The Joy in the Journey

Even though we can see and feel that summer in New England is preparing to make its exit, we are so blessed and grateful that we can continue our early morning runs. While it is exhilarating and exciting to focus on Bermuda Marathon Race Weekend, especially since we are going to stay at the host hotel for Race Weekend, as we went out our front door, I felt this sense that the joy is in the journey. 

In our email receipt from Marathon Tours and Travel, it said, "Bermuda is hilly! You will find Front Street Mile to be flat, however the other races – 10K, half marathon and marathon are hilly. It is highly recommended that in your training you prepare for the hilly terrain."

Even though we have been training on hills, I felt inspired to suggest to Tom that we incorporate the hill we used for hill training during the 2009 Boston Marathon. Ruth Anne has been going through a rough patch on her ultramarathon healing journey back to wellness. I remembered her words of encouragement and support when I started training for the Bermuda 10K and said a prayer that focused on seeing her healthy, whole and healed experiencing all the joys that life has to offer; the joy she exuded when she supported my training on the road to the Bermuda Marathon 10K and her joy and zest for life. I remembered when we trained for the 2009 Boston Marathon together and how exhilarated we felt when we crossed the finish line together. There were so many incredible joyful moments in the journey on the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon with our Tufts 10K race together, the Hyannis Half Marathon when we met running greats and runner friends that we are still friends with today.

As Tom and I conquered the hill, we said "What do we eat for breakfast? Hills!"

 

 

What joy we felt experiencing the dawn of a new day overflowing with healing, hope and infinite possibilities:

I allowed the gentle ripples of the Reservoir's water to create ripples of joy in my heart and soul feeling the expansion of the scene before me reminding me of God's great love. It is so easy to get caught up in fear and worry in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Worries are dispelled by feeling gratitude and then joy that despite all appearances, all is well.

Before heading to the downhill (since downhill training is as vital as uphill training) there was spectacular sunshine peeking through the trees:

We took the downhill with ease:

before taking the right to head home while we tackled the long gradual hill to end our morning miles.

 

While we visualize how we are going to feel as we come into the Stadium and cross the finish line at the Bermuda 10K, we are making sure to find the joy in the journey.

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 for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

 

I had a great time sharing my journey and announcing my new goal of taking on the Bermuda Marathon 10K on the On the Runs podcast. Here is the link to my Episode 56.  Be sure to download and subscribe to their podcast on your favorite platform.

 

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

With a new day...

 

It was another glorious start to the day on Thursday for early morning miles. I am going to miss the days of putting on a singlet, shorts, water belt and heading out the door and having the blessed opportunity of seeing the dawn of a new day! Soon it will be time to have the hats and gloves bag arranged and have our layers of clothing laid out the night before an early morning or afternoon run depending on the temperatures. We will head out for early morning runs for as long as we are able to as the season makes its transition to summer to fall and eventually to winter. I am beyond thrilled and excited to be heading to Bermuda in January for a week long race-vacation. I am imagining perfect weather for the entire time we are there especially on race day. But back to the present. The light was absolutely breath taking on our way to and around the Route 9 Reservoir.

 

There were only a few other runners beating the heat of the day with an early morning run. I set an intention to carry the serenity and peace from the still water of the Reservoir with me throughout the day. Trusting that all is well with Ruth Anne and that the Treatment Team is taking outstanding care of her can be a challenge at times. But when my eyes behold the magnificence of the colors of dawn and the sun rising in the sky, I KNOW that all is well. 

I know how hill training is a critical part of my training for the Bermuda 10K. After a lap around the Reservoir, I did speed work going up the hills on the way home.

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Isn't it absolutely amazing that at almost 70 years old and in the wake of the diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease in December of 2006 that I can continue to build strength? In addition to building physical strength, I am also building mental and spiritual strength as we navigate Ruth Anne's hospitalization and journey back to wellness. While I have always practiced meditation and prayer, it has become a deeper practice during this challenging time. My gratitude and affirmations practice have also deepened. I have traditionally been a giver and love to give to others but during this difficult time, I have learned how to receive love, care, support and prayer from others. I am so deeply grateful for our incredible village!

Every morning after meditation, as I put my feet on the floor, I take a deep breath and give thanks for the gift of a new day overflowing with infinite possibilities. If any insights come through during meditation, I jot them down in the Notes on my phone so I'll remember them. Often times, insights come through during the magical time of an early morning run with new thoughts and new strength to greet the day.

Fridays are my rest days and a more leisurely morning routine. The phrase, "The only thing you need to prepare for is good things happening," came to me. As one who survived childhood trauma and more recently the trauma of what happens when Ruth Anne's body has an infection, I tend to 'brace myself' for what if's and what negative things might happen. But it's time for me to make a shift with new strength and new thoughts. 

I haven't written poetry in quite awhile. It's an old friend that brings such comfort during challenging times

I started writing poetry after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. I called my pen my divining rod for healing. This poem flowed out of me this morning:

Release

Release all thoughts of worry fear and doubt and dread

pounding pummeling happiness in my heart and head.

Transform all the darkness Source is here to light the way

embarking on infinite possibilities of this glorious brand new day.

Honoring the trauma on my body mind it took a toll

focus only on all wellness the path to being whole.

Peace and equanimity let my aching heart open wide

expanding feeling gratitude knowing the Universe is always on our side.

Courage strength and ease and grace when I turn to loving Source

compassion loving kindness self-love through all my cells now course.

Appearances accepting yet I know the tide does ebb and flow

while navigating challenges a time to learn and grow.

When those thoughts of disaster impending rear their ugly head

take deep breaths and make a shift ask what shall I think instead?

Snuggling with Source knowing I am Source's beloved child

harness power of positivity let my imaginings run wild.

Reeling in my future heart's delights are now in sight

magic and miracles abounding as everything turns out all right!

 

Five magnificent early morning miles on tap for tomorrow as I continue my journey on the road to the Bermuda 10K greeting every day with new strength and new thoughts tapping into the infinite possibilities that await us all.

 

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page.

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

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

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

Be sure to subscribe to their newYouTube 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

From Vision to Reality

 

Ever since I began my journey to health and wellness after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I held to a vision of what I wanted life to look like for me. During the time I was preparing to leave behind my award winning VA social work career, I had a pad of yellow legal paper and would spend 30 minutes a day visualizing a day in my life after the VA. I smile to think back on what I had written such as being on Oprah and a NY Times Bestselling Author. One consistent theme was visualizing myself  healthy and free in my body. 

The very first poem I wrote, "Running the Race," foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. I had a vision I would be a motivational speaker and author sharing my powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities that has become a reality. Visit my News and Events Page to learn more.

I harnessed the power of visualization and the power of the mind/body connection throughout these past 16 years to make my visions and dreams a reality.

When my daughter Ruth Anne implored me to do the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K walk as Team McManus with Tom,  I had my doubts. I hesitated to register as I was still emerging from the side effects of the 2nd COVID vaccine. She told me she would help me train and we recalled all of the successful events I participated in through the years.

I was turning 70 on Christmas. I had not trained for an endurance event since we trained for the 2018 Bernuda Half Marathon. There are always ways to find excuses and say why something might not be a good idea but once I signed on, I knew how vital it was train my mind as well as my body! 

Yesterday was my 5th 4 mile training run. As I check off the weeks on my training plan, I feel more and more confident that I am going to have an incredible race day.

We got up early on Saturday morning. The weather forecast called for high humidity and high temps and severe thunderstorms later in the day. It was warm and humid when we set out for our 4 miles. Tom said, "Shall we go up the hill again to add to the miles from around the Reservoir?" 

"Absolutely I said!"

I felt strong and confident taking the hill with relative ease despite the heat and humidity. We were grateful for the cloud cover around the Reservoir.

We took a few moments to savor the beauty of the sky reflecting on the still waters of the Reservoir creating a beautiful masterpiece and enjoying the ducks and heron on the water:

Practicing on the downhills is just as important as practicing on the up hills. We needed to add miles to the once around the Rezzie and I was thoroughly pleased with how I easily navigated the downhill. I felt strong to the finish and was thrilled when Garmin told me that I had a new personal record of fastest 5K. It was also my fastest 4 miler by 5 minutes. I am so grateful my daughter insisted that I switch from Nike+ to Garmin for its accuracy and more complete information.

This morning was another early morning run to beat the heat of mid-day. It was dry and cool when we headed out. I felt inspired to pick up the pace and Garmin told me I had another new personal record of my fastest mile!

I am thoroughly enjoying the training mind, body and soul. Having a goal sends wonderful healing messages to my body that yes I can go the distance again and each training run reinforces the transformation from vision to reality.

4.5 miles is on tap for Saturday. I am ready!

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page.

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

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

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

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

Embracing Hills

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page.

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

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

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

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.