am feeling all the feels of New Year's Eve and the anticipation of travel for a race weekend. There are so many emotions swirling around inside my heart and soul. I focus on feeling steady and focus on equanimity anticipating our Bermuda adventure. I leave behind the traumatic memories of 2023 and see Team McManus as healthy, whole and healing. I'm excited for travels to Hyannis and Los Angeles for race weekends (and being support crew),  and New York City to see Barry Manilow. 

Yesterday, I was blessed with an easy two miles. It was muddy, rainy and cool yet nature is always nourishing whatever the weather may be.

I was able to capture the geese landing on the Reservoir:

Those were my final miles of 2023. Unlike last year, there will be no New Year's Day Virtual 5K. I am keeping it all in the tank for Race Day in Bermuda. I will channel my energy into reading through the program for Race Weekend, our information from Marathon Travel and checking and rechecking our packing list. I'll go for gentle walks and savor the moments of anticipation. Mental training will take center stage! I will review my journal that has the visualization for race weekend and how I see race day in my mind's eye. 

The Bermuda Triangle Challenge countdown clock is at 11 days, 23 hours, 38 minutes with the seconds quickly ticking by. There are 10 hours left to 2023. I am spending these final moments of 2023 in quiet contemplation feeling grateful for the soul lessons and wisdom garnered this year. I am grateful for the beautiful sunrises we saw on early morning training runs and glorious sunsets when we'd take contemplative walks during the summer. I feel thrilled and exhilarated to be off of the sidelines as I embrace a new decade of life. My heart is open to possibilities. My soul is excited for new adventures. It's time to close the book on 2023 and weave together a magnificent tapestry of life in 2024 with strength, purpose, miracles and gratitude.

 

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.

 

The Eras Tour - Welcoming the Sensational Seventies!

 

On Christmas Day, we debated about whether or not to do 70 minutes to celebrate my 70th birthday. It's taper time. We were all recovering from upper respiratory infections. Yes but we can take it easy. The weather was gorgeous. We don't get many of these amazing days in Winter. Let's take advantage of it. I know the big celebration will be on January 13th but I only turn 70 once.

Once we all agreed that we would celebrate my 70th birthday with 70 minutes of magnificent miles, the next question was, "Where shall we go?"

I suggested Jamaica Pond. The choice was quickly seconded by Tom and Ruth Anne.

After the first 5 minutes, Ruth Anne declared, "Oh look, you're 5 years old." My initial thought was, "Well I certainly don't want to remember that time in my life." But after ten minutes - the first decade - I declared "Ooh this is like the Eras Tour!" It was the first time I did a run by minutes rather than miles. What a wonderful way to experience a time of reflection on one's birthday turning the page to a new decade. I reflected on the challenges of the decades of my youth and adolescence while acknowledging my remarkable resilience and strength. I gave thanks for the amazing angels like Joe Stetz or my French teacher Ms. Dupres, who blessed my life. Their love, care, compassion and kindness fueled my journey.

As we got into the 20's, I smiled thinking about the different men I dated until the magic moment when I met Tom on a blind date. I was amazed at how quickly the time went by taking in the majesty and magnificence of Jamaica Pond.

Then came my career and child rearing decades, the joys of being first generation home owners, Tom's career challenges and bladder cancer diagnosis and the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome that turned my life upside down. We marveled at how Team McManus has successfully navigated whatever challenges life has thrown  our way including Ruth Anne's health challenges. We have harnessed the power of our faith and focused on gratitude, joy, laughter and grace during some of our darkest hours.

 

 

 

 

 

Throughout the 70 minute Eras Tour, we reminisced while feeling the incredible joy and gift of each other's presence. I gave thanks for the miracle of healing in our lives and the blessing of every foot step with my loved ones by my side to usher in the start of a new decade!

 

This is a poem I wrote on Christmas Eve a few years ago that seems especially fitting today.

 

A New Chapter

Dipping my quill

poised to write a new chapter of my life

surrender to Source

troubles become light as a feather

fear fades

quivering quiets.

Creating

happily ever in present moment

my presence a gift to the world

heart and soul overflow with grace

gratitude for blessings

feeling blessings on their way.

