I Exceed All Expectations and Now I Set the Pace!

 

On Saturday, Team McManus headed to Quincy to participate in the 2 mile walk at the Bill Dunn, Jr. Memorial Road Race that many members of our running Club, L Street Running Club,  participate in every year. There is a 5 mile run and two mile walk to honor Bill Dunn, Jr., a beloved member of the Hough's Neck Community. Because of the distance shorter than a 5K, I wanted to race it and see what pace I'd be able to do. All proceeds go toward scholarships for those in need in Quincy as a way to keep Bill's spirit alive. 

During my morning meditation, I wondered whether or not we should go. I hadn't heard from my fellow running Club members about it for a week nor was anything posted on Facebook. What if no one else was there from L Street? Would there be volunteers to let us know where to turn? I have no idea where the race is or what the vibe is like? What if ... what if...what if... So I let go and let the Universe lead. I usually make sure that we get to a race at least a half hour before it starts. We got a late start since we all had to go to the bathroom. When we arrived, it was 20 minutes to start time. We saw many members of L Street who directed us where to go to get our t-shirts. Tom found a parking space less than a block away. We changed into the walkers t-shirts and headed to the start finding more members of L Street along the way exchanging hugs and high fives.

 

 It was a rather disorganized start to the race and suddenly it started. We were in the middle of the pack. As the pace picked up, we stayed with the middle of the pack. It was perfect running weather. We've been so blessed with weather for the past 3 events we've been a part of. The heat and humidity would have made for a very different race day.

We had to start out slowly since there was a tight pack of runners and walkers but once the pack dispersed, we were able to settle into a rhythm. I knew that I wanted to do at least a sub 20 minute/mile pace (and please remember that for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair I go pretty fast). I just opened it up and wanted to see, in the words of my once beloved personal trainer, what this body could do. 

Ruth Anne kept an eye on the pace and was so supportive and encouraging as she said, "Wow Ma, you're doing great. Look at you go."

Tom was our official photographer since I did not want to break my rhythm along the beautiful course.

 

This was the first race that Ruth Anne, Tom and I shared since the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon. It was exhilarating to be together AND to be in the middle of the pack where we saw walkers and runners in front of us and walkers behind us. I asked two women next to us if they'd done the race before. When they said yes, I asked where the turnaround was as we were approaching the 1 mile mark. There were volunteers up ahead directing the walkers to a left turn. She reassured us that we wouldn't get lost. I said to Tom and Ruth Anne, "Of course we won't because I am able to keep up with the pack!" 

There were a few hills, rolling hills and then a steep incline. I was amazed at how I was able to keep my pace and stay with the pack. I felt an indescribable sense of joy and exhilaration that I was off of the sidelines. I was able to pass other walkers but my only competition was myself. While virtual races are awesome in their own right and enabled me to finish the unfinished business of the Bermuda 10K,  I have to agree with Scott Jurek that there is something that stirs the soul when you are out on the roads or trails with competitors.

The total distance was 2.19 miles and I asked out loud to no one in particular, would I be able to keep this pace for a 5K? 

 

 

When I did the First Run Virtual 5K in 2023, my first race since having a setback in my healing journey in 2021/2022, I did an 18:40 minute/mile pace. I am imprinting how great I felt pushing my pace, going for 2.19 miles with a very brief stop for water and feeling deep in my soul that I am still capable of great things! As a point of interest, my age grade calculation for today's race is a 14:30 minute/mile pace. 

The couplet on the above photo is an excerpt from the first poem I wrote, "Running the Race" in February of 2007. After receiving the devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. That poem foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. The runner within me was born in my imagination. Seventeen years later I am celebrating life and aging strong feeling blessed and grateful, knowing that every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing. My heart overflows with gratitude.

We stayed at the finish line to cheer on our L Street runners finishing their 5 miler. Everyone said how much better the conditions were this year than last year when they were soaked with sweat in the heat and humidity.

