Running My Own Race!

 

  

 

I was able to only go 3.06 miles at the 2024 Bermuda 10K. I was proud that I had the courage to start after a series of challenges shortly before race weekend including contracting COVID.  I was amazed that I tackled the first five hills being on pace to finish before the 2:30 time limit before I experienced cramps and spasms. I knew that I had to cross a 10K finish line this year. I searched for races that were my pace friendly. When I couldn't find an in- person event for this year, I decided to do the Gone for a Run Virtual 10K Challenge! 

While I love the thrill of in-person events, what matters most to me is being able to challenge myself and continue to move forward in my health and wellness journey! 

After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I faced a positively grim future. In February of 2007, after asking for Divine Guidance, the poem, "Running the Race" flowed out of me. Although I sat in a toe-up leg brace 

 

 and had never run a day in my life, running was a powerful metaphor  for my life. Acceptance and gratitude set me on a healing path. "Running the Race" foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run.

Running the Race  

Early summer 1959 my kindergarten year
everyone around me filled with nervous fear.
Despite the Salk vaccine hope polio would disappear
the polio virus crept right up and knocked me in the rear.

Dancing all around the gym feeling free just like a bird
I dropped to the ground just like a stone and no one said a word.
The pain it was so searing-the diagnosis even worse
"It's polio" the doctor said...he was abrupt and terse.

Called one of the 'lucky ones' I had a 'mild case'
but with the other athletes I could never keep their pace.
Miss Holly physical therapist, curly hair and a warm, broad smile
it tempered the pain of being apart - to walk I'd take a while.

I always wore those 'special' shoes the kids they poked and teased                                                     
with no support and much abuse with childhood I wasn’t pleased.                                                       
But put nose to the grindstone and learned all that I could
I couldn't kick a ball but my grades were always good.

Years went by and no more thought to polio did I give
I accepted the limp, everything else and decided my life I would live.
But symptoms of weakness and muscle pain did grow
I kept a stoic face hoping no one else would know.

Life no longer was my own I struggled through each day
suffered in silence, alone and afraid tried to keep depression at bay.
And with the grace of glorious God my world it opened wide
I discovered there was a Post-Polio team and they were on my side.                                           
 

Sought out paths for healing and my spirit flew free
for the first time in life, I could truly be me.
The chains are gone and possibilities abound
I'm a tree with my roots planted firmly in ground.

Using wheelchair to travel, set limits on what I could do
resulted in joy to realize I could live life anew.
Celebrated my body-creaks, groans and need for a brace
while in my mind I focused on winning a 10K race.

I'm now off the sidelines, no need to sit and whine
so much gratitude fills my heart and love and beauty shine.
After all these years I can join the loving human race
I exceed all expectations and now I set the pace.

And now I set the pace....

 

While it would have been absolutely amazing to cross that finish line in Bermuda and wear my bling, it was not meant to be. What IS meant to be is that I train over the next several months doing a 5K, an 8K and then on August 3rd, cross the finish line of my virtual 10K feeling accomplished that I've dared to go the distance once more!

I feel so blessed and grateful for all that my body continues to give me! May 25th marks 17 years since I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career to "heal my life." At the time I had absolutely no idea what that meant. I did know that I would be running my race/my life in a new way healing my traumatic past through the power of forgiveness and gratitude AND creating a future very different than the one Western Medicine predicted for me! 

I am so thrilled to be running my own virtual race with Gone for a Run feeling the joy in the journey on the road to another 10K.

 

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.

Reflections on the Los Angeles Marathon Weekend - As Though Everything is a Miracle!

I prefer to live my life as though everything is a miracle. Ruth Anne and I experienced magnificent magic and miracles during our Los Angeles Marathon Weekend adventure. I shared many of them with you in the two previous blog posts. There is another miracle to share. As my regular blog readers know, I was diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disease in December of 2006. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline as I aged. Last Christmas I celebrated my 70th birthday!

When Ruth Anne wanted to book a trip to run the LA Marathon, we were wondering how my body would fare with the 6 hour plane ride, the time change and all the walking involved when one is support crew for a marathoner. The magic and joy of meeting a nurse who worked with Joe Stetz, my beloved camp counselor who was an earth angel in my life after I contracted paralytic polio, infused my body with feel good chemicals. I pulled my carry on luggage up a ramp at the LA airport and hoisted it onto the shuttle bus stepping up and down a big step with ease.

