The Icing on the Cake

 

As the page on the calendar turns over to November 1st this weekend, we are 5 months away from the 2026 Hyannis Marathon Weekend. As Bill Rodgers said, "The proverbial icing on the cake - has always been racing." My first race was on June 1, 2008. It was the Corrib Pub 5K; a friendly race that welcomed all paces and supported the West Roxbury Community. What a wonderful introduction to the running and racing community. In July of 2008, we ran the Marathon Sports 5 Miler. It was a highly competitive field; an evening race with hot and humid weather. I knew that if I quit, I would never be able to run the 2009 Boston Marathon. Because the staff at Marathon Sports knew my story, they celebrated me crossing the finish line as if I had broken the finisher's tape. 

Fast forward to Hyannis Marathon Weekend 2009 when I ran my first race at the half marathon distance. Because it was a race for the 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon distances, my being a back of the pack runner didn't matter; I was a mid-packer for the marathon distance. I'm using visualization again to both draw from anchor race memories and to create a magical day on 3/1/2026. 

Tom and I wrapped up another week in the training cycle with a 4 mile run on Saturday, an invigorating strength training session on Monday and two wonderful early morning pre-breakfast training runs.

Saturday's run took us twice around the Cleveland Circle Reservoir. It was a quiet run in contrast to the previous week's run when it seemed as though everybody was outside soaking up the sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Tom and I took notice of the still water and Fall foliage with hearts overflowing with gratitude for being together, unplugged and out in nature. I appreciate every step and every mile and never take my movement for granted. There was a crew cutting down the growth of bushes that line the Reservoir and we had to take a detour. We weren't sure how that would affect our mileage. We were just a tenth of a mile over 4 miles when we got back to the car.

 

While I am looking ahead to Hyannis Marathon Weekend and reflecting back on amazing race experiences, I am also looking ahead to my 72nd birthday on Christmas Day. Birthdays bring a time of reflection along with celebration. On Monday's strength training workout, I reflected on this quote:

I've known struggles since contracting paralytic polio at the age of 5 1/2 followed by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members until my father ended his life by suicide when I was 17. There was no time for me to say "I can't do this" as I headed off to Boston University the month after he died. Throughout my life, whenever faced with struggles and challenges, my resounding mantra has been I must do this. I am incredibly fortunate that I found my soul mate in my mid-20's who also believes in an "I must do this" mantra for navigating life's struggles. We had an invigorating 45 minute strength training workout that complements our miles on the road.

Another one of my favorite Bill Rodgers quote is how running as a sport unifies us. "That's why we're the greatest sport," he is quick to say whenever the opportunity presents itself. Tuesday was a shining example of how running unifies us. Despite gray skies and a chill in the air, we exchanged smiles and said good morning to many runners like us, enjoying early morning miles.

 

A warm bowl of oatmeal, a cold glass of juice, toast and a banana made for perfect post-run fueling. By 8am our hearts and bellies were full.

The forecast did NOT predict rain for early Thursday morning. When the alarm went off at 6am, the weather app showed light drizzle ending in 21 minutes - NOT! Fortunately we decided to wear our ponchos and set out to feel the unbridled joy of the gift of running in the rain. There was no wind and the temperature was in the upper 40's. I love how these early morning runs help our bodies to adapt to the change in seasons. With fog and mist, the morning miles had a mystical quality to them. 

 

Despite all the chaos happening in the world right now; all the pain and tragedies, these morning runs fortify us to figure out how we can best use our time, talent and treasure to make a difference in the world. Taking care of ourselves by taking time in nature, unplugged and being fully present gives us the ability to be present in the world without becoming overwhelmed by circumstances.

 

We are looking forward to a sunny run on Saturday for 5 miles. The theme for the next week of this training cycle is shaping up to be It's More Than the Miles. 

 

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** 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.

 

 

Born to Run: Nothing to Prove - Everything to Enjoy!

Tom and I kicked off another week in the training cycle on the road to Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K with another 6 mile run. Since there were going to be "No Kings" protestors in and around the City, we opted for a Reservoir run combined with an out and back on Beacon Street. We stopped to chat with different people who caught our attention during our run and realized that in future long runs, we needed to conserve our energy and be more focused on the task at hand. In particular, there was an elderly woman on Beacon Street walking gingerly with a cane who was complaining about the trains running only every 22 minutes. We could have kept on with our run but I asked her how much farther she had to walk. "Just a few blocks now," she angrily said in response to my question. "You have no idea how lucky you are to be able to walk." I had to let her know how I do know how lucky I am before we went on our way. Perhaps I lit a spark of possibilities within her. Young boys were dressed in shirts, ties, khakis and a Bruins Jersey fundraising for a trip to Quebec as part of the AAA Youth Hockey League. We just had to chat with them and snap the QR code to make a donation via Venmo. Our pace had slowed way down by the last two miles but we made it through. That's why it's called a training run. While we enjoyed interacting with people we randomly met, we do need to be mindful of our goal. Everyone wanted to take advantage of yet another gorgeous Autumn day in Boston.

 

Monday was our strength training day. Tom and I each remarked how great we felt despite being out for longer than planned on Saturday's 6 miler. We can feel the momentum of strength, endurance and most important the joy in this training cycle.

Tuesday's early morning run inspired an aha moment for me. It was a glorious way to start the day. I was in a deep sleep when my alarm went off at 6am. I shook off the grogginess and by the time Tom and I got home after those magnificent morning miles, I felt energized, refreshed and ready to have a terrific Tuesday. I feel so much joy and celebration during this training cycle. This one's for me with nothing to prove and everything to enjoy. There is no fundraising and no time limit to be concerned about. Hyannis Marathon Weekend has been one of my favorite race weekends since I began my journey as a most unlikely runner in February of 2008. It's a time for reunion with old friends, making new friends and having the opportunity to inspire others with my journey from a wheelchair to the Boston Marathon and beyond! I am savoring the sore muscles, delighted with the consistency of our runs and strength training workouts, and experiencing this journey of transformation in the wake of a once devastating diagnosis in all its glory.

 

We were treated to Autumn in all its glory as moderate temperatures continue to prevail needing only a long sleeve shirt, a pullover layer and capris. We unwrap the gift of a new day with presence, unplugged feeling the grace and gratitude for the blessings in our lives.

 

Thursday morning's run was the jewel in the crown of this week's training. I woke up naturally about 15 minutes before the alarm went off. I meditated setting my intentions for a wonderful run and expressing my overwhelming feelings of gratitude for this training cycle and these sacred before breakfast miles with Tom. We were both energized after a good night's sleep excited that moderate temperatures continued to prevail for late October.

 

We could see the magnificent colors of dawn on our way to the Reservoir. Our breaths caught as we noticed them at the same time. The still water created the canvas to reflect the magnificent colors of the dawn of a new day.

 

We turned a corner as the day got lighter. "Look," Tom exclaimed. "An Eagle!" "Do you think you can get a photo?" Not only did Tom get a photo of the Eagle perched on the tree but caught it as it took off in flight. "An eagle totem symbolizes strength, courage, vision, and a deep spiritual connection to the divine." While most birds take shelter during a storm, the eagle soars above the storm! I felt its magic and powerful energy as my heart soared with gratitude as I celebrate 19 years of healing in the wake of the once devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. Western Medicine's prognosis suggested that I would be grounded for the rest of my days needing to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expecting an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. But in February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance tapping into Source in my heart and soul as poetry poured out of me. 

 

                            

The runner within me was born in my imagination in the poem, "Running the Race." Click on link to read the full text and back story.

 

Even though I contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5 1/2 and then endured years of abuse at the hands of family members, I knew deep in my heart and soul that I was born to run. I knew it when I started writing poetry imagining myself running and free. I knew it when I declared to my personal trainer in February of 2008 that my next health and fitness goal was to run the 2009 Boston Marathon even though I had never run a day in my life and was still wearing a toe-up leg brace. I'm now off the sidelines with nothing to prove and everything to enjoy on this wondrous training cycle.

 

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** 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.

 

Looking for great books to get cozy with this Fall? My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Amazon.  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 Amazon Author Page for book descriptions and rave reviews.

 

The Joy of October Miles!

 

There can often be a sense of melancholy as summer ends in New England but it quickly turns to joy as the heat and humidity yield to cooler air and Autumn splendor. It's a gradual process of green leaves losing their bright green colors before they burst aflame with red, orange and yellow. Although the sun rises later and sets earlier, we are treated to sunshine lighting up Mother Nature's spectacular show. This year it has been unseasonably warm through October. We've been able to enjoy going outside in t shirts and shorts or capris while being treated to the annual Autumnal feast for the eyes. Just as I savor the transition from winter to Spring then summer, I savored this year's transition from Summer to Autumn.

I celebrate 18 years of healing in the wake of the once devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I remember when it was a challenge for me to walk short distances. I often felt as though I was watching life having my nose pressed upon a window pane yearning to live life to the full but not quite knowing how. It's amazing how a life changing diagnosis, one that said I would spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, catapulted me into a whole new world. It began with getting still and discovering the gift of poetry in my soul. My first poem,  "Running the Race" foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. Every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing especially as I get to experience Mother Nature up close and personal.

Enjoy these photos captured on magnificent miles at the Cleveland Circle Reservoir, the Route 9 Reservoir, and peaking on Heartbreak Hill on Saturday.

 

The angle of the sun shines the spotlight on the leaves as they tumble and fall in a dance of joyful letting go. There is so much for us to learn from Mother Nature. 

It was a challenging run. I had not trained on the Newton Hills in recent months. Sleep has been disrupted this week  after Tom's surgery to repair a wrist fracture that happened when he tripped and fell right before the finish line of the Cape Cod Half Marathon. It's always stressful when a loved one undergoes surgery. I wasn't sure what pace I'd be able to do. With the vibrant colors of Autumn and the sun warming us up as we conquered the hills, I was able to do negative splits and be just a hair over my goal of running under a 1 hour 5K. Remember for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I go pretty fast! 

The weather is going to turn cooler as we head into the winter months. That's the beauty of nature though. The trees lose their leaves so more light can shine through. October has been a fabulous month for miles filled with joy as we made the transition from summer to Autumn. I'm excited for a new season!

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

Every Season Has a Reason

When I was in the fourth grade, we put on the play, "Every Season Has a Reason." Isn't it funny how that stayed with me all these years? Of course as a fourth grader, I could not possibly grasp the depth of the play's meaning. Here in New England, as the seasons change, I deeply appreciate the change in seasons. For years, I was unable to experience the glory and beauty of nature up close and personal due to severely limited mobility. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a whole new opened before me. I found a portal to healing through writing poetry. As my heart and soul expressed gratitude, love, joy and forgiveness and my imagination was ignited to see myself running free, whole and healed, my life was transformed.

Whatever the weather, whatever the season, I am blessed to experience being up close and personal with Mother Nature.

Ruth Anne and I laugh about how we either under dress as when we ran in torrential downpours and wind in South Boston or overdress as we did the other day when we needed to peel off jackets and layers. It's so much easier to just throw on a t-shirt or singlet and shorts but what a joy to embrace the change in  seasons. We have often said we cannot imagine living anywhere else but New England.

On the First Full Day of Fall, given Tom and Ruth Anne's training schedule for  the Cape Cod Half Marathon, I did a solo run. It was overcast skies and I could sense the change coming as yellow replaced the fading green color of the leaves.

I remember the days when I would bemoan the change in seasons. As a polio survivor, I experienced cold intolerance. With limited mobility that eventually manifested as Post-Polio Syndrome, I experienced depression and anxiety with ice and snow fearing a fall.

Soaking in the beauty despite the grey skies filled my heart with gratitude and unbridled joy.

Just as I savored the weather slowly changing over from Winter to Spring, I now savor the slow transition from Autumn to Winter. I enjoy the vivid fall colors of flowers and the soon to be burst of colors from the trees. Just as summer has its unique scents and flavors, so does Autumn. We baked pumpkin bread and made a hearty vegan stew that replaces the sight and smell of food on the grill. It will soon be time for all things apple and the sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season. 

I am loving the season of my 70's as I garner all the wisdom I've gained during these past 18 years since setting out on a quest to heal my life. I know that every season of my life had a reason. Do you know what the best season is? The season we are living in right now being mindful to be living in the present moment!

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

Celebrating 15 Years of Healing: A Contemplative Run

 

 It's sometimes hard for me to fathom that it's been 15 years since I first took steps on my healing journey emerging from the dark night of my mind, body and soul. I have faint memories of how awful I felt in the Autumn and early Winter of 2006-2007. I am in awe of the miracle of healing.