It would be so easy to say, well that was just a walk or just a two miler but you know what? There is no such thing as just! Be proud and loud about your achievements without comparing yourself to anyone else. I remember when one person said to me, "You call that running?" I smiled broad and wide. "I sure do," I answered. Throughout these past 17 years, I have exceeded all expectations and I set the pace and what a pace I set on Saturday with the help of my teammates, Tom and Ruth Anne.

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  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

Risk Going Too Far! Celebrating a Half Birthday!

 

In "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior," the theme of taking a risk is woven throughout my story. Transformation is an ongoing process. After a major setback in 2021/2022, it was time to risk going too far again. It can be so easy to become complacent and surrender to 'what is' as I did after an adverse reaction to the COVID vaccine. I honestly thought my racing days and distance days were behind me. But how dull my life would be just resting on what I'd done as a most unlikely runner rather than continuing to challenge myself and see what this body can do over and over and over again.

I just celebrated my half birthday on 6/25. I've been pushing my pace in training runs and love sweating, feeling nauseous and how strong I am becoming despite having once been diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disease. 

This was my Facebook post after my strength training session on Monday: 

 

From atrophy to activity and amazingness! During this morning's strength training session with Tom McManus, as we did our weighted leg lifts, I blurted out "I am getting stronger. From atrophy to activity and amazingness!"

17 years ago I was still in my leg brace and had messages from Western Medicine that said, "Prepare to spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair. If you use it you will lose it." Initially I needed to slow down, leave my award-winning social work career and use a leg brace and cane and energy conservation techniques.

But something deep within me stirred as I wrote poetry harnessing the power of the mind/body connection. Optimism, faith, gratitude and feeling connection to Source fueled my healing in the wake of the devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. 

To celebrate my half birthday, we went to Cape Cod. I switched up my training plan for the week. Strength training on Monday. A run on Tuesday. A walk on Wednesday. Now it's time for two rest days before a 2 mile race on Saturday. 

I noticed the improvement in my strength and endurance from when we visited Cape Cod last year. Having gone out on May 4th to finish the unfinished business from Bermuda gave my body a confidence boost. I believe that it sent my body a powerful healing message. I risked going too far that day because I had not yet built back my mileage and my body was recovering from travel and the DNF but I found out how far I can go!

Every day is a celebration of life and having my half birthday was a great excuse to enjoy and celebrate in our happy place on Cape Cod. Enjoy these photos that highlight the joy:

 

I've made lifestyle changes to support my desire to risk going too far. While we were on the Cape, I had no ice cream or desserts. The only sweet treat I consume these days is FlavaNaturals. I consume no alcohol or red meat and love fish with occasional chicken. I know nutritionists and trainers say don't deprive yourself but truth be told, the way that I feel when I focus on healthy eating habits far outweighs any feelings of deprivation. Dr. David Hamilton speaks to the power of neuroplasticity when we want to change habits. We can retrain our brains to eliminate cravings for foods that we tend to over indulge in or even foods that don't feed our bodies well. I've also eliminated pizza which was a regular part of my diet. I feel lighter and healthier. David explains that our wiring is like a path in a field. We keep going over the same path in the field because it's the easiest path. It takes a lot of work and effort to go down a new path BUT what happens is the new path becomes known and familiar and the old path gets overgrown along with the desire to go down that path again. Initially it takes discipline and effort to make changes but the rewards are so worth it.

In 2007, I took a risk with a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career. In 2009 I risked going too far by running the Boston Marathon. Throughout my adventures as runnergirl 1953, I risked going too far. Once again in my healing journey, I am risking going too far. I've intensified strength training effort and pushing my pace. My goal race for this year is the Somerville Jingle Bell 5K on December 15th. Next year, I will risk going too far and train for another half 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  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

 

I'd Rather Be Last Than a Spectator!

