"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.
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.
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