Happy Global Running Day 2026!

 

On Wednesday, Tom and I celebrated Global Running Day with magical magnificent early morning miles. It had been a year since we set the alarm to 6:00am to embrace the start of a new day with morning miles. We had absolutely perfect weather for before breakfast morning miles. I said to Tom that I felt in every step I was saying to my body, "I love you." For years I felt as though my body were something I lugged around. Childhood paralytic polio and trauma left their mark. BUT after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, 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, I went on a quest to heal my life.

I tapped into Source as my pen became my divining rod for healing writing poetry that opened the portal to discovering the treasure of who I was always meant to be. I unleashed the power of self-love. 

Early morning runs on a perfect weather day is heaven on Earth. My heart overflows with gratitude for the gift of running in my life. 

If you would have seen me 19 years ago in a toe-up leg brace, using a cane at times for mobility and not being able to get off of the couch or toilet seat without assistance, needing a tub bench when taking a shower because of fatigue and unsteadiness on my feet, and having difficulty climbing the stairs in my house you would have said there's no way that woman is going to run the 2009 Boston Marathon and go on to have many adventures as a most unlikely runner.

But that's exactly what happened!

These days, Tom and I are running just for the health of it after a very rigorous and intense training cycle on the road to the Hyannis 10K in March. There are miles filled with smiles and joy. Last Saturday's weather was unseasonably raw and cold. One of the luxuries of not having a training schedule is it's easy to shuffle our running and strength training days. We got in a work out on Saturday with a rigorous deep cleaning of our home. On Sunday, we enjoyed an easy few miles gearing up for Wednesday's celebration of Global Running Day. Mondays are for strength training and I enjoyed reflecting on this Walt Disney quote:

And you know what? Transformation is not a once and done experience. In 2021/2022 I had a major setback in my healing  from childhood paralytic polio and trauma after an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine. 

I needed to continue to harness the power of the mind/body connection through visualization, double down on my self-care routine and remind myself of all the healing that went before. It took time to get back on the roads. I cannot imagine my life without running whatever the pace and whatever the distance. 

 

 

This year's Global Running Day celebration was especially sweet celebrating 19 years since I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career on 5/25 to heal my life. The only goal Tom and I shared was to savor the time together unplugged in Nature on a picture perfect weather day.  

I'm excited to resume early morning summer runs needing only a t-shirt or singlet and shorts to head out the door. I'm delighted with feeling strong and healthy as all the 'niggles' from that training cycle continue to heal. It was great run to pass runners and say with a big smile, "Happy Global Running Day!" "You too," they'd respond with smiles reflecting back to me the joy I felt in my heart and soul.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Celebrating Global Running Day!

 

I could fill an entire blog post with running quotes that express my sentiments about a sport that I discovered at the age of 53. Instead, I will share how I celebrated Global Running Day 2025 and take a look back at the highlights of my running career. I got up at 6:30am since the forecast called for heat and humidity in the afternoon. Wednesdays are usually my rest day but I cannot pass up getting in magical morning miles before breakfast to celebrate Global Running Day.

As we approach the summer solstice, the verdant green colors of trees and grass, and vibrant color of the wildflowers are a feast for the eyes. The still waters of the Reservoir, home to ducks and geese, settle my soul into a peaceful rhythm as I run. 

As a child, I never knew the freedom and joy of playing outside. Contracting paralytic polio at age 5, followed by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members severely limited me. BUT as Tony Robbins said, "It's never too late to have a happy childhood."  With every run, no matter if I'm on the struggle bus or not, there is a place within me fueled by gratitude and joy that I have the ability to move outside.

 I captured the joy of my first race in "Celebrating My Race-iversary." The 2nd road race I ran was the Marathon Sports 5 Miler. It was an evening race. It was hot and we got lost on the way to the start. It was a fast field and I had a lot of "polio" memories surface. Tom would not let me quit. I knew that if I did not make it to that finish line, I would not make it to the start of the Boston Marathon. When I came into the finish, the Marathon Sports staff blew the air horn as though I had broken the finisher's tape.  

The Tufts 10K in October was a celebration of women running. It was my first 10K race that gave me confidence as a new runner. In February of 2009, I had a pinnacle experience meeting Bill Rodgers and Frank Shorter and having them welcome me into the fold. I ran my first Half Marathon race and met members of the L Street and Merrimack Valley Striders Club who became like family.

  

My Boston Marathon run is beautifully captured in this piece from Channel 7 News:
 

 

I took some time off to recover from Boston and was back on the roads in June of 2010. I decided to do 5K's and experience the exhilaration and joy of being a part of this community where taunts and jeers that I'd known as a child were transformed into celebrations and cheers!

 

In 2011, my nephew died by suicide. I was devastated. At a time when I should have continued running and allowed myself to be surrounded by the love of running family, I stopped running. You don't know what you don't know! But in 2013, I was at the Mandarin Hotel to celebrate Marathon Monday with the Spaulding Rehab team. Fortunately we evacuated safely but it was a wake up call for me to get back to the sport I loved. In December of 2014, I blew out my left knee but, long story short, I got back on the roads and ran Bermuda Half Marathons 2016, 2017 and 2018 with the Hyannis 10K in 2016.

The medical community said I should  prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years after that knee injury and cap my distance at a 5K. The Universe and I had other plans as I partnered with a chiropractor and doubled down on my mind/body healing.

 

Let's fast forward to today. I am training for the 2026 Hyannis 10K and plan to get back to the Half Marathon Distance next Spring. Every day is a celebration of life for me as my heart overflows with gratitude for the gifts and treasures that running has brought into my life.

 

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

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 Bookshop  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 Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews.

 

 

 

Global Running Day 2024

 

As an Ambassador for the Boston Run Show, I received a message that invited us to document our activity on Global Running Day.  Except for 2021/2022 when I had a major setback, I always enjoyed celebrating Global Running Day. When it was a scheduled rest day, as Wednesday was, I swapped Thursday's run for Wednesday! Now that I finished my unfinished business from a DNF in Bermuda, I am working on speed during my weekday runs. 

I felt something stir deeply in my soul as Ruth Anne and I headed out the door to get in our 2 miles for the day. I asked her to please pace me. Now what you, dear readers need to realize is that for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I run pretty fast. What I LOVE about the running community is whether you run a 5 minute mile or in my case an 18-19 minute mile you are embraced and accepted. What a contrast to when I was growing up after having contracted paralytic polio when I was teased and taunted by my peers. I felt unbridled joy deep in my heart and soul. The come back is so much sweeter than the setback. I felt a profound connection to the communities of the Boston Run Show and the National Running Show in the UK. Here's the video Ruth Anne and I took during our run:

Celebrating 17 years of healing in the wake of a devastating diagnosis fills my heart with gratitude. Experiencing the beauty of nature and having a phenomenal coach and cheerleader in Ruth Anne intensified the pleasure of celebrating Global Running Day.

I earned the Garmin Global Running Day Badge and, in addition to having the best time, I had the best time in a long time with a 19:01 min/mile pace with a huge negative split of 19:53 on first mile to 18:06 on the second mile!

This morning I received the email from the National Running Show.
Global Running Day 2024 took place this Wednesday, and to celebrate the National Running Show and Boston Run Show communities took on a challenge to run a combined ultra marathon...

A challenge to see how far we could all run in 24 hours. No matter how far or how fast people went, every individual contribution added towards an overall total.

The aim was for that total to cross the ultra marathon threshold. But how far could the running community go?

Calling on staff, ambassadors, speakers and brands, the whole #runshow community was called into action.

Oh... and we also documented it! Watch the video below!

I laughed a hearty belly laugh with the start of the video. I cried happy tears and had goosebumps when I saw my face on the cover photo and watched the beautiful editing by Dominic Brown. 

I often wonder what my life would be like if I would not have had the courage and strength to defy the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I would have missed out on so much of life. I love being able to spread a powerful message of healing, of hope, of what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. I love being out on the roads running at my pace and being celebrated by the running community at almost 70 and a half years old. I love how wonderful I feel coming back strong after a major setback in 2021/2022. The message that accompanies Raccoon Media Group's Ultramarathon Challenge is "No matter how far or how fast people went, every contribution added towards an overall total."

Imagine if the world took on the culture of the running community; every contribution is valued and celebrated and everyone is included regardless of age, sexual orientation, appearance or pace! 

Thank you Boston Run Show and National Running Show for sharing the essence of the celebration of Global Running Day around the globe. What a blessing to be a part of this community!

Be sure to mark your calendars for 3/1-3/2/2025 when the Boston Run Show returns to Boston co-locating with the Boston Outdoor Expo at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

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.

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.

 

Happy Global Running Day! Running is My Therapy!

 

"It's counterintuitive to the law of physics," Eddie the roofer told us while helping to stop the flooding in our home from ice dams several years ago. I don't remember the specific law of physics he was telling us about but I do remember the phrase.

In May of 2021, after the 2nd COVID vaccine, I experienced symptoms that stopped me cold in my workout and running routines. I had done everything I knew to do to avoid any adverse reaction to the vaccine. I harnessed the power of the mind/body connection to manage the symptoms and continue as best I could to strength train and get in miles. My intuition told me to cut back in what I was doing yet the symptoms persisted. I realized that what I needed to do was counterintuitive to what one wants to do when one is experiencing pain. Throughout my healing journey after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I have held fast to the belief that if I am going to hurt, I may as well hurt on the side of healing!

As I wrote about in "I'm Now Off the Sidelines .. or .." I decided that enough was enough and kicked off this year with the Virtual First Run 5K. Doing that race set into motion a renewed confidence in my body's tremendous capacity to heal.

I experienced a new sense of joy and freedom in my workouts and training runs.

Last Saturday I ran 3.5 miles which was the longest distance for me in almost two years! Despite the rain and wind, I was thrilled and delighted to be going the distance greater than a 5K since when I ran the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon.

I stretch a lot, meditate using the mantra "The power that made the body heals the body."

I listen to the On the Runs and Find Your Finish Line podcasts with inspiring stories and a community that fuels my body and soul. I'm visualizing our return to Bermuda, our happy place; a place we haven't been to in four years, and visualize being out on an in-person race course again!

I'm re-reading Deena Kastor's book, 'Let Your Mind Run' and taking notes while I read. 

She recommends creating and using as many tools that can be used at different times in different circumstances to maintain positivity and help in achieving goals. One of the tools, visualization, is one that I embraced after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome training for the Boston Marathon. In addition to using the course map, I found the photos from when Tom and Ruth Anne ran the Bermuda 10K in 2020. Ruth Anne guides me through the different parts of the course that has breathtaking views similar to when we ran the Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

The symptoms that seemed to be unrelenting are relenting! Just as I found myself being 'all in' feeling that being a part of road racing again was behind me, I am now ALL IN knowing that I can and will go the distance again, and do it again in Bermuda in celebration of my 70th birthday on Christmas Day! 

My first goal was to finish before the finish line closes in 2:30 based on the course being hilly. There was a lot of old thinking that went into that goal from 'polio days', thinking based on how I was feeling after the 2nd vax and shifting gears from having believed that my being a part of road races is over. My new goal is to finish in 2:00! I am working on speed with fartleks and tempo runs and doing hill training during the week. Once a month we go to Heartbreak Hill for our long runs.

 

I've been in awe of how my body has been responding to my training. I feel more energized. There is the expected soreness that I am getting accustomed to again instead of the muscle spasms, nerve pain and joint pain. I love how Deena Kastor writes in her book, "When my mind talked, my body listened."

They say that the comeback is greater than the setback. It's the truth! I'm rediscovering how running is my therapy feeling my heart overflow with gratitude with each training run and strength training workout.

Happy Global Running Day!

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 his podcast Find Your Finish Line.

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