Believe It! Achieve It! The Value in Setting Goals!

 

My initial goal for this year was to get up to the half marathon distance again. I scaled the goal back to running an in-person 10K at the Hyannis Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K Weekend as I wrote about in "Let The New Training Cycle Begin! - You're Never Too Old!" At the end of my conversation with Bill Burke on The Optimism Institute's Blue Sky podcast, that we recorded in January and dropped this past Wednesday, I shared that my next goal is to get to the half marathon distance again. After listening to our conversation, I whipped out my planner. I can get to 10 miles by the end of the year pacing myself to avoid injury and maximizing my joy. I'll be on a similar training cycle to those taking on the Boston Marathon next year. After I reach double digits again, I'll scale back and focus on training for the Hyannis 10K. After the 10K, I'll take a bit of time to recover and build my mileage back up to 13.1.

In 2021/2022, I had an adverse reaction to the COVID vaccine. It happens! But I told myself that I had not gone that far to only go that far. I set out to conquer the Bermuda Hills in January 2024 during Bermuda Marathon Race Weekend at the age of 70.  I had contracted COVID in December of 2023 and was a DNF. On May 4th I conquered the 10K distance with a Gone for a Run Virtual 10K. I've been enjoying seeing what this body can do with pace and kicking up my distance to 3.5 miles to begin building my base. I am registered for the Hyannis 10K knowing I can go that distance. But why stop there?

As I wrote out my training plan, I felt this sense of joy and determination flood through me. I certainly have nothing to prove at this point in my life. On Christmas Day I will turn 72 years old. I feel a powerful need to keep moving forward and to test the limits of what my body is capable of. I certainly know the power of the mind/body connection; the power of belief in my ability to meet these goals. I embrace the joy of visualizing only success as I build mileage; slow and steady with the emphasis on steady.

What fuels my belief that I can go the distance of a half marathon again? I flash back to January 2016. In December of 2014 I sustained a serious left knee injury. The MRI indicated that I had torn cartilage, bone spurs, a fatty lipoma, degenerative joint disease and scar tissue from previous surgeries. The physiatrist told me that repairing the torn meniscus would provide no benefit. "Oh and that atrophied gastroc muscle? That's been there since polio. There's nothing we can do about that and is part of the reason why your knee is injured and you should stop running." I should prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years. In the meantime, I should stop running (which he knew I would not do) or cap my distance at a 5K. He gave me a referral to a physical therapist. I've always had positive experiences with physical therapists but the Universe had other plans for me. The physical therapist I saw was the worst provider I had ever known BUT I was magically led to a chiropractor who believed in the body's tremendous capacity to heal. While he was in chiropractic training, he was fortunate to have learned from Candace Pert, explorer of the brain, body/mind and beyond. He was a personal trainer as well as a chiropractor healer. He told me I just HAD to read Dr. Joe Dispenza's book, "You Are the Placebo" and watch the movie, "What the bleep do we know..." 

We partnered together to get me back on the roads, heal my left knee with chiropractic, a revamped strength training program and harnessing the mind/body connection through visualization with a practice deeper than I had done before. We grew a new gastroc muscle using KT tape and gastroc strengthening exercises. I went on to run Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018 with the 2016 Hyannis 10K thrown in after I'd run the Bermuda Half in January.

Just look at the joy on my face at the Hyannis 10K Finish Line:

As I write this, I feel that joy stirring in my soul feeling overwhelming gratitude for all that my body has given me through these 18 years since the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I am up for the challenge. I've learned that if I am going to do any races, there can't be the pressure of having to finish within a certain time.  I'm doing a 2.5 mile fitness walk at the ALS Squirrel Run, volunteering at the BAA 10K and then focusing my energies on executing my training plan. I don't have to be support crew for Ruth Anne who successfully ran the 2025 Boston Marathon. I've honed in on what I need for good self-care after supporting Ruth Anne through her appointments this past year for Functional Neurological Disorder. 

It's new for me to put myself and my priorities first but I know that at this time in my journey, it is vital. And therein lies the value of setting goals. It's for my well-being mind, body and soul. My passion and purpose in my second act is to share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities. My plan is to continue to fuel my belief with memories of all that I have already achieved imagining how all this will feel as it unfolds believing and achieving going the distance of a half marathon for this most unlikely runner. Let's see what this body can do!

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews. 

 

Twenty Years From Now...

