The Boston Outdoor Expo - Day 1

Raccoon Media Events Inaugural Boston Outdoor Expo Show came into Boston with an incredible line up of speakers, vendors and features to get everyone excited to get outdoors and get moving at whatever pace in whatever way that suits the individual. As an Ambassador, I experienced the excitement up close and personal beginning with queue giveaways.
 

 The excitement in the foyer at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center was palpable as Ambassadors handed out swag and welcomed visitors to the show.

As I walked toward the Inspiration Stage, I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to meet Mike Seaman, CEO of Raccoon Media Group. I presented him with an author copy of my book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior." He was gracious and kind to write a review after reading my manuscript and to pose for photos:

Dave Fatula was host, moderator, speaker and exhibitor for the Expo. After welcoming everyone to the Expo, he introduced the first speaker, Sir Ranulph Fiennes. The audience was enthralled and captivated by his photos and narrative of his daring explorations. My favorite quote from his talk was, "Don't go through your problems, find a way to go around them and Lady Luck will find you from time to time. When she does, make sure you take advantage of it!"

 

 

I walked through the Expo where attendees were playing pickleball, being taught survival skills, trying out bikes and balance boards, exploring tents and vans, practicing yoga, sampling foods and attending talks at the Hiking Stage and the Inspiration Stage.

Before heading back to the Inspiration Stage, I helped out attendees at the Colorado Ski Shop bike ride feature.

Next up on the Inspiration Stage was Andrea Bailey of Evolving Mind and Body. Her topic? Ruck It: Healing with Movement in Nature. I had the opportunity to chat with Andrea at her booth. How wonderful to connect with a like-hearted soul. She was vulnerable, warm, witty and conveyed information in a way that lay people could understand. She is a licensed mental health counselor who combines her counseling skills with passion for the great outdoors knowing the healing power of nature. She is also a certified Reiki Master.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I ended my day with hearing the panel "Women In the Outdoors: Sharing Perspectives." Paige Emerson, Meg Stewart, Arwen Turner and Sarah LaCourse spoke on a range of topics from the challenges of being a plus size hiker, lack of representation and compassion for different body types and abilities on the trails, to the benefits of being out in nature that everyone should have access to regardless of size or ability. I was especially moved by Meg Stewart's perspective that when we are out in nature and tracking trees, the eye movements are the same as in EMDR therapy used to treat trauma. The panelists were vulnerable, strong, articulate and spoke to the unique challenges women face when hiking. They also shared tips for feminine hygiene and safety.

Such an exciting, inspiring and invigorating day of Day 1 at the Boston Outdoor Expo.

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 interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square

The Magic of Marathon Monday!

 

Ever since Team McManus ran the 2009 Boston Marathon, we have felt the incredible magic of the Unicorn on Marathon Monday. We spent more time at the Expo this year than we had in previous years which fueled our excitement to cheer on the runners. Being a part of the On the Runs podcast family, texting with Kim Sutton (who I met at the LA Marathon), and our new friends the Power family all added to the thrill of Marathon Monday. I woke up without the alarm on Monday feeling that excitement of race day even though I wasn't running. Tom and Ruth Anne were also eager to get our spot on the corner of Dean Road and Beacon Street. We meditated, had breakfast, packed our food for the day and headed to Dean Road. When we started to unpack the car, we realized that in all of the excitement, we forgot the cooler. Fortunately there was plenty of time for Tom to drive home to get it while Ruth Anne and I set up camp for the day.

I checked in with Barbra with whom we had a magical moment on Friday before we went to the Expo. They were set up at Cleveland Circle. She texted me a photo. One of the Brookline Firefighters who was part of security 'just happened' to have been one of Ruth Anne's camp counselors. The other first responders teased him about how old he was that one of his campers was all grown up!

It wasn't long before the lead male wheelchair runner came along. To no one's surprise, it was Marcel Hug who went on to win!

After the excitement of seeing the first participant come through, the crowd quiets until the next lead vehicle approaches. Coming through was Eden Rainbow-Cooper who went on to win the women's wheelchair division.

While waiting for the male lead runner to come through, I was getting pumped by watching live videos from my friends, the hosts of the On the Runs podcast at Mile 19.

{I have only videos of the men's and women's leaders.}

The lead male runner came through and we wondered what happened to the rest of the pack. We watched the race on WCVB TV on Tom's iPhone. There was a moment of a challenge from 2nd place winner Mohammed Esa but Sisay Lemma broke the tape.

The lead women's pack was well - packed! It was a race to the finish with Helen Obiri claiming victory for the 2nd year in a row. We have videos of Ruth Anne screaming, wishing Sarah Hall Happy Birthday as she ran by and screaming to Emma Bates how much we love her. The crowd, as always, went wild for Desi Linden.

It was time to settle back and track our friends hoping to see them as they approached the last 5K+ of their amazing journey from Hopkinton to Boston.

I texted with Kim whose husband Tim was having a great day to make sure that the tracker was working (unlike what happened at the LA Marathon). She said it certainly was; she had a perfect spectator spot in front of the newly opened Dick's Sporting Goods store. I told her that I hoped I would see Tim and if I did would send her a text.

Tom had a wonderful time cheering on the runners with #morecowbell wearing his L Street Running Club t-shirt that was made after 4-15-13 reminding us that we run as one and are Boston Strong.

Although Tim didn't see us because he was in the zone, he looked amazing coming down Beacon Street. Right after he passed, I let Kim know he was on his way to see his biggest fan.

I was blessed to see Jared Ewing looking so strong as he came down Beacon Street. He was too fast for me to get a photo but he acknowledged our cheers for him by blowing us a kiss. 

How lucky was I to get to meet a real live Unicorn:

 

 

 

You must listen to Yuki Chorney's episode on the On the Runs podcast. She is truly a magical being who spreads glitter, light, love and the magic of the Unicorn wherever she goes.

We cheered on Charity Runners, asked runners who were cramped if we could share pretzels or water with them and, at times, because of the heat, called out for medical attention. The volunteers were phenomenal! They would kneel down to apply Biofreeze and massage out cramped muscles, ran to bring water to runners and were vigilant about spotting runners in distress encouraging them to come into the medical tent. 

Tom spotted Amby Burfoot. He called out his name and in typical Amby nonchalant fashion, he gave Tom a wave acknowledging the shout out. Tom asked the spectators around us if they knew who Amby was.

We continued to track our runners and 'watch' them finish their incredible races. Breanna Power had an amazing day. Her mom texted me a photo of her coming into Cleveland Circle surprised by a friend from Connecticut who had come in to cheer her on. Kim texted me a photo and video of Tim's phenomenal finish. He ran another BQ IN BOSTON! 

We thought that John Young may have 'called it' given the heat of the day. At Mile 23 he posted an update on Facebook that he was still on the course determined to finish!

To cap off a magical Marathon Monday, I received an alert from my tracking app:

What a magnificent way to top off a most magical Boston Marathon Weekend 2024. To experience more of the magic of Marathon Weekend, watch the On the Runs Episode 104.

I often wonder what my life would look like if I would have succumbed to the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 or if I would even be alive today. My heart overflows with gratitude that I get to be a part of this vibrant, inspiring, fun loving and health and wellness conscious community. I have made friends that I otherwise would not have met and experienced places in wondrous ways as a most unlikely runner.

Until next year Boston! Thank you for the magic and the memories!

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 interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square

Day 2 at the Expo as Unicorn Magic Continued!

 

Ruth Anne suggested that we head in town early than we had originally planned on Saturday morning. After a full afternoon at the Expo on Friday, Ruth Anne had said that she would take a pass on Saturday's Expo and I would go in by myself for a few hours to visit with friends and see more of the Expo. I was pleasantly surprised that she wanted to spend the day together and to also have what we affectionately call "ladies lunch." 

Boylston Street was already blocked off to traffic which meant that Tom would have to drop us off on Comm. Ave. since there were barricades to access Boylston Street. After he dropped us off we debated for a moment about which way to go. As we came around on Boylston Street heading to lunch, we saw a long line wondering if we were going to be able to get lunch at Sweetgreens. We couldn't tell where the line was coming from. We were undaunted since we were on Boston Marathon Weekend time meaning letting Spirit guide us to where we were meant to be. As we passed the long line which was for a book signing at Marathon Sports with Kathrine Switzer launching All in Stride by Johanna Garten and Elvin Kibet who 'just happened' to be having their photos taken with Kathrine but Erika Hamel from the On the Runs Podcast and her brf (best running friend) Rachel Wilkinson. Erika said that they had been waiting in line for an hour and what a coincidence that they got to the front of the line just as we arrived. We originally planned to meet up at the Expo.

 

We had never been to Cava, the restaurant next door to Sweetgreens. We decided to give it a try. There were no tables available but a kind young man said he was waiting for his friend in the Marathon Sports line. He got up and gave us his table with two chairs in the sunshine. Our dear friend Candice was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I brought 3 of my books to give her at the Expo that would inspire her healing. We put them out on the table while we went in to order. My book, "Into the Light: Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" was on top.

While enjoying the incredible energy of all that is Boston Marathon weekend, soaking up the sun and savoring our lunch, Ruth Anne and I talked about the synchronicity of meeting up with Erika and Rachel. Ruth Anne went inside to get more napkins.

"Excuse me," a woman stopped at our table, "are you a runner?" I was wearing my 2009 Boston Marathon jacket. 

"I am."

"Are you running this year?"

"I'm not. Do you have someone running?"

By then, Ruth Anne returned to the table. This lovely woman told us that her daughter was running her first Boston Marathon. 

"Any tips?" she asked. After we told her daughter suggestions for the day, her mom asked, "And what about for spectators?" 

As we were giving suggestions, her daughter looked at my book on the table. 

"Into the Light!" she exclaimed. "I read that." My first thought was "I wonder if she has the right book," but went on to say, "Well I'm Mary McManus the author."

"You're Mary?" she exclaimed with delight. Breanna is a social worker and "Into the Light" was on her suggested readings list at the University of Toronto Graduate School of Social Work! She told me she absolutely loved it. It was part of a course to address the mental health needs of adolescents during the pandemic. She is now in private practice in Canada! 

Her dad suggested we take a photo together:

Breanna qualified for Boston. Her mom proudly showed off a photo they had of her on a poster to cheer her on during Marathon Monday. I gave them my business card and said they can text or call if they have any questions about Monday's logistics.

Isn't it amazing how seemingly inconsequential decisions lead to monumental coincidence.

Still in awe of the synchronicity and magic of the Unicorn that was clearly in the air, we headed to the Expo. I stopped to take a few photos pausing to remember and honor the memory of those whose lives were lost and devastated by the events of 4/15/13.

There was a VERY long line to enter the Expo. Ruth Anne said, "Excuse me. Do you mind if we go ahead?" They were charity runners with Steppin' Strong, a charity that began shortly after 4/15/13. We thanked them for their kindness. There was a long line snaking through the Hynes Convention Center with what must have been thousands of runners and spectators.

"Hey mom. I think I spotted Matt Durkin." Sure enough, he was a few rows over from us and we caught up to each other as the line wound around. Once we were ready to enter the Expo, Ruth Anne suggested we wait at the side of the line for bib pick up so she could chat a bit and get that all important selfie. Matt is a member of our L Street Running Club and a dear friend who moved to New York to work for Concern Worldwide.

 

They are each BIG Beyonce fans. They took the selfie while saying, "Beyonce!"

 

 

We walked through the Expo hoping to see Candice at her booth Race Day Rangers. When I sent her a message, she said she'd been there earlier but was gone for the day. We'd done a lot of walking and headed over to the Marathon Live Stage to have a seat and wait for Dave McGillivray's talk. We were treated to an amazing panel with Joan Benoit Samuelson, running legend and Boston Champion; Dr. Beth McQuiston, neuroscientist, licensed physician, registered dietician, and Abbott medical director; Cyndi Gonzalez, Executive Director, Girls on the Run Boston; Moderated by Reilly Dillon, marathoner, and Abbott content specialist. My favorite takeaways from Joanie were, "Every setback has a blessing," and "Everyone should have the opportunity to run out of the tunnel into the light." (referencing her epic barrier breaking 1984 Olympic Marathon run)

Although I have heard Dave McGillivray speak on many occasions, his presentation was absolutely riveting and inspiring. 

 

I sent a message to John Breen of Ashworth Awards who I met at Dave's book launch "Dream Big" several years ago. He has been incredibly supportive of Ruth Anne's fundraising efforts and wanted to meet up at the Expo. We had just missed each other on Friday. He came over to hear Dave speak and we caught up for a few minutes. 

We were hoping to stay for the next panel of Meet the US Pros but the crowd had grown exponentially and the noise level was cranked up. Ruth Anne and I texted our friend Jared to let him know we left. He said it was packed and he was getting ready to leave. We wished him God speed on Monday.

Sunday was a laundry and catch up day at home resting up before the jewel in the crown of Marathon Weekend: the running of the 128th Boston Marathon.

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 interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square

Unicorn Magic Continues!

 

I love how we let Spirit guide us throughout Boston Marathon weekend. Tom took the afternoon off from work so we could enjoy the Expo together. I initially suggested we take the train in but Tom suggested we drive in. He was going to drop us off and look for a parking space. I suggested we give Newbury Street a try since we had good fortune there on Wednesday.  Sure enough as we turned the corner from Comm. Ave., there was a parking space just waiting for us. Tom wanted to walk down Boylston Street 'the long way' to soak up the energy that Ruth Anne and I enjoyed on Thursday. As we walked the few short blocks to the Expo, we saw Susan Hurley. She is a warrior on and off the roads and was genuinely happy to see us and take a photo with us. When we told her we pray for her health she said, "I'm fine. Really I'm fine."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 In the morning, the texts and messages lit up my phone. Michele Audet and I have been planning a meet up for years. We met each other as part of the Boston Strong Community. We exchanged phone numbers and agreed we would find a way to meet up at the Expo.

Just as we turned the corner to head into the Expo, who came walking out of the ladies room but Michele Audet.

She had just finished her volunteer assignment at bib pick up. She mentioned that unlike in previous years, there were no snacks and limited food for the volunteers. We suggested that we go to the FlavaNaturals booth where she could get a boost with their amazing product. 

 

It was wonderful to see our dear friends Alan and Shari Frost who are the creators and owners of FlavaNaturals.

Michele, Ruth Anne, Tom and I chatted while soaking up the energy of all that is Boston Marathon. There was a Navy Warrior Challenge Booth that Ruth Anne just had to try. Michele captured Ruth Anne's joy in a series of photos. Here is one of them:

We secured great seats to see Meb on the Marathon Live Stage and listened to the panel of Women in the World of Running. Michele had worked for John Hancock, the previous sponsor of the Marathon and gave us the back story of one of the women on the panel who now recruits for the BAA. I messaged with my friends/On the Runs podcast family Candice and Jared. Candice and Jared 'met' through the On the Runs podcast and were coincidentally on the same flight to Tokyo. What a wonderful Boston reunion for them and what a blessing for me to meet them in person. Of course we included Michele when it came to taking a photo. Candice has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will be toeing the starting line of her marathon of healing on Monday. With her positivity, grace, grit and determination, I just know she is going to conquer this challenge.

We were enthralled with having the opportunity to hear Meb speak about his journey. As he spoke his gentle, kind, humble, and warm personality shined through. At times, he expressed a wonderful sense of humor. He said that he loves interacting with fellow runners of all abilities and always wants to take time for photos and to sign autographs. "It's never a bother," he told the crowd. When he recounted his 2014 Boston win, you could feel the collective sense of goosebumps and tears. He took time for people to ask questions. Ruth Anne asked about his pre-race rituals. He said how they are very important and shared with us how he fuels the night before (spaghetti and meatballs with red sauce or chicken and rice) and at breakfast (a traditional bread, oatmeal, almond butter) and that prayer - before, during and after a race is a vital part of his rituals. 

Even though a meet and greet line was forming, Meb graciously and generously took selfies with Michele and Ruth Anne. I was moved when he put his hand on Ruth Anne's shoulder and gave her a pat on the back.

Our hearts were full as we left the Expo expressing gratitude for a day filled with spontaneity, synchronicity, friendships and inspiration. Michele had to catch her train but Tom, Ruth Anne and I decided to go to Legal Seafood in Chestnut Hill. Our dear friend whom we hadn't seen all winter was there. Big hugs and lots of love along with an incredible dinner was the perfect ending to a perfect 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 interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square

Let the Magic of the Unicorn Begin!

 

This year marks the 15th anniversary of when Team McManus ran the 2009 Boston Marathon and raised $10,535 for Spaulding Rehab. It was a moment of redemption for me in the wake of the devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. 

After Ruth Anne finished a project for her Masters Certificate in Corporate Communications and Marketing at BC, she suggested we go to South Boston for a walk along the beach. When we got to Boylston Street, Ruth Anne said, "Why don't we park. I'd love to walk around and see the Marathon happenings."

There were "No Parking" signs everywhere but we were able to manifest a parking space right around the corner from the Hynes Convention Center where the Expo will be held!

Our first stop was at Mother Juice, an indie owned shop that makes smoothies, Acai bowls and delicious healthy, nutritious snacks. We bought their blueberry muffin and energy bites to take home and Ruth Anne enjoyed the Green Dream. We took photos feeling the thrill and exhilaration of the energy that IS the Boston Marathon.

We remembered how incredible we felt taking that right on Hereford knowing the finish line would soon come into view.

Unlike 2009, there are now three blue lines to follow.

The BAA 5K will be taking place on Saturday. There were also No Stopping and No Parking signs in the area surrounding Copley Square from Thursday through next Tuesday. We are so fortunate to have a wonderful public transportation system to get in and out of town this weekend and to have manifested a parking spot on Wednesday.

We felt the thrill of taking that turn onto Boylston Street on 4/20/2009.

The Hynes Convention Center is ready to receive thousands of runners and spectators beginning on Friday!

 

What a magical moment to see this photo of Marathon Panda aka Maurice Lowman who is running for the Herren Project. You can hear his incredibly inspirational journey on the On the Runs Podcast Episode 63.

 

 

 

Boston is in full bloom on Boylston Street!

Bleachers are up and ready!

The magical mystical mythical symbol of the Boston Marathon - the Unicorn!

Ruth Anne: (Gently tugs at my arm) "Come on mom. We've got to go into Marathon Sports. It's our Boston Marathon Tradition."
Me: "Sure okay!"
Me observing woman stacking cowbells in her arms
"Excuse me. May I ask who you are buying those for?"
Woman: "Sure it's for my team. I work for a biomedical company that helps trauma victims with our product. There's a runner who benefited from our product and we're here to cheer him on. He's amazing. He just ran Tokyo."
Me: "Um is that Jared?"
She was as shocked as we were. "How do you know him?"

Ruth Anne shared that Jared and I were each guests on the On the Runs podcast. She had no idea he had been on the podcast. I mentioned that we'd not yet met in person but were planning a meet up during the weekend. We chatted about Jared's medical miracle thanks to the product made by her company! Alicia had one of the Marathon Sports staff take our photo. We all said what a blessing it was to meet! Listen to Jared's On the Runs Podcast Episode 88.  We each texted Jared about the amazing synchronicity that brought us together in that moment at Marathon Sports. Jared texted back, "Omg that is incredible! The good vibes are syncing up."

Let the magic of the Unicorn begin!

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 interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square