Chapters of days gone by

reveal beauty and strength

stronger in broken places

gold gilding

healed and whole.

Infinite possibilities on a blank page

pure and powerful

Love reigns supreme

Love story for the ages

tethered to Source

lightness and ease

giddy with delight

exhilaration and excitement

ready.....set....go!

 

Exhilaration and excitement build as I get ready to take on the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. It's a way to celebrate 17 years of healing. It's a magical and magnificent way to welcome the sensational seventies!

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.

 

Rest & Remember

 

It's especially in times of stress that we need to rest and remember. During these past few weeks, Ruth Anne had a lot of medical appointments. In hindsight, I realized that I was focused on helping to boost Ruth Anne's spirits through the appointments and procedures and not balancing it with my own self-care. Without going into details and staying focused on health and well being, there were some concerning moments during the past few weeks. Thank God everything is okay; more than okay with a better diagnosis, and treatment plan, and a plan for prevention of UTI's. Everything that happened during the 7 weeks of hospitalization can now be healed and her body is recovering from the toxic meds. Despite all of my knowledge about self-care and the need for mindfulness, I must admit, I got caught up in the whirlwind of stress. 

 

I experienced anxiety and depression and had great difficulty reaching for thoughts that would help me to better manage the stressful situations. After all, it is never the stress itself but the lens through which we view the stress. I found myself feeling triggered from both childhood trauma and the more recent trauma of Ruth Anne's health crises. It is vital that I greet all of my feelings and behaviors with kindness and compassion including when I wanted to ditch the Bermuda trip and forego taking on the 10K. In all fairness to me, this came from not knowing if the results of one of Ruth Anne's scans would require immediate attention and we'd be unable to go. 

On Monday, as Tom and I were about to get out the door and get our miles in over his lunch hour, the skies opened with wind swept rain. Even though the temperatures were warm, we opted to do a rigorous strength training session and planned to get in our miles on Tuesday.

We got up at 6:15am on Tuesday to get Ruth Anne to her liver ultrasound. She couldn't have anything to eat or drink. In sympatico, we didn't either. The waiting room was crowded. The air was stale. We took deep breaths to calm our anxiety and focused on prayer that all would be well. We let out a collective sigh when the procedure was over. Tom and I got in our miles over his lunch hour. Despite feeling exhausted, I knew that the fresh air and beauty of the Reservoir would serve as a wonderful antidote to the stress of the morning.

I have always been a push through, do what needs to be done kind of gal. I keep it together during the crisis and then fall apart once it's safe to do so. Only this time, I have a race on the horizon and need to be exquisitely diligent about taking care of myself. As often happens, my body cried out and said whoa girl. You've got to start taking better care of yourself! The stress manifested in my body as a cold. Ruth Anne's body also experienced the same symptoms. I had not had a cold in four years! That cold was a gift. It was a reminder that it's time to release the trauma; that worry and fear only rob us of today's pleasures and joys. Somehow the colds became a symbol for our incredible resilience and 'gave us permission' to take a lot of time for rest, reflection and meditation.  It gave Ruth Anne confidence in her body's ability to experience and overcome an infection without a tail spin into a crisis. It's amazing how having competent and caring professionals to partner with has helped to transform Ruth Anne's relationship with her body. The cold was a reminder that I need to ask for support and help releasing all the pressure I put on myself.

 

I was able to talk with Tom about my feelings and need for support, expressing my fears and worries, while putting together a plan to ensure that I didn't wallow in that dark place. I revisited my notes from Deena Kastor's book in which she talks about repetition is the mother of learning; how vital it is to have an array of tools available to pull from a tool box to emerge from negativity.  Rather than get up with Tom at 7am, after we did our meta meditation, I stayed in bed for extended meditation harnessing the power of the mind/body connection from Dr. David Hamilton's website and Personal Development Club. I repeated the meditations in the afternoon and before bed to help my body reset from the prolonged stress response I was experiencing. If I woke up in the middle of the night or while being present in the shower, I'd sift through what was underneath all the panic and fear; what could I do to release it? What do I need to let go of and not take with me into 2024. What do I want to take with me into 2024? I was amazed at how quickly old habits came to the fore in the face of crisis yet how blessed I am to have the awareness and tools to emerge from those patterns. Transformation is never a once and done kind of experience. Tom pointed out that part of the problem was my sheer exhaustion and feeling shell shocked from Ruth Anne's health crises. 

