The Bannister Effect: Why I Share My Journey

 

   

After Faith Kipyegon attempted to break the 4 minute mile for women, people have been discussing the Bannister Effect. The Bannister Effect describes the phenomenon where the breaking of a previously perceived insurmountable barrier inspires others to achieve the same feat, often leading to a rapid increase in similar accomplishments. It's named after Roger Bannister, who, in 1954, was the first to run a mile in under four minutes, a feat many had deemed impossible. Once the psychological barrier is broken, it opens the portal to possibilities despite all appearances to the contrary.

I was first introduced to the power of the mind/body connection by a nurse who introduced me to the work of Bernie Siegel or Bernie as he likes to be called. She brought in a cassette tape of his talk, "Love, Medicine and Miracles." I am blessed to call him my Bonus Dad. The first time I experienced the power of what he was teaching was when I was undergoing surgery. He talked to his patients while they were under anesthesia and gave suggestions like you will wake up feeling comfortable and hungry.

I had an awesome anesthesiologist who knew about Bernie's work. I always got sick after anesthesia so he told me he would give me a suggestion while I was under anesthesia. In the recovery room I recall feeling nauseous and that I was going to get sick when all of a sudden the wave not only passed BUT I said out loud, "Does anyone have a BBQ hamburger?" The recovery room broke into laughter. The anesthesiologist had given me a suggestion that I would wake up feeling comfortable and hungry wanting a BBQ hamburger. 

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 as I aged due to the late effects of childhood paralytic polio. In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. I tapped into the mind/body connection through what I came to call my pen, my divining rod for healing. I wrote poetry visualizing a very different future than the one Western Medicine predicted for me. I revisited Bernie's books and joined his on line Forum. The story of Evy McDonald often shared by Bernie was my Bannister Effect. She healed from ALS and had polio and trauma as a child. I highly recommend that you read the article about her journey.

My first poem, 'Running the Race' foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. 

In April of 2007, I had an abnormal mammogram. I knew the Universe was nudging me to wake up. I made the commitment to leave my career to heal my life. During the week before I returned for the repeat mammogram,  I visualized the tumor dissolving sending healing energy to my left breast. When I returned, the tumor was gone. I set the date for me to leave the VA as 5/25/2007.

In December of 2014, I sustained a very serious left knee injury after pushing myself a bit too far with racing every month and setting out to achieve PR's. I returned to Western Medicine to see what I needed to heal. The MRI indicated that the knee had torn cartilage, a fatty lipoma, bone spurs, degenerative changes from arthritis, scar tissue from reconstructive leg surgery, an atrophied gastroc muscle and the knee was basically bone on bone. It was "too far gone" for arthroscopic repair. I needed to stop running or cap my distance at a 5K and prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years.

July of 2015 I was back on the roads:

I went on to run Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018. I partnered with a chiropractor healer who was also a personal trainer. I used meditation/visualization to dissolve bone spurs, grow new cartilage and gastroc muscle. We used chiropractic care to release the body's natural capacity to heal, KT tape and gastroc strengthening exercises and a revamped strength training program to get me running again and avoid a total knee replacement.  

I continue to believe in my body's tremendous capacity to heal, fueled by both what I have seen happen in my life and hearing of so many others' healing stories. As different issues or aches and pains arise, I continue to practice meditation, visualization, self-love, gratitude and exquisite self-care. 

Perhaps my healing journey will be your Bannister Effect giving you hope, healing and possibility for what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. 

 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.