Freedom and Gratitude in a Morning Run!

 The alarm went off at 6:00am. I know how precious the early morning summer runs are here in New England but for some reason, I was wrestling with myself about whether or not I wanted to do an early morning run. It was foggy and misting seemingly a reflection of the mood I was experiencing. Tom and Ruth Anne are training for the Cape Cod Marathon Half Marathon and need to do training runs together at their pace. I ordinarily love solo runs especially with the solitude of the Reservoir. I said to myself after my morning meditation, "Just go before your head says no!"

I savor being able to head out the door with only one layer and shorts. Needing to layer and keeping hats and gloves organized seems to come way too fast after the splendor of Spring and Summertime runs. I got into a good head space and decided to focus on gratitude, finding beauty in the day despite the weather.

When I saw the uphill that takes me up and over to the Cleveland Circle Reservoir I took a pause, and a photo:

My heart overflowed with gratitude experiencing the expansive freedom of the open road before me. I remembered the time when even taking a few steps wearing a toe-up leg brace and using a cane would tax me. What a gift to appreciate my miraculous journey of healing and transformation experiencing the gift of freedom in my life.

I've been working on improving my pace for a 5K. During the week I do two miles on Mondays and Thursdays, strength train on Tuesdays and do active rest (laundry, cleaning, walking) on Sundays and Wednesdays. The Saturday before this early morning Monday run, I did negative splits. Despite the heat, I pushed my pace. The rule of thumb of training is an easy run after a hard run but something ignited within me that was in stark contrast to the overcast skies, mist and fog.

I ran from the inside out. With every step and stride, as sweat poured from every pore, I allowed the run to cleanse me inside and out. I connected with Source within and around me reflecting on what a privilege it is to be able to get up, get dressed and go out the door requiring no assistance from anyone else or anything. My life was quite different 18 years ago. In addition to the toe-up leg brace, cane, occasional wheelchair use, needing assistance with laundry and grocery shopping, I had a tub shower chair and tightly held the stair banister when I had to go up or down stairs. I felt the joy, exhilaration and freedom of pushing my pace. When Tom and Ruth Anne got home, they were surprised that I had 'beaten' them with a 39:18 pace. Remember - for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I run pretty fast!

As I felt the nausea and sweat continued to trickle down the small of my back, exhilaration, gratitude and joy bubbled up from the depths of my heart and soul.  I overrode the initial feelings of wanting to stay in bed and was rewarded with magnificent and magical morning miles. It can sometimes feel counter-intuitive to get up and out for a run when feeling tired but what sweet sweaty rewards await after the miles are done!

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.

On 9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp for a book signing and inspirational conversation, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong." Details are on the News and Events  Page.

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.

 

Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong!

 

"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." ~George Bernard Shaw

During 2023, in Rhode Island, Marlene Rose Gamba was working hard to take on the challenge of her first 10K. I was in Boston training for my comeback event after a major setback in my health and wellness journey in 2021/2022 and to celebrate turning 70.

We met Marlene shortly before mile 1. During my pre-race visualizations, as part of my mental training, I imagined meeting up with someone or a group of someones at the back of the pack in the 2024 Bermuda Weekend Triangle Challenge 10K. Marlene, also in her 70's overcame incredible health challenges to take on the 10K. We inspired each other with our stories. I share the adventure in my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior."

I invited Marlene and her daughter Melody to my book launch party in Brookline. Unfortunately they had a conflict with the date but Melody made other suggestions for where I might do an event, including Providence Fit Body Boot Camp where she has hosted many events, including book signings, in the past!

Taking a leap, after having only met for several hours in Bermuda, we began developing a plan for the event. Ruth Anne was totally on board with being part of the event since she was the one who urged me to take on a big goal to celebrate my 70th birthday and have an epic comeback.

Serendipity and synchronicity abounded as our dear friend Maurice Lowman, aka Marathon Panda, was having an event sponsored by Marathon Sports in ... wait for it... Providence. You can read my blog post recap by following this link. We made wonderful connections with Store Manager, Sean who we had email communication with about partnering with us for the event and members of the Marathon Sports Marketing Team. There was incredible positive energy for the Panda Posse 5K and excitement for our event in September! I presented Sean with two copies of my book "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" and a copy of "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953." Marathon Sports' mission and passion is to create a community of inclusion for all runners/walkers with a commitment to providing all of us with the best fitting shoes to help us meet our goals. Providence Fit Body Boot Camp has classes for individuals who are 55+. Melody and Sean are excited to partner together for more events to support the health and wellness goals of their respective communities. What wonderful synergy!

Here are the event details for Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong:

9/28 at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp in Partnership with Marathon Sports Providence 11:30-1pm  Doors open at 11

An inspirational event for all ages!

Marlene Rose Gamba and Mary McManus, both in their 70’s were two strangers when they met at the back of the pack on the Bermuda Hills 10K in January of 2024; two unlikely runners who overcame  tremendous health challenges to toe the starting line. They forged a friendship to last a lifetime. Their journeys of transformation will uplift, motivate and inspire you to know what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary.

--Enjoy a 15 minute workout led by a Providence Fit Body Boot Camp Coach

--Inspirational conversation with Mary and Marlene moderated by their daughters Melody Gamba and Ruth Anne McManus

--Book signing of Mary’s book, “A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior,” a selection of the WBZ NewsRadio Book Club
 

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/mxASGoEkfp2ny3ts5

Admission is Free! Books are $15.00 payable by Venmo, Cash or Check

Light refreshments & Raffle Prizes!
3 - $50 gift cards to Marathon Sports Providence
1 - $50 gift card to lululemon Providence
1 - $50 gift card to Rhode Runner
Free entry to Run Rhody's Monster Dash 5K
A pack of FlavaBars from FlavaNaturals
2 - autographed copies of Mary's Book
A special gift from Providence Fit Body Boot Camp

Enjoy these scenes from Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K Weekend:

 

 

Marlene, Melody and a PFBBC posse at the start.

Walkers at the start and the elevation, Those hills were no joke!

Meeting Deena Kastor at the Expo. She signed my well worn, dog-eared copy of "Let Your Mind Run" that was my go to book during my training. She thanked me for bringing inspiration to the sport.

Our selfie at the start and the view from the back of the pack.

Marlene getting ready to take that turn into the Stadium. Spoiler alert: I was a DNF that day but on 5/4 went on to finish my unfinished business and go the distance of the 10K with a virtual race. You will have to come to the event on 9/28 to hear about the incredible magic of the day and how, in spite of my DNF, we had the best time!

Marlene proudly wearing her bling.

 

What a blessing to be at the finish line to cheer for Marlene, my fellow septuagenerian still moving and finishing strong! Come join us and kick off the Fall season with an event that will motivate you on your health and wellness journey staying fit whatever the season!

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.

On 9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp for a book signing and inspirational conversation, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong." Details are on the News and Events  Page.

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.

Into the Light - A Full Circle Moment at the Post Office

Three years later I learned that his name is Tim. 

Ruth Anne's twin brother, Autumn, wasn't feeling well on their 8/7 birthday. We decided to mail him his gifts. We debated which Post Office to go to and since we were in the Coolidge Corner area, decided to ship from there. I immediately recognized the man behind the glass in the small window to the side of the row of clerks. Ruth Anne cheerfully asked him the best way to ship the presents letting him know her twin brother wasn't feeling well and we wanted to get his gifts to him as quickly as possible. While she got the Priority Mail box I asked, "Have you been working here awhile?"

"It seems like forever," he said.

"Do you walk to and from work everyday?"

"Yes," he said with a somewhat puzzled look. 

Ruth Anne knew the story and smiled as I shared with him what happened 3 years ago as we emerged from the pandemic that is included in my book, "Into the Light: Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic."

#BeKind21 A Trip to the Post Office – Kindness is Contagious  September 8, 2021

I had my pants and return label ready to go to the Post Office for two days. I took them to the car as being one step closer to actually getting them to the Post Office. After I dropped my daughter off for her acupuncture appointment this morning, Spirit nudgedni me to go to a Post Office that I usually don't go to but that was close to her acupuncturist.

