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.

 

 

National Poetry Month: Reflections on a Journey of Transformation

As I 'cleared out' of the VA on 5/25/2007, I had no idea what the future held for me or, if in fact I had a future. In December of 2006, I'd been given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. 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. In February of 2007, I did what I had often done throughout my life when I faced seemingly insurmountable challenges. I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The answer to my prayer - or should I say answers to my prayer - came in the form of a poem, "Running the Race" followed by what turned out to be an anthology of poems. My imagination ignited the power of the mind/body connection that created a future very different than the one Western Medicine predicted for me.

 

I took a leap of faith leaving behind an almost 6-figure salary with benefits just 3 years shy of when I would be eligible to retire. I followed my newfound bliss of writing poetry and even started a small business, "New World Greeting Cards: Original Poetry for Every Occasion." While poetry brought me joy; I literally felt no pain when I wrote poetry, and my pen became my divining rod for healing, there were much bigger plans on the horizon for me. 

 

In October of 2007, I met Janine Hightower, a personal trainer who was recruiting me to be part of her BNI group. The conversation about BNI and promoting my business faded into the background. Her in home personal training business came into sharp focus.

 

"Do you think you could help me to build on the outpatient rehab program Allison (my outpatient physical therapist) gave me when I was discharged in May?"

 

"Well, as Henry Ford said, 'Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right!'" She shared with me that I was too young to not be able to get off of a toilet seat or sofa without help or to need to use a tub chair in the shower. I was using a cane and a toe-up leg brace for mobility. I no longer needed a wheelchair since taking off the stress on mind, body and soul of my full-time job. Janine held enough faith for the two of us that I would be able to improve my functioning and quality of life.

 

In February of 2008, we were ready for me to set my next goals. I was so excited by the gains I'd made as evidenced by the difference in strength and endurance from our first session. I told Janine, "I want to feel free in my body. I want to walk outside independently without my leg brace and cane. Maybe I'll take a dance class again. I loved ballet before I contracted paralytic polio. Let's diversify my workouts."

 

She gathered up her things and had her hand on the door knob.

 

"Wait. I have one more goal."

 

"What's that?" she asked. 

 

What I said next bypassed any thought and came straight from the depths of my soul. "I want to run the Boston Marathon next year. I hear that Spaulding Rehab has a charity team."

 

Now she could have easily said how ridiculous an idea that was and let's set more realistic goals. Instead she said, without batting an eye. "Well you're going to need a pair of running shoes!"

 

In addition to the physical training, I wrote poetry on the road to Boston. In the first poem I wrote, "Running the Race", in February of 2007, I had no idea why I was focusing on winning a 10K race.

That poem foreshadowed my Boston Marathon run. Poetry fueled my training erasing doubts and fears and firing up my imagination visualizing race day. It strengthened my faith and conviction that all the pain from childhood trauma and paralytic polio would be transformed into passion and purpose. My message of healing, hope and possibilities inspired so many including many polio survivors who believed that they were destined for a downhill course as a result of having contracted polio in their younger years. 

 

There are many valid research studies that demonstrate the healing power of visualization and the mind/body connection. They are absolutely fascinating. Dr. David R. Hamilton shares these in his books, blogs and his FREE weekly newsletter, Better You, Backed by Science. Dr. Ellen J. Langer has been a Professor in Psychology at Harvard for over 40 years. Her books and studies continue to astound and amaze one with the impact of perception and environment on one's experience along with the power of mind/body unity. One of my favorite books by Dr. Langer is Counter Clockwise. I've compiled a list of resources for well-being on my website. What a joy to discover that there's science to support what I've experienced on this miraculous journey of transformation. 

 

After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I felt like the caterpillar in the cocoon sure that my life was coming to an end. And, just like that caterpillar, I emerged from my cocoon to fly free living the life that I was always meant to live.

 

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. 

 

"Meet Mary McManus — our first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest winner.
We asked you to share the stories of the songs, the albums, and the moments when music reached in and changed everything. You delivered. And one story stopped us in our tracks. We are thrilled to announce that Mary McManus is the winner of the first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest. Mary’s journey is one for the ages. She contracted paralytic polio at age five. She survived years of childhood trauma. And then, at the height of an award-winning career as a VA social worker, she was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

Music — and the healing power of words — had other plans for Mary.
Through poetry, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible, Mary transformed her life. At 53 she became a runner. At 55 she crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. That is what music can do." 

 

Mary will be the guest on an upcoming exclusive episode of the "Music Saved Me" podcast.

 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.

 

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.

 

 

 

Countdown to Hyannis: Through the Eyes of Gratitude

 

 

In February of 2007 (wow 19 years ago now) my journey in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome began with the poem, 'Running the Race'. So much gratitude filled my heart despite, by all appearances to the contrary, there was not much to be grateful for! It foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon as I focused on winning a 10K race in my mind's eye. As we head toward Hyannis Marathon Weekend Race Week, it seems only fitting to revisit gratitude, where my journey began, as this week's theme for counting down to Hyannis.

Taper time is an opportunity to heal up all the niggles going into race week feeling ready, steady and strong. During this training cycle and taper time, I discovered new mantras. As I trained for Hyannis, I took a deeper dive into healing trauma and polio symptoms. When my physical body is taxed and when there is emotional stress, tremors tend to worsen. I came up with the mantra "steady as she goes" combining that with conscious movement. Conscious movement is a phrase I discovered in Norm Doidge's book, "The Brain's Way of Healing." It's a way to harness the power of neuroplasticity to heal neurological symptoms. After two 4 milers and a 2 miler within one week in bitter cold weather, I experienced a very tight IT band. I brought out my foam roller, paired it with the mantra of relief, release, relax, and conscious movement to avoid tightening up around the tightness.

My relationship with my body has become more intimate. With the goal of the 10K, it motivated me to take my healing to a new level and to love and care for myself in deeper and more meaningful ways. My relationship with Tom has grown and our love deepened as we get ready to celebrate 49 years since we met and 48 years of marriage. It's amazing what all those early mornings, miles on the road and weathering every type of weather will do to deepen a relationship.

We were so grateful for warmer temperatures and no wind on Saturday morning feeling the energy of so many runners out training for Boston. With Saturday's miles, our training cycle on the Road to the Hyannis 10K is in the books. Tom and I did an easy 2 miler celebrating our 48th Valentines Day together. We are grateful for our beautiful life together. We are grateful for how we navigated incredible challenges through the years together and grateful for the many blessings now in our lives.

When I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged, Tom said it was a no-brainer that I should leave behind my award-winning social work career. I had an almost 3 figure salary with full benefits. My heart overflows with gratitude for his unending support. We've had amazing adventures during these past 20 years as I found my way to a healing path and the sport of running. I am so excited for our next adventure in Hyannis.

"Love is a Four Letter Word," one of my favorite poems, popped up as a FB memory for Valentines Day. I wrote Love is a Four Letter Word early on in my healing journey. I am deeply grateful for discovering the gift of poetry in my soul.

Tom and I, along with several of our friends on social media, have been following the Walk for Peace. The monks and their journey have expanded our spiritual awareness. I am tapping into the meaning of my own journey as I trained for Hyannis. I could not rest on my laurels but needed to take on at least one more challenge of a live race for myself and posterity.

We had our final before breakfast strength training workout on Monday morning. It's been an amazing 8 months of consistency, discipline and perseverance as we trained not only for race day but to age strong. It feels strange yet wonderful to not be checking the weather to plan out training runs. It was too early to check race day weather on Monday. During our work out and at breakfast, Tom and I expressed our sense of accomplishment and gratitude for this training cycle and all our minds and bodies have been able to achieve. I reminded us of the importance of speaking positive words into our life every morning especially as we count down to race weekend.

March 1st will be our victory lap. It will be a time to celebrate us. As I've shared in previous posts, March 2nd is Tom's 74th birthday and the 49th anniversary of when we met on a blind date! March 4th is our 48th wedding anniversary. This year marks 20 years since I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. Every day is a celebration of life that will be punctuated by Race Weekend. 

Tuesday was the first day we had no run scheduled. Since it's been a minute since I've gone through taper time, I did a bit of research to remind myself of the phenomenon of Taper Madness and indulged in Taper time Tuesday musings. Taper madness is described as a temporary, common phenomenon among endurance athletes experiencing high anxiety, restlessness, self-doubt, and "phantom pains" during the reduced training (taper) phase before a race. It stems from reduced endorphins, accumulated fatigue, and the psychological shift from high-volume training to rest. It is best managed by trusting the training, reducing mileage, staying active with light movement, and avoiding the urge to over train. 

Reading that phantom pains are random, temporary aches or muscle twitches that seem to appear when training drops, is caused by tissue repair and heightened awareness brought me great comfort. Vivid and strange dreams can be a symptom of taper madness. On Monday night, I dreamed that I ran the Boston Marathon again. Instead of a medal, I was given a flimsy piece of paper to put around my neck. But that dream ties into the need for me to stay focused on ALL of my previous race successes and all of the successful training runs we had. There was only one training run during this training cycle when I hit the wall and I was able to power through. 

My mind has traveled to my one and ONLY DNF that was in Bermuda at the 10K in 2024. Rather than feel the grip of fear this could happen again, I am comparing that training cycle with time leading up to race day and this training cycle. My meditations are focused on healing and allowing taper time to work its magic. I know from sports psychology and the power of visualization that I can use my imagination to anticipate the joy of a wonder filled race weekend and race day,  or remember what happened in Bermuda. The only reason I am revisiting what happened in Bermuda is to experience the contrast between that training cycle and events leading up to race day with this training cycle. This training cycle has been infused with joy and gratitude. Treating ourselves to a brunch or lunch after every long run to relish our time on the roads and savoring a well-earned refueling meal was a game changer on the Road to Hyannis. If my thoughts briefly wander to negative what-if's, I quickly replace them with, "Aah but what is the very best that could happen." I looked through the photos from Hyannis in 2016 and felt a flutter of butterflies anticipating the excitement of race weekend. 

I love the tips for managing taper madness:
Trust the Process: Believe that the reduced workload is allowing your body to fully recover and build strength.
Stay Active (But Light): Avoid complete inactivity; instead, keep up light movement, such as short, easy runs.
Manage Energy: Use the extra time for sleep, stretching, and organizing gear.
Avoid Over-Checking: Do not obsess over the weather forecast or obsessively analyze old training data.

On Thursday, Tom and I went for an easy walk around the neighborhood to soak up the sunshine and continue our mental preparation for Hyannis. I reminded myself that phantom pains and tightness are temporary and just passing through; that we are going to have an epic race day. I am checking the weather so that we make sure we pack all the proper gear we will need. I'm so glad we purchased ponchos early on in our training as right now the forecast calls for rain. I've been doing a lot of stretching, foam rolling and taking longer time for afternoon meditations that sometimes drifts into a nap. I am reminding myself that this is my body's way to recover and prepare for race day. I continue to thank my body for all it has given me during this training cycle. I continue to express my deepest gratitude to Tom for being with me side by side and stride by stride on the roads and in our life together.

Through the eyes of gratitude everything is a miracle. This journey of healing and transformation and the gift of this training cycle has been an incredible miracle in my life that I appreciate from the depths of my heart and soul.

I hope to see many of you at the Expo where I'll be sharing my incredibly inspiring journey as a most unlikely runner and will have my books for sale.  Here is the link to register and to the event website  Bill Rodgers returns as the special guest for Race Weekend. 

 

See you in Hyannis!

 

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.

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. 

 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.

 

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.

 

This Week in Training: Dancing Through Life!

 
 

Tom and I had 4 fabulous miles last Saturday to start another week of training on the Road to Hyannis. What a joy to have dry ground and no ice or snow to navigate along with moderate temperatures and no wind. The geese flying in formation reminded us to stay connected to a Force greater than ourselves and feel the Creator in all things. We reflected on the events of the past week and opened our hearts with compassion to lives lost while talking about how we retain our optimism. The Optimism Institute founder, Bill Burke, was recently the guest on an episode of SideBar:Optimism in Action podcast. I listened to it on Friday and shared with Tom how I was uplifted and inspired by how Bill answered very difficult questions from the hosts about maintaining our optimism to meet these moments. 

 

 

As I wrote about in a previous blog, "From Atrophy to Astonishing, during one of my early morning meditations, early on in this training cycle, I embodied myself as the young, lithe ballerina in Miss Patricia's ballet class. I experienced the muscle memories from before I contracted polio.

Saturday night, I had a dream about Miss Patricia only we had aged in the dream. She was holding class for a small group of older women. In the dream, I called her Patricia when I asked a question of how many steps we should take before we made a certain dance move. I loved the joy of feeling free in my body and dancing again. When I woke up I felt amazing remembering how happy I was for two years in her ballet class before contracting paralytic polio. 

This week's theme for my training cycle is "Dancing Through Life." I listened to the song from Wicked when I was in the waiting room for my therapy appointments after the diagnosis and 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 made the decision that even if I had to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I would do so dancing through life as happens in the song. Little did I know that in February of 2007, I would discover the healing power of poetry and become a most unlikely runner! 

 

For Monday's strength training session, I was drawn to this quote from Dr. Joe Dispenza. It's my why!

 I love starting a new day and a new week with a before breakfast rigorous strength training workout with Tom. I can't believe that we are in the final 7 weeks of training. There will be so much to celebrate in Hyannis. I'll be celebrating 20 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome 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. Tom will be celebrating his 74th birthday on 3/2. We met on a blind date 49 years ago on his  25th birthday! And on 3/4, we celebrate 48 years of marriage.

 

 On Tuesday morning, we were treated to a cotton candy sky; a sweet reward for getting up at 6am to get in morning miles. The last few weeks have been hard runs with bitter temps, and having to navigate snow, ice and rock salt. Those hard runs help me to appreciate an easy run like this morning. I felt as though I were dancing through the miles as Tom and I breathed deeply savoring these moments unplugged in Nature. We kept expressing how grateful we are for this training cycle celebrating being in our 70's feeling healthy enjoying life.

