Badger Day Camp - End of Summer Olympics

 

In June of 1959, at the tender age of 5 1/2 years old, my life came to a screeching halt. I was dancing around the gym in kindergarten class when I collapsed to the ground. It was polio in one of the last polio epidemics in the US. I was blessed to have Miss Holly, an earth angel of a physical therapist and Dr. Moskowitz who specialized in the rehabilitation of polio patients. There was no disability awareness back then. My first summer camp experience was as traumatic as school was for me when it came to any kind of sports activities. Dr. Moskowitz suggested I attend Badger Day Camp. Dr. Moskowitz believed that swimming in an Olympic size swimming pool with swim times twice a day along with the caring and compassionate leadership of Ruth and John Collins, it would be the perfect environment for me to heal and thrive in the wake of contracting paralytic polio.

I flourished during my first season there and was eager to return for a second season. The counselors and fellow campers were a healing balm to the abuse I experienced at home and the taunting and teasing I experienced at school. One of my swimming counselors, Joe Stetz, invited me to  participate in the end of summer camp Olympics (that they continue to have 60 years later) in of all strokes, the Butterfly stroke! There were only two other campers who were willing to compete in the Butterfly and I was guaranteed a place on the  podium regardless of how long it would take for me to finish. I told him I was terrified of jumping off of the starting block and was challenged with turns at the wall. He knew of my history of polio but that didn't stop him from becoming my mentor getting me ready for the Olympics. 

Here is a photo of Joe with John Collins, John Snooks, and Richard Tangeman posing at the Badger pool after breaking the American Record in the 4x100yard Medley Relay in 1962 🇺🇸!

How could I possibly have refused Joe with his strength, compassion, warm smile and deep soulful brown eyes! He was true to his word and worked with me to make sure I'd have the confidence I needed to go out in my lane swimming with heart as fast as my physically challenged body would take me. He told me to not look to my right or my left but stay in my lane and go as fast as I could. He knew how much courage it took for me to get to the starting block. He extended his hand to me when I touched the wall and walked with me to the podium where I received a bronze plaque for my effort.

On the last day of camp, he gave me a warm hug and wanted me to stay in touch with him. He was giving up a bid to compete in the summer Olympics in the Butterfly to pursue a career in medicine. We lost touch through the years but the imprint he left on my heart and soul has remained with me. I know that the experience I had at Badger enabled me to take on the challenge of the 2009 Boston Marathon in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. As a VA social worker, we often read the Death Notices in the Boston Globe to see if our veterans had made their transition. Imagine my shock when, in December of 2004, I saw his Death Notice.

I did a google search to learn more about the incredible life of the man who helped me navigate the turbulent waters of my childhood.  I was stunned to discover that we worked at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center at the same time when I worked as a social worker on the inpatient geriatric psychiatric unit.

From the Special Forces Association Tribute:

In 1971, Dr. Joseph J. Stetz, Jr.  was drafted by the Army as part of the Berry Plan, which utilized young physicians and surgeons who had just completed residencies. Captain (Dr) Stetz was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and his two daughters were born there in 1972 and 1973.  He completed a Basic Airborne Course conducted in Okinawa.  In 1973, he returned to the United States and was stationed at Cutler Army Hospital, Fort Devens, MA.  After completing his Active Duty obligation, Major Stetz joined the RI Army National Guard (that desperately needed doctors) on one condition: he would be attached to Special Forces.  Joe attended weekend training assemblies and Annual Training with SF in addition to fulfilling the requirements of RIARNG State Surgeon.  Joe also became qualified as a Flight Surgeon.  He would quietly remain in the background during SF operations.  However, when SF soldiers were injured, he would immediately come to their aid.  Joe would accompany them to the ER and take charge of their care.  Colonel (Dr) Joseph J. Stetz, Jr. retired after 30 years of service.  Joe was a Charter Member (D3819) of Chapter 48, SFA.

From the Boston Globe Obituary:

Dr. Joseph J. Stetz Jr. of Lexington, who picked medical school over a chance to compete in the Olympic swimming trials, was a man of few words except when it came to medicine.  The former surgeon, who wore cowboy boots and was known to give hugs to patients, died Saturday at Boston Medical Center at age 62. He died 12 hours after he was in a single-car accident in Lexington. A family member said he died after his blood pressure dropped.

"He was an old-school doctor who didn't mind giving patients a much-needed hug," said Bernadette Trenholm, Dr. Stetz's personal administrator and close friend. "Appointments were always as long as they needed to be with him. If the patients needed two hours, Dr. Stetz would give them two hours."  Dr. Stetz was a cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton for two decades until his retirement in October.