 

After a setback in 2021/2022 in my health and wellness journey, I thought that my participation in events had come to an end. My daughter Ruth Anne reminded me that I had not come that far to only go that far. I trained for the Bermuda 10K and was not able to finish the race due to a number of circumstances, but I made the shift from being on the sidelines as a spectator to participating in the event. I did go out on May 4th and finished my unfinished business of the 10K distance after a hiatus from doing anything more than a 5K. Even though it was a virtual race, I competed against myself and won! 

On 6/28, there is a road race that my running club is a part of. It's a 5 mile run and a 2 mile walk. As I get ready to celebrate my half birthday on 6/25th, I consulted with the other two members of Team McManus and they are all in for doing the two mile walk together. Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund for a beloved member of the Hough's Neck community who died in a boating accident in 2001. On 7/28th, a dear friend of ours who we met through the On the Runs podcast, Maurice Lowman, also known as Marathon Panda is having an event at Marathon Sports in Providence.

 When I found the event on EventBrite it said that the 5K was an hour. I reached out to Marathon Sports and was delighted to find out it is, indeed for all abilities but they could only set the event in half hour intervals. I'd be welcome to do the run! Maurice's energy is infectious and he knows the power of community and supporting runners of all abilities.

 I experience great joy in being off of the sidelines. At almost 70 and a half years old, I am celebrating 17 years of healing and allowing my body to be and do the very best it can be! Because I contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5 1/2 years old, I was a stranger to athletics. I was blessed with a wonderful physical  therapist and physiatrist who coaxed my withered muscles and nerves back to health to enable me to walk again. With the one two punch of polio and severe trauma at the hands of family members, I was the last pick in gym class and teased and taunted with "easy out Alper." But after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I set out on a quest to heal my life! The runner within me was born in my imagination!

In most races, I am one of the last or the last runner to finish. My first experience at being last, realizing that the running community cheers rather than jeers the last runner in a race was at the Marathon Sports 5 Miler in July of 2008. Sweat and tears poured as I wondered what was I doing training for the Boston Marathon but Tom refused to let me quit. You would have thought I broke the finisher's tape when I arrived on the field at the finish. The pizza was cold and the water was hot but the hugs were like nothing I'd ever experienced before in my life.

I'd always rather be the slowest runner in a race than a spectator for a lifetime!

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  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

A Runner's High Spectating & Volunteering

17 years ago I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. I went through a miraculous journey of transformation and became a most unlikely runner. The running community has become an integral part of my life. This past weekend I was blessed to be support crew for Tom and Ruth Anne at the Squirrel Run. The proceeds from the race support the Angel ALS Fund for research at UMass Medical Center. The Kennedy family, of Kennedy Physical Therapy has been particularly hard hit by ALS. One of the brothers whose nickname was Squirrel died at the age of 31. Jake Kennedy, a near and dear honorary member of our L Street Running Club died in 2020. Their father died from ALS. Another brother, Ratt has been diagnosed with ALS and is doing well thanks to an experimental drug trial funded by the Angel Fund. As he said during the pre-race announcements, "I am able to stand here thanks to the amazing work of Dr. Brown" whom he then introduced. 

Our running club turns out to support this race. We had quite a turn out. It was a wonderful reunion for us with running family who we had not seen in awhile.

One of our friend's, Sean Long's sister was recently diagnosed with ALS. He will be running the Falmouth Road Race in her honor raising money for ALS Research!

 

Even though I was support crew for Tom and Ruth Anne, I felt a runner's high cheering the runners and a Squirrel at the start and into the finish. Ruth Anne paced Tom to a third place finish in his Age Group! 

At the post-race celebration we had love filled conversations and talk about 'what's next.' It was as though no time had passed for the bonds that runner family form transcend time and place.

When Ruth Anne ran the LA Marathon, we had an amazing moment of synchronicity at the concierge desk when we met Jen Reidy, partner of Brian McCourt, President of the McCourt Foundation. She told us about the McCourt Foundation Boston Waterfront 5K. "We could really use volunteers," she said. Ruth Anne quickly replied, "We'll do it."

