Feel Free...Have Fun...Finish

 

As I toe the starting line of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K, I will be doing the best with what I've got. I've consistently trained to take on the 10K taking myself to the edge of pace and endurance. Taper time has served me well to heal up those 'niggles' in my right knee and leg, and continuing to heal the effects from a reaction to the COVID vaccine in 2022. As I take pause from training to let taper time work its magic, I realize how much I do love being outdoors getting in the miles and doing the best with what I've got. 

What are my goals for Saturday's 10K?

1) Feeling free to be me knowing that I'll be doing the best I can as one who overcame the challenges of paralytic polio and trauma. I've been clearing out the memories of lugging my leg brace trying to keep up with my peers and embodying feeling proud that I chose to take on this challenge. It's been eight years since I toed the starting line of an in person event. It's been eight years since I've gone a distance longer than a 5K. No apologies are needed for my back of the pack status regardless of who may be part of Saturday's field. After all, they did set the event up as a 10K walk! As I celebrate myself for taking on the challenge to celebrate 17 years of healing and being 70 years old, I know and trust my energy will be infectious. I allow joy to sweep away the fears about the 'time limit' as I envision myself going out there and showing what this body can do! I continuously thank my body for all it has given me. I feel a stirring in my soul remembering my why to spread a powerful message of healing, hope and infinite possibilities! 

2) Have fun! I've done 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018. I have cherished memories of having so much fun out on the course. Bermudians invited us in for omelettes and mimosas. The volunteers are incredibly supportive and encouraging. There's music and dancing in the streets. Trusting my training knowing that I will easily come in under 2.5 hours makes way for me to relax and have fun out on the course. When I allow fun to be in the forefront of my thoughts, the fears are whisked away. 

3) Finish! While I would LOVE to come in under 2 hours, my goal is to finish feeling fabulous with a huge smile on my face and gratitude in my heart. It does not matter if I am the last finisher to cross the finish line. In my mind's eye, I break the finisher's tape knowing I won my race.

I was told several times throughout my journey, that I should never have started running, that I should stop running and/or cap my distance. I understand that the medical profession is wary about giving 'false hope' and share information based on statistics and case studies. Those are powerful messages to overcome. This quote about optimism is a wonderful way to wash away those messages I received from Western Medicine:

I am infusing myself with motivational quotes as I prepare to take on Saturday's challenge:

It is three more sleeps before the limousine picks us up in the early morning hours to whisk us away to Terminal C. I focus on our flight being on time. As I mentioned, the anticipation and excitement of Race Weekend begins at the gate when Tom and I play our game, "runner or not." We ask fellow travelers, "You running this weekend?" For the first time in 8 years, my answer is 'Yes.' If someone asks me what are you hoping for, I will answer with a BIG smile, to feel free, to have fun and to finish!

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.