Celebrated My Body....

 

 

As Tom and I were out on our 4.5 miler in South Boston last Saturday to start another week in the training cycle on the road to the 2026 Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K, I reflected back to "Running the Race," the first poem I wrote in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. In the last couplets I wrote:

There wasn't much about my body to be celebrated in February of 2007 when I wrote that poem. But it flowed out of me after I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. I knew I was at a crossroads in my life after receiving a devastating diagnosis in December of 2006. I knew the story of Evy McDonald who healed from ALS by celebrating and loving her body despite initially withering away in a wheelchair. The most fascinating part of that poem is that I was winning a 10K race in my mind! 

Tom and I ran in the opposite direction from where we typically run when we go to South Boston. It was a refreshing change of scenery and sea breeze.

 

 

 

What was supposed to be a 4.5 mile run turned into a bit over 4.6 miles. {I stopped the Garmin at 4.6.} I needed to make a pit stop. I suggested to Tom that we recalculate the mileage since we didn't make a pit stop on our way out. In his infinite wisdom (smile) he said, "Oh no. I think we may even come up short." 

"Where are we?" Tom asked as we were heading toward the car's finish line.

"4.1" I answered knowing at that moment we were in fact going to go over 4.5.

"What? Wait. I thought we'd still be at like 3.8 or something." We both laughed. 

"I can see the car though. It's all the way down there. Do you want me to go get it when we hit 4.5?"

"No. I'm fine." 

It reminded me of when I ran an Accidental 5K . You just keep going until you finish! 

The theme of celebration continued with our Monday morning miles. Tom's on vacation and we had the luxury of setting the alarm for 6:30am instead of 6:00am. 

 

There was haze over the sun because of smoke from the Canadian wildfires. The air quality caused us to slow our pace. Yet as I say in my bio, "Every day is a celebration of life." What a gift to be able to join the Universe with the dawn of a new day. 

Tuesday was strength training day when I get to celebrate all my body gives me. Staycations are the best! We took extra time for our workout and a leisurely breakfast in the yard.

 

Wednesday was a rest day that we used to get work done around the house that we never seemed to have time to get to. I LOVE decluttering with my bestie. 

 

With the calendar page flipping to August this week, hearing the crickets' song when we sit out in the evening watching the sun set earlier and earlier, I am keenly aware of the fleeting nature of early morning summer runs. A t shirt or singlet and shorts will be replaced with capris and long sleeves followed by hats, jackets and gloves. As we set out for our Thursday morning run, we set the intention to celebrate the summer we've had and celebrate the remaining days of summer.

  

We were treated to angel slides and wildflowers. The still water of the Reservoir made for a perfect canvas to reflect the lush green trees.

 As we continue on this training cycle on the Road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K, I will continue to celebrate. I will celebrate my body with its creaks and groans but no longer a need for a brace. I am celebrating this amazing life I get to live in the wake of a once devastating diagnosis! 

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.