 

Happy leap of faith-iversary to me. It's been almost 20 years since I took a leap of faith throwing off the bowlines and sailing away from the safe harbor of an award-winning career as a social worker at the VA. In December of 2006 I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, expecting an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged.                                         

       

I refused to take the diagnosis sitting down. In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance.  I wrote the poem, "Running the Race". You can read the full text and back story on my website. 

Why was I writing a poem about running the race when I was using a toe-up leg brace and a cane and, at times, a wheelchair for mobility? How could I possibly be seeing me winning a 10K race in my mind's eye? Poetry poured out of me as though a spigot were turned on in my soul. My imagination got fired up and stoked the fires of healing by harnessing the power of the mind/body  connection. I intuitively knew that I was at a crossroads in my life but, given the dire prognosis, what lay ahead on my journey? I discovered joy when I wrote poetry. I literally felt no pain when I went into an altered state, connecting with Source imagining a future where I ran free, felt whole and healed in mind, body and soul. My pen became my divining rod for healing, healing the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio followed by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members.

Initially it took everything I had within me to not succumb to the diagnosis. Moving from a completely debilitated state, getting past the inertia of a sedentary lifestyle and adjusting to an early retirement was not for the faint of heart. I had also left behind a steady paycheck and benefits. I'd worked my entire life starting at the age of 14. But the Universe conspired with me to lead me on the path I was destined for.

Since taking that leap of faith I have:
Finished the 2009 Boston Marathon
Run 3 Bermuda Marathon Weekend Half Marathons and many 5 and 10K races
Wowed audiences as a motivational speaker sharing my message of healing, hope and possibilities including sharing the stage with Bill Rodgers at the 2020 Hyannis Marathon Weekend pre-race pasta dinner and being a panelist at the 2020 Boston Marathon Virtual Expo, "Late Life Running and Whole Life Running" speaking about my journey as a most unlikely runner
Published 7 books
~"Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club
~"A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection of Bill Rodgers "Billy's Bookshelf-Must Reads for Every Runner"
~Received a thank you note from President Biden for sending him a copy of "Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic"

Been a guest on many podcasts and radio shows
Had my story featured in books, magazines and TV
Had setbacks and comebacks
Blogged about life as a most unlikely runner and my journey of transformation with its trials and triumphs
I've explored, dreamed and discovered friends and places I otherwise would not have known

Was it scary? Oh yes! Do I have any regrets? NO even when we faced financial challenges and setbacks, I am so grateful that I found the courage to leave behind my career just 3 years shy of being eligible for retirement to heal my life and follow my newfound bliss as a poet and author. Of course at the time I had no idea what miraculous experiences would become a part of my tapestry of life.

 

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Be sure to visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews. 

My Morning Runs

            

Before breakfast runs are part of the joy of Spring returning to Boston. On Monday, despite a chill in the air,  I threw off the covers, put on capris, long sleeves and a jacket and went for a solo run around the Route 9 Reservoir. The forecast called for cloudy skies but I was treated to bright sunshine with sparkles on the water. I could feel the stress melting away with every footstep. Birds calling and responding to one another provided the soundtrack for my magnificent miles. As I reflected on how the sunlight danced on the water, I realized how different my physical condition is today from where I was 18 years ago. 

Eighteen years ago I could not even walk outside except to go from car to house or my office at the VA. I had a handicapped parking placard. I used a toe-up leg brace and a cane and at times, a wheelchair for mobility. Yet I felt infinitely better than I had when first diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 knowing I would no longer have the emotional and physical stress of working full-time after 5/25th. While I loved my career serving those who served at the VA, I knew I was at a crossroads in my life. It was time to take care of me.

I love when the baby geese return to the Reservoir. I was surprised to see them in the water this early in the season. I'm used to seeing them waddling around on the grass with their parents. Since I was drawn to the sport of running late in life, at the age of 53, I realize how much I missed as a result of my sedentary lifestyle. As a runner, I experience the seasons up close and personal. In winter it can sometimes feel a little too up close and personal, but whatever the season, I am filled with gratitude to be outdoors. Before I got moving outdoors, I felt as though my nose was pressed to a pane of glass and I watched life pass me by. When I returned home, I fixed myself a bowl of cereal with a banana, toast and cold OJ that tasted so delicious after my body had a good work out.