Dr. Stetz grew up in Manhattan and spent a lot of time swimming; his father was a swim coach. Dr. Stetz swam competitively at Harvard University and qualified for the 1964 Summer Olympic trials while a student. But Dr. Stetz, a butterfly specialist, faced tremendous family pressure to go to medical school and chose medicine over an Olympic bid. He received his medical degree from the SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn in 1968. In 1967 he married Estelle Manetas.  He spent many Thanksgivings and holidays working. "He had no problem staying up till 2 a.m. at the patient's bedside," Trenholm said. "There were times that he would perform three open heart surgeries a day, and up to 600 a year."

Medical textbooks and magazines took up a great deal of space in his Lexington home. "He was an avid reader," his daughter Jessica said. "He kept every magazine, every book, and every article."  Jessica, of Brooklyn, works in emergency medicine at SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, her father's alma mater.  "He was extremely dedicated to his work and had a huge desire to always read and learn more," Jessica said. "Medicine is something we bonded over."

Dr. Stetz's other daughter, Rebecca of Oxford, England, has a doctorate in chemistry and works at Oxford University.Dr. Stetz was interested in the outdoors. He had a Stetson hat and several pairs of cowboy boots. He loved riding Sassy, his horse of 15 years, and dreamed of moving to Montana, his daughter Jessica said. Until recently, Dr. Stetz rode his horse several times a week. In addition to his daughters and former wife, Dr. Stetz leaves a granddaughter, Julia."

Fast forward to the starting line of the 2017 Bermuda 10K. I was waiting for Tom to begin his race. As spectators often do, we struck up a conversation. She was a nurse who was scoping out the race as part of a medical preparedness team.

"Where are you from?" I asked.

"We live not far from Boston," she replied.

 "Oh interesting. May I ask where you work?" (I had no idea why I asked her that question!)

 "I work at St. Elizabeth's."

 My breath caught. She mentioned she'd been there for many years.

"By any chance did you know Dr. Joe Stetz?" I  inquired.

"I sure did!," and she went on to ask me about how I knew him.

We shared stories and our eyes filled with tears. She told me that Joe injured his hand changing the oil in his car and was devastated that he could no longer practice surgery. She shared that he was looking forward to retirement having time to read books, enjoy his grandchild and ride horses. The gun went off and we went our separate ways but not before I felt goosebumps from head to toe remembering Joe.

I know Joe was with me when I ran Boston and has been with me during all of my adventures as a most unlikely runner. He instilled within me the heart of a champion and taught me to never be afraid to finish last. At the tender age of 10 years old, I learned that despite all appearances to the contrary, I could exceed what I perceived to be my limitations and overcome my fears. But I did not do it alone. As Wilma Rudolph, polio survivor and Gold medal Olympian said, "No matter what accomplishments we make, somebody helps us."

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.

 

 

High Fives and Positive Vibes - Panda Posse 5K!

 

And the On the Runs podcast has brought many many amazing people into my life, like Maurice Lowman aka Marathon Panda. 

Before and after I was a guest on the On the Runs podcast, Ep 56, I became a huge fan of the pod tuning in every week. Episode 63 featured Maurice Lowman aka Marathon Panda. It was co-host Erika Hamel's birthday.  Maurice's birthday wish to Erika was filled with genuine, positive, infectious energy. I was riveted by his story that he shared with vulnerability, truth, honesty and integrity. Running and the running community saved his life. Maurice - Moe - Panda lives and breathes life with an attitude of gratitude. He had a vision for an all inclusive community run to bring runners together, to spread his message of hope, high fives, positivity and gratitude and to celebrate his outside run streak since 1/1/2016. You can do a google search and listen to his episode on the On the Runs podcast to learn more about who he is and how he is now a positivity and hope dealer.

I had emailed Marathon Sports Providence, the sponsor of the Panda Posse 5K to see if there was a time limit. While all paces would be warmly welcomed and there would be volunteers out on the course, I decided to do my virtual 5K and see what pace I could do as if I were racing. Moe's videos always fire me up to challenge myself to see what I can do. If you are on Instagram and don't already follow him, go to @marathonpandamaurice and you'll see what I'm talking about!

