A Funday Runday in the Rain

As I recently wrote in, "A Comeback Training Cycle - Every Mile Infused With Gratitude," Tom and I have been focused on strength training and maintaining Saturday runs with an occasional Thursday run in lieu of strength training, weather permitting. We've been driving to either of the two Reservoirs near our home and using it as a kind of track workout. Last Saturday it was pouring rain. We knew we needed to do an out the door run because sitting in the car after getting rained on to come home would not have made for a fun run day. We changed clothes several times trying to figure out what would serve us best. We decided on our winter running jackets which are water repellent and a baseball cap. Fortunately, the temperature was fairly mild given what it could have been for November here in New England.

 

When I was growing up, I never knew the unbridled joy of being outdoors in the rain with mud and puddles. Childhood paralytic polio and trauma at the hands of family members put a damper on childlike fun and freedom. I feel that at age 72, I'm making up for those 'lost years.' My plan for my birthday run on Christmas Day is to run 73 minutes to celebrate 73 years as Tom and I continue to recover from that very intense training cycle on the Road to the Hyannis Marathon 10K. Remember that for somebody who was told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged, I go pretty far and pretty fast. We want to give our bodies time to build back to 73 minutes and added extra time onto Saturday's run. What a joy to be together celebrating 20 years of my healing next month and getting ready to celebrate 50 years of being together next year.

 

I told Tom that I was reminded of the poem I wrote, "Come Out And Play" as we navigated around the mud puddles, sometimes without success. He remembered that I'd had a dream shortly after the Post-Polio Syndrome Diagnosis. I dreamed that I had come out of my toe-up leg brace and was dancing barefoot splashing in puddles like Gene Kelly in the movie Singing in the Rain. When I woke up the next morning, I wrote the poem. Isn't that absolutely amazing? A year after writing that poem I came out of my toe-up leg brace and began training for the 2009 Boston Marathon. The power of poetry ignited my imagination visualizing a future very different than what Western Medicine predicted for me. Writing poetry and visualization harnessed the power of the mind/body connection! Tom and I continue to be in awe of my journey and how life would be so different, if I were still alive, had I not been willing to defy the prognosis and took the diagnosis sitting down. We enjoyed the late Autumn colors and savored being unplugged out in Nature which is medicine for our mind, body and soul.

 

The hills gave us quite a workout and we relished how our bodies felt after a challenging run. We changed out of our wet clothes before heading out for what has become our Saturday lunch outing. We are looking forward to many more funday rundays to come!

 

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.

In this episode of Boundless, Kathy Eldon sits down with Mary McManus, a polio and childhood trauma survivor, former social worker, poet, and author of A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration from the Heart of a Warrior. Mary shares how writing poetry opened a new chapter in her life, how physical therapy and personal training supported her return to movement, and how an audacious goal became a marathon finish.

Together, Kathy and Mary explore the role of faith, forgiveness, gratitude, and creative expression in navigating difficult experiences. They also reflect on the importance of acknowledging pain, finding support, and staying open to possibility.

 

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.