It's a Sign - or 3 on the Road to Hyannis 10K

                             

Last Thursday, Tom and I found a penny on our run. While picking up bagels at Rosenfeld's in Newton Center on Friday, I found a quarter. The mother lode of signs happened on Saturday's 4 mile run on the road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. A couple paused ahead of us looking at these bushes. One of them said, "I wonder if it's a Monarch." We didn't immediately see the butterfly. After they walked by, it reappeared. Rather than just continue on our run, I wanted to pause and savor the moment. I tried to capture the butterfly in a photo when it lit on the leaves. It wanted to just keep on flying. Tom took my phone, pointed at the butterfly and took a series of photos. 

I felt energized by seeing the butterfly fueled by having found a penny and a quarter within just a few days' time. It's reassuring to receive signs knowing I am on the right path training for Hyannis.

As Maya Angelou said, "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." Have you ever looked up the stages of transformation of the caterpillar? It gets pretty messy along the way. As it emerges from the cocoon, it has what is called ''wet wings" and has to flap its wings hanging upside down to dry them. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I was a mess. I experienced the dark night of mind, body and soul. I thought my life was over!  I began my journey to becoming a most unlikely runner, flying free and feeling free in February of 2007 tapping into Source finding the healing power of poetry. 

Seeing the butterfly reminded me of when I competed in the end of summer Olympics at Badger Day Camp. I was 11 years old and still recovering from paralytic polio. My counselor, Joe Stetz asked me to compete in the butterfly. He was on his way to becoming an Olympian but chose to go to med school instead. You can read the full story in a previous blog post, "A Penny From Heaven."  Long story short, he worked with me one on one to overcome my fears and not be concerned about finishing last. There were only two other campers willing to compete in that race. I was guaranteed a place on the podium. Years later I drew from that experience to take on the 2009 Boston Marathon. It was also that experience that inspired me to name Hyannis Marathon Weekend, "Camp Hyannis."

I'm comparing this training cycle to my training cycle for the 2024 Bermuda 10K. While there are still stressors in my life (as there always will be), I am finding much better ways to manage them. I am making my self-care and my training a top priority. I meditate for an hour every afternoon and start the day with a 10 minute meditation. I take rest days very seriously. I am nourishing myself mind, body and soul with a  dogged determination to train well and run happy.

I know in every fiber of my being I am meant to train for the 45th Hyannis Marathon 10K.  2026 is the year I will be celebrating 20 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome which was given to me in December of 2006.

The stars are aligned and the signs are happening along the way. My heart overflows with gratitude for another 4 fabulous miles on the road to Hyannis blessed by the butterfly sighting.

 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.