Synchronicity & The Stories of Two Septuagenerians

Mary McManus, motivational speaker, critically acclaimed author and poet, 2009 Boston Marathon finisher, polio and trauma survivor has wowed audiences and readers with her remarkable story of resilience, healing, hope and possibilities. Every day is a celebration of life for 70 year old Mary who refused to take the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 sitting down. Her pen became her divining rod for healing harnessing the power of the mind/body connection  through poetry. She embarked on a journey that took her from taking a leap of faith, leaving behind her award-winning career as a VA social worker in May 2007, to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon, and many adventures as a woman transformed through the sport of running.

After a major setback in her health and wellness journey in 2021/2022, Mary knew she had not come that far to only go that far. After a 6 year hiatus from participating in running events. Mary set the goal of the 2024 Bermuda 10K Walk to celebrate her 70th birthday and 17 years of healing in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. During her training runs, Mary used visualization to imagine her experience on race day. She consistently imagined pairing up with a walker or two at the back of the pack as a way to temper her nerves of being able to finish in the 2 and a half hour time limit.

When Mary and her husband Tom caught up with Marlene Rose Gamba, she knew that God was with her and her visualization was manifesting in physical reality. Although Mary’s race did not go as planned,  she was blessed with friends who became family!

Spoiler alert: She did go on to finish her unfinished business on May 4th which you will find in the Epilogue of "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior."

 Mary holds a BS in Communications from Boston University, an MSW from Boston College and many fond memories of her veterans and their families from the VA close in her heart.

She lives in Chestnut Hill, MA with her husband of over 45 years and is the proud mother of twins, Ruth Anne and her brother Autumn. 

 In June of 2021, Marlene Rose Gamba came close to death after an emergency appendectomy that required 6 pints of blood, 4 pints of plasma, time in a trauma ICU where she was strapped up and in intense pain, a regular ICU, a regular room and 4 weeks in rehab. Her surgeon told her that what saved her life was being in great shape before the surgery. She entered rehab with a walker but had a dogged determination to regain all of her strength back in daily rehab. In Marlene’s words,  “I went from a walker to a cane and then transitioned to full strength.  Amazing how the brain works.  I had to retrain my brain to get back my muscle memory.”

Marlene retired from her job as a Principal in 2021. She was a principal for 20 years. It was difficult for her to leave a job she loved, but at 72, she needed to concentrate on her health. She became a part of Fit Body Forever,  a program for seniors 55 and over at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp specifically designed to help those 55 and over strengthen stamina with a special emphasis to address the signs of aging.

She always wanted to complete a 10K and she asked herself, why not do a 10k in Bermuda. She knew it would be difficult but she wanted to try. She prepared for the event with two coaches from the gym and another member from the over 55 class.

In Marlene’s words: “In January 2024 at the Bermuda 10 K, destiny put me right where I was supposed to be walking in a 10 K with a person that brought me back to life. Mary McManus’ courage and determination changed me forever. We helped each other and when she was unable to finish, at that moment I said, “  I have to finish.”  Yes,  at the most unexpected  times , “A hero comes along!”

The last mile was the most difficult and I wasn’t sure if there would be walkers and runners left. The motorcycle policeman monitoring the race kept checking on me. I promised him I would finish. He asked my name so he could let my daughter know I would finish and that they would keep the finish line open past the 2 hour 30 minutes.

When I made it to the stadium,  I saw my daughter at the entrance to the stadium … but  there at the finish line were Mary and  her husband cheering me on. They waited for me, I hugged them both and cried.  A moment I would never forget. God proved to me that there are angels walking on earth.”

Marlene Rose Gamba has been a lifelong Rhode Island resident. She graduated from Emerson College with degrees in English and Speech  Communication followed by a Masters Degree in Education from Rhode Island College with a Concentration as a Reading Consultant for grades K-12.  In 2001 she earned her Principal Certificate K-12 from Providence College. Marlene’s husband Jim, passed away in 2015. She is the proud mom of two daughters, Renee and Melody.

