There is an inexplicable energy that happens whenever runners gather together. Throughout the weekend I reunited with runner friends, many of whom I hadn't seen since the pandemic and made new friends with other Ambassadors and presenters.
My first stop was to see my friends Alan and Shari Frost of FlavaNaturals fame.
We met them at the Hyannis Marathon Expo in 2020 and have a subscription to their products. Their tag line is "Chocolate was your weakness. Now it's your strength." Their products are chock filled with flavanols which have incredible health benefits as borne out my many research studies. New York City Marathon winner Rod Dixon and the Pittsburgh Steelers have endorsed FlavaNaturals. Rod has his products shipped to New Zealand!
After leaving Alan and Shari to work their mojo at the Show, I found myself standing next to Scott Jurek. I shared my journey with him. His mother lives with MS. I asked him about the possibility of being on the On the Runs podcast. He was incredibly gracious and kind. As we were getting ready to say goodbye, he said that while elite runners and breaking records are all fine and good, the sport of running really needs stories like mine to inspire!
I went to the Cafe to plan my day after being intrigued by unique products and brands. It was almost time for the Power of Community panel. I 'just happened' to find the Trail Animals Running Club Booth. Patrick Caron who we've known through the Boston Bulldogs Running Club and our mutual love of the On the Runs podcast (Patrick was also a guest), was moderating the panel. He led the way to the Trail and Ultra Stage.
Before the start of the panel, I was treated to a high five and positivity hug from Maurice Lowman aka Marathon Panda. I 'met' Maurice through the On the Runs podcast and love following his energetic posts on social media. He is as real and authentic in 3-D as he is in social media.
The panelists shared their running journeys including how running is an integral part of substance use recovery. I was inspired by the panelists' vulnerability and authenticity, and passion for inclusion. The Trail Sisters of Boston have a philosophy of no drop meaning that they stay with the back of the pack runners regardless of the pace. The Boston Bulldogs Running Club prides themselves on the power of community bringing non-runners into the fold to support them on the road to recovery!
After a lunch break, it was time for a reunion with Paulie Collyer at the Events Village who was hosting Bill Rodgers at his The Fun Road Race Company table. I hadn't seen Bill since Hyannis 2020 when I shared the stage with him at the Pre-Race Pasta Dinner. I received the warmest hugs from both Bill and his partner Karen. I first met Bill in 2009 before my first Half Marathon on the road to Boston. I met Karen at the 2014 Bill Rodgers 5K for Prostate Cancer. We shared warm memories about that day. You can hear her in this video saying, "God bless her" after Phil Lipof gives a bit of my history.
Karen told me she read my book and was so moved by my journey. We chatted like no time had passed since we last saw each other. We vowed to stay in touch. I told Bill about my first DNF in Bermuda. "Only one? You know I've had a lot more!" He asked me several times, "But are you doing okay?" "Oh yes," I replied and told him that God willing I'll be out there next year in Hyannis at the 10K.
I must say that I feel and look better now after being off of the sidelines training again for in person events!
I went to the charging station to recharge my phone and myself after such an exciting day! I debated whether or not I was going to stay for the next speakers at the Trail and Ultra Stage or leave. I felt spirit nudge me to stay. On my way to the stage, I recognized a dear runner friend from behind by her beautiful blue fingernails and blonde hair from behind. "Rachel?"
"How did you recognize me?" she asked as we tightly hugged each other. We said almost in unison I recognized her beautiful nails and hair. We took a few moments together before I headed to the Trail and Ultra Stage for the next speaker, Hilary Topper.
When asked if anyone had questions in the audience, my hand shot up and I didn't know why. "Thank you so much for an amazing talk," I said. "Where can we get your book?" Hilary thanked me for my comment and question. "I'll be signing books in the back. They are $20."
I knew that I needed to meet her and share my story. It was a goosebump moment as she shared with me that her mom had polio and was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome. She was enamored with my journey as I was enamored with hers; "From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete: A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete."
While waiting for Scott Jurek, the last speaker of the day, I reconnected with two more running friends. My heart overflowed with gratitude for the synchronicity that was waiting for me once I made the decision to stay at the Run Show.
The Fireside Chat with Scott Jurek was a phenomenal way to end the day.
Scott shared many nuggets of running wisdom as a wonderful metaphor for life as he shared stories from his stellar career. I felt a stirring in my soul as he said that there's really no experience comparable to being a part of an event. It is unparalleled to anything he has tried to recreate outside of an event. There's discomfort and a challenge that helps us to grow whatever that distance may be for each individual. It was thrilling to have my choice validated to be off the sidelines.
Stay tuned for more adventures at The Boston Run Show - Day 2.
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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment