The Joy of October Miles!

 

There can often be a sense of melancholy as summer ends in New England but it quickly turns to joy as the heat and humidity yield to cooler air and Autumn splendor. It's a gradual process of green leaves losing their bright green colors before they burst aflame with red, orange and yellow. Although the sun rises later and sets earlier, we are treated to sunshine lighting up Mother Nature's spectacular show. This year it has been unseasonably warm through October. We've been able to enjoy going outside in t shirts and shorts or capris while being treated to the annual Autumnal feast for the eyes. Just as I savor the transition from winter to Spring then summer, I savored this year's transition from Summer to Autumn.

I celebrate 18 years of healing in the wake of the once devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I remember when it was a challenge for me to walk short distances. I often felt as though I was watching life having my nose pressed upon a window pane yearning to live life to the full but not quite knowing how. It's amazing how a life changing diagnosis, one that said I would spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, catapulted me into a whole new world. It began with getting still and discovering the gift of poetry in my soul. My first poem,  "Running the Race" foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. Every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing especially as I get to experience Mother Nature up close and personal.

Enjoy these photos captured on magnificent miles at the Cleveland Circle Reservoir, the Route 9 Reservoir, and peaking on Heartbreak Hill on Saturday.

 

The angle of the sun shines the spotlight on the leaves as they tumble and fall in a dance of joyful letting go. There is so much for us to learn from Mother Nature. 

It was a challenging run. I had not trained on the Newton Hills in recent months. Sleep has been disrupted this week  after Tom's surgery to repair a wrist fracture that happened when he tripped and fell right before the finish line of the Cape Cod Half Marathon. It's always stressful when a loved one undergoes surgery. I wasn't sure what pace I'd be able to do. With the vibrant colors of Autumn and the sun warming us up as we conquered the hills, I was able to do negative splits and be just a hair over my goal of running under a 1 hour 5K. Remember for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I go pretty fast! 

The weather is going to turn cooler as we head into the winter months. That's the beauty of nature though. The trees lose their leaves so more light can shine through. October has been a fabulous month for miles filled with joy as we made the transition from summer to Autumn. I'm excited for a new 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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

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