Please join Mary and Marlene, and their daughters Ruth Anne and Melody on 9/28 for an inspirational event for all ages! Providence Fit Body Boot Camp in partnership with Marathon Sports is proud to present:  Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong!              You'll hear first hand about their journeys of transformation that will uplift, motivate and inspire you to know what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. Read more of the back story in my blog, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong."

--Enjoy a 15 minute workout led by a Providence Fit Body Boot Camp Coach

--Inspirational conversation with Mary and Marlene moderated by their daughters Melody Gamba and Ruth Anne McManus

--Book signing of Mary’s book, “A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior,” a selection of the WBZ NewsRadio Book Club
Order your copies on Amazon   I will also have books available for you to purchase.

***RSVP here: https://forms.gle/mxASGoEkfp2ny3ts5

Admission is Free!

Light refreshments & Raffle Prizes!
3 - $50 gift cards to Marathon Sports Providence
1 - $50 gift card to lululemon Providence
1 - $50 gift card to Rhode Runner
A pack of FlavaBars from FlavaNaturals
2 - autographed copies of Mary's Book
A special gift from Providence Fit Body Boot Camp-One week of free membership and (2) shaker cup/supplement sample
Free entry to Run Rhody's 10/27 Providence Monster Dash race

So excited to see you on 9/28 in Providence!

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 and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story. My interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

On 9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp for a book signing and inspirational conversation, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong." Details are on the News and Events  Page.

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.

Phenomenal Final 5.5 Miler in Afternoon Autumn Splendor

 

Although my plan was to "maintain..maintain..maintain..." I knew I needed to get one more 5.5 miler in the books before I went into my taper mode for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K happening in just two months. This training cycle has flown by!

Two months from today I will be enjoying my victory lap on the beautiful Bermuda 10K course. I have butterflies as I anticipate a day I have diligently trained for since May; a day to spread a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities despite a diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease.

Ruth Anne wanted to join me on this training run. Tom and Ruth Anne's training for the Los Angeles Marathon kicks into high gear. This was the last opportunity for us to share a training run together at my pace. The timing is Divine. As I go into taper mode, Tom and Ruth Anne amp up their training. After Bermuda, I will be able to be support crew for them.

Although afternoon runs are not my favorite time to run, it's how the day played out. I harnessed the power of my mind/body connection telling myself I was going on an after breakfast run. I had a bagel and cream cheese for lunch. The sunshine was brilliant and warmed our faces. It shimmered on the still water of the Reservoir. The golden leaves remaining on the trees glistened as the sunshine peeked through the bare branches. 

We kept a steady, easy pace passing disappointed Boston College Eagles football fans. At halftime they were losing and fickle fans were leaving the Stadium. Ruth Anne had to make a pit stop. The Waterworks Museum doors were locked. We changed direction to have a shorter route to the Boston College Fit Rec Center which we thought would surely be open. It was closed because of game day! Two girls wearing Virginia Tech jackets asked if we would take a picture of them. Ruth Anne shared how her dad works for V-Tech. He'd be delighted they won although Ruth Anne and I are both Eagles.

We had another half lap around the Reservoir before heading back home. Ruth Anne suggested we engage in conversation to keep her distracted from needing to get to a bathroom.  I was surprised to learn that Ruth Anne wanted me to have a new goal so I would have the opportunity to get more fit. I am exhilarated that I have risen to the challenge of training for a 10K again. I feel stronger, more resilient and more determined than ever to conquer the hills in Bermuda. I feel the joy of being off the sidelines again and the thrill of anticipating being a part of Race Weekend. I embrace the discomfort that comes with being out of my comfort zone again after a 5 year hiatus!

Ruth Anne spotted a Portapotty just in time to avoid a #codebrown. Fortunately it was open! I stretched while I waited for her feeling the soreness that comes with training for a 10K. 

That was my final 5.5 miler of this training cycle. I was profoundly grateful for the warm sun and moderate November temperatures. I am hoping the weather will cooperate as I top off my training with easy miles focusing on my mental preparation over this next month and 29 days according to the website's countdown clock. Here is my race day mantra:

From my heart to yours
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 and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.