Despite the time change, Ruth Anne and I transferred over to LA time eating dinner at 5 although we did go to sleep at 7pm after a very long day of travel and excitement! We waited to unpack until the morning. After a good night's sleep, I unpacked and organized the room in anticipation for race day. While Ruth Anne went to practice yoga in Santa Monica, I walked up and down the Avenue of the Stars scoping out where the stop was for the shuttle buses to the start and to the finish line. I walked around the Mall, had lunch and Ruth Anne and I  returned to the Mall when she returned to get her lunch.

When we arrived at Dodger Stadium, the cab driver wasn't able to drive us to Gate G, the site of Expo and Bib Pick Up. We walked up hills and down hills and down a staircase until we finally arrived at Bib pick up and the Expo. There were a few raindrops followed by a torrential downpour. We found shelter in the Volunteer Tent. Once the downpour passed, we called for an Uber only to discover that we would have to hike up a huge hill to get to the upper parking lot since cars were not allowed at Gate G. 

Ruth Anne kept asking me, "Are you okay? How are you doing mom?" All that training for the Bermuda 10K held me in good stead while trekking up that enormous hill. 

Ruth Anne needed to get off of her feet for her marathon on Sunday and I had done 13,300 steps for the day. Our feet and clothing were soaked and it was 6pm. Rather than walk again to the Mall we took hot showers and got comfortable while we ordered in room dining that I must say was the most exquisite chicken and salmon dishes we have ever enjoyed!

Saturday was a feet up by the pool day but we also did a shake out walk for Ruth Anne to see the finish line and the shuttle bus stop to the start. We socialized with fellow runners and made sure to use plenty of sunblock so we wouldn't go into Marathon day with a sunburn! We walked to Eataly at the mall for our carbo loading. 

It was a miracle that I was able to wake up at 3:45am on Marathon Day! I was ready to greet the day full of energy and vitality. I walked Ruth Anne to get the shuttle to the start, organized our room, had a quick bite for breakfast at Lumiere and headed to the finish line. I sat on the bleachers able to stand up and sit down with ease to cheer on runners. I walked down the bleacher stairs using the handrail on the right navigating around the crowd, walked back to the hotel, back to the finish line, back to the hotel and met Ruth Anne halfway between the finish line and the hotel. We walked to the Mall to get Ruth Anne a smoothie and have a light bite. We walked back to the hotel, took showers and walked around the Mall to decide where to have our celebratory dinner. The Mall is a two-level 1,300,000 square feet outdoor mall!

You can imagine how well we slept on Sunday night!

On Monday, we swam and packed up getting ready for our return flight on Tuesday. 

Yesterday we went out for a 5K despite the rain!

 It was smiles for miles for Team McManus as we continue to celebrate the magic and miracles in our lives. I expressed deep gratitude to my body for all it has and continues to give me. I was in awe of my resilience, strength and endurance during the Los Angeles Marathon Weekend. Coincidentally, runners of the LA Marathon support the McCourt Foundation whose mission it is build a healthier world. They support research for ALS, MS and Alzheimers. 

What a blessing to be able to fully participate in an amazing adventure with Ruth Anne. The more I challenge myself and move beyond a once devastating diagnosis, the more I am blessed to experience everything as a miracle!

 

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.

The Magic of Los Angeles Marathon Weekend - Part 2

 

The alarms went off at 3:45am. Ruth Anne and I said at the same time, "It's here!"

In an almost meditative state, we went through the race day check list while taking deep breaths. I felt emotions bubbling up from deep inside me knowing all that Ruth Anne had overcome to get to the starting line. I knew I had to keep them in check so I could be calm and steady for Ruth Anne. Ruth Anne's marathon shoes were dry! Christian, staff member of the Fairmont with whom we became fast friends was there to greet us. He told us to be careful out there. They did not have the street closed off to traffic in front of the hotel and moved the buses a few blocks down. I tried to remain calm but once we got outside I said, "They're on the other side?" Ruth Anne said, "It's okay mom!" And it was. There was a line of policemen in front of the shuttle buses saying, "Show us your bibs." Ruth Anne lifted up her Boston College sweatshirt, received a wrist band and with a quick hug she was off to the start.

Christian was there to greet me when I returned to the hotel. He said she was going to do great today. I shed tears of gratitude with him. He said, "This has been the trip of a lifetime, hasn't it?" 

"Are you going back to sleep?" although he knew the answer before I said I couldn't. He asked me how I would spend the time. "I've got to get us organized for when we leave on Tuesday, call my husband, have some breakfast and head to the finish line." He was leaving at 11:00am and would be off the next two days but we exchanged hugs. He said he would keep Ruth Anne in his prayers.

I talked with Tom (it was 7:30am in Boston) and told him my plan for the day. We both agreed that Ruth Anne was going to have the best day of  her life.