Thursday's weather forecast called for high winds, rain and unseasonably cold weather. Tom had to get up early to go to a conference. I could have snuggled in the warm bed but it was a run day. I'm training for the Hyannis 10K in March. The weather could easily be as it was today on race day. I hadn't changed my clothes in my closet yet; my winter running pants and tops were easy to grab. I toyed with with whether or not to have my breakfast first. In colder weather, we fuel first to have the energy needed to brave the elements but it is Spring according to the calendar. I heard the winds whipping around and the rain pounding the windows and just knew that I would not want to get myself out the door after a bowl of oatmeal so I put on my winter running jacket on 5/22 no less, my new pair of Altra running shoes to baptize them and headed out the door to return to the Route 9 Reservoir for morning miles.

I didn't bother to wear my glasses because I knew they'd be useless since they don't have windshield wipers. I can see well enough without them. As the cold air, "felt like 37 degrees" greeted me, I smiled widely. Sunday is what I affectionately call my 18th leap of faith-iversary. My heart open overflowing with gratitude for the gift of running in my life; for feeling free in my body. While many may piss and moan about the seemingly never ending days of rain or the lower than normal temperatures for this time of year, I celebrate how every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing.

About three quarters of the way around the Reservoir, I passed a mama goose sheltering her babies from the cold and rain. I savored the lush green colors that could not be dimmed by the clouds and rain. I passed a few other runners and we exchanged smiles.

 I thought I would end up being soaked to the skin but the heavy rain waited until I got home. I headed straight for the kitchen to turn on the tea kettle, pour my OJ, grab a banana and pop a cinnamon raisin bagel in the toaster. I was so happy that I waited to have my breakfast until after the run. My head was clear. My heart was full. As I felt on Monday, I was refreshed leaving behind yesterday's troubles and embracing the possibilities that a new day always brings.

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Be sure to visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews. 

 

Coming Home: Every Day is a Celebration of Life

 The title of the first book in my Trilogy of Transformation is "Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibility."

When I wrote it, I had no idea it would be the first of 3 books about my journey of transformation as a most unlikely runner after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December 2006. During these past 18 years of my healing journey, I have realized that coming home is not a once and done event. As I wrote about in my previous blog post, "Hard Days are the Best!", I was on the struggle bus during a 3.5 mile run last week.

On Saturday, Tom asked me where I'd like to run. We decided that South Boston would be a much needed change from our typical runs on Heartbreak Hill or around the Reservoirs near our home. We parked at Castle Island and opted to run along Day Boulevard. The weather was perfect; 66 and cloudy with no wind. The sights as always are a feast for the eyes; the briny air intoxicating. Seagulls and other birds provided the soundtrack for our run. I felt fantastic as I pushed my pace building a solid base for the 2026 Hyannis 10K. I did negative splits feeling that I could have easily gone another 2.7 miles. I came home again. I came home to my body feeling ease and grace. I came home to my soul as I felt that expansive connection to Source I always feel when I am at the ocean. I came home to my mind and my absolute unwavering belief that I can and will go the distance of a 10K in Hyannis again. There is no time limit since the 10K, half and full marathon all share the same finish line. The race director, Paulie Collyer has welcomed me to his races since my first Hyannis Half Marathon in 2009 that was an important training run for 2009 Boston. 

I continue to be in awe of the fact that before the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, at the age of 53, I was a stranger to athletics; running was a sport foreign to me except for occasionally, once a year in April when Tom and I would go out to watch the Boston Marathon. I've read many books about running, runners and the metaphor of running to life. Two of my favorite quotes are from George Sheehan:

Saturday's run was one of those magical runs where everything came together. I was mindful of fueling, hydration and pacing, running from the inside out as I like to say. It had been awhile since I experienced the exhilaration and unbridled joy of a longer run. I am imprinting the memory of how I felt before, during and after the run to continue to fuel this training cycle. While I have a regular attitude of gratitude practice, giving thanks for even the hard runs, my heart overflowed with gratitude as I came home to myself with Saturday's 3.5 mile training run.

In my bio I say, "Every day is a celebration of life for 71 year old Mary who refused to take the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome sitting down." I don't wait for birthdays or anniversaries to celebrate life. At the end of every day, I share what I'm grateful for with Tom. Every week on Wednesdays, I write down my win(s) for the week and put them in a jar that I will read on New Year's Eve. 

