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.