The Possibilities Are Endless!

 

Last Saturday we sloshed through 3.5 soggy miles. If I weren't training for the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K, I might have traded the day for strength training. I know how important it is to be consistent as I once again build miles and endurance. Flexibility is also important with any training plan but I know that training in any and all weather conditions builds not only physical endurance but mental toughness that I can call upon as I go the distance once more.

When I first partnered with a personal trainer after having been discharged from outpatient care at Spaulding Rehab Hospital, I had no idea what my body's abilities were. My initial fitness goals were to get off of a low toilet seat, be able to complete the initial health and fitness assessment and to get a little stronger building on the outpatient rehab home exercise plan. Six months later, I set the ambitious and most would say unattainable goal of running the 2009 Boston Marathon despite never having run a day in my life and still being in a toe-up leg brace.

I've had so many runderful adventures since crossing the 2009 Boston Marathon finish line. One of my favorite weekends is the Hyannis Marathon Weekend which I affectionately call Camp Hyannis. The last time I ran the Hyannis 10K was in 2016. Every training run and strength training workout is fueled by my joy. At 71.5 years old, it's easy to doubt and wonder about going the distance again. But then I reflect on all this body has given me during these past 17 years of running and know that my belief lights the way for success.

Tom and I decided to do a Reservoir run last Saturday. 

I always take a few minutes to stop and savor the beauty of nature around me, whatever the weather and whatever the season. Spring and Summer running are my favorite seasons for running although I will embrace the challenges that training in Winter will bring during this training cycle. I nailed my hydration and fueling plan and felt fabulous albeit soggy after our run.

 

 

On Monday morning, we got up at 6am to beat the heat of the day. It was 71 degrees when we set out for our Monday miles. What a blessing and gift to see the beauty of the Reservoir as a new day dawns.

We are so fortunate to live so close to Nature's beauty. During these challenging times, it is a perfect way to start a new day and a new week as we bid farewell to June.

 

 

 

 

 

We wrapped up our week of training with another early morning run on Thursday. Temperature was 70 degrees. We set our alarm for 6am, did our morning meditation, grabbed our water belts and gave thanks for the gift of a new day!

The stillness of the water invited me to be still and be present in the moment. I reflected on, and gave thanks for how well I feel in my body during this training cycle. It's pretty amazing to realize that 18 years ago I was wearing a toe-up leg brace and using a cane for mobility. Since leaving behind my award-winning social work career, I no longer needed a wheelchair but I was still somewhat sedentary. Once I tapped into my internal fire by declaring and running the 2009 Boston Marathon, it's been a miracle to see all that I can do.

A new training week begins tomorrow with 4 miles on tap. I continue to marvel at what this body can do despite all it has endured. The possibilities are endless!

 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.