From the soon to be released, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From the Heart of a Warrior":
"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."
In 2021 into 2022, I experienced a lot of pain after the 2nd COVID booster shot. It was nerve pain, muscle spasms and pins and needles down my legs. The pain interrupted my sleep many nights despite my best efforts harnessing the power of the mind/body connection. I curtailed my training regimen and decided that my participation in event days was behind me. I was deeply grateful for all my body had given me and how mind and soul were nourished and healed through the transformational sport of running.
At the end of 2022, I realized that I had not come that far to stop being a part of the sport I came to love shortly after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. I know that even when runners are sidelined, we are still a part of the sport but it doesn't feel the same when I am not a part of events challenging myself.
I picked myself up, dusted myself off and set a shiny new goal for myself with the Bermuda Triangle Challenge Weekend 10K. Even though I cramped up at mile 3.06 and could not cross the finish line as I had visualized so many times in my mental preparation for race day and was in quite a bit of pain, it was a really good pain. I loved pushing my body to its absolute limit and a little beyond before I 'called it.' It was my first and I hope my only DNF. It's a blessing because now I have unfinished business to finish this year.
Early on in my journey, after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I made a conscious decision that since I was going to experience pain, I'd choose the pain of healing, health and fitness rather than the pain of atrophy and decline. Did you know that atrophy causes pain? But thanks to neuroplasticity and the body's tremendous capacity to heal, muscles and nerves can be regenerated.
When I am out on my training runs, I transcend pain and discomfort by savoring the sensations around me. We are so blessed to live near two Reservoirs, and Jamaica Pond. South Boston is only a 20 minute drive away. I LOVE this time of year as the trees are pregnant with possibilities and anticipation of Spring fills the air.
On Tuesday, Ruth Anne and I basked in the almost warm sunshine while doing a brisk tempo run letting the gentle waves lapping against the shore be the soundtrack for our run.
After Ruth Anne pushed me with the pace, we stretched at the car. We watched the swooping seagulls while hydrating and refueling with a banana. I let myself enjoy the humming of my body giving thanks for all it gives me.
Whenever those niggles of pain come up either during or in the wake of a good run, I smile and remind myself, "Oh yeah this pain is good pain!"
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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