Saturday was a hot and humid day and while it's usually recommended to dial back the pace in the heat, something was fired up inside of me to see if I could break that elusive 1 hour mark  that I hadn't been able to break since I did the Virtual 5K First Run in 2023. Rather than look at my Garmin, I ran from the inside out remembering the words of my personal trainer when I trained for the 2009 Boston Marathon, "Let's see what this body can do." I was soaked with sweat and felt that delicious nausea that comes with an all out effort. Tom worked on Saturday and Ruth Anne was in the hospital. It was a solo run that gave me time and space to cleanse from the inside out! My time? 59:36 -- Age graded at 41:41.  Remember, for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I run pretty fast! I spent the afternoon resting and preparing for what I knew was going to be a spectacular Sunday event. I had no idea just how spectacular it was going to be!

We woke up at 6:00am to make sure we had plenty of time to find parking, find our way through the mall (we had a history of getting lost in Providence when Tom and Ruth Anne ran the Providence Half in 2022). There was no traffic and we found parking in the garage. But which way to go  to get to Marathon Sports? Fortunately we saw two runners with bibs who were kind enough to double back around and show us the way. Runners are like that...yeah they are.

What a joy to reunite with Maurice who I had met in person for the first time at the Boston Run Show in January. His Panda hug, his positivity and genuine gratitude for all who were there for the Panda Posse 5K warmed my heart and soul. His kindness and compassion pours from his every pore. Just look at that smile!

 

We went to the registration table where I got to meet Avery in person! She does the social media for Marathon Sports. We 'met' on line when she reached out to me to ask if they could use the photo and story for `A Full Circle Moment.'  I debated whether or not I should take our bibs since we weren't going to run. I decided to take them as souvenirs. After collecting our bibs and really amazing swag t-shirts, we headed to the start/finish line where the energy was all high fives and positive vibes.

We cheered on the runners and chatted with other members of the Marathon Sports marketing team who knew my story. We talked about the incredible turnout for this event and how Marathon Sports is dedicated to bringing community together. Their service to runners of all abilities and all ages extends far beyond the walls of their brick and mortar stores. We 'ran' into runner friends whom we have known through the years, made new friends finding out we had connections in common and enjoyed the camaraderie of the day. Maurice is a magnet who brings like-hearted people together.

I've known Charlie Breagy, Run Rhody race director extraordinaire through the years through Geoff Smith. Tom was wearing his Bermuda Half Marathon t-shirt that caught Charlie's eye as he finished the race. I'd know Charlie anywhere with his 6'+ stature. We chatted about his friendship with Geoff, (his record for the Bermuda 10K still stands), Run Rhody races and my running story. He thoroughly embraced my journey and said he'd like to share it with his network!

The Marathon Sports team really knows how to put on a premier event. At the finish line they had a jug filled with ice water with electrolytes and Gu Stroop Waffles. Back at the store there were refreshments with bagels, donuts and coffee, Burke Sports Rehab providing post-race massage and an opportunity to mix, mingle and shop. The staff provided outstanding customer service as I was looking for a birthday gift for Ruth Anne. My shopping was pleasantly interrupted when Melody Gamba arrived. She is the daughter of Marlene Gamba who I shared miles with at the Bermuda 10K at the back of the pack. We networked with store manager, Sean Duncan and the marketing team to build a relationship between Marathon Sports and Providence Fit Body Boot Camp! We talked about community, collaboration, health, wellness and senior wellness along with Sean's passion, purpose and mission in his role as Marathon Sports manager.

Our conversation was interrupted by Jess (Director of Marketing) and Avery's announcement that it was time for the raffle. I was thinking, "Oh I missed out. I didn't get a raffle ticket" when they said that it was based on bib numbers. 

"The first prize is for a pair of Oofos. It's bib #64!"

"That's me. I left the bibs in the car. Do you want me to go get it?"

"No. You're fine. Congratulations!"

I turned to Melody and Sean and shared with them how Ruth Anne loves Oofos and we were debating about whether or not to get her a pair for her birthday. We decided to pass for now since we'd already bought other gifts and they are pricey (but of course well worth it!) Avery, Sean and Melody helped me choose just the right pair and size as Melody took a photo:

 

As the after party wound down, we exchanged hugs, high fives and gratitude for a sensational Sunday morning celebrating hope, recovery, the power of community and positivity as the Panda Posse will continue to grow!

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.

The Bannister Effect: It Always Seems Impossible Until It's Done!

 

Before Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile in 1954, everyone believed it was not possible. After he broke the 4 minute mile, others believed it was possible and were able to break his record. The current record for a man in the mile is 3:43. It's called "The Bannister Effect";  the idea that a seemingly foreboding achievement can be duplicated by many others once one person shows it is possible.

