Feels Like 7 Degrees

The polar vertex came to Boston last week. During the 2020 pandemic we would have no choice but to run outdoors. Our old cranky treadmill conked out early on in the pandemic. It was also an invitation to injury as we all tend to run way faster when we'd go on the 'mill. Last week, when we knew it was going to feel like 7 degrees, we checked the calendar for the BU Fit Rec Center where we ran many many training miles for the 2009 Boston Marathon. But I only had 2 miles on tap for my run and Ruth Anne had only 4 miles for her training run on the road to the Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab. We calculated how many times we'd need to go around the track to get in our miles. Surely it was nothing like the day we ran 119 times around the track to get in our 17 miles in 2009!

We had our gym bag packed and were ready to head out to the BU Fit Rec Center. We opened the front door and as we were blasted with the polar vertex, we put down our gym bag and went upstairs to layer up to get our miles in outdoors. We saw that our friend Candice had been out earlier that day to get in her miles. She is such an inspiration; this was not the first run that she inspired. (See "Finishing Unfinished Business")

We embraced the blast of cold air feeling invigorated and exhilarated by our decision to run outdoors instead of being in the stuffy track. We felt incredibly free and deeply blessed knowing that every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing. We even stopped to take pictures to express our joy and gratitude celebrating beauty even in the midst of winter conquering the Newton Hills:

After the run, Ruth Anne and I talked about where we felt the cold. Ruth Anne felt it on her face;  I felt it on my feet despite having put vaseline on my feet before I put on my socks. Yet we also talked about the power of the mind to both acknowledge and minimize the discomfort; how the joy and blessing of being out in the elements, whatever the weather, overrode any discomfort.

It's been 18 years since I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. One of the hallmark symptoms of Post-Polio Syndrome was cold intolerance. The initial polio virus caused my body's thermostat to have difficulty regulating my temperature in either extremes of heat or cold. With meditation and visualization, harnessing the  power of the mind/body connection, I was able to reset the thermostat and build tolerance for weather extremes. Running was just the therapy I needed to heal from the late effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma.

We've still got a bit of winter weather ahead of us. Unless it's not safe to go outside, we will be getting in the miles, embracing the elements and feeling incredibly grateful that even when it feels like 7 degrees there is much joy to be experienced in moving outdoors.

From my heart to yours

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.

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.

For the 2nd year, Mary is an Ambassador for The Boston Run Show happening 3-1 and 3-2 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.  Use FREE Ticket Code MMCMANUS It's colocated with The Boston Outdoor Expo this year and is sure to be a jam packed weekend of inspiration and interactive exhibits. It's FREE and fun for the entire family!

 

Synchronicity - A Bermudaful Memory

 

In December of 2014, I experienced a serious knee injury on my left knee. An MRI in early 2015 indicated lateral meniscal tear, effusion, degenerative arthritis, bone spurs, changes from previous surgeries, an atrophied gastroc muscle and on and on it went... The physiatrist, with the best of intentions suggested that as a polio survivor I never should have started running; that now it was time to stop or cap my distance at a 5K and prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years since the joint was beyond arthroscopic surgery repair. I took my referral  to a physical therapist who was the worst PT I had ever seen. I really tried to make it work but realized the Universe was redirecting me.

I found my way to a chiropractor healer who was totally in sync with what I needed to get back out on the roads and go the distance again! 

Running in Bermuda on Race Weekend had been on my bucket list for years and then it wasn't. At my comeback race post-injury in July 2015, Bermuda Race Weekend had a booth at the Expo. I melted at the sound of the Bermudian accents, the gorgeous race bling and the clever marketing of having little bottles of pink sand on hand. I was hooked and decided that it was time to get to work to cross that bucket list item off of my bucket list.

Fast forward to 2016 Bermuda Race Weekend when I returned to Bermuda for the first time since 2008 without needing a leg brace, cane or wheelchair. My toe up leg brace polio shoes were replaced with running shoes. The energy on the plane from Boston was buzzing with the excitement of a destination race weekend.

"Are you running?" Tom asked a gentleman as we were stowing our bags in the overhead bins.

"No. I am support crew."

As we walked along Front Street, we saw the couple from the plane. Pleasantries were exchanged and we wished each other a Bermudaful day.

As we had our breakfast on Friday morning, I read the Royal Gazette Race Weekend edition. There were our bib numbers and the country we represent.

On race day, I had serious pre-race jitters running my first half marathon distance since I ran the 2009 Boston Marathon. I let the nerves just be as I took in the magnificent sunrise and the energy of race morning. I was well trained mind, body and soul.

From "Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance":
"Hey there. I was determined to find you this morning. What are the chances that we would have our bib numbers in sequence?"
I was a little stunned to say the least. On the flight from Boston Tom and I met Denise and her husband from Kentucky. He was her support crew. We also bumped into them on Front Street on Saturday.

"I was on Instagram and looked for the hashtag #runbermuda. I saw the pictures you posted."

"What? I deactivated my Instagram account yesterday because I was frustrated and couldn't figure out how to use it."

"Your Instagram account is linked to Facebook so what you posted there automatically went to Instagram," Tom explained to me.

"So I saw your photos and I found out about you and I said prayers for your health last night and wished you a wonderful run but I was determined to find you this morning."

A sign from God that I could relax and let go knowing that my body knew exactly what to do to run 13.1 miles.

What a magical moment at the start of the 2016 Bermuda Half Marathon where the Universe brought me together with Denise McMillan. We've remained friends through the years. In 2018, Team McManus returned to Bermuda with Ruth Anne to run my 3rd consecutive Half Marathon in as many years. Denise and her "running wife" Lanette returned to Bermuda in 2018. We relived that moment and the moments that led up to it as recounted in stunning detail by Denise during dinner at The Pickled Onion.

I love how every January, Facebook reminds me of this magical moment of synchronicity that happened at  the starting line of the 2016 Bermuda Half Marathon. I recount this story in "Going the Distance" and, in "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" share the magic and synchronicity that continued during Bermuda Race Weekend 2018. I share how I was almost a DNS (did not start) for the race!

It's so much fun to take a look back at Bermudaful memories. I am still in awe to realize how the mind/body connection  has taken me farther than any diagnosis or prognosis. As Walt Disney once said, : "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

From my heart to yours

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.

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.

For the 2nd year, Mary is an Ambassador for The Boston Run Show happening 3-1 and 3-2 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.  Use FREE Ticket Code MMCMANUS It's colocated with The Boston Outdoor Expo this year and is sure to be a jam packed weekend of inspiration and interactive exhibits. It's FREE and fun for the entire family!

When Turbulence Hits -- Throttle Up Gratitude...

 and stay tuned to your DGS (Divine Guidance System)

We did not expect turbulence in our first miles of 2025 but we fastened our seat belts, locked in a lot of gratitude and held each other close. Ruth Anne was recovering from an infected cyst on her back. The last Sunday of 2024, we spent the morning in Urgent Care to have a procedure done but we still got out in the afternoon to get in our miles. With the fog, puddles, and patches of ice around the Reservoir, we opted for an out and back route on Beacon Street. On the way back, I stopped as I saw an angel on the sidewalk. It was the exact same angel Ruth Anne had spotted a few months ago in almost the same spot! It was a sign that we are Divinely protected. A message that would hold us in good stead as we navigated the last week of 2024 and the first week of 2025.

 

 

Ruth Anne and I had a wonderful run on New Year's Eve. Tom had been ill for several days with a hacking cough and he needed to stay home and rest. The cough worsened as the week wore on but he went back to work on the 2nd. He took Friday afternoon off from work. I hadn't slept in a few nights because of his cough. I felt depleted despite my best efforts with meditation and self-care so I opted to try to get some sleep downstairs on the couch. I put on a series of visualization meditations to boost my immune system. I heard grunts and a thump and ran upstairs to find Tom on the floor with an altered mental status and a temp of 102.9. My heart raced and I called 911. Ruth Anne and I went into crisis mode getting information for the first responders and praying that Tom would be okay.

Once we learned that they had ruled out a stroke and would continue tests throughout the early morning hours, we came home to pray and get some rest.

Fortunately I had access to Tom's on line medical record and learned that he had Influenza A. The altered mental status was due to encephalopathy due to the virus. We all breathed a sigh of relief that he would need lots of rest and hydration, but would make a full recovery!

On Saturday, Ruth Anne wasn't feeling well She was running a low grade temp with ear pain. She had to change providers because her insurance would no longer cover her previous pcp. Ordinarily we would have gone to Urgent Care close to our home. I stayed close to my DGS to figure out what the next best steps would be. I wasn't feeling well but knew that I was feeling the best out of the 3 of us. Ruth Anne started feeling better by the afternoon  but when she woke up Sunday morning, she suspected she needed antibiotics.

There was one appointment at 8:45 at urgent care, but I needed to have breakfast remembering how important it is to put on my own oxygen mask. At first Ruth Anne said she wouldn't take the appointment but I told her to call back and she could use an Uber. It was definitely a communication from my DGS. Fortunately the appointment was still available.

Ruth Anne had an amazing physician who suspected she had a sinus and ear infection but had to rule out COVID and the flu. They were able to fill her prescription at the clinic pharmacy. We spent the rest of the day resting and feeling gratitude deep in our hearts for good health care, insurance, Uber, antibiotics, caring professionals, a warm home, good food and being together as a family despite feeling under the weather. We were so grateful for the outpouring of prayers from our fellow passengers.