Next Sunday I celebrate the 18th anniversary of when I leapt into the unknown leaving behind my award-winning social work career at the VA to "heal my life". At the time I had no idea what that meant. In retrospect, I needed to come home to myself after years of giving to others and finding a path to healing the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma. At the age of 71, I keep coming home to myself sharing my journey of what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary.

From my heart to yours--

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Be sure to visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews. 

 

Hard Days are the Best!

Eighteen years ago, on 5/25, I set out on a healing quest. In December of 2006, I was given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. My amazing husband told me it was a no-brainer when I was also told that if there were any hope of stabilizing the symptoms where they were that I leave my award-winning social work career with all the benefits of a regular paycheck. 

I decided that I was not going to take the diagnosis sitting down and so I sat down, got still and asked for Divine Guidance. I was in the dark night of mind, body and soul, knowing I was at a crossroads in my life. It was February of 2007. The poem, "Running the Race" flowed out of me. I was a bit confused as to why I was writing a poem about running given the prognosis I received as I sat in a toe up leg brace using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility. My body was deconditioned and I was in chronic pain, depressed and anxious. But that poem lit a spark of hope and healing within me! Poems began to pour out of me in which I imagined myself running, dancing in the rain without my leg brace, expressing forgiveness to those who had inflicted abuse on me, gratitude for the challenges I faced throughout childhood and the challenge I then faced with the diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease.

I was blessed with earth angels of a pain management physician, physical therapist and personal trainer. My pen became my divining rod for healing and resources for healing flowed into my inbox and social media feeds. I've dedicated a page to resources for well-being on my website. I rekindled the faith I had after contracting paralytic polio and felt that the Universe was conspiring with me to guide me on my new path of healing, passion and purpose. 

When I've been waiting to be introduced as a motivational speaker, the persons making the introduction on a few occasions have asked me if I'm sure I want to include the fact that I suffered abuse at the hands of family members in my introduction. I ask if they are uncomfortable saying it because it's a big part of what makes my story so compelling. I defied the odds after contracting paralytic polio at the age of 5 and a half and enduring 9 years of abuse until my father's suicide when I was 17. 

I still have hard days but know they don't last. Last Saturday's 3.6 miler in the chilly, windy, pouring rain was really tough for me. I appreciate the easier days so much more after I've been on the struggle bus. 

Perhaps one of the gazillion reasons I LOVE running is that it's a wonderful metaphor for life. Tough days don't last but tough people do. Once I made a radical shift from victim to thriver in my thinking after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, healing was set in motion. Although I have never broken the finisher's tape at a race, and most times have finished last, I still feel like a Champion. I've navigated so many incredibly hard days throughout my 71 years, that I claim myself as the Champion of my life. I am deeply grateful I have had so many opportunities to share my journey of transformation knowing the impact I have had through interviews, my books, blog, sharing my story in others' books and feedback I receive when I've been a motivational speaker. My heart and soul are warmed when readers send me emails or messages on social media of how my books have given them hope. Early on in my healing journey, I was featured in articles in the Brookline Tab. Readers were able to leave comments. 

But I wasn't running to only reclaim my life; to move out of a mindset of disability and emotional and physical paralysis. I had a purpose that I felt and continue to feel deep in my soul. I was running to inspire others as reflected in the comments from the article:

DEAR MARY I'M SO PROUD OF YOU AND WISH YOU THE BEST OF THE BEST AT EVERY GOAL YOU ARE A GREAT WOMAN, I'M THINKING ABOUT MY LIFE IS A POST POLIO PERSON AND WISH I CAN DO THE SAME YOU DOING NOW
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
RAUL CORNEJO

Hello Mary, i stumbled onto your story.
I had polio when i was 14 months old; 27 years after, i still struggle with the physical and 'mostly' the emotional trials that accompany polio.
I'm a doctor,so daily i encounter people with a variety of challenging conditions and i constantly draw strength from how different people embrance their unique situations.
I am particularly inspired by your unrelenting spirit, 50 years on!
I just got back from taking a long walk.
I was thinking about my life in general and saying to myself, are you just going to give in to polio without a fight?
I decided that i'll start running in the evenings to strengthen my calfs and increase my muscle bulk. During my walk, i also dealt with some emotional issues... but i digress.
I got home and got on the internet to see if there where any researched exercise routines benefical to polio survivors, i wanted to be sure running was safe.
I got a lot of info, the unianimous advice was, don't over exert yourself, complete with the medical explanations why overexertion could be harmful.
I know running may be a stretch for me, i don't know how beneficial it will be, but i know that miracles still do happen.
Polio will not hinder me anymore. I am definately gonna give it a shot.
I'll come back here to let you know my improvement.
I am very inspired by your determination and i thank you for sharing your story.
God bless you.