Before fully emerging from the anxiety and depression, to make an energy shirt, I pulled out the suitcases and started to pack. It was my declaration to myself and the Universe that it's full steam ahead on the road to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K and a celebration of 17 years of healing and my 70th birthday. I remind myself that I am a conscious creator, a mighty manifester and able to meet any challenge that may come my way. I also know that the more positive energy I generate, the more fortified I am to create positive outcomes and meet challenges with greater ease and flexibility.

Tom and I decided that I would take a few days off from workouts until we celebrate 70 minutes of miles on my 70th birthday. He lovingly reminded me that the hay is in the barn. I've had a great training cycle and the best thing I can do for myself in preparation for race day is to rest with a couple of easy miles the week of New Year's. Race week is for getting ready to travel and focus on mental preparation. 

 

This weekend is for resting, feasting,  relaxing, reading, playing a game of Scrabble or two, listening to music, connecting with family and friends, being present and experiencing the joys of giving and receiving gifts. It's a time to heal and say goodbye to a year that was fraught with the most unimaginable challenges and incredible triumphs. Most important of all, this weekend is a time to rest and remember; to feel the light, to be the light and to celebrate my light as I get ready to embrace the sensational seventies!

 

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.

 

So Much More Than a 10K!

 

 

During my morning meditation a few days ago, thoughts of Joe Stetz came to mind. He was my camp counselor at Badger Day Camp when I was 10 years old. Despite my recovering from paralytic polio, he encouraged me to participate in the end of camp Olympics in, of all strokes, the butterfly stroke. There were only two other campers willing to compete in the butterfly. I was guaranteed a place on the podium regardless of my time. I was terrified to jump off the starting block and had difficulty with being able to propriocept a turn at the wall. Joe told me he would work with me one on one. He was true to his word. On race day, he told me to not look to my left or my right but to swim my own race at my pace. He was there to greet me when I touched the wall at the finish and extended a hand to me to escort me to the podium to receive my third place plaque. The other swimmers finished way ahead of me but none of that mattered. Joe instilled in me what it means to have the heart of a champion. He taught me how to conquer fear and rise above physical limitations. He taught me how to find courage to do what I thought was impossible for me to do.

I saw Joe's Death Notice in the Boston Globe in December of 2004 and gasped to learn that we had worked at St. Elizabeth's Hospital at the same time! I worked as a geriatric social worker and he worked as a cardiothoracic surgeon. He had given up the chance to compete in the Olympics to go to medical school. He died in a single car accident shortly after retirement. In 2019, as I stood at the starting line of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K as a spectator for Tom, I struck up a conversation with the woman standing next to me. Talk about synchronicity! This woman who was doing medical spectating for the course worked at St. Elizabeth's Hospital for 36 years as a nurse in the CCU and ICU. Of course she knew Joe Stetz! We talked about what an incredibly special man and physician he was. It was believed that he suffered a heart attack or stroke while driving. She said what a tragedy it was because he was looking forward to retirement riding his horses and spending time with his daughter and grandchildren. 

 

And in that moment of the starting line of the 2019 Bermuda Marathon Weekend 10K, I connected with a part of my past where the seeds for possibility in my life, despite polio and trauma were planted. I reconnected with the man whose Spirit helped me stare down the challenge of Post-Polio Syndrome and take on running the 2009 Boston Marathon; who inspired me to never ever give up whatever the challenge. After a serious knee injury in December of 2014, after being told I should never have taken up running to begin with and should hang up my running shoes, I went on to run 3 consecutive Bermuda Half Marathons. The Universe and Joe's beautiful Spirit brought me to that moment in 2019 standing face to face and heart to heart with Lynn Landry, RN sharing in the glow of a man who changed lives by his very presence for the time he walked this Earth.

