Gratitude In Every Step!

  

 

This time last year, Tom and I were deep into a training cycle for the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. We were building a solid base with the peak mileage goal of 7.2 miles for my 72nd birthday. The winter training was grueling and we are still recovering from what we put our bodies through. We have been focusing more on strength training than getting in the miles. We have no time goals and no race goals right now and I must say the miles have been sweeter than ever. I feel gratitude in every step and a deep appreciation for all my body gives me in the wake of a once devastating diagnosis in December of 2006.

In this week's Better You, Backed by Science, a free weekly newsletter from Dr. David Hamilton, he talks about beauty and how it impacts health and well-being. 

 

Follow this link to read the article, "Your Brain Needs More Beauty." Without knowing the science behind it, I instinctively savored the beauty that Tom and I encountered on our morning miles these past two Saturdays.

 

         "Neuroaesthetics is the science that studies how beauty impacts the brain.

Beauty reduces activation of stress centres in the brain. It also moves us into a state of parasympathetic dominance. That’s where the nervous system feels rested.

Researchers have found that beautiful experiences generally evoke positive emotions and gently broaden our attention....

Why does beauty have these effects? Researchers believe it’s because it signals safety in the brain. When our ancient ancestors met lush landscapes, growing fruit and flowers, it meant food and safety for them."

Before the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, my mobility had been chronically impaired since I contracted paralytic polio at age 5 1/2. I often have said that I felt as though I was living life with my nose pressed against the window pane unable to enjoy all that this luscious life has to offer. While I always feel grateful for every step and mile, that overwhelming sense of gratitude has been particularly intense during these past two weeks. Perhaps, in part, it's because I know summer is flying by and I want to savor every moment of going out in a tank top and shorts. Not having a time or race goal strips away distractions from experiencing Nature's beauty and being incredibly grateful for the healing in my life. 

It seems like a lifetime ago, yet like only yesterday that I was wearing a toe-up leg brace 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.

 

I know that Tom and I will be setting new goals again but I must say, I am enjoying taking a break from time and race goals. It's given me the space I need to infuse gratitude in every step and every mile being keenly aware and grateful for the miracle of healing in my life.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

The Ingredients of a Great Workout!

 

Throughout my 20 year journey in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I've discovered that transformation is not a once and done experience. Healing, like life, ebbs and flows. I am deeply grateful for every run and every workout. Every workout is a good workout but today's before breakfast strength training workout with Tom was a GREAT workout! I was wondering what made this workout so great. We didn't need air conditioning and enjoyed having the windows open hearing the neighborhood birds sing. Our playlist on shuffle seemed to hit just the right vibe to move to and infuse joy into the different challenges. Or maybe it was knowing I was going to share this quote from Dr. Bernie Siegel who has been a coach and a bonus dad in my life since the 1980's.

I came to know the work of Bernie Siegel through a most remarkable nurse who cared for me during a lengthy hospitalization for an infection in my shoulder. She brought me cassette tapes of his lectures about holistic healing. Beth asked me what I needed to heal in my life! Through the years, Bernie has been my coach as I reparented myself and gave birth to the treasure of who I was always meant to be. He and I became particularly close after I received the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. His teachings seemed to come together for me in a profound way. Writing poetry opened the portal to healing as it ignited the power of the mind/body connection through my imagination and visualization. 

In addition to these external variables, there was also something profoundly internal going on. Tom and I each experienced this deep sense of gratitude and celebration for the life we share in our mid-70's. 20 years ago this December, I'd been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. During and after the workout I felt exhilarated and energized ready to embrace a new day and a new week feeling gratitude overflow from my heart. I am always grateful and a bit in awe of all my body gives me even when I may be on the struggle bus. I felt over the moon joy and celebration with how I felt during and after this morning's strength training workout. I did take extra time to stretch and let the music flow through me as I incorporated dancing into the exercises. I remembered how I felt in my body in ballet class when I was 5 1/2 years old before childhood paralytic polio and abuse took their toll. The muscle memory felt so real! I felt self-love and compassion surge through me for all I have endured and all I have overcome with grace, strength, determination and resilience. 