Hi Mary. I was listening to the radio the other night and I heard your interview. I don't know if you remember me but you took care of my husband George Murray while at the VA hospital as well as saving my life on a daily basis back then. You were truly my angel. I am so happy to have an opportunity to thank you for all you did for me back then and I have often wondered about how you were and then I heard you quite by accident as I still get up really early but the radio was on and I immediately recognized your voice. Do I think you will run this marathon, absolutely. You will do it. I am sorry you have gone through these health problems but you sound wonderful. I am going to get your book and I know I will love it. God bless you and I know he does.
Love

Maureen Murray

If you'd met Mary last year and then again today, you will be pleasantly surprised by the changes in her. She positively radiates with energy and good cheer. If exercise is how she's made the changes then I definitely want to start moving more too. It would be nice to have a follow-up after she has run her marathon.
Beth Blutt

I think it is awesome that she has been able to rebuild her strength a second time. I am encouraged now to continue exercising myself and continue to accomplish as much as I can in my golden years instead of settling for couch potato status.
Linda DuPre

Let's all keep sharing our healing stories, being grateful for the hard days and feel the joy and celebration of being a Champion of our lives!

From my heart to yours--

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Be sure to visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews. 

 

 

Perspective on a Rainy Day Run

 

There is a quote that says every storm runs out of rain. It was hard to believe that to be true in the Northeast during the past few weeks. It was cold, raw and rainy but one must brave the elements when one is training. You never know what the weather might be on race day. I was never afforded the luxury of being out in the rain as a child splashing in puddles and feeling that unbridled joy and freedom of being out in the elements. Still, even I, with my attitudes of optimism and gratitude was getting tired of the unrelenting gray skies and rain. I was reminded of Helen Keller's quote about pessimism and knew I needed to get a new perspective.

  I baptized my new Altra running shoes during these runs and was very impressed with how well they held up keeping my feet relatively dry. As the dreary days dragged on, I knew I needed a mood shifter on my runs. I thought about building an ark as a distraction but I wanted to find a way to be present.  In Winter, it might have been a bit more challenging to find a shift, but we are having a most glorious Spring here in New England. Big thanks to these periods of rain followed by abundant sunshine.

 

I found the most glorious purple bush and stopped to take a photo:

In December of 2006, when I was diagnosed with the progressive neuromuscular disease of Post-Polio Syndrome, I felt as though I was being drawn into the vortex of darkness; of a doom and gloom prognosis. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged, possibly need a feeding tube and a sleep apnea machine at night. It wasn't until February of 2007, when I got still and asked for Divine Guidance, that the light pierced the darkness that enveloped me.

I had no idea how or when the answer to my prayer would come. It came very quickly in the form of the poem, "Running the Race." The portal to healing opened wide as I fired up my imagination shifting perspective and perception of my current situation. It was quite a miraculous process. I wrote that first poem, "Running the Race" while wearing a toe-up leg brace, using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility. I felt no pain when I wrote poetry. I kept a yellow legal pad and pen with me at all times. I was even so bold as to start "New World Greeting Cards Customized Poetry for Every Occasion" as I began planning my Second Act and taking a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career. 

Amidst the doom and gloom of news; attempts to instill spine chilling fear in our hearts and minds, I consciously shift perspective focusing on beauty, optimism, kindness, gratitude in both my own behavior in real life, the behaviors of others and in my news feed. Is this serving my mental health and well-being is a question I frequently ask myself. Do I want to focus on the fog, the lackluster gray of the Reservoir and muddy brown puddles or the spectacular splashes of purples, pinks, whites and lush green that can just as easily draw my attention if I allow it to. Even if I do focus on the muddy brown puddles, I can feel the joy and gratitude that I am now physically able to splash in puddles.

 

The great thing about perspective is we get to choose where and what we focus on. If I would have focused on the experience of a progressive neuromuscular disease, I'm not sure I would still be here and I certainly would not be sharing the wisdom I garnered through these past 18 years of healing. If I choose to focus on doom and gloom scrolling rather than fanning the flames of hope, gratitude and optimism, I will sap myself of life's joys while also placing my health at risk. 