Thursday was a cold day. I went for solo miles and experienced such invigorating yet easy miles on the road to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. I felt the joy of being out on the course and visualizing the finish into the Stadium. I cried and felt goosebumps seeing my Bermuda friends cheering me into the finish. I even dared myself to imagine my friends coming out on the course to accompany me to a strong finish. My steps were mindful. I connected to Source and feel how important it is for me to shine my light and share my powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities.

 

When I toe the starting line in just a few weeks, the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K is so much more than a 10K for me. It's a celebration of what's possible, 17 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome,  turning 70 on Christmas Day and what it means to age strong. In all likelihood, depending on who decides to participate in the 10K Walk, I will be one of the last finishers. I will leave nothing out on the course yet we will be mindful with pace .I will feel Joe Stetz's presence with me every step of the way.

On Saturday, Tom and Ruth Anne joined me for my two miles. It was another gift of a gorgeous December day with temperatures in the 50's. We decided to go to the small Reservoir on Route 9. Tom made sure I kept my pace way down which of course made my anxiety go way up. Tom was quick to point out my taper madness that manifested in questions like, "Is this what the hill is like in Bermuda? Does it stop at the lights or is it the continuation to the corner of Route 9." Ruth Anne and Tom chimed in, "Relax ma/Mary - you've got this!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I know and I feel in every fiber of my being that I've got this. I'm allowing myself to feel the excitement that goes with anticipating an event I have not done in 6 years, traveling on a plane for the first time in 4 years. As Helen Keller once said, "Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Here's to my next adventure happening in:

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anticipation - One Month From Today!

 On January 11th, Team McManus heads to Logan Airport to go on our first I'm leaving on a jet plane vacations since January of 2020. Ruth Anne heads to Nashville to visit her best friend from Middle Tennessee State University. Tom and I head to Bermuda for Bermuda Triangle Challenge Race Weekend. It has a surreal quality to it after all the challenges we endured this year yet I remind myself that the challenges we face intensifies the gratitude and the joy for wonderful adventures and experiences.

It's taper time. I find myself using the words taper time to Christmas songs.

Silver Bells -- Taper time Taper time It's taper time in the City or Jingle Bells - Taper time Taper time taper all the way or O Christmas Tree - O Taper time O taper time how 'lovely' is thy waiting!

Tom and Ruth Anne joined me on my easy two miler on Saturday to make sure that I didn't do fartleks, speed work or a tempo run. Tom reined in the pace for us reminding me that our race plan is to go out easy! After the first half, we can pick up the pace and have a strong finish. We reminisced about the 2017 Bermuda Half Marathon when I went out way too fast, ignored my fueling and hydration plan and I ended up sideways. What drove me to ignore what was happening in my body was the time 'limit' on the website of 3:30 for the Half. The full marathon was two loops and finished where the Half finished so I knew the finish line would be open. I was also trying to beat my time from 2016. Lessons were learned.

We were blessed with moderate temperatures and a lovely early winter's day. Every training run that has no snow or ice on the ground and temperatures are well above freezing is a gift as I countdown to race day.

I went for solo Monday morning miles after taking a rest day on Sunday. It was a grey Monday morning but what joy I feel celebrating 17 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and as I get ready to celebrate turning 70 on Christmas Day! The torrential rain from Sunday night's storm stopped but there was, at times, a stiff and brisk head wind. I visualized the start of the race seeing all the runners take off in front of me. I embodied feeling proud and strong having Tom by my side to pace me. I set my internal clock to the easy pace we will keep for the first 5K reining in negative thoughts about 'the time'. My heart overflowed with gratitude as I spread my arms wide to embrace the miracle of transformation and healing. I envisioned a sunny day with 60 degree temps and no headwind. I saw the beautiful blue Bermuda sky and the turquoise blue water. I felt my feet on the asphalt embracing the cheers of the spectators. 

I smiled to myself as I remembered the pre-race/travel dream in which we were on the bus to the airport. I told the driver to stop. I forgot my passport and travel documents. I kept thinking "Why didn't I go through the list I made? Why didn't I go through the list I made?" As Tom and I stood in the middle of nowhere, I looked at my watch and wondered how we were ever going to make our flight.

