Happy Global Running Day 2026!

 

 

On Wednesday, Tom and I celebrated Global Running Day with magical magnificent early morning miles. It had been a year since we set the alarm to 6:00am to embrace the start of a new day with morning miles. We had absolutely perfect weather for before breakfast morning miles. I said to Tom that I felt in every step I was saying to my body, "I love you." For years I felt as though my body were something I lugged around. Childhood paralytic polio and trauma left their mark. BUT after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, when I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged, I went on a quest to heal my life.

I tapped into Source as my pen became my divining rod for healing writing poetry that opened the portal to discovering the treasure of who I was always meant to be. I unleashed the power of self-love. 

Early morning runs on a perfect weather day is heaven on Earth. My heart overflows with gratitude for the gift of running in my life. 

If you would have seen me 19 years ago in a toe-up leg brace, using a cane at times for mobility and not being able to get off of the couch or toilet seat without assistance, needing a tub bench when taking a shower because of fatigue and unsteadiness on my feet, and having difficulty climbing the stairs in my house you would have said there's no way that woman is going to run the 2009 Boston Marathon and go on to have many adventures as a most unlikely runner.

But that's exactly what happened!

These days, Tom and I are running just for the health of it after a very rigorous and intense training cycle on the road to the Hyannis 10K in March. There are miles filled with smiles and joy. Last Saturday's weather was unseasonably raw and cold. One of the luxuries of not having a training schedule is it's easy to shuffle our running and strength training days. We got in a work out on Saturday with a rigorous deep cleaning of our home. On Sunday, we enjoyed an easy few miles gearing up for Wednesday's celebration of Global Running Day. Mondays are for strength training and I enjoyed reflecting on this Walt Disney quote:

And you know what? Transformation is not a once and done experience. In 2021/2022 I had a major setback in my healing  from childhood paralytic polio and trauma after an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine. 

I needed to continue to harness the power of the mind/body connection through visualization, double down on my self-care routine and remind myself of all the healing that went before. It took time to get back on the roads. I cannot imagine my life without running whatever the pace and whatever the distance. 

 

 

This year's Global Running Day celebration was especially sweet celebrating 19 years since I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career on 5/25 to heal my life. The only goal Tom and I shared was to savor the time together unplugged in Nature on a picture perfect weather day.  

I'm excited to resume early morning summer runs needing only a t-shirt or singlet and shorts to head out the door. I'm delighted with feeling strong and healthy as all the 'niggles' from that training cycle continue to heal. It was great run to pass runners and say with a big smile, "Happy Global Running Day!" "You too," they'd respond with smiles reflecting back to me the joy I felt in my heart and soul.

 

 

 

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.

My Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

What if the key to overcoming life's greatest challenges lies in the melodies that resonate with our souls? Join us in this heartfelt episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast, where hosts Lynn Hoffman and Buzz Knight dive deep into the transformative power of music with our inaugural contest winner, Mary McManus. Mary’s journey is a testament to the healing power of music, as she shares her inspiring story of resilience after contracting paralytic polio at a young age and navigating a tumultuous family environment. Listen to the episode by following this link.

Through her narrative, Mary McManus reveals how music became her sanctuary. A pivotal moment in her life came when her cousin, a Broadway producer, introduced her to the world of musical theater—a vibrant escape that ignited her passion and brought her immense joy. This episode explores the profound connection between music and emotional healing, showcasing how Mary McManus found solace in melodies during her toughest times and how they helped her forge connections with others

Listeners will be moved by Mary’s reflections on the influence of her high school music teacher and the supportive community she discovered in orchestral music. These experiences highlight the essence of music as therapy, illustrating its role in fostering emotional well-being and resilience. Mary’s journey culminates in her remarkable achievement of running the Boston Marathon, a testament to her indomitable spirit and the impact of music in her life.

Throughout this episode, we delve into the broader themes of music and mental health, exploring how independent musicians can harness their art to inspire and uplift. Mary’s story is not just about personal struggles; it’s a celebration of the healing power of music and its ability to connect us all. From emotional healing through music to the stories of musicians who have shaped our lives, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone seeking inspiration.

 Join us as we uncover the magic of music and its role in personal stories of triumph. Whether you’re a fan of the music history podcast genre or simply looking for a dose of motivation, this episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast promises to resonate deeply. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of finding your voice and the transformative nature of music in navigating life's adversities. Don’t miss out on this heartfelt journey with Mary McManus, where we celebrate the stories that remind us all of the profound impact music has on our lives.

 Last year I was 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.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.