I got a text while we were on the phone. The hospitality tent had hot water for her oatmeal, peanut butter (since her jar had been confiscated by TSA in Boston since it was considered a liquid - who knew?) and this spread:

The Hospitality Tent was heated and she had plenty of time to eat and digest her breakfast, go to the bathroom (iykyk) and get in the zone for her 26.2 mile journey.

 

I was able to calm my pre-race jitters by organizing the room, saying prayers and giving thanks that we arrived at this moment in our lives. At 6:30, I went downstairs to have breakfast at Lumiere.

Ruth Anne texted me two photos of her in the tent and at the start:

I heard the Star Spangled Banner play on the TV in Lumiere. I turned around to watch it and this beautiful display of butterflies was right behind me!

I debated whether or not I should return to the room to brush my teeth and hang out by the pool but this very strong feeling overtook me and I instinctively started walking to the finish line with my runner's back pack that had fueling for me and of course a cowbell. I saw a very long line of people and initially thought I should have gotten there earlier. I started talking with a man {and there may have been some tears involved} letting him know I was hoping to get a seat in the bleachers. He said, "You stick with her. She's first in line and will get you in!" Needless to say I was very confused but felt God's presence and guidance. At 7:30, the long line of spectators moved through to the area of the finish line to the left. We were whisked through security. There was even a railing so I did not have to try to climb up the bleachers without support which would have been extremely challenging for me!

This beautiful kind-hearted woman and I settled in bringing up the tracking app. I took photos:

 

The conversation easily flowed (along with my tears) as Kim and I got to know one another. Her husband is a Boston qualifier and they will be coming to Boston in a few weeks. This was his 2nd LA Marathon so she knew all the 'ropes' for navigating the finish line but she was quick to tell me that it was the kindness of a stranger last year that helped her. I told her that I would be her resource for all things Boston!

 

Ruth Anne texted me to let me know that there was a long line for the porta-potties and not to worry that her pace slowed! I sent out a quick post on social media but wanted to preserve my phone battery. Kim told me to not worry about it; she had a charger I could use! We talked about how the tracker can be both a wonderful tool but also be nerve wracking when it takes a long time to update. We cheered for her husband when he was at the turnaround passing by the finish line. The tracker stopped giving updates. She knew approximately when to look for her husband to finish. I had to relax and trust that Ruth Anne was having the time of her life making her way to the finish line. I enjoyed seeing the elite athletes and wheelchair athletes come into the finish and receive their awards across from where we were seated.

 

 

Kim and I commented about how blessed we were to have a picture perfect day in LA for the marathon!

Kim and I exchanged information, gave hugs and high fives after her husband crossed the finish line. I told her to text me with any questions about Boston and the marathon! 

After Kim left, there was no tracking updates AND I lost cell service. The crowd had grown exponentially. Feeling Spirit move me, I walked back to the hotel. Everyone at the hotel asked me how she was doing. There was still no tracking updates but my cell service was restored.

"Almost there," Ruth Anne texted just as I returned to our home away from home.

"Where? I eagerly asked. The tracker is down!"

"19.26. Brilliant run. Gotta go get the bling now."

I headed back to the finish line hoping I could see her come into the finish line. The crowds swelled. There was no cell service and I couldn't get anywhere near the finish line. I went back to the hotel and sat in the lobby soaking up the festive marathon atmosphere.

"Last 10K..." 

"3.5 to go..."

"2.7 miles to go..."

"Did you make it to the finish?"

"I couldn't cuz it's packed with people and no service. I so wanted to."

"Got it."

"Thanks. Almost there! I'm gonna run now. See you at the finish."

"1.15 miles to go..."

"And done!"

The streets were filled with celebration as the music from the finish festival filled the air. Despite the throngs of runners and spectators, Ruth Anne and I found each other! She was warmly welcomed back to the Fairmont with congratulations and joy!

We had a celebratory dinner at the California Pizza Kitchen:

 

When we returned to the Fairmont, Jen spotted us across the lobby. "You look better than you did last night Ruth Anne. How was it?" Ruth Anne said that she had the best run of her life! She introduced us to Brian McCourt, the legend behind The McCourt Foundation. Ruth Anne sang the praises of the entire day. 

"When I didn't receive a text from either one of you, I figured everything went well this morning." Ruth Anne shared her hospitality tent experience and I shared the serendipitous meeting with Kim. Jen reminded us about the Boston Waterfront 5K happening in June that Ruth Anne and I said we would love to volunteer for durirng our conversation the night before. We expressed our heartfelt gratitude to Jen and to Brian for a perfect day enhanced by the fact that proceeds of the race and the fundraisers go to research into neurological  diseases!