I shook my head and reminded myself that my passport to the land of negativity was revoked. I honored the 'nerves' that accompany any race day. As one of my friend's told me at the Bermuda Half Marathon 2018, the nerves are a sign that the race matters but it's vital that I not allow them to overtake me as they had in Bermuda 2017. It's one mile at a time visualizing a strong finish. My body will be well rested as it was before the First Run Virtual 5K last year. I trust my training. I trust my body's ability to meet, greet and conquer the challenge of the Bermuda 10K. One month from today, at the moment that I am writing this, we will be at National Stadium seeing a Bermudaful sunrise. I savor every moment of anticipation feeling the excitement of returning to our happy place with so much to celebrate!

 

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.

"I'm sorry I didn 't get that." - Preparing for My Victory Lap

 

It's called taper madness for a reason! 

There's a poetic arc to a training cycle. Even before I registered for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K, I wrestled with whether or not I wanted to or could go the distance again after a setback in 2021/2022. Once I committed to the goal, I was focused on building miles, working on pace, becoming acquainted with all of the sensations that go with pushing my body and training my mind to embrace this new goal. It's just a little more than a month to go before I toe the starting line. I know that it is vital to taper and allow my body to heal all the 'niggles' that occurred during the training. It takes conscious effort to trust the training and go into a relaxed taper mode. 

As the body shifts from a doing to being mode, many thoughts arise filled with doubts focusing on the aches and pains once more questioning if I can really do this as I did at the start of training. As Tom and I were getting ready to start the day on Monday, I said, "You know there are times when I could really just go and have a relaxing vacation. Neither Tom nor I had our phones open and our laptops were downstairs.  Siri said, "I'm sorry I didn't get that." Even my wonderful husband who tends to be on the skeptical side of things said 'whoa.'

Yes - whoa. The Universe was speaking to me through Siri's voice. I felt a stirring in my soul that this is meant to be. 

Early on in my healing journey, I said that I know there's going to be pain. I'd rather hurt on the side of progress, health and wellness than allow the pain of decline secondary to disuse and atrophy to prevail. As my personal trainer Janine and I walked back to the Mandarin Oriental Boston Hotel after crossing the 2009 Boston Marathon finish line, she asked me how I was feeling. Every marathoner experiences pain but my pain had an extra layer given my history of paralytic polio and trauma, I told Janine that if I were to focus on the pain I experienced during training, I would not have made it to the starting line." "I knew there was a lot you weren't telling me," Janine said.

The Universe has orchestrated wondrous happenings to accompany this taper time. On Wednesday, despite freezing temperatures, I had a photo shoot with a Boston University photographer. The editor of Bostonia, the alumni magazine, interviewed me for a piece they are doing about accomplishments of older alumni. The shoot included action shots of me running and portraits of me wearing my Boston Marathon jacket and medal. I felt the Divine surge through me as I experienced the miracle of healing of the past 17 years. I felt the muscle memory of training for the Boston Marathon through a bitter cold New England winter. We did the photo shoot where I had a photo shoot for the Brookline Tab in May of 2008 as I first set out on my Boston Marathon journey. Talk about a full circle moment!

Later that afternoon, I had a Zoom call as an Ambassador for The Boston Run Show.  I sent in my journey as a most unlikely runner and was selected to be an Ambassador for the Boston Run Show happening January 27-January 28. As Ambassadors, we promote the show in our social media outlets and have VIP access to the event. During the call, the organizers said that they needed Ambassadors to assist with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Meet and Greets for the guest speakers. I connected with David Whelan, an incredibly inspirational runner who is going to be a guest speaker. He is an amputee after experiencing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. He crossed the finish line of the Indian Wells 70.3 Ironman! He uses his pain as fuel to reach his goals!

Bermuda Triangle Challenge posted the medals for Race Weekend on their social media pages. I visualized how I am going to feel after crossing the finish line of the 10K and wearing the medal for the rest of the weekend.