Here's to directing our perspective to life's beauty, joys and goodness.  As Helen Keller so eloquently said, "No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit."

 

From my heart to yours--

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Be sure to visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews. 

 

 

 

 

On Mother's Day, Father's Day and Mentors

Mother's Day and Father's Day are holidays that I found difficult to navigate even after Tom and I became parents. It took me a very long time to make the shift from grief to gratitude. Every year as we now approach the celebrations of Mother's Day and Father's Day, I take time out to remember and give thanks for those who have been mentors to me throughout my life. Dr. David Hamilton crafted a gratitude meditation for one of his live sessions on his Personal Development Club that guides us to reflect on a person and reflect on reasons why we are grateful for them. The Optimism Institute's founder, Bill Burke reflected on a few of his mentors on his recent, "A Bit of Blue Sky" podcast. He was inspired, as I am by the "Arts Educators Save the World" podcast. This year, I've decided to celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day with a blog post. As I write about these amazing people and how they helped me navigate the incredible challenges of childhood paralytic polio, years of abuse at the hands of family members who were addicted to alcohol and prescription pain medication and later Post-Polio Syndrome, a warm glow of tingles pulses through every cell in my body as I reflect on how deeply grateful I feel for the gift of the presence of these amazing individuals in my life.

 

"Miss Holly physical therapist, curly hair and a broad warm smile

it tempered the pain of being apart to walk I'd take awhile."

~Excerpt from "Running the Race" the first poem I wrote after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome

After contracting paralytic polio at the age of 5, I began rehabilitation with Dr. Eugene Moskowitz and his physical therapist, Miss Holly. Before every painful physical therapy session, she lifted me up into the red leather chair in the waiting room. The round mahogany table with a lamp had Dr. Seuss books splayed on top of it. Miss Holly asked me to choose a book. I invariably chose "The Cat In The Hat". She read it to me and told me to pay close attention. She'd help me to hop off the chair and gently escorted me into the the treatment room, removed my ankle to hip metal leg brace and applied hot woolen blankets on my leg using passive movement to coax my muscles and nerves back to health. She was a woman ahead of her time having me respond to her in tandem. "The sun did not shine it was too wet to play," your turn she'd say, "So we sat inside all that cold cold wet day." It distracted me from the intensely painful sessions and planted the seeds for how I would navigate my life after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. Here I am 65 years later and I can still see her face and feel her gentle, kind and skillful nature to help me walk again after having been paralyzed by the polio virus.

 

After failed camp experiences that were not conducive to including all abilities in their activities, Dr. Moskowitz, referred me to Badger Sports Camp. Joe Stetz was an Olympic contender in the Butterfly and also had a heart overflowing with kindness and compassion at the tender age of 21. Through the eyes of my 10 year old self, he was tall, dark and handsome, almost god like.

 Several years ago, I reached out to Badger Day Camp letting them know how grateful I am to Joe and for the camp community that left a lasting imprint on my life. I shared with them that, because of Joe and his insistence that I could and would compete in the end of year Butterfly Olympics, I had the courage to take on and finish the 2009 Boston Marathon. There were only two other campers willing to compete in the Butterfly. He knew I had polio but would not let that deter me from competing. He asked me what fears I needed to conquer such as jumping off the starting block and worried that I wouldn't be able to go the distance. He worked with me one on one to ensure my success. He told me to not look to my left or my right but swim my own race in my own lane. When I touched the wall far behind the other two campers, he took my hand, helped me out of the pool and escorted me to the podium where I received my 3rd place plaque. We stayed in touch for several years by letters while he attended Downstate Medical School. He opted to be a doctor rather than compete in the 1964 Olympics. You can read more about Joe in this blog post and how I 'stayed in touch' with him honoring his life and legacy. 

I almost caused an international incident when I took High School French. We had to call the Bibliotheque Francaise in New York City as part of our assignment. They hung up on me when I tried to converse with them in French. But Ms. Barbara Dupres, petite in stature with a huge heart encouraged me to keep working at it. As is true with most who have experienced abuse at home, I was afraid to share anything about what I was experiencing at home but somehow she knew. My study hall period coincided with her free class period. She could have spent the time to recharge or get admin work done but instead she chose to spend that time with me one on one in her classroom during my Senior year. She got me to open up in that safe space about what I endured and what my future plans were. She counseled me. She commuted to Westchester every day to teach at Tuckahoe High School. After graduation, she invited me to meet her "in the City" to help send me off to Boston University. We met at a small cafe where she treated me to lunch and presented me with a going away present: a sewing kit. 