We went to the pool to witness a magnificent sunset:

 We were treated to another beautiful sunrise on Monday morning:

Ruth Anne went to Santa Monica to celebrate her 26.2 mile victory with her favorite yoga teachers and took this photo of her medal by Santa Monica Beach:

 

We spent the afternoon together and went swimming soaking up the spectacular California sunshine. Our last dinner was back at Capri. We had a magnificent view from our table right next to the lemon tree!

We were treated to one last LA sunset before we'd leave on Tuesday:

Ruth Anne and I woke up without an alarm at 5:00am. We packed up the room and ordered our breakfast to enjoy on the balcony. Rosalina was a ray of sunshine who started our day by blessing us and saying that God is good! How could we possibly be sad about our vacation ending with such a beautiful person serving our breakfast with such care and joy!

What a blessing to bear witness to the dawn of a new day and feel our hearts overflow with gratitude for the magic of the Los Angeles Marathon Weekend:

Enjoy these photos that Ruth Anne took while out on the course:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

The Magic of 2024 Los Angeles Marathon Weekend - Part 1

 Jet Blue flight #687 from Boston to LAX was on time to begin our LA Marathon Weekend adventure. We went to Davio's for breakfast. Ruth Anne really wanted oatmeal but it wasn't on the menu. Our waitress said that there are so many runners who pass through especially around the Boston Marathon that it should be on the menu. Ruth Anne had packets of oatmeal and a bowl that she was going to use for race day. The waitress brought her hot water. After we finished our breakfast, she cleaned out the bowl! Fortunately we packed extra oatmeal packets.

When the Jet Blue representative arrived to the gate, Ruth Anne said she was going to see about getting us an upgrade to Even More Room seats (that typically cost $180-$198 per seat). "Excuse me," she said. "I am running the LA Marathon on Sunday and I was wondering what the cost would be if any to upgrade to Even More Room seats. "Just give me a minute," Laura with curly red hair and freckles said. When she returned, her beautiful blue fingernails (matching the blue of Jet Blue) moved quickly across her keyboard. "May I see your boarding passes please?" She ripped them up! "Are you giving us an upgrade?" Ruth Anne asked in a stage whisper.  

"Shhh," she said. Just like that we were moved from row 14 to row 7 right near the bathroom with even more leg space. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we boarded, Ruth Anne noticed that the woman in the row in front of us was wearing a St. Elizabeth's Medical Center jacket. 

 When we got up to stretch, Ruth Anne asked her if she worked at St. E's. She retired several years ago after working as a nurse in Cardiology for 45 years. We talked a bit about our sadness over what happened with the Steward Medical Group. After Ruth Anne returned to her seat I said, "By any chance did you know Joe Stetz?" "Well I knew of him and saw him walking around the hospital." I shared with her how Joe was my camp counselor and instilled in me the heart of a champion shortly after I contracted polio as a child at the end of summer Olympics. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio, his love and encouragement to have confidence in my ability and strength inspired me in my journey as a most unlikely runner. I told her about the coincidence at the Bermuda 10K start in 2019, when I stood next to Lynn Landry who worked closely with Joe. She said she worked with Lynn for years!

It was a smooth flight with just a bit of turbulence as we landed in LA. From an email communication with the concierge, I knew we had to take a shuttle to get a cab or an uber. We collected our one checked bag clinging tightly to our carry on luggage that held everything Ruth Anne needed for race weekend. We boarded the shuttle. Ruth Anne and I had the same thought, "How in God's name are we going to ever get transportation to the hotel with all these people?"

The doors opened and a woman in a yellow vest greeted us. She magically took our luggage off of the shuttle which had a big step and said, "Come on. I'll take you to a taxi!" There were no other shuttle greeters and she seemed to disappear after she helped us. I was so glad Ruth Anne had the same experience as I had. We both felt she had a spiritual aura to her. {We passed by the shuttles on our way back to the airport departures and saw no shuttle greeters!) 

When we arrived at Fairmont Century Plaza, we were warmly greeted by everyone we encountered. As is often true of race-cations, we became instant friends with the staff who went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable time. 

Although our dinner reservation for Capri at Eataly was not until 5:30pm LA time, we were hungry and tired yet exhilarated and excited. Fortunately, they were able to seat us at 4:45. The hospitality reminded us of Bermuda. 