This quote from Dr. Joe Dispenza popped up in my social media feed: "Every time someone heals themselves, they are breaking a belief system about what was once thought impossible." I was told to prepare for life in a wheelchair and an accelerated decline as I aged. The Western Medicine view was that if you use it you lose it, not taking into account the body's tremendous capacity to heal and neuroplasticity. I was able to harness the power of the mind/body connection through writing poetry visualizing myself as healthy, whole and healed. Despite all the literature to the contrary about Post-Polio Syndrome, I went on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953!

After a serious knee injury in December of 2014, I was told to stop running or cap my distance at a 5K; that I should never have started running in the first place. I would need a total knee replacement in a few years. Shredded cartilage, bone spurs, degenerative changes from arthritis, "Oh and the gastroc muscle on the left leg is atrophied from the initial polio virus. There's nothing we an do about that." The Universe led me to a chiropractor who turned me on to Dr. Joe's work. With chiropractic, visualization, meditation, a new strength training regimen, KT tape and a powerful belief that I would and could continue to heal, I grew a new gastroc muscle, dissolved bone spurs, grew new cartilage and went on to run 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018!

Another setback in 2021/2022 led to another comeback that I chronicle in my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" now available on Amazon. 

And speaking of seeming impossible -- Celine Dion was experiencing a strange array of neurological symptoms. She thought maybe it was all in her head and doctors were at first stymied by her symptoms that took away her ability to sing. She was finally diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called, "Stiff Person's Syndrome." It's called a chronic and progressive neurological disease. Who tuned into the Olympics or saw the video gone viral about her performance?

 With medication, intensive therapies and an indomitable Spirit, she performed again!

Others who may have been diagnosed with Stiff Person's Syndrome now have hope! People who have been diagnosed with "chronic and progressive" conditions now see what's possible and have hope that with hard work, the best that allopathic and homeopathic therapies have to offer, the power of belief in the body's tremendous capacity to heal when harnessing the mind/body connection, it's all so possible. It always seems impossible until it's done, but miracles happen when we bear witness to what IS possible despite all appearances or beliefs to the contrary!

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.

It's Kind of Fun Doing The Impossible!

 

A quote popped up in my memories from Bernie Siegel about impossible:

And then a series of impossible quotes filled my news feed and memories! It was a nudge from the Universe to write a blog post about impossible and how I transformed my life despite all appearances to the contrary after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in 2006.

I was introduced to Dr. Bernie Siegel in the mid-1980's when I was hospitalized with a staph infection in my shoulder. My nurse, Beth Jordan, said that my life needed healing. Talk about an earth angel. She brought in cassette tapes of his talks and I immersed myself in his books. I met him at a lecture he was giving and he became my Bonus Dad. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I joined his Forum. We developed an even deeper relationship as he gave me loving support as I took on the challenge of running the 2009 Boston Marathon. I had never run a day in my life and had just come out of my toe-up leg brace and using a cane for mobility. At times, I was using a wheelchair! When I told my personal trainer I wanted to run the Boston Marathon after six months of working together, she could have said that's impossible! Instead she said I would need a pair of running shoes as I share in this excerpt from On The Runs podcast Ep. 56:

The runner within me was born in my imagination. Long before I bought my first pair of running shoes, I wrote the poem, "Running the Race." I saw something in my mind's eye that contradicted what Western Medicine told me; that defied my deconditioned state. Yet in February of 2008, that first poem I wrote was about to foreshadow my 2009 Boston Marathon run!

That first day I learned how to run, my personal trainer said, "It's like walking only faster." My heart rate went up over 160. But a minute of running, turned into 30 minutes of running, turned into a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon and 26.2 miles raising $10,535 for Spaulding Rehab. The training and the fundraising seemed at once overwhelming and exhilarating!

 

It seemed impossible until I crossed both finish lines on April 20, 2009.

After a serious knee injury in 2014, I was told that I should never have started running. I should stop running or cap my distance at a 5K and prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years. "The MRI shows that your gastroc muscle atrophied as a result of the polio. There's nothing we can do about that."

I found my way to a chiropractor/healer who told me I just HAD to read Dr. Joe Dispenza's book, "You Are the Placebo". With chiropractic care, KT tape, a new strength training regimen, visualization and my belief in the body's tremendous capacity to heal, I healed my knee injury, grew a new gastroc muscle and went on to run 3 Bermuda Half Marathons.