On Mental Toughness - A Turning Point in Training

 

Saturday's forecast called for rain all day. Prior to training for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K, I would have felt more lax about going out and getting in miles in the pouring rain. While there can be flexibility for a training plan, there can be no excuses! 

We decided to go to Jamaica Pond where we have memories of training for the 2009 Boston Marathon; where Bill Rodgers did his training runs for Boston. There were plenty of parking spaces available and a path with only a few other brave souls getting in a run or walking their dogs. Ruth Anne decided that she needed to get in a good tempo run and would run in the opposite direction from Tom and me. We were blessed that the predicted strong head winds did not accompany the rain. I wore an older pair of running shoes although I was excited to try out my new pair of Ghost Max kicks but since they are white, I didn't want to get them soaked and caked with mud.

We focused on the beauty of Jamaica Pond and the current in the water created by the raindrops.

We high fived with Ruth Anne as she ran 11 minute miles with negative splits for 5 miles. She is a warrior after a 7 week hospitalization and ongoing medication changes in the wake of a very serious UTI that caused neuropsychiatric symptoms. Tom and Ruth Anne are training for the LA Marathon in March.

She did her cool down while Tom and I finished our 5.5 miles. I really wanted to call it at 4.5 miles with the rationale that I had just done 4.5 miles on Sunday so this would be my 2nd long run in a week. But something switched on within me. Rather than feeling the discomfort of my soaking wet feet and the chill I felt from the rain, I focused on the strength and resilience of Team McManus. We have weathered so many storms in our lives. We keep moving forward. I heard a voice within me say, "Just keep going."

 

I did just that! I was amazed that the intermittent knee pain I'd been experiencing was gone despite my soaking wet pants and needing to push on through the inclement weather. There was a sense of being fully present in my body yet beyond my body. I felt as though there was nothing in my tank yet simultaneously I felt a strength and a fierceness as I kept going until my Garmin hit 5.5 miles. I am so exhilarated that I did not quit before 5.5 miles. It was a turning point in my training for the 10K. It was the first time since 2018 that I ran longer than a 5K in downpours. I remember when we ran 11 miles and were soaked to the skin. We could have traded our run day with Sunday's strength training day but know that mental toughness comes with miles in the rain. It turned out to be a sunny and warm Sunday. We enjoyed the enormous sense of satisfaction that came with crushing those miles in the rain when we trained for the Bermuda Half Marathon.

On Saturday, I drew inspiration from running in the rain quotes I've used:

 

 

 

 

 

I was so grateful that I had prepared a big pot of Spanish Bean Stew, a vegan stew chock full of flavors and nutrients that was simmering on the stove. The house smelled delicious as we peeled off our layers and got into a hot shower. I was tired and sore yet felt invigorated by having weathered the weather to run 5.5 miles!

Whatever the weather may be on race day, I now know that I have the mental toughness to push through. I am, however, focusing on manifesting amazing weather for Race Weekend. 

From my heart to yours
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 and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel

 

The Power of the Body to Heal

 

The other day I was reflecting on the body's incredible power to heal.  I love the above quote from Dr. Joe Dispenza.

I had reconstructive leg surgery oh over 20 years ago now and they used a long metal plate and screws to put the leg back together again. A year later I told my wonderful orthopedic surgeon that I did not want the metal in me any longer and needed to have it removed. He had told me that after a year we could consider that option...So I have the hardware removed and am partial weight bearing on crutches for 6 weeks while the bone filled in where the holes were for the screws. I didn't have to think about it. I totally trusted my body's ability to heal and grow new bone. My surgeon knew it would happen. I believed it would happen and so it did. Our bodies know exactly what to do to heal when we step aside and trust and believe in the process. 

Sometimes we need to partner with Western Medicine to give the body a boost in the process. I had a staph infection in my shoulder joint. To help the body heal I needed IV antibiotics and surgical intervention to clear out the shoulder joint. Ultimately, with physical therapy, I was able to regain full functioning of my arm.