Let the carbo loading begin:

 

 

 We bought provisions of bananas and tangerines and enjoyed the glorious Los Angeles sunshine on our short walk back to the hotel:

 

 

 Rather than unpack, we went to the rooftop pool to watch the sunset:

 In room dining is a race-cation tradition:

 

After breakfast, Ruth Anne went to Santa Monica to get in a pre-race yoga practice:

I became fast friends with the concierge who guided me through the map to do a reconnaissance mission to find bus stops to the start at Dodger Stadium and the finish line. When Ruth Anne returned it was off to Dodger Stadium for the Expo and bib pick up. The weather forecast called for wall to wall sunshine. I noticed a few dark clouds here and there but trusted the forecast as we excitedly took a cab to Dodger Stadium.

It was quite the adventure since the cab driver spoke little English and was visibly stressed with the bumper to bumper traffic. When we arrived at the Stadium, he said that he had to drop us off in the upper parking lot. Using our inner GPS and stopping a few people along the way, we made it to bib pick up and the Expo. We felt a few rain drops but they didn't dampen Ruth Anne's spirit:

 The skies opened and we got soaked. We went into the volunteer tent. They welcomed us as we expressed gratitude for the shelter. Fortunately the shower passed and we ordered an Uber. It was scheduled to be there in 7 minutes. Whew! Ruth Anne got a notification that the Uber driver cancelled. Oh no! Someone else took our Uber. We didn't know how or where since no one else was waiting for an Uber where we were waiting. It was getting late. Fortunately we had a late lunch. Pre-race jitters were kicking in knowing Ruth Anne needed to get off her feet AND her marathon running shoes were soaked. 

We got a notification that we had to walk to meet the Uber. What?? Ruth Anne called him. He explained that Ubers were not allowed to go to Lot G. There was a huge hill leading to the general parking area. Jose was an angel who told us to wait once we got to the general parking area and he'd come to us. The return ride was so much more pleasant than our ride to the Expo. When everything seems to be going wrong, it is being perfectly orchestrated by the Divine! We had the most divine in room dining experience for dinner with chicken and salmon which we wouldn't have had if we would not have been delayed by the rain.

 

We slept in on Saturday and were treated to a beautiful sunny day which we spent relaxing by the pool. We started the day with carbo loading on the balcony with a view:

Ruth Anne and I did a shake out walk to the finish line and to the bus stop for the shuttles to the start:

 

As marathon manager, I got everything ready for Ruth Anne's 26.2 mile run from Dodger Stadium to Century City and Ruth Anne put out her flat Ruth Anne for race day:

 

While relaxing by the pool, we met our new fast fitness friends, Erica and Brendan who were running their first LA marathons. We talked about how quickly runners strike up conversations with each other and become fast friends. "Yes fast fitness friends," Erica offered. Erica was running her first marathon. Her pre-race jitters were palpable and we shared in her excitement as she kept repeating with hand gestures for emphasis, "It's gonna be fine. It's all gonna be fine." We took a picture of them and they offered to take a picture of us:

 We were going to have an early dinner but Friday evening, Ruth Anne said she wanted to eat a little later. I quickly changed the reservation at Eataly's La Pizza and La Pasta. Fortunately we were able to get a 5:45 reservation where we had more carbo loading (since spectators need carbo loading too):

The electric energy of the running community the evening before the marathon swept me away. There was hustle and bustle at Eataly as people waited to get a table and the Mall reverberated with pre-race excitement. I realized how blessed we are to have found our way to the sport of running. We felt that energy from the Mall to the lobby and elevators at the hotel.

 

 

 I said to Ruth Anne that I wanted to stop by the concierge desk to make sure about the location for the shuttles to the start and to also ask if we had to take a shuttle at the airport for departures. Alyssa was delightful and patient as she could sense my pre-race day nervous energy channeled into these questions. There was a woman standing to the side of the concierge desk wearing a sweatshirt with an LA Marathon logo on the side. She jumped into the conversation asking us where we were from, was this Ruth Anne's first marathon and suggestions for race day logistics. She gave us her cell phone number and said that if we had any problems in the morning with Ruth Anne's hospitality tent or my finding a seat at the bleachers, to please text her! She let me know that she would be there for Ruth Anne at the start which of course put this mother's heart at ease. If there were any issues with Ruth Anne's hospitality tent, she would take her into the VIP tent!  Ruth Anne had reserved a shuttle for 5:00 but she said we should get out there at 4:00 or 4:15 at the latest to give Ruth Anne plenty of time at the start to have breakfast. We thanked her profusely for her help and hospitality! Had we had an earlier dinner, we probably would not have bumped into Jen.

As the sun set, we set the alarms for 3:45am.

We felt God's blessing and presence in the magnificent beauty created by the Master Artist. We said our prayers and expressed our gratitude for the amazing gifts and synchronicity we experienced since Thursday. 

One more sleep until race day!

To be continued....

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.