Let The New Training Cycle Begin! - You're Never Too Old!

 

18 years ago at this time, I was bringing home my personal belongings from my office at the VA getting ready to take a leap of faith on 5/25/2007. In December of 2006, I was given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. I felt much older than my 53 years. Wow! What a grim prognosis. So in February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The answer to my prayer came in the form of a poem, 'Running the Race" that foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run! Poetry flowed out of me as if a spigot was turned on in my soul.  At the age of 71, I am still setting new goals on and off of the roads, and continue my journey of healing and transformation with joy; every day is a celebration of life. Ellen Langer's "Counter Clockwise" is a phenomenal book that shares how our thoughts, beliefs, and environment affect how we 'age' as we get older. 

 In Dr. Langer's book, she presents a fascinating research study of taking a cohort of men in their 70's and having them go on a retreat where they lived for a week as though it was 1959 and showed dramatic improvements in their hearing, memory, dexterity, appetite, and general well-being, Langer shows that the magic of rejuvenation and ongoing good health lies in being aware of the ways we mindlessly react to social and cultural cues. They were also away from their well-meaning children who reinforced their behaviors as 'old men.' 

Reading books about healing, the mind/body connection, running, inspirational memoirs and listening to podcasts that fuel hope, optimism and inspiration during these challenging times are vital to my health and well-being; as is setting goals.

My initial goal for 2025 was to train up to the half marathon distance again. I got an email from The Fun Road Race Company about early bird pricing for the Hyannis Marathon Weekend that includes a 10K. There is no time limit because the finish line stays open for the 10K, the Half and the 10K. The last time I ran the Hyannis 10K was in 2016. It was after a serious knee injury in 2014 when I was told that I shouldn't run or cap my distance at a 5K and prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years. I ran it after running the Bermuda Half Marathon in January and went on to run two more Bermuda Half Marathons.

As I write about in my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior," I had a major setback in 2021/2022 after an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine (despite my best efforts harnessing the power of the mind/ibody connection). I was a DNF at the Bermuda 10K in 2024 (after contracting COVID in December) but on May the Fourth of last year (as in May the Fourth be with you) finished my unfinished business. Now that Ruth Anne crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon, and I am no longer support crew/marathon manager, it's time for me to focus on my goals.

The Hyannis Marathon Weekend doesn't conflict with Tom's Birthday/our anniversary on March 2nd and even though it does conflict with the weekend of The Boston Run Show, I just know I am meant to do this again.

My new training cycle began yesterday on a glorious day in South Boston. Since Tom and Ruth Anne are in between training cycles, they could go with me for a 5K and helped me to push my pace.

 

Off the roads, I applied to be the Massachusetts Poet Laureate. Hey why not right? I have a very impressive resume and unique story as a poet. I am also reaching out to the Newburyport Literary Festival to suggest myself as a presenter next year. It would be a wonderful full circle moment from April of 2007. I am open to the Universe to explore what other opportunities may arise for speaking opportunities and podcast interviews.

There  is no need to wait for the New Year to set new goals. Remember always you are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream!

 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.

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