I can also give numerous examples of when I relied on the power of my mind through visualization to heal my body. While I was inpatient for the shoulder infection, I met an earth angel of a nurse who introduced me to the work of Dr, Bernie Siegel. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I harnessed the power of my mind and self-love to heal my neuromuscular system from the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma. 

Shortly after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I had an abnormal mammogram. I intently focused visualization on seeing only healthy breast tissue. When I returned for the follow up mammogram, the tumor was gone.

After a serious knee injury in December of 2014, I partnered with a chiropractor to grow a new gastroc  muscle in the left leg that was most affected by polio, grow new cartilage, dissolve bone spurs and reverse degenerative arthritis. We used chiropractic care and a new strength training regimen to get me back on the roads. I went on to run 3 Bermuda Half Marathons. My chiropractor turned me onto Dr. Joe's book, "You Are the Placebo."

After a setback in 2021/2022 which happened after the 2nd COVID vaccine, I got back to work trusting in my body's incredible power to heal. I reminded myself that when we give our bodies messages of healing, they will respond to create our reality. Deena Kastor references this process in her book, "Let Your Mind Run." Candace Pert's book, "Everything You Need to Know to Feel Go(o)d" highlights her scientific discoveries about the body's tremendous capacity to heal when we harness the power of the mind. 

My story was featured in Dr. David Hamilton's book, "The Tenth Anniversary Edition of How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body" along with other incredible stories of healing and transformation.

As I train for the 2024 Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K, I consistently remind myself of the body's tremendous capacity to heal and go beyond perceived limitations from a diagnosis.

It's a thrilling journey and I am so blessed and grateful to be sharing this powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities with all of you!

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** 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.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon 

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series  to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On the Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnTheRuns to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Embracing Hills

 

The first time I did a hill training on 4/20th during this training cycle on the road to the 2024 Bermuda 10K, I stopped about half way up the hill. On the final hill repeat, I struggled to the top of the hill.  I celebrated what I was able to do trusting in my body's tremendous capacity to continue healing and to go the distance again.

This morning, Ruth Anne and I returned to the same hill on Cleveland Road for hill repeats. It's the hill where we trained for the 2009 Boston Marathon. I imagined our personal trainer Janine at the top of the hill with her stop watch telling us to push, push, push. I remembered how Deena Kastor described reeling in her opponent in her memoir, "Let Your Mind Run." I reeled in the Stop sign at the top of the hill as I was able to run the entire distance of the hill! There is a steeper hill opposite the hill on Cleveland Road. Since I know that Bermuda is known for its steep hills on the 10K route, we decided to incorporate the second hill in the hill repeats.

 

When we got to the final hill repeat, I felt the burn in my lungs and nausea. I wanted to stop before we got to the top but I knew this is where the mental AND physical training come together. Ruth Anne was my cheerleader and said, "Reel in that Stop sign. Reel in that Stop sign." I did it! I pushed myself farther and faster during today's hill repeats.

 I am giving myself plenty of time to train for the hilly Bermuda 10K mind and body in January. It's been several years since I trained for an in person road race and it's been years since I trained for anything longer than a 5K. The setback in '21/'22 was physically and mentally painful. While I never gave up on  my health and wellness journey, I had given up on training for any more events. There's a quote in Deena Kastor's book that says, "There's one thing about the mind. It forgets."

 

 

 

 

 

My mind sure did forget. I forgot how much I had done to heal my life and how much I accomplished by running 3 Bermuda Half Marathons after a serious knee injury. The doctor and PT's said it was an injury that would sideline me. They said I should stop running or cap my distance at a 5K and prepare for a total knee in a few years. Coincidentally, a Facebook memory popped up about my reunion with Dr. Ryan Means, the chiropractor who partnered with me after the knee injury. Follow this link to the blog post.

Embracing hills on the roads and in life remind us of our strength and resilience. We can always go a little farther than we think we can. After my hill training I was reminded that the setback is not the final destination. Every training run and strength training workout, especially on the hills, brings me one step closer to destination Bermuda 10K!

From my heart to yours
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.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon 

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On the Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56