 

It looked similar to this one. She congratulated me with a beautiful card letting me know how proud she was that I was high school valedictorian. Why did she gift me a sewing kit you might ask? She told me that no matter what may get torn apart in life, whatever challenges we face, we always have the opportunity to mend and move forward! I lost touch with her through the years but carried that sewing kit with me until a few years ago when all the thread was used up and the case fell apart.

 

Bernie Siegel,MD or Bernie as he likes to be called became my Bonus Dad in the 1980's. I was hospitalized with a bone infection in my shoulder. My floor nurse, Beth Jordan introduced me to Bernie's work. He's been my coach in my marathon of life and healing on and off the roads. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I joined his Forum as I embarked on the healing journey of transformation of my life. Bernie was with me every step of every mile as I harnessed the power of the mind/body connection, writing poetry, gratitude, optimism and faith to heal the late effects of paralytic polio and trauma. I send him emails and write tribute poems on his birthday expressing my infinite gratitude for the gift of his presence in my life for the past 40 plus years. 

After a trigger injection to alleviate pain from a disc pressing on a nerve in my cervical spine, Dr. Omar ElAbd referred me to physical therapist, Allison Lamarre Poole. In the Dedication of "Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibilities" I wrote:

Allison Lamarre Poole, you refused to treat me “like a polio survivor”. It was with you that I took those first tentative and frightening steps of coming home connecting mind, body and Spirit. You helped me to find my courage to leave my career at the VA. Your words continue to echo in my ears, “You’re going to continue with your program right because you don’t ever want to go back to where you were do you?” 

 

The phrase Allison went above and beyond her role as a physical therapist pales in comparison to the care she provided for me mind, body and soul. She formulated a treatment plan to heal the breach in my mind/body connection, build a strong core and work on overall strength, flexibility and endurance. I remember the day she brought me into a room with a biofeedback machine. She demonstrated to me the stress I was experiencing in my office with typing notes, answering the phone and the poor ergonomics of my work station. We had ordered adaptive equipment through the VA which finally came on my last day! She embraced my gift of poetry. We talked about how the creative process heals. When we were at the biofeedback machine, Allison said that despite all the work we were doing together, as long as I had the stress of work especially the emotional stress of caring for veterans, their families and my colleagues, there would be a limit as to how much progress I could make in treatment. Allison followed her bliss in May of 2007 to be a traveling PT and I followed mine to heal my life. We stay in touch and follow each other's adventures. Allison is in private practice in Maine specializing in women's mid-life transition and pelvic health.  

 

I 'met' Dr. David R. Hamilton when I watched the "Heal" Documentary in 2017. I was drawn to his Scottish accent and passion for the mind/body connection through his work in the pharmaceutical industry. I followed him on Facebook. When he put out the call for stories of people who used visualization in their healing journey, I sent him an email. We became fast friends despite the physical distance between us. I joined his Personal Development Club. He has become a wonderful mentor in my life helping me to navigate COVID, Ruth Anne's health care challenges, celebrating my books and gift of poetry. He asked me to read his manuscripts. He has built an amazing community with the Personal Development Club. He exudes kindness and compassion and is willing to take a deep dive into difficult subjects in his live sessions, such as how to navigate fear and divisiveness. He is a beacon of light in my life and all who are blessed to know him. His books, blogs, on line courses and in person appearances are infused with his tag line: "Better you. Backed by science." 

While my biological parents were unable to fulfill the role as mentors in my life, the challenges I faced from an early age were equaled by the amazing people I was blessed to meet to help me thrive. I celebrate them on Mother's Day and Father's Day. But wait...there's more: "While not a widely recognized national holiday, there are several events dedicated to recognizing the importance of mentors and their impact. National Mentoring Month is celebrated in January, and specific dates within that month, like International Mentoring Day (January 17th) and Thank Your Mentor Day (January 25th), are also recognized. Additionally, there is I Am A Mentor Day on January 7th, and National Mentoring Day on October 27th."

 

From my heart to yours--

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews.