A Phenomenal 5K

 

Tom and I were support crew for Ruth Anne's 15 miles on the road to the Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab on Friday. She had a recovery run scheduled for Saturday and we were going to do a 5K together but her body needed more recovery time. She encouraged me to go ahead and get in my 5K and she would be support crew with Tom. It was cold and there was a lot of ice to navigate but what a thrill to be celebrating 18 years of healing in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome at 71 years old.                                              

The hills were alive as they will be from now until Marathon Monday. There were solo runners, clusters of 'qualified' runners and charity teams. The rhythm of runners' feet inspired my own running cadence. 

As I passed the Johnny Kelley statue, there was ice that was going to be too difficult to navigate. As I looked out onto Comm. Ave., I heard, "Hey you." It was our dear friend Amanda who is running Boston once again for Camp Shriver. 

"Stay there, I'm coming out to the street."

I'm still in awe of the amazing people I've been blessed to meet throughout these past 17 years.

Amanda gives the best hugs. She told me to congratulate Ruth Anne on her 15 miler and said recovery is so important. (Amanda is a physical therapist). Two questions asked and answered on the Hills in February is "How far you going today?" and "How is fundraising going?" Amanda did 17 miles and she is almost to her fundraising goal.

We took a selfie:

Amanda spotted two of her running friends. "Oh I'm just over here taking a selfie." She introduced me and let her friends know she would share my story with them when they got back. We took a group selfie. There is no such thing as strangers when it comes to the running community. After meeting in person, we connect on social media as the village grows and grows. 

After feeling the warmth from fellow runners, I went on my way. I cut back into the carriage road. For the last mile of my run, I was treated to dry ground and no hill. Tom and Ruth Anne gave me high fives. I usually need to do an out and back run since we have to get back to our car. Doing a point to point run on the Boston Marathon course was exhilarating. I recalled that day in April of 2009, when we went from Hopkinton to Boston representing Spaulding Rehab and ultimately raising $10,535 for the hospital where I took the first steps on my healing journey!

 So what made Saturday's run a phenomenal 5K? 

Seeing Amanda and realizing how the running community continues to embrace my journey warms my heart and soul. Being out in the elements, when once I experienced cold intolerance due to symptoms of Post-Polio Syndrome,  and pushing my pace, reminded me of the body's tremendous capacity to heal. It was the first solo run I'd done in awhile where I did not need to be support crew for Ruth Anne. I LOVE being support crew for Ruth Anne on her road to the Boston Marathon, but it was phenomenal to have Tom and Ruth Anne be support crew for me. Every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing that I never take for granted but some days, the blessing and gift gets amped up to phenomenal as it did this past Saturday. 

From my heart to yours

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 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.

 

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.

The Healing Power of Running!

Seventeen years ago, I sat in a toe up leg brace, using a wheelchair at times for mobility facing a devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. I had just started writing poetry that lit a spark of hope within me as I harnessed the power of the mind/body connection to heal my past and create a future very different than the ones the doctors predicted for me of spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expecting an accelerated decline as I aged.

I was led to the sport of running although I had never run a day in my life when I declared to my personal trainer in February of 2008 that I wanted to run the 2009 Boston Marathon.

Last year, I began a comeback from a major setback in 2021/2022. Although I was unable to finish the Bermuda 10K, I experienced the healing power of running during my training cycle. It feels absolutely glorious to be off of the sidelines again and feel the ongoing transformation of continued training. I am going to do either a virtual or in person 10K that doesn't have a strict time limit and am so excited for the AdaptX Unified 5K.

Last Thursday, Ruth Anne asked if we could go to Cape Cod to get in our miles and have a ladies lunch. It had been several years since I had the confidence to drive to the Cape but since training for the 10K and my ongoing training runs and strength training sessions, I had total confidence in being able to 'go the distance.'

The weather was windy and cold with periods of rain showers. But Falmouth Heights Beach is our happy place whatever the weather.

 

 

We let the waves be the soundtrack for our two miles and laughed in the face of the wind. There was unbridled joy and a sense of freedom as we were out in the elements. The wind howled and we felt the presence of God's protection in the mystical miles.

We went to Shipwrecked and savored delicious clam chowder and French Onion Soup in a crock with fresh salads.We were tempted to stop for an ice cream to top off our delightful day on Olde Cape Cod but chose to drive by the ice cream shops on Main Street. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I made radical changes in my diet. I cut out coffee, ginger ale and other sodas and refined sugar. I also stopped eating red meat. I know that sugar can wreak havoc with inflammation. Ruth Anne and I agreed that the momentary pleasure is not worth the unpleasant after effects.

  

 

Ruth Anne had her last run of 8 miles on Saturday before we head to Los Angeles. Ruth Anne started her training cycle with Heartbreak Running Club for her first 8 miler. It was only fitting for her to end the training cycle with an 8 miler with the Hearbreakers. We got up at 6am to meet up with the group by 7:45 allowing for meditation, bathroom time and a hearty breakfast. Ruth Anne went on her way to meet up with the group and Tom and I set out for our 5K on Heartbreak Hill.

The hills were alive with the sounds of runners training for the Boston Marathon and other Spring Marathons. There was even a flock of turkeys that were running or flying over the hills. It's an incredible time of year to be out on the Newton Hills. Runners pass each other and say "lookin' good" or "you got this!" I shared with Tom that I am still in awe of where my healing journey has taken me 17 years after taking a leap of faith and leaving behind my award-winning career as a VA social worker to "heal my life."

Since training for the Bermuda 10K, I can feel the healing power of running again in my life. I often use the hashtag every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing. For someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair according to Western Medicine, I know how blessed I am to be able to do a 5K and feel the delicious soreness that comes with consistent training and living a full and vibrant life at the age of 70.

There were several times I could have succumbed to conditions happening in my body. The first time was receiving the diagnosis. The second time was after running the 2009 Boston Marathon. The third time was after a very serious knee injury in December of 2014 and the fourth and most recent time was after an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine which resulted in a major setback in 2021/2022. But every time I chose to find a way to come back to the sport that saved me and to continuously tap into the healing power of running!

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.

Give a girl the right pair of shoes...

 

 

I've had a challenging relationship with shoes ever since I  contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5. Red polio shoes were the order of the day to accommodate my ankle to hip leg brace and to have an orthotic in my left shoe. Red polio shoes are part of an exhibit at the National Museum of American History. Before contracting paralytic polio, I danced ballet. I felt such joy with my classmates and Miss Patricia our beloved ballet teacher. I loved slipping into my Capezio ballet shoes with an eye on when I could go up on point. It was not meant to be but there was another story meant to be written. After coming out of my leg brace, I still had to wear red polio shoes but on special occasions could wear Mary Jane pumps. High heel shoes were out of the question. As an adult, buying shoes was always a challenge given the difference between my right and left foot.

After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006,  my left foot needed a toe up leg brace. To accommodate the brace, I had to wear black orthopedic shoes and use a cane to conserve energy and relieve stress and strain on my body.

In February of 2008, after working with a personal trainer and meeting my initial goals of getting off of a low toilet seat and diversifying my health and wellness routine, she asked me my next goals. After telling her I wanted to run the 2009 Boston Marathon having never run a day in my life she said, "Well you're going to need a pair of running shoes!" Janine suggested I go to Marathon Sports where I was blessed to meet Spencer Aston. I borrowed a pair of Ruth Anne's sneakers. When Spencer asked me "What are you in now?" I said, "Actually, I am in black shoes with a toe up leg brace. I just borrowed these from my daughter."

Spencer was enthralled with my story. He took a half hour with me to evaluate my gait and figure out the best pair of running shoes given my unique foot discrepancies and somewhat unusual soon to be runner's gait!

Through the years I've explored different kinds of running shoes. For those of you reading this who are runners, you'll feel me when I say that just when it seems like you have the perfect shoe, the shoe manufacturer changes the style. 

Our go to store for everything we need as runners now is Heartbreak Hill Running Company.  After my go to shoe for several years changed the design, I asked the amazing staff to help me find a new shoe. I fell in love the Brooks Ghost 15.

I'm on the Brooks Running email list. When Ruth Anne was getting new gear, while she was trying on a new top, I was moved to ask, 'Hey have you heard anything about the new Ghost Max?"

"Why don't you try it on?

"Oh I'm all set right now. I don't want you to have to go get them if I'm not planning to buy them."

Vivian said, "It's no trouble at all. What size are you?"

"9 1/2 wide."

"Oh they don't make the Max in wide but why don't you give them a try."

As soon as I put them on I knew it was the shoe for me. There's cushion exactly where I need support. I don't need the extra width. There's more support for my feet without the extra width. They look great and feel great:

I went back to Heartbreak the next day to get a second pair.  I am so excited to take them out for a spin for a training run on the road to the Bermuda 10K. What a thrill to experience a new pair of kicks that fit so well! As I said to the staff at Heartbreak, "It's as though they were made for me!"

When you give a girl the right pair of shoes, she can conquer the world or in my case, conquer the Bermuda Hills in January. 

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

Going the Distance - Again!

 

Before the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I am not someone you would think of as being a risk taker. Growing up in a household rife with substance abuse and violence, I needed to experience a sense of safety and security in my life. As Helen Keller said, "Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing."

After the diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease and having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I realized that life is a daring adventure or nothing at all. I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award winning social work career. It was exhilarating and scary all at once. In February of 2008, I declared to my personal trainer that my fitness goal was to run the 2009 Boston Marathon despite never having run a day in my life. I love how Michelle Obama uses the word "despite" in her latest book, "The Light We Carry."

Despite a serious knee injury in 2014 that I was told would sideline me from running and to prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years, I went on to run three Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018. My body was feeling very beat up after those three consecutive half marathons. I believed that the days of being a part of an event farther than a 5K were behind me. 

Being a part of any event was out of reach for everybody with the pandemic. I did virtual 5K's. I had a lot of time to reflect on whether or not I wanted to continue being a part of in person events and decided that I was content with being on the sidelines. Ruth Anne kept prodding me to consider doing another in person race as we emerged from the pandemic. I was experiencing a major setback in my running journey due to symptoms that I attributed to a reaction to the 2nd vaccine. 

I decided that I had not come this far to only go that far. On January 1st, I experienced the thrill of racing against myself in the First Run Virtual 5K. I was mentally and physically preparing myself to find a back of the packer friendly 5K race. Despite continuing to experience symptoms of nerve pain and joint pain, I knew I needed to have a goal to motivate me.

Before I knew what happened, Ruth Anne found direct flights to Bermuda from Boston for January Race Weekend, I was sending Facebook messages to our friends in Bermuda and was communicating via email with the Race Director to see if it would be safe and fun for this back of the pack runner to do the Bermuda 10K walk.

My training plan calls for a once a month run on Heartbreak Hill. Saturday's 3.5 miler was the longest distance I'd done on Heartbreak Hill since we trained for the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon. It was rainy and warm. We were fortunate that the downpours held off until later in the day. We chose to do the part of Heartbreak Hill that was the most challenging, starting at Boston College and going out Comm. Ave. Because Tom and Ruth Anne have been training for Half Marathons for Ruth Anne's fundraiser for Victory Programs, I had been left to do solo miles on Heartbreak Hill. What a joy to share the miles with Tom and Ruth Anne again.

The rain and wind could not dampen the joy we feel at training together again AND the joy that I am choosing to go the distance again! We captured the beauty of a late Spring day. I always say that if I am going to hurt, I want to hurt on the side of healing, getting stronger, defying the odds of having been told that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and returning to Bermuda, our happy place surrounded by friends we have made through the years but haven't seen in four years.

I took a hot shower and stretched after the 3.5 miles on Heartbreak Hill feeling a wondrous sense of accomplishment, visualizing how it is going to feel when I cross that finish line while enjoying every step and every mile on this glorious journey. I am firing up my courage and  the power of endurance to go the distance.

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

Be a Hill Seeker

 

After getting in my miles on mostly flat courses, I decided it was time to incorporate hill training and doing my miles on hills. I had an intense reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine last year. Despite using visualization and doing 'all the right things,' my body reacted with muscle spasms, joint pain and fatigue. I dialed back on my work outs and mileage and harnessed the power of the mind/body connection once more to heal whatever was going on in my body. 

On January 1st, I got the New Year off to a great start with a virtual race as I wrote about "I'm now off the sidelines..." which references a line from the first poem I wrote, "Running the Race."

Although I had done virtual races during the pandemic, the vibe of the First Run was quite different. It was the first time since I received the 2nd vaccine that I felt good in my body. I continued to maintain my runs and increased my strength training regimen.

Last Thursday, I knew that it was time to incorporate hill training instead of doing 2 miles on a flat course. Because of Tom and Ruth Anne's schedules, we had to get up at 6am to get in our run for the day. After a warm up, we went to the hill where I did my first hill training with my personal trainer while training for the 2009 Boston Marathon. I remember how I said to her, "Wait I'm not ready for hills." She said, "Well you are going to be running a lot of hills and not just any hills. You're going to be running on the Newton Hills!"

We had a lot of fun playing on the hills for hill repeats. Breakfast always tastes so delicious after an early morning run. Mind, body, heart and soul were nourished by Mother Nature's stunning Springtime display and birds serenading our run. 

On Saturday we always ask the question, "Where shall we run today?" Even though the excitement of the Boston Marathon is over, we decided to go to Heartbreak Hill. It was a chilly day with few runners out on the hills but we continue to savor the season of Springtime feeling blessed and grateful that every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing.

Since Tom and Ruth Anne are in taper mode for the Providence Half, they were able to stay with me at my pace. 

Ever since the pandemic, I have a deep appreciation for every season in my life and to be able to continue to move forward in my health and wellness journey.

What a blessing to push my body a little farther with a powerful intention to age well and age strong as I prepare to celebrate my 70th birthday in December. What a blessing to have a loving supportive family and village to support me as I celebrate 16 years of healing being a hill seeker!

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.

Three Years Later

 On March 8, 2020, Team McManus hosted a water stop for L Street Running Club, our beloved running club since 2009. There was a din in the background about the Coronavirus that was growing louder with each passing day. We were in blissful denial as we had our table set up at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Centre Street, exchanging sweaty hugs while runners shared cups of water and Gatorade. They scooped up handfuls of goodies to keep them fueled for one of their last long runs before the Boston Marathon.

We were still on a high after Tom and Ruth Anne ran the Bermuda 10K in January, the Hyannis 10K in February and I was the guest speaker sharing the podium with  Bill Rodgers in Hyannis. Hyannis Marathon Weekend was in all its glory and as we left the weekend with high fives and hugs we said, "See you in Boston." 

At the water stop, everyone asked where we would be watching on Marathon Monday. "Where we always watch ... at the corner of Beacon Street and Dean Road." 

There was no way to predict that there would be no Boston Marathon until September of 2021.

The next time we would gather as a Club when we would share hugs and break bread together was on 9/11/2022. Every moment and event since emerging from the pandemic has been filled with gratitude overflowing from our hearts.

We got up at 6am to make sure we were set up and ready when the first runners arrived to our table at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Centre Street. L Street was leaving Cleveland Circle heading out along the course to Wellesley College for a total of 20 miles. The sun was out to start the day but once the clouds and wind moved in, it felt quite chilly. Seeing our beloved L Street Running Family and other charity runners out on the course in full force along with the Heartbreakers group of 600 strong kept us warm.

While waiting for our L Street runners to return, we cranked up the car heater and watched a wonderful social science experiment as runners debated whether or not to partake of the goodies at our unattended table. Since there was a small group of L Street runners, we were delighted that runners could refuel and hydrate with our windfall of treats. Tina, one of our dear friends, an OG of L Street ran by with her posse of runner girls. I scooped up this photo from her post from the day:

This year's running of the Boston Marathon marks the 10th anniversary of 4/15/2013. We collectively feel how we are Boston Strong. In addition to the 10th anniversary of 4/15, we continue to emerge from the pandemic feeling the strength and resilience we have as individuals and in the power of our amazing running community.

We greeted the runners on their way to finishing their last long run before Boston and London. We hugged while they chugged Gatorade and water and took provisions for the last 2 1/2 miles back to Cleveland Circle. After we broke down the water stop, we brought 'leftovers' to Heartbreak Hill Running Company where staff reflected the glow of having Coach Dan out on the Hills cheering on 600 runners soaking up the energy that you feel only on the Newton Hills a few weeks before Boston Marathon weekend.

Our hearts were so full after being reunited with old runner friends and making new runner friends during a water stop on the Newton Hills. Being able to hug each other is something we took for granted three years ago but three years later, those hugs are precious gifts with moments to treasure.

Two weeks from Friday, the Boston Marathon Expo kicks off. Last year the Expo and the Boston Marathon were still emerging from the pandemic. This year it's going to be in high gear as we have a deep appreciation for all we have been through and the joy and celebration of the 2023 Boston Marathon.

"As marathoners we know about pacing, about hard days, about broken dreams and yet we keep showing up. We hang onto hope.  We can beat this current storm. We will win this race. And the after party will be glorious!" ~Anonymous

 

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.

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.