The First Leg of the 10K Challenge - Back to the Sea!

 

"All of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea - whether it is to sail or to watch it - we are going back from where we came." ~John F. Kennedy

Last Saturday I completed the first leg of the Gone for a Run Virtual Run Series 10K Challenge.

There was a strong head wind but having the expanse of the sea as we ran along the shore line in South Boston distracted me from the extra challenge from the head wind. I've always been an 'ocean' kind of gal. One of my favorite places to run is in South Boston. 

 

 

 

 

One training run in South Boston inspired this poem from the soon to be released, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior":

Set Yourself Free

Running in tandem with waves
as seagulls soar
seeing Divine's creations
sun sparkles
sprinkling white caps dotting deep blue
steady breath  
scent of briny air
sounds of water lapping shore
surrounded by beauty.

Stress dissolves
each footstep bids farewell to troubles
joy bubbles from the depths
Divine Love
heart overflows
refreshment for mind and body.

Once shackled
unbridled from unfathomable past
wounds healed
wind whispers
“Run my child
set yourself free”
I am found. 

Here are spectacular scenes from last Saturday's run:

What can I embrace as possible? When I first set out on my quest to heal my life, I had no idea what was possible. I imagined becoming a NY Times Bestselling Author being on Oprah to talk about taking a leap of faith to follow my newfound bliss as a poet and writer but did I know that the poem "Running the Race", the first poem I wrote, would foreshadow my 2009 Boston Marathon run and I would become a beacon of hope for others who may be facing a devastating diagnosis and prognosis? I had no idea when I took a leap of faith on 5/25/2007 leaving behind my award-winning career as a VA social worker with the intention to 'heal my life' where it would lead.

On Saturday, I was lead back to the sea and had a fabulous 5K; the first virtual race in the 10K Challenge. Ruth Anne paced me to negative splits. I felt incredible joy to feel the wind on my face and soak up the energy from the sea surrounding us. It is not lost on me that over 17 years ago I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and faced a grim and uncertain future. What a blessing and how grateful am I to feel free in my body running by the sea that nourishes me mind, body and soul!

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.

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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.