It's been four years since I've experienced taper time. I'm remembering the motivation and inspiration from when I trained for Boston. During a challenging training run, Janine asked me if I had ever heard of Wilma Rudolph. She told me to go home and google her. She was an American sprinter who overcame childhood polio and went on to become a world-record-holding Olympic champion and international sports icon in track and field following her successes in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games. 

Just as Siri "didn't get that" when I said that sometimes I'd like to go and have a relaxing vacation, I shall prepare for my victory lap visualizing only success, enjoy reeling in the distance and pace, and celebrating 17 years of healing and entering a new decade of life ablaze with determination and a new found strength from taking on the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K.

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.

 

When Passion & Persistence Meet

 

It took the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 to ignite having a dream for my life. Passion was set aflame in February of 2007 after I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. A spigot was turned on in my soul as poetry poured out of me. Once I made the commitment to leave my award winning career as a VA social worker to heal my life (having no idea what that meant at the time) and follow my new found bliss as a poet. I was a Communications Major at Boston University and rekindled my passion for writing. As I journaled about "A Day in the Life Of" as I prepared to leave my career, I dreamed about being on Oprah and becoming a NY Times Bestselling Author talking about how I transformed my life by taking a leap of faith reinventing myself.

In February of 2008, my soul gave birth to a new dream; to run the 2009 Boston Marathon! My passion to raise money for Spaulding Rehab and to defy the diagnosis and prognosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and persistence fueled my training on the road to Boston. I never missed a training session. When the weather prevented us from running outdoors, we ran the track at Boston University. On April 20, 2009, my dream of crossing the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon became reality!

Receiving my medal from a BAA volunteer! We raised $10,535 for Spaulding Rehab and I was a woman transformed!

My bucket list item to run in Bermuda got derailed by my nephew's death by suicide on 3/4/2011 and a serious knee injury in December of 2014. But at my comeback race from the knee injury and feeling a fire in my belly again after being across the street from the Boston Marathon bombings, I met the Bermuda Marathon Weekend Race Directors at the July 2015 Finish at the 50 Race Expo. With passion and persistence, my dream to run in Bermuda became a three time reality in 2016, 2017 and 2018!

Passion and persistence have been the theme for my training cycle on the road to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. I set weekly goals for running and strength training. I had to modify some goals being mindful of how my body responded to work outs. There were days when I was sore and hurting.  I wanted to take an unscheduled rest day but I knew persistence and consistency are key when pursuing a dream along with remembering my why.

It's time now for me to stay persistent and consistent while reeling in my pace. The weather this week has been balmy for New England in late November/early December. I did my two weekday runs of two miles each in glorious sunshine; one around the 'small rezzie'

 

 and one around the 'large rezzie' capturing sunbeams and orbs in my photos:

I felt a need to do tempo runs. Despite a grey damp day for Saturday's 5K, I felt sunshine in my heart and soul. 

 The training cycle is winding down. I just need to reel in my pace and focus more on my mental training. With Tom and Ruth Anne training for the Los Angeles Marathon, my runs are solo runs. I love the solitude as I enjoy nature. Gratitude overflows that temperatures are mild and there is no snow or ice on the ground. I pushed the pace at mile 2. During my last mile, I took time to reflect on what caused me to push myself. The only thing I can possibly gain at this point in training is risk for an injury with more speed work. I talked to my tender child who desperately tried to catch up to peers while wearing an ankle to hip leg brace using crutches to compensate for the muscles and nerves compromised by the polio virus. Tom will be with me on race day and help with my pacing to ensure a safe and happy run. Over the next few weeks I am going to get myself in the zone and trust my training! After Saturday's miles, I took a hot shower, reminded myself that my body recovers with ease from training runs and meditated with a heating pad.

I released the tension around race day, visualizing staying loose and went through my affirmations focusing on strength

When I first set out to heal my life in May of 2007 with passion in my heart and soul and the seeds of persistence planted by my incredible physical therapist, I've been blessed to see dreams become reality. As I check off training runs, and put the finishing touches on my mental and physical training, my dream of conquering the Bermuda Hills on January 13th, 2024 is coming into view. 

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.