I remember how 20 years ago I was NOT enjoying life and faced a grim prognosis after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome 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. 

Cue the fog horn for Thursday morning's mystical miles as we wrapped up another week of training. We found a nickel on our way home that, aside from how finding money is always a sign, a nickel has special significance.

"The Five Pennies" was a 1959 film based on the true story of bandleader Loring "Red" Nichols who leaves his burgeoning musical career with his band, "The Five Pennies" to care for his daughter who contracted polio. If you decide to watch it, be sure to have a box of Kleenex handy. Spoiler alert: Red Nichols daughter recovers from polio and encourages her dad to return to his passion. In the final scenes, Nichols, nervous and terrified of playing in front of an audience again, is disappointed when he sees no other old friends in the audience. He opens the show, and after a few notes, “Won't you come home Bill Bailey?” echoes through the dark. The lights come up, and he is greeted by Louis Armstrong and his friends. Willa, his wife, comes up on stage and tells him she has a surprise for him. Dorothy, his daughter, steps onto the dance floor without her cane and asks her father to dance. Here is the link to watch the emotional ending to the story.

What a beautiful affirmation for this week's theme of "Dancing Through Life" as we wrapped up another week of training on the Road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K.  Come see me at the Expo! I'll be inspiring runners with my journey as a most unlikely runner and having my books for sale. Here is the link to register.  

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.

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. 

 

 

 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.

 

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.

 

Magic, Miracles and Mindfulness In The Miles!

 

Last Saturday, Tom and I opted to sleep in a little later and do an out the door run. We parked at the Cleveland Circle Reservoir using our car for a water stop for our last 5 miler in this part of our training cycle. After once around the Reservoir, we had our water stop and headed down Beacon Street along the Boston Marathon course. I could feel the magic in this training cycle and in my running shoes. Having the goal of a 10K with a stretch goal of another half marathon fuels my feeling of transformation in the wake of polio and trauma. Beacon Street offered rolling hills and plenty of places to stop for a bathroom. The miles were filled with memories of training for the 2009 Boston Marathon. Conquering the hills as we headed back to our car was at once exhilarating and challenging. During this training cycle, I am more focused and determined than I have ever been in recent years. I bring mindfulness to each training run paying exquisite attention to pace, fueling, hydration and effort. My meditation sessions are a sacred time that I prioritize using them for visualization and healing any of the inevitable niggles that accompany a rigorous training cycle. 

 

Our loop around the Reservoir was filled with magical moments that reminded us of the miracles in nature:

Just look at those orbs, brilliant sunshine and sweet turtles that remind us all of this miracle we call life. When we got to our car, I took a few minutes to stretch and hydrate. It made a big difference in my recovery and something I will incorporate into my after run mindfulness practice.

 

We treated ourselves to a healthy yet hefty brunch at Johnny D's in Newton before coming home to take our afternoon rest after a mindful stretching session.

 

Sunday was our rest day; a vital part of any training plan. By Monday morning, we were ready to lace up our running shoes that have magic in them and head out the door. The neighborhood was uncharacteristically quiet as though everyone was sleeping in for the last unofficial day of summer. Even though it was a holiday, we still wanted to get an early start to the day savoring early morning before breakfast runs. The sky was overcast. There was a sense of mystery and magic as we had the Reservoir to ourselves; it was the calm before the rhythm shifted from the lazy days of summer to back to school. I noticed the layers of blue that could only be painted by the Master Artist.

 

As we navigated the hills to and from our home, I felt the benefits of those Beacon Street hills we did on Saturday.

 

Tuesday was our strength training day. A quote from Jillian Michaels inspired the workout:

                                                                                                    With every run and every workout, I remember my WHY. I am celebrating this miracle of healing after 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 feel joy and gratitude deep in my heart and soul that at 71 years old I crank up my playlist and work out with my bestie of almost 49 years. We have a 45 minute workout and continue to challenge ourselves with reps and increased difficulty.

Wednesdays are for rest and recovery!

 

Today's morning run was the jewel in the crown of this week's training. The magic and majesty of the dawn of a new day filled our hearts with love and gratitude. In contrast to Monday morning, cars were careening down the road. Runners were getting in their before work, drop the kids off or get to class runs. The energy of a new season had arrived. The colors at the Reservoir are slowly transforming from summer to Autumn. 

             

 Tomorrow is a feel good Friday rest day when I get everything ready for Tom and me to take on a 5.5 mile training run on Saturday morning. Each week there are new adventures and learning how to best take care of this magical miraculous body during this training cycle. Magic, miracles and mindfulness are sure to be infused into our runs, strength training workouts and recovery days.

 

 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.

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.

 

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.