Sunday morning we headed to Black Falcon Terminal on the Pier of South Boston for our t-shirt pick up volunteer assignment. The vibe for this race that raises money for the McCourt Foundation is off the chart!  Their mission is: Striving to cure neurological diseases one event at a time and empowering communities to build a better world! They focus their support on ALS, Alzheimer's, MS and Parkinson's Disease. The McCourt brothers' mother lived with Alzheimer's for a decade and their father died from MS at the age of 41! Their story is phenomenal and their passion to make this world a healthier place gives me goosebumps.

Here are photos from our adventure in volunteering:

We had a reunion with Jen who told us what Brian was wearing so we could find him in the crowd. We loved doing t-shirt pick up and laughed at how some people tried to get extra shirts or were particular about how the shirt fit! We laughed as Tom, Ruth Anne and I exchanged stories about the excuses people gave for getting an extra shirt -- at a fundraiser! My favorite story of the day. "Excuse me, Can I please get a second t shirt?" "You can purchase one at the finisher's store." "What if I told you my last name was McCourt." "Well then I'd ask you to see Brian." "That's cool," he said. "Brian is my Uncle. You did good there." He extended his hand and introduced himself as Andrew. I told him how we knew his Uncle. He thanked us for volunteering.

A magical moment happened when our beloved friend Tina who we know through L Street Running Club since we ran Boston in '09, spotted us. She and her husband Michael were doing bike 'duty' as she likes to call it as part of race day safety. Ruth Anne and Tina had to take a selfie together:

She was sorry she missed the Squirrel Run this year but she had a conflict. She shared with us that a member of L Street is the Race Director for the McCourt Foundation! 

Despite needing to walk back to our car in the pouring rain, my heart overflowed with gratitude that I have been blessed with healing from the once devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. Being in the running community, whether spectating, volunteering or running, I get a runner's high fired up to continue to build strength, endurance and speed on my own health and wellness journey. The friends we have made through the years have become family and our family continues to grow in love, passion and compassion to use running as a way to make a difference in the world!

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  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

Global Running Day 2024

 

As an Ambassador for the Boston Run Show, I received a message that invited us to document our activity on Global Running Day.  Except for 2021/2022 when I had a major setback, I always enjoyed celebrating Global Running Day. When it was a scheduled rest day, as Wednesday was, I swapped Thursday's run for Wednesday! Now that I finished my unfinished business from a DNF in Bermuda, I am working on speed during my weekday runs. 

I felt something stir deeply in my soul as Ruth Anne and I headed out the door to get in our 2 miles for the day. I asked her to please pace me. Now what you, dear readers need to realize is that for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I run pretty fast. What I LOVE about the running community is whether you run a 5 minute mile or in my case an 18-19 minute mile you are embraced and accepted. What a contrast to when I was growing up after having contracted paralytic polio when I was teased and taunted by my peers. I felt unbridled joy deep in my heart and soul. The come back is so much sweeter than the setback. I felt a profound connection to the communities of the Boston Run Show and the National Running Show in the UK. Here's the video Ruth Anne and I took during our run:

Celebrating 17 years of healing in the wake of a devastating diagnosis fills my heart with gratitude. Experiencing the beauty of nature and having a phenomenal coach and cheerleader in Ruth Anne intensified the pleasure of celebrating Global Running Day.

I earned the Garmin Global Running Day Badge and, in addition to having the best time, I had the best time in a long time with a 19:01 min/mile pace with a huge negative split of 19:53 on first mile to 18:06 on the second mile!

This morning I received the email from the National Running Show.
Global Running Day 2024 took place this Wednesday, and to celebrate the National Running Show and Boston Run Show communities took on a challenge to run a combined ultra marathon...

A challenge to see how far we could all run in 24 hours. No matter how far or how fast people went, every individual contribution added towards an overall total.

