It's Only Cold If You're Standing Still!

 

Momentum, dedication to my healing journey and the joy of being a part of the running community were ignited within me after being a part of the Bermuda 10K. While I needed to 'call it' at 3.06 miles, I did nothing foolish (DNF) and lived to run and train for another day. When we heard the weather forecast for last Saturday, -12 degrees with the wind chill, we debated about whether we should strength train and try to get out on Sunday, go to the Rec Center at Boston College or brave the elements. The weather was quite the contrast to the 70 degree weather we left a few days before in Bermuda.

Ruth Anne is training for the LA Marathon and had 14 miles on her training schedule. I am slowly ramping up the miles again making sure my body has good recovery time from the Bermuda 10K and travel. When we woke up on Saturday, the wind was not as intense as predicted. There are many wonderful, inspiring quotes about winter running such as, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad weather gear," and the above quote. We trained for the 2009 Boston Marathon through a brutally cold New England winter. Dr. David R Hamilton has talked about the anti-aging effects of going out in cold weather. We talked about the pros and cons of staying indoors vs going outside. It was going outside for the win!

Ruth Anne did a solo 14 mile run. She worked up a good sweat despite the frigid temps. Her hair froze in clumps! She hopped right into a hot shower laughing with delight that she conquered the elements.

The neighborhood loop was a perfect two miler for Tom and me. I wore capris over my winter running pants and 3 layers underneath my winter running jacket. Surprisingly my hands were warm under my glittens. I pulled my hood over my warm winter hat.

It was quite the contrast to balmy Bermuda temperatures but we do love living in New England. Check out our rosy cheeks!

Tom turns 72 on March 2nd and I just turned 70. Unless it is absolutely not safe to run outdoors, no track or cross training for us. No rocking chairs for us. No retirement to Florida for us although several years ago we did entertain that as a possibility. We plan to age strong. I am in awe of how I defied the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. One of the hallmark symptoms of Post-Polio Syndrome was cold intolerance yet I trained through the brutal New England winter of 2008/2009 to be able to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. I was given a cautionary tale about going out in winter. "Always use a cane with an ice gripper. Remember if you should take a fall which is highly likely as a polio survivor, you are going to be at risk for a fracture."

I've had several falls while out on a training run, most recently last winter when my foot caught an 'iceberg' as Ruth Anne called it, on the side of the road. I was bruised and my ego was certainly bruised but no fractures to be found. During this past 17 year journey, I've discovered how resilient my body is. I discovered in Bermuda that while I may not cross the finish line on a particular day, I continuously thank my body for all it has given me and continues to give me.

What joy and exhilaration to be able to get in miles outside in arctic air. It's true that it's only cold if you're standing still!

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.