After a setback in 2021/2022 after an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine, I realized that I had not come that far to only go that far in my health and wellness journey. I remembered all that I had healed through the years despite all appearances to the contrary and despite what Western Medicine told me. I'm back on the roads having found my finish line at the 10K distance, have a goal race of the Somerville Jingle Bell 5K in December and have my sights set on a half marathon again in 2025!

It's kind of fun to do the impossible! My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" will wow you with my incredible journey where I consistently defied the odds and transformed impossible to a powerful message of healing, hope and infinite possibilities!

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.

 

Be a Hill Seeker!

 

"Hey Mary, where are you going to run this morning?" Tom asked me.

"Well I'd like to try to avoid that big hill coming up from the small Reservoir so I'll do the big one."

But as I headed down the walk way from our house, I took a left instead of a right heading to the small Reservoir! The day had already started to heat up with the sunshine and yet another day of high humidity, but I opened my heart to the beauty of the day.

 

I took particular notice of the angel slides and a heart in the clouds. I felt Source within me and felt Source surrounding me. I loved feeling sweat trickle down my back. Gratitude overflowed as I remember a day in 2007 when I went for a walk on Wollaston Beach. After 10 minutes, I had to go back to the car. I was still in my toe up leg brace, using a cane for mobility. As I came to the uphill to go home, I felt a surge of energy. My goal race for this year is the Somerville Jingle Bell 5K in December. There are a lot of hills on the course. I want to feel well trained and give it my best effort during this training cycle and on race day. When I walked through the door, Tom took this photo of me that captures the joy and sense of satisfaction I felt being a hill seeker.

 

In life and on the roads, we cannot avoid the inevitable uphill climbs. Oh sure, we can try to find alternate routes to avoid hills but ultimately, we cannot avoid life's challenges. I have known challenges since I was 5 years old and have been climbing metaphorical hills ever since. The view is spectacular from the top. Strength and resilience, grace and beauty are discovered when we conquer the hills!

 Be sure to order my newly released 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" that shares my journey on the road to the 2024 Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K that gave a whole new meaning to being a hill seeker!

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.

 

Joyful and Grateful Running in the Rain

 

There are many memes and quotes about running in the rain such as these two that I experienced during my fabulous 5K on Saturday morning.

 

The rain stopped as I headed out the front door. I peeled off my jacket and didn't even bother to tie it around my waste. It was warm and muggy.  I checked my weather app and there was no rain in the forecast. We all know how accurate our weather app is right?

Wearing a singlet and shorts, I smiled feetling gratitude overflow from my heart for the miracle of healing in my life these past 17 years. Tom and Ruth Anne are training together for the Cape Cod Half Marathon. I once again get to enjoy solitude runs. The sprinkles of rain quickly turned to a steady downpour. I started laughing and threw my arms open wide with joyful and youthful exuberance.

Having contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5 followed by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members, I never knew the joy of splashing in puddles feeling free in my body. Simple childhood pleasures were a challenge for me. BUT at the age of 53, I was given the gift of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome that was a wake up call for me. After asking for Divine Guidance, poetry began flowing out of my soul. 

I had a dream one night early on in my health and wellness journey that I came out of my leg brace and was dancing in the rain like Gene Kelly splashing in the puddles. That dream gave birth to the above poem, "Come Out and Play." My poetry helped to heal the trauma from my childhood and create a future very different than the one Western Medicine predicted for me. 

During Saturday's run I thought about Tony Robbins quote. "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." There were unavoidable puddles and mud. I felt the gravel from the Reservoir path hit the back of my legs. There were a few other runners on the path and we exchanged smiles as we passed. It would have been awesome to have windshield wipers for my glasses. I took them off since the rain had completely covered them! My singlet stuck to my skin and needless to say, my shorts were soaked. I thought about the contrast between being delighted by a run in the warm summer rain and when it's that chilly feel it to my bones fall or spring rain when the soaked clothes weigh me down. 

What a blessing to feel light and free embracing the gift of being able to run through the rain. There was a special kind of beauty that's different than when the sun is sparkling on the blue water:

 

There was so much laughter and joy in my heart as I crossed the threshold of the doorway to my home; a home that 17 years ago I was told I would need to adapt or move to a ranch. I know that without the gifts of the challenges I experienced, I would not experience the depths of joy and gratitude that I do savoring life's seemingly simple pleasures. The immense joy and gratitude I experienced after a fabulous 5K in the rain stayed with me for the entire weekend.

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.

