Courage Of A Most Unlikely Runner

 

In the Foreword to, "Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance," the 2nd book in my Trilogy of Transformation, Jacqueline Hansen wrote:

"In fact, another Eleanor Roosevelt quotation reminds me of Mary: “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” 

When you read about Mary’s life experiences you will wonder how does she not only endure, but lives her life with positivity in abundance. My closest friend in life lives by the motto “Be relentlessly positive,” which is written on her office door. Mary exudes this same attitude. You will not encounter a more positive person than Mary, despite all the challenges she has endured in life. 

Try to imagine what it must have been like to be diagnosed with paralytic polio as a child. Try to imagine suffering child abuse at the hands of those very family members who are charged with your upbringing. Try to imagine them together. It’s unbearable to think about. Then imagine surviving the unthinkable, and in adulthood being diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome. This is a story that needs to be told. This is a story of challenge, of resiliency, and a story of heart, tremendous heart. 

I am fond of using the word “heart.” When coaching young athletes, which I have done my entire adult life, I often tell them to “run with heart.” As I explain to them, I can coach them on skills, on running form, on race strategy, on everything to do with their running, except I cannot create “heart.” This is something that only they can produce from within. I go on to say that “you have to want this (running or racing) more than I do – more than I want it for you.” “Always run with heart.” I am here to tell you that Mary McManus always runs with all her heart."

Just for a moment, let’s ponder the word “heart.” The Latin word for heart is “cor.” Cor is also the root of the word “courage.” I would attribute both heart and courage to Mary. Even Mary herself has said that 'It takes incredible courage to heal trauma . . . healing both paralytic polio and trauma.'"

 

We wrapped up another week of training on the Road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. Last Saturday we went to Jamaica Pond for a fabulous 4.5 mile run. Jamaica Pond was our go to place when we trained for the 2009 Boston Marathon. It's also where Bill Rodgers used to train back in the day! When we ran by the rocks that had been snow covered as we trained through one of the most brutal New England Winters, I remembered how the winter's scene inspired me to write the poem, "Courage." 

 

I was defying the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and the Post-Polio Team's warning that if you use it, you will lose it. They also told me that I should be VERY cautious about going out in winter. If I fell, I'd be at risk for a hip fracture since polio survivors were prone to osteoporosis. There I was training for the Boston Marathon ignoring the well intended yet somewhat misguided advice from Western Medicine. The prognosis and cautionary tales with Post-Polio Syndrome did not take into account the body's capacity for  neuroplasticity and healing. Was I afraid when I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career in May 2007? Was I afraid as I tackled the monumental challenge of training for and running 26.2 miles on the Boston Marathon course? Do I have moments now of feeling afraid as I train for the Hyannis 10K with the goal of going the half marathon distance again next year? YES but as Franklin Delano Roosevelt said:

 Building back my mileage is both a challenge and a joy. Tom and I reminisced about favorite Boston Marathon training moments around Jamaica Pond while being present in the splendor that is Jamaica Pond and the Emerald Necklace. We loved going on a trail we hadn't trained on in many years. We know that soon the leaves will turn and the rocks will once again be snow covered. We celebrated needing only a singlet or t-shirt and shorts.

Every time I toe the starting line of a race, I feel that delightful mix of courage and nerves. It takes courage to be a back of the pack runner. It takes courage to be unapologetically me as an older runner who looks like a most unlikely runner. Yet I love the joy and exhilaration of celebrating my hard won victory of healing defying the odds time and time again. It is great to be off the sidelines building a solid base of miles. 

 

What gives me courage? Ever since I contracted paralytic polio at age 5, I felt a connection to Source. Every morning before checking my phone, Tom and I turn on a meditation to connect to Source within and around us. After Sunday's rest day, we got up at 6am on Monday to get in our run to beat the heat of the day. We were treated to beautiful angel slides and an angel in the clouds that reflected on the water:

Despite the cloud cover, it was a hot and humid morning. Even though we left on the air conditioner, sweat continued to pour as we savored our post-run breakfast. 

Tuesday was our strength training day. Rise and shine at 6:30am and head to our living room which gets converted into a gym every Tuesday morning.

 

When I was first diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, I knew that if I were to heal my life, I had to shift out of feeling like a victim of my past to build something new in my life. Every strength training session takes me closer to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K building strength and confidence that my body can go the distance once again.

 

Thursday was another hot and steamy morning. 

It is always a gift to be able to see the beginning of a new day. We appreciate the sights and sounds of summer knowing these days are flying by. In case you didn't notice, gratitude and being present are themes of my life; wisdom I garnered after being given the diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease.

 

Tomorrow we pack up the car for a destination to be determined for another 4.5 miler on the Road to the Hyannis Marathon 10K. I'll be running with heart and courage in my soul to embrace my passion and my purpose forging ahead one mile at a time as a most unlikely runner. 

 

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.