"Stand back there and wait for me to call you," the Postal Service worker barked at the man in front of me. "And make sure you are standing apart behind the blue lines. That's what they are there for."

A man with a passport application angrily walked away from the window mumbling something about filing a lawsuit.

While I wanted to leave and go to the Post Office I usually go to,  I felt the need to stay there.

"You wait there. She was ahead of you."

The gentleman in front of me said he was going to use the automatic machine but quickly returned saying it was out of order. I struck up a conversation with him about how COVID-19 2.0 seems to be leaving everyone feeling irritable. We chatted a bit about vaccines and masks before I shifted the conversation to gratitude. We smiled with our eyes and agreed that while things might seem worse, at some point the tide will turn and it will get better.

As he took his turn at the counter, a short in stature Asian woman came up right behind me in line with her mask beneath her nose. I warmly greeted her in response to her comment that there was not a long line today and asked her to please step behind the blue line for social distancing as the man behind the counter was enforcing the rules today.

"Oh yes yes," she said. "You are absolutely right."

She quickly adjusted her face mask.
The gentleman who had been in front of me turned as he went to leave wishing me a good day.

"Can I help you?" the Postal Service worker asked.

"Oh yes," I said. "I need a lot of help."

"Are you mailing these pants? This box is way too big."

"I'm sorry," I said. "That's why I didn't package it up. I have a prepaid label and a packing slip....You know I would like to just really thank you for your service. I know it's not easy working for the government under the best of circumstances. I worked at the VA for almost 20 years. I can only imagine the challenges you face every day during COVID-19."

"Thank you. Just for that I am going to get this all packaged up for you and not even charge you for the envelope."

"I'm so grateful to you for helping me."

"There's a lot to be grateful for right now...like this weather. I walk to work every day."

While he took care of everything for my package, we chatted for a few more minutes and said goodbye.

As I left, I whispered to my new friend in the line behind me, "Be sure to thank him."

I started walking down the ramp to exit the Post Office and out of the corner of my eye I saw her walk up to the window. She put her whole body and being into saying, "You extraordinary!" I heard him say "Thank you!" and I smiled knowing that the ripples from those Post Office encounters would create a wonderful vibration in my Town and beyond.

David Hamilton has done extensive research and writing on the benefits of kindness including how it is contagious. His blog, ‘How Kindness is Contagious’ is as timely today as it was ten years ago when he wrote it. Last March, David wrote in his blog, "The Most Contagious Thing is Kindness, So while we increase our physical distance to help reduce the likelihood of contagion of coronavirus, let us increase the contagion of kindness instead."

As evidenced by my recent trip to the Post Office, there is an urgent need to increase the contagion of kindness. It all begins with one person. May you be ‘patient zero.’

It was a full circle moment when he helped us get the package shipped. I was wearing my Boston Marathon volunteer jacket and he said how he loved running the Boston Marathon and yes he still walks to work every day. I told him he was in my book. He asked me where he could get it. I told him it was on Amazon and the title of the book.

When I got home, I searched in the manuscript for the story of that day. I took out an author copy, signed it, "Always remember you extraordinary" and put a post it on the page of the story.

Ruth Anne and I returned to the Post Office the next day with book in hand. His eyes filled with tears and asked me what he owed me. I replied, "Nothing. It's a gift!" I finally asked him what his name was.

"Tim. I'm Tim" and we shook hands as he shook his head in disbelief. "Thank you for this," he said. "I'm so glad you came when you did because I was just getting ready to close up." We felt #allthefeels as we left the Post Office with hearts overflowing with light and joy.

If Autumn had not been under the weather on his birthday and if we would have chosen another Post Office, this full circle magical moment would not have happened. It was all meant to be especially during these tumultuous times in our country and the world where we all need the magic of kindness.

If you'd like to learn more about the health benefits of kindness, order David's latest book, "The Joy of Actually Giving a F***" available through his website. 

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.

On 9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp for a book signing and inspirational conversation, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong." Details are on the News and Events  Page.

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.

Imagination is Everything!