The aim was for that total to cross the ultra marathon threshold. But how far could the running community go?

Calling on staff, ambassadors, speakers and brands, the whole #runshow community was called into action.

Oh... and we also documented it! Watch the video below!

I laughed a hearty belly laugh with the start of the video. I cried happy tears and had goosebumps when I saw my face on the cover photo and watched the beautiful editing by Dominic Brown. 

I often wonder what my life would be like if I would not have had the courage and strength to defy the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I would have missed out on so much of life. I love being able to spread a powerful message of healing, of hope, of what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. I love being out on the roads running at my pace and being celebrated by the running community at almost 70 and a half years old. I love how wonderful I feel coming back strong after a major setback in 2021/2022. The message that accompanies Raccoon Media Group's Ultramarathon Challenge is "No matter how far or how fast people went, every contribution added towards an overall total."

Imagine if the world took on the culture of the running community; every contribution is valued and celebrated and everyone is included regardless of age, sexual orientation, appearance or pace! 

Thank you Boston Run Show and National Running Show for sharing the essence of the celebration of Global Running Day around the globe. What a blessing to be a part of this community!

Be sure to mark your calendars for 3/1-3/2/2025 when the Boston Run Show returns to Boston co-locating with the Boston Outdoor Expo at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

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  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

 

We Don't Stop Playing Because We Grow Old...

"Do you think we should go to the Rec Center? It's pretty bad out there."

"By the time we get in the car, find a parking space, and walk to the Rec Center, we could have done our first mile," I said to Ruth Anne.

"Yeah you're right."

We layered up and embraced the elements for our Thursday miles. We splashed in the puddles when we couldn't avoid them. Rather than grumbling at the wind and torrential downpours we laughed. I felt the unbridled joy that we were outside, healthy and able to run in the rain. 

Do you know why I love rainy days with mud and puddles when it's a scheduled run day? Because having contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5 and enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members meant I could never experience the unbridled joy of going out and splashing in puddles. Shortly after being diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. Poetry started flowing out of me igniting the fire of my imagination to heal my past and create a future very different than the one Western Medicine predicted for me. 

After I had a dream in which I came out of my leg brace and was splashing in puddles a la Gene Kelly, I wrote the above poem, "Come Out and Play."

Come Out and Play

Arms flung open wide dancing in the rain
pure abiding joy to feel alive again
healing tears fall and blend in God’s puddle
no time to sit in a corner and huddle
all the old rules driven by fears
washed away now by God’s loving tears
the imprint dad left no longer remains
rain washes away all of the stains
baptized with love, Truth lights my way
the sun shines through on this rainy day
splashing and laughing my heart opens wide
embracing and flowing I’m one with the tide
God takes my hand release the old way
bathe in my glory come out and play!

I am often reminded of Wayne Dyer's quote:

It's ironic that it took the diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease for me to find my joy and my passion in life.

After a major setback in 2021/2022, I realized that I needed to get back on my healing path reminding myself that there was going to be pain whether or I pushed myself or "played it safe". I am so happy I pushed myself up and out of the setback to rekindle my joy of being out on the roads.

Ruth Anne insisted we take selfies to capture the joy in the sloshing squishing of shoes and being soaked to the skin:

 

I was amazed at how we were able to keep moving despite feeling weighed down by our clothing and being literally soaked to the skin! But when we finished the run, after peeling off our clothes and drying off, I felt as though I could take on the whole world.

In my latest book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior," I share quotes about training runs in the rain on the road to the 2024 Bermuda 10K. One of my favorites is: 

We could have gone to the BC Fit Rec Center or opted to do strength training or taken an unscheduled rest day but what would have been the fun in that? 

I am coming up on my half birthday on 6/25th - halfway through the first year of my new decade. As I grow older (not old), I make it a habit to find joy, play and laughter as often as I can! It's true that we don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing!

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

"A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior is now available.  Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square Brookline