While I maintained the consistency of workouts and getting out to run when it was safe to do so given the high heat, humidity and air quality issues, I wasn't experiencing or relishing the incredible miracle of my healing in the wake of the Post-Polio diagnosis. After this morning's workout, I feel as though I've emerged from the cocoon once more. I am flying more freely untethered from the beliefs about aging and disease.

While there's no particular milestone to celebrate, I am celebrating the joy of being alive, feeling transformed once again savoring the ingredients of gratitude, self-love, compassion, awe, joy, the magic of the mind/body connection and movement that created a delicious recipe for a great workout.

 

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.

 

5K Bob's Way!

 

At the Boston Marathon in 1975, Bob Hall pushed himself through the streets of Boston in a hospital wheelchair. No category existed for him. No rules. With the odds stacked against him, he crossed the finish line anyway. His story will give you goosebumps as told by the Today Show, "A Life Well Lived."

In doing so, he opened the door for every disabled athlete who would come after him.

I am one of those mobility impaired athletes who also shares a history of childhood paralytic polio with Bob. Were it not for Bob Hall's pioneering wheelchair Boston Marathon race in 1975, I would have never known the thrill, exhilaration and transformative experience of running the 2009 Boston Marathon as a mobility impaired runner. Although we never met in person, I was blessed to connect with him via email when he was celebrating the 50th anniversary of his pioneering Boston Marathon wheelchair win. I was able to express my heartfelt gratitude to him for paving the way for athletes of different abilities to be able to experience road racing. That's why I am participating in and fundraising for the Inaugural 5K Bob's Way.

Sadly, Bob passed away on April 12, 2026 before he was able to witness his inaugural team of Boston Marathon runners cross the finish line. They were running to raise funds and awareness for REquipment, Inc.

Bob believed in independence, dignity, and access for all. That belief lives on through the Bob Hall Legacy Fund benefiting REquipment, helping ensure that everyone has access to the mobility and assistive technology equipment they need to live fully and freely. Fifty years after Bob Hall became the first wheelchair athlete to officially complete the Boston Marathon, his legacy is powering a movement to expand mobility, independence, and access for people with disabilities across Massachusetts.

The First Annual 5K Bob's Way is taking place on 9/12th. We will be coming together as a community to honor the life and legacy of Bob Hall and support REquipment, Inc. "This event honors the legacy of Bob Hall, a trailblazing wheelchair athlete who changed the future of road racing and opened doors for adaptive athletes everywhere. His determination helped prove that movement, competition, and community belong to everyone. Today, we continue that legacy by creating a space where people of all abilities can run, walk, roll, and participate together.'

Funds raised through this event support accessibility initiatives, adaptive equipment reuse, and programs that empower individuals with disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination.Your support to my fundraising page will help provide life-changing refurbished mobility equipment to children, adults, veterans, and families who need it most.

Each year, hundreds of Massachusetts residents donate the home medical equipment and assistive technology they no longer use to REquipment. The devices are refurbished and reassigned to older adults and individuals with disabilities, including children and veterans. People who request devices have chronic or newly acquired disabilities, limited or no insurance, a temporary need for a device due to an accident or illness, or their primary device is under repair. Half of REquipment’s device recipients are under the age of 65.

I am incredibly grateful that I had insurance when I needed home medical equipment and assistive devices after I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. Equipment necessary for independence, dignity and self-determination is not a luxury yet many do not have the necessary means to acquire the necessary equipment. Fortunately, REquipment is there to help!

I know how incredibly fortunate I am to have healed my life from the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma. I am so excited to be training for the 5K Bob's Way and ask for your support by making a donation to my fundraising page. You can also register for the event on the same page!

Let us honor Bob Hall's incredible legacy that goes beyond the finish line!
Thank you! See you at the starting line!

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.