The Healing Power of Running!

Seventeen years ago, I sat in a toe up leg brace, using a wheelchair at times for mobility facing a devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. I had just started writing poetry that lit a spark of hope within me as I harnessed the power of the mind/body connection to heal my past and create a future very different than the ones the doctors predicted for me of spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expecting an accelerated decline as I aged.

I was led to the sport of running although I had never run a day in my life when I declared to my personal trainer in February of 2008 that I wanted to run the 2009 Boston Marathon.

Last year, I began a comeback from a major setback in 2021/2022. Although I was unable to finish the Bermuda 10K, I experienced the healing power of running during my training cycle. It feels absolutely glorious to be off of the sidelines again and feel the ongoing transformation of continued training. I am going to do either a virtual or in person 10K that doesn't have a strict time limit and am so excited for the AdaptX Unified 5K.

Last Thursday, Ruth Anne asked if we could go to Cape Cod to get in our miles and have a ladies lunch. It had been several years since I had the confidence to drive to the Cape but since training for the 10K and my ongoing training runs and strength training sessions, I had total confidence in being able to 'go the distance.'

The weather was windy and cold with periods of rain showers. But Falmouth Heights Beach is our happy place whatever the weather.

 

 

We let the waves be the soundtrack for our two miles and laughed in the face of the wind. There was unbridled joy and a sense of freedom as we were out in the elements. The wind howled and we felt the presence of God's protection in the mystical miles.

We went to Shipwrecked and savored delicious clam chowder and French Onion Soup in a crock with fresh salads.We were tempted to stop for an ice cream to top off our delightful day on Olde Cape Cod but chose to drive by the ice cream shops on Main Street. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I made radical changes in my diet. I cut out coffee, ginger ale and other sodas and refined sugar. I also stopped eating red meat. I know that sugar can wreak havoc with inflammation. Ruth Anne and I agreed that the momentary pleasure is not worth the unpleasant after effects.

  

 

Ruth Anne had her last run of 8 miles on Saturday before we head to Los Angeles. Ruth Anne started her training cycle with Heartbreak Running Club for her first 8 miler. It was only fitting for her to end the training cycle with an 8 miler with the Hearbreakers. We got up at 6am to meet up with the group by 7:45 allowing for meditation, bathroom time and a hearty breakfast. Ruth Anne went on her way to meet up with the group and Tom and I set out for our 5K on Heartbreak Hill.

The hills were alive with the sounds of runners training for the Boston Marathon and other Spring Marathons. There was even a flock of turkeys that were running or flying over the hills. It's an incredible time of year to be out on the Newton Hills. Runners pass each other and say "lookin' good" or "you got this!" I shared with Tom that I am still in awe of where my healing journey has taken me 17 years after taking a leap of faith and leaving behind my award-winning career as a VA social worker to "heal my life."

Since training for the Bermuda 10K, I can feel the healing power of running again in my life. I often use the hashtag every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing. For someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair according to Western Medicine, I know how blessed I am to be able to do a 5K and feel the delicious soreness that comes with consistent training and living a full and vibrant life at the age of 70.

There were several times I could have succumbed to conditions happening in my body. The first time was receiving the diagnosis. The second time was after running the 2009 Boston Marathon. The third time was after a very serious knee injury in December of 2014 and the fourth and most recent time was after an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine which resulted in a major setback in 2021/2022. But every time I chose to find a way to come back to the sport that saved me and to continuously tap into the healing power of running!

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.