Book Review: Choosing to Run: A Memoir Des Linden

When I heard that Des Linden was going to be a headline speaker at the Boston Run Show, I knew that I had to read her book, 'Choosing to Run: A Memoir.'

My husband ran the 2011 Boston Marathon for Boston Children's Hospital. I had a front row seat at the finish line thanks to the hospitality of Marathon Sports. I got goosebumps all over when Des recounts the moments of that iconic finish. My voice was hoarse as I joined in the crowd's chanting trying to will her to get that kick so she could break the finisher's tape. Des's memoir takes us into the heart and mind of her amazing journey as one who chooses to run over and over again despite setbacks and a potentially life threatening health issue.

In the Acknowledgements, Des thanks her agent Josh. "We've shared so many hours and and beers talking about my running career and what it would be like when I won the Boston Marathon. It didn't wind up looking anything like we'd dreamed of, but that made it a bit more special.....Thanks for recognizing that this version, the full version of my Boston win needed to be told..." It certainly did!

Whether or not you are a runner, you will appreciate the unfolding of the events of the day that Des Linden achieved her dream of becoming a Boston Marathon champion. Her memoir draws you into the drama of the day by interspersing the recounting of the miles against the backdrop of what was happening in her life.  After the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, she shares how she had to adapt her training for days when she was not like her former self able to effortlessly roll through the miles. As she Tweeted on 3/15/18: "Some days it just flows and I feel like I'm born to do this, other days it feels like I'm trudging through hell. Every day I make the choice to show up and see what I've got, and to try and be better. My advice: keep showing up."

She certainly does keep showing up. It is always a thrill to see her coming down Beacon Street on the 3rd Monday in April. The crowds adore her no matter what place she is in especially since her iconic 2018 win. The weather conditions were too tough for me to watch the race in person that year but what a thrill to watch the TV coverage and see her all alone down the stretch on Boylston Street to break the finisher's tape, and a spell of over 30 years of not having an American woman win Boston. Being able to experience those final miles through the lens of Des's mind and heart in her memoir brought me to tears and goosebumps all over. 

"Choosing to Run:A Memoir" is an intimate portrait that lets the reader into the life of an inspiring, captivating, uniquely complex champion.  Run, don't walk to get your copy. 

Be sure to sign up for the Boston Run Show Newsletter to stay up to date on all the excitement happening at the Boston Convention and Exhibit Center on March 1-2, 2025. 

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.

My Morning Run!

 "My morning run is the in-between space between yesterday's problems and today's beautiful possibilities" ~Anonymous

This past week has had many challenges for Team McManus but with our strength, grit, resilience and determination we made it through! When I heard that the temps were going to be 100 degrees with the heat index, I set my alarm for 6:30am to get in my Monday morning miles. I knew I needed solo miles this morning to clear out the cobwebs of worry and to get into a head space of positivity and gratitude. It was a gorgeous summer morning although the heat and humidity of the day was beginning to creep in. I let the sweat wash away my worries and tap into the infinite possibilities of a new day and a new week!

During my run, I decided that when I begin my day, I want to start with setting the intention of how I am going to take care of myself today, what am I going to create and what steps am I going to take to move in the direction of my dreams. Yes at 70 and a half years old, I still have dreams!

I paused to soak up the beauty of a summer morning.

 

As I experienced the glory of the scene before me, I tapped into the miracle of my journey of transformation. The title of my first book in my Trilogy of Transformation is, 'Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibilities.' When I first set out to heal my life in the wake of the devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome,  I did not know what was possible. I didn't know that it was possible for me to run the 2009 Boston Marathon despite never having run a day in my life. I didn't know it was possible to have a come back after a major setback in my journey in 2021/2022. I did not know I could have incredible adventures after leaving behind my award-winning social work career at the VA. So the challenges of the past week melted away as I poured sweat and set the intention for the day and week ahead.

Rise.run.repeat. With sweltering temps and high humidity predicted for Thursday, I set my alarm for 6:00am. Despite it being a grey day, I focused on summer's splendor knowing how quickly summertime's verdant greens yield to Autumn splendor.

As I turned the page on the Gone or a Run calendar, it said "Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations." Boy do I know how true that is. I've known challenges since I was 5 years old and each of those challenges through the years were stepping stones for me to become the woman I am today. Were it not for those challenges, I am not sure that I would live with this incredible sense of awe and gratitude; that every step I take is a gift nor would I have a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities to share with the world.

While I am not a big fan of the high heat and humidity, it does motivate me to get up early and experience the blessings of my morning run.

From "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior"

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.