Resulted In Joy to Realize I Could Live Life Anew

  

A 'chance' encounter on our training run in South Boston last Saturday set the tone and theme as Joy for this week in our training cycle on the Road to the Hyannis 10K. 

Everyone was out and about enjoying the waning days of summer. We spotted the back of a white t-shirt from the Colin's Joy Project 5K. "Live each day with pure joy in your heart." We paused before we passed the elderly couple. Tom made eye contact with the gentleman and said, "Mayor Flynn." Despite being 86 years old and walking gingerly with a cane while holding on to his wife's arm, Ray Flynn's young, spry political self sprung to life. He shook our hands as we introduced ourselves and shared that we are members of L Street which is how we knew about Colin's Joy Project. Mayor Flynn's wife is friends with Colin's mom, Kerri. Colin died just before his 3rd birthday in a tragic accident. His parentsrs  are members of our running club. They turned pain into purpose and passion keeping Colin's legacy alive by bringing joy to children and families. Visit their website to learn more about this incredible organization.

 

Swim Across America was having a fundraiser. With music blaring as swimmers gathered for a cause, the joy was palpable. Families had wagons in tow for family celebrations. We passed a gathering of people holding hands in a circle. One of the women held a baby. We paused our run to ask what the occasion was. "We're getting ready for a baptism!" I asked the gentleman with joy in his eyes if he was officiating. "Yes ma'am!" He introduced himself as Pastor John letting us know that it was a glorious day to celebrate the love that God puts in each of our hearts. The baptism would take place in the Bay. 

 

The sound of the surf filled my heart with joy. It was as though the Universe was in sync celebrating all there is to be joyful for especially at the peak of summer in New England. 

 

What was there to be joyful for as I sat in a leg brace, using a cane and a wheelchair at times for mobility having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged? In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The first poem I wrote, "Running the Race", answered that question:

 4.5 miles done and dusted! To celebrate, Tom and I went to the Seaport to walk around and find a place to enjoy post-run fueling. We were fortunate to get a table outdoors at Legal Sea Foods watching boats come and go, listening to the sound of the surf and experiencing the joy of fellow diners.

It was 79 degrees at 6:30am when we got our Monday morning run on. We kept the pace slow and steady. While many complain about the heat and humidity, I know what a gift it is to be getting in early morning miles with my bestie for SOOO many reasons. The reasons at the top of my list are that I have the energy to get up early and go, time unplugged with Tom and being able to get out the door wearing only a tank top and shorts. 

 

I could not resist belting out the joy filled song, "I've got the sun in the morning and the moon at night."

For Tuesday morning's strength training session, I added in extra joy by infusing dance steps into stretching and cranking up the playlist. Our living room/dining room gets transformed into our home gym!

 

On Thursday morning, we wrapped up another week in the training cycle with a soupy, sultry yet solid run given the weather. It was 74 degrees with high humidity and the air quality wasn't great. We managed to pull out negative splits and were soaked to the skin when we got home.

The water's stillness made for the perfect canvas once more of the trees that line the Reservoir. Soon they will be aflame with the colors of Fall, but for now we will feel the joy of every step in every early morning run.

I have no idea if themes will continue to emerge throughout the training cycle or what each week holds in store. On Saturday we up our mileage to 5 miles for the next few weeks as we experience the joy in the journey, not the distant goal of Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K.

 

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.