 

Did you know that the runner within me was born in my imagination? Sounds impossible right? How could a runner be born in one's imagination? I had never run a day in my life until I was over 50 years old. Running and physical activities were nowhere to be found on my bingo card of life. I contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5 and endured years of abuse at the hands of family members. I was in survival mode for most of my life. But then a most miraculous thing happened. My life came to a screeching halt with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair!

In February of 2007 I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. I just knew I needed help from Source to guide me through that dark night of my mind, body and soul! I was told I needed to quit my award-winning social work career if there were any hope of stabilizing the symptoms where they were. 25 years of a career. Three years shy of retirement. I was in chronic pain. I clutched the banister to walk up stairs. I experienced chronic fatigue. I needed to go back in a toe up leg brace, use a cane and at times, a wheelchair for mobility!

So how is it possible that the poem, "Running the Race" flowed out of me on a dark, cold February day when I faced a grim prognosis and had to make incredibly difficult decisions about my future. Would I even have a future?

Why was running a race even on my radar when I had never run a day in my life? Oh sure I watched the Boston Marathon and one year, after reconstruction leg surgery quipped, "No I don't think I'll be running this year" as I hobbled around on crutches. (Be careful what you say out loud to the Universe. You never know where it may lead!) There was something deep in my soul; in my unconscious that was preparing the way for me for my second act!

Poetry, initially in the cadence of Dr. Seuss, poured out of me. Gratitude for the challenges, forgiveness for those who abused me, metaphors for healing the past and poems about visualizing myself happy, free, dancing in the rain, and running were the themes in my poetry. I worked first in physical therapy and then with a personal trainer who believed in the body's tremendous capacity to heal. This winning combination inspired my mind, body and soul to catapult from survival mode into an expanded mode of thriving. 

I continue to harness the power of my imagination as I continue to move forward in my health and wellness journey after a major setback in 2021/2022. I begin and end my day with meditation/visualizations and take time in the afternoon for rest and harnessing the power of my imagination for healing, for upcoming races and/or events in the future. Once I came to believe in the power of my imagination to heal, my practice of harnessing the mind/body connection gained momentum. The combination of imagination and inspired action,  with a powerful intention to achieve my goals while partnering with Source and professionals to guide has enabled me to become the most unlikely runner I am today!

I updated my website's News and Events page. Be inspired by my recent appearance on Women's Running Stories. Check back often for upcoming events! On 9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp in Providence RI for "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong". When I was training for the Bermuda Marathon Triangle Challenge 10K, I imagined meeting up with a few back of the pack runners and we'd get each other to the finish line. 

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

I took that first hill with relative ease putting one foot in front of the other. Spectators joked that we had a police escort. There were no other walkers that we could see in front of us and few spectators lined the course. I was in the zone determined to finish and get my bling.

We caught up with an older woman somewhere before mile 1.

"I just knew that we were going to find another walker that we would team up with."  

We talked about being back of the packers and how we get celebrated when we cross the finish line. Tom and I shared our Marathon Sports 5 Miler experience when we were celebrated with air horns and cheers as though I had broken the finisher's tape even though I was the last runner to finish.

"Look there's mile 1 up ahead. We did a good pace. We're gonna do this," Marlene said.

"Absolutely."

We shared our stories and noted Bermuda's beautiful farm land.

"Look there's mile 2," Marlene called out. She said that she had to go to the bathroom.

We asked the volunteers where the porta-potties were. They weren't sure but said there was a restaurant down the road we could try.
"I'll try to run up and catch up with you," Marlene said.

"Oh no. It's runner's code. Besides, it's a good idea for me to stop and hydrate and refuel.”

I took off my jacket as the winds subsided and the humidity was high.

"I hope they let me use it," Marlene said.

 "If they don't, they'll have to answer to me," said Tom.

Success! "I'm not going to drink anymore water because I don't know where the next porta-potty is."

"Oh no Marlene. It is humid. We have to hydrate."

"Oh okay," she said.

We soldiered on together pausing to hydrate at times and to have a moment to reset as we tackled the elevation.

 If you are in the Rhode Island area, please join us on 9/28 for what is sure to be an incredibly inspiring and motivating event about what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. Imagination IS everything!

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.