My healing work began with tapping into my imagination and seeing beyond appearances of needing a toe up leg brace, a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. My pen became my Divining rod for healing as poetry flowed out of me inspiring mind, body and soul to heal my past through forgiveness and gratitude and creating a future of healing, wholeness and being free in my body.

Wednesday was an absolutely glorious Autumn day. Tom and Ruth Anne are training for the Providence Marathon in May so my runs these days are solo runs. I luxuriate in the solitude and a time for contemplation and reflection while I soak in the sights, sounds and scents of Autumn in New England.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom started a new contract job 3 weeks ago. It was supposed to be fully remote with a one or two day a month commute to New Hampshire but it was an every day or 2-3 times a week commute to New Hampshire. Aside from the time of the commute, we are a one car family. Even though we live close to public transportation, it still is COVID. But we can't stay in our bubble forever. Ruth Anne and I ventured out on the T to run errands and grab a bite of lunch. Fortunately the weather was glorious and we ate outside.

There were issues with payroll and accessing his laptop from home. I turned it all over to Source and asked for guidance as I had 15 years ago when I had been diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome. It can be so easy to try and control everything with an iron fist rather than open my hands to grace and guidance.

On Monday, our wall oven wouldn't turn on. I had trouble getting an appointment to have a GE repairman come out while also looking for a replacement oven. Our oven is over 10 years old. Everything was on back order and our oven is no longer manufactured. My mind started racing about what would happen for Thanksgiving, was there another option, maybe we should plan Thanksgiving with our son. But with each footstep my stress was relieved and I had to trust that somehow everything would work out.

I was able to exchange kindness and compassion with people I had contact with to secure a new wall oven and the steps necessary to get the space measured before accepting the delivery. One woman told me that she wished every customer was like me. I remembered how I felt out on my run and let those feelings fuel my negotiations as I navigated a COVID world fraught with supply chain issues and staffing shortages. I watched the magic happen as an appointment with a GE technician opened up for this morning. It just happened to be a technician we have known through the years. He worked his magic and was able to repair the oven.

There were moments earlier in the week when I felt completely overwhelmed. Tom experienced the stress of starting a new role in combination with the commute. Ruth Anne started working part-time for the Town of Brookline which is a magnificent milestone in her healing journey but she had to be at work by 7:45. When I felt that solar plexus clutch and adrenaline rush of worry, I would take a few minutes to sit down, look at the beautiful photos I took, breathe deeply and trust that we would always find a way to manage everything. I focused on all the blessings in our lives and as I did 15 years ago, let my pen be my Divining rod for healing:

Make It Easy on Yourself

When times seem tough
make it easy on yourself
connect to Source!

Outsource worries and fears

When ease seems hard to find
feel faith coursing through your veins
allowing grace to reign
showering you with Divine Love.

Angels seen and unseen stand at the ready
struggles cease
challenges transform
exhale a sigh of relief
with belief and trust.

Ease now flows
sitting by the river bank
nature our best teacher
rustling of autumn leaves
a reminder to let go.

Ease up
look up
and within and around
all is well
be at peace
be at ease.

As I write this, the smell of Superhero Muffins from Shalane Flanagan's cookbook fills the air. I can plan meals to cook in the oven and we don't have to rely on our grill or our cook top for sustenance. Tom worked out a plan for primarily working from home with his manager. Ruth Anne is thrilled with her part-time job and feels a deep sense of accomplishment for being back at work and making her way in the world once more.

Wednesday's contemplative run was exactly what I needed to reset my mind, body and soul. I have come so far in my healing journey during these past 15 years and I have to be extremely mindful to not allow unhealthy patterns to repeat themselves. When stress bears down in the midst of a pandemic, it can be challenging to not revert to old coping mechanisms. Thanks to the gift of running in my life, and the wisdom I have garnered during these past 15 years, I was able to ultimately successfully navigate circumstances beyond my control.

From my heart to yours

In health and wellness,

Mary

Be sure to visit my website at https://marymcmanus.com to learn about my journey to health and wellness in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma

Visit the News and Events tab to listen to my inspiring and uplifting interviews

My books to motivate, uplift and inspire you are available on Amazon