On Monday, my body experienced congestion and a nagging cough but no fever and no signs of any bacterial infections. I did, however, need to reschedule the recording of my podcast interview for The Optimism Institute. My only choice was to surrender to the circumstances and know that everything happens in Divine Timing. Bill Burke's Virtual Assistant is a delight and made the process of rescheduling the interview so easy. With meditation, visualization and rest, I am getting ready for my talk next Wednesday at Cohasset Elder Affairs. I've experienced spasms which has affected my speech; it has happened before when I get a rare upper respiratory virus and is a result of Post-Polio Syndrome. I am bringing compassion and kindness to my body realizing that the turbulence has set into motion this cascade of symptoms. I use my mantras and affirmations trusting once again in my body's tremendous capacity to heal. I focus on feeling grateful for all my body has given me through the years and continues to give me. I remind myself of how I have witnessed my body's process of transformation and healing and most recently, watching the transformation of the once infected cyst on Ruth Anne's back be reduced to a small scar! I feel Divine Love course through my cells riding the waves of emotions and physical symptoms as I eagerly anticipate seeing the seat belt sign turn off.

I look forward to getting back on the roads but know that I need to create time and space for healing in the wake of these recent stressors and upper respiratory infection. 

I appreciate that the turbulence we experienced is relatively minor compared to what the people of LA are going through. My gratitude is intensified as I focus on all the blessings in our lives. The other night, Tom and I shared how what we went through could have been so much worse if... We took it to the theater of the absurd and laughed so hard we went into coughing fits.

2025 may not have begun as we hoped and visualized. We certainly did not anticipate trips to the ER, Urgent Care and an upper respiratory virus wreaking temporary havoc with speech and spasms but with the throttle up on gratitude, a close connection to my DGS and being surrounded by the love and warmth of our fellow passengers, we are once again at cruising altitude feeling blessed and grateful.

From my heart to yours - 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.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing details on my website.

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.

Welcome Aboard Flight 2025!

 

During my morning meditation on New Year's Day, as I was sifting and sorting through thoughts and clearing negative energy, I heard the words, "Ready for take off." The Flight Instructions post that I have used the past several years with editing for the current year, popped up in my Facebook memories.

This memory also popped up:

Believe is my word of the year

What a great start to 2025 with wondrous synchronicity. Every morning, I open up the door and take 3 deep breaths of fresh air to start the day. It was pouring yesterday. Of course there is no mail on New Year's Day and we had brought in the mail from New Year's Eve yet something moved me to open up the mail box. There was a snoaked envelope for Ruth Anne with a note from our beloved neighbor Gene Kelley. Inside was $25 dollars for her fundraiser for  Spaulding Rehab!He was having trouble with his computer and wanted to be sure to get in a 2nd donation for the New Year. If it would have been left in there any longer, I'm not sure the note and money would have been legible. 

What a great way to start the day. 

I am so excited for this New Year. As I love to say, every day is a celebration of life for me. In December of 2006, I was diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disease, Post-Polio Syndrome. I could have easily succumbed to the diagnosis but instead, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. Whenever I tap into Source, magic happens. 

I have 3 events lined up so far for 2025.

Next week, I am blessed and grateful to be recording an episode of the Optimism Institute's Blue Sky podcast. I reached out to Bill Burke on LinkedIn after I 'just happened' to see a post from Lee Woodruff about her being a guest on the podcast. We made an instant connection when he and I had a pre-interview chat to see if I would be a good guest for his podcast.

I met Meg Stewart last year at the Boston Outdoor Expo. We "just happened" to be standing next to each other after another speaker's presentation and started a conversation. A few months ago, Meg asked me if I would be interested in doing a presentation at Cohasset Elder Affairs. She 'just happened' to be the Director of Elder Affairs.

On 1/15, I will be sharing my journey, "A Most Unlikely Runner: A Story of Resilience, Strength and Determination." It's an event for all ages but be sure to RSVP at 781-383-9112 or www.mvactioncenter.com

On 3/1-3/2 I return for the 2nd year in a row as Ambassador to The Boston Run Show. You can use Free Ticket Code MMCMANUS for tickets for entry to both the Boston Run Show and The Boston Outdoor Expo. 

April 21, 2025 brings the Boston Marathon which I like to call Runner's Christmas. This year is an incredibly special year. Ruth Anne is part of the Race for Rehab Team running and raising funds and awareness for Spaulding Rehab. Here is the link to her fundraising page. I get goosebumps in anticipation of Marathon Weekend when so many friends near and far will gather to celebrate a successful training cycle and those special bonds of friendship forged through the sport of running.

The first third of the year looks amazing! I am ready for take off!

From my heart to yours - 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.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing details on my website.

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.