My intention for Bermuda Triangle Challenge weekend was to celebrate turning 70 on my Christmas Birthday and 17 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December 2006. While I did not have the opportunity to celebrate crossing the finish line of the 10K, I celebrated myself, my marriage, my healing and Marlene Gamba, a 73 year old woman with a stent who experienced critical illness as she crossed the finish line of the 10K.
Tom and I got up early on Sunday morning. I relished sampling all the foods I could not have before the 10K. We walked out of the hotel to watch the start of the Bermuda Half Marathon. Town Crier extraordinaire, Ed Christopher gave me the warmest hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Nat and her sister Jess outdid themselves with their Bay Watch lifeguard costumes.
After celebrating the runners of the Bermuda Half Marathon, many of whom were doing the Challenge, we went back to our room to pack and relax.
I bumped into Deena Kastor who said, "I saw you at the finish."
I looked at her with a slightly puzzled look.
"I saw you cheering on the runners at the finish."
"Oh. I didn't finish. I cramped up at mile 3.06."
"It happens," Deena said. "Just make sure it doesn't ruin the rest of your time here - especially in Bermuda."
"Absolutely not," I said and went on to add, "I thought about you when you had the stress fracture - was it at the Olympics?" She nodded yes. We went off to cheer on the runners coming into the finish of the marathon and half marathon. {Deena also participated in the tradition of runners jumping into the Harbor as part of the race festivities.}
"Do you think we need an umbrella?" I asked Tom as it started to rain.
"Oh no. We'll be fine," Tom said.
Famous last words. By the time we got to the finish line it was pouring. It was a warm rain and we were wearing our jackets. What fun to cheer on the runners and watch the finish line festivities. Bermuda sure knows how to put on a party regardless of the weather.
We walked down Front Street feeling the rain kiss our faces. We peeled off our jackets enjoying a hearty lunch at Flanagan's. No trip to the Island is complete without enjoying a Wahoo Slider! The waiter asked if we wanted a box for leftovers.
"I don't think they'd let us get through Customs with it," I quipped.
We congratulated runners with their medals and soaked up the atmosphere of race weekend. Although I had no bling to show for my effort, I knew that I was off of the sidelines and celebrated being part of the running community again. I walked tall and proud!
A race weekend tradition is to have a celebratory dinner at La Trattoria. Tom and I stopped at the Moongate to take a selfie in honor of our upcoming 46th Wedding Anniversary on 3/4.
We woke up to wall to wall sunshine and the sound of Bermuda birds greeting us on our final day. One last sumptuous breakfast buffet and time by the pool before our shuttle arrived to take us to the airport. The mood on the shuttle was subdued compared to the electric energy of race weekend. My heart was full as I savored the sights and scents of Bermuda through the open window.
As we waited in line at Customs, the group of twenty-something runners we met at the Princess stood in front of us. The runner sporting a Northeastern University sweatshirt asked how we did. I shared my DNF story. "Well don't feel bad about that," she said. "One of our friend's turned around at mile 1.5 to go back to the start."
"Yeah and another one of our friends barely finished."
"How did you do?" I asked our friend from Northeastern.
"I finished first in the mile and 2nd in the 10K. It was my first 10K. I am a short distance runner."
It was a thrill to share in her victories.
"But I have to tell you. That last hill...I felt as though I was barely moving up that last hill. I had to walk and go like this..."
Her description reminded me of how runners go up Mt. Washington.
"I have to go to the bathroom," Marlene said as she walked quickly by us in the terminal. We laughed.
While waiting for our luggage in Boston, I found Marlene and her friend.
"You're going to be in my book," I told her.
"Oh my goodness and you are going to be in mine. I've been working on my memoir but keep adding stories."
"Well you know what they say, 'There is no greater agony than leaving this world with an untold story inside of you."
During our time together out on the 10K course, I didn't have a chance to share the beginning of my healing journey with how writing poetry opened the door to healing.
We hugged as old friends hug. We vowed to stay in touch and get together for dinner because life should not only be lived - it should be celebrated!
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.
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