Born to Run: Nothing to Prove - Everything to Enjoy!

Tom and I kicked off another week in the training cycle on the road to Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K with another 6 mile run. Since there were going to be "No Kings" protestors in and around the City, we opted for a Reservoir run combined with an out and back on Beacon Street. We stopped to chat with different people who caught our attention during our run and realized that in future long runs, we needed to conserve our energy and be more focused on the task at hand. In particular, there was an elderly woman on Beacon Street walking gingerly with a cane who was complaining about the trains running only every 22 minutes. We could have kept on with our run but I asked her how much farther she had to walk. "Just a few blocks now," she angrily said in response to my question. "You have no idea how lucky you are to be able to walk." I had to let her know how I do know how lucky I am before we went on our way. Perhaps I lit a spark of possibilities within her. Young boys were dressed in shirts, ties, khakis and a Bruins Jersey fundraising for a trip to Quebec as part of the AAA Youth Hockey League. We just had to chat with them and snap the QR code to make a donation via Venmo. Our pace had slowed way down by the last two miles but we made it through. That's why it's called a training run. While we enjoyed interacting with people we randomly met, we do need to be mindful of our goal. Everyone wanted to take advantage of yet another gorgeous Autumn day in Boston.

 

Monday was our strength training day. Tom and I each remarked how great we felt despite being out for longer than planned on Saturday's 6 miler. We can feel the momentum of strength, endurance and most important the joy in this training cycle.

Tuesday's early morning run inspired an aha moment for me. It was a glorious way to start the day. I was in a deep sleep when my alarm went off at 6am. I shook off the grogginess and by the time Tom and I got home after those magnificent morning miles, I felt energized, refreshed and ready to have a terrific Tuesday. I feel so much joy and celebration during this training cycle. This one's for me with nothing to prove and everything to enjoy. There is no fundraising and no time limit to be concerned about. Hyannis Marathon Weekend has been one of my favorite race weekends since I began my journey as a most unlikely runner in February of 2008. It's a time for reunion with old friends, making new friends and having the opportunity to inspire others with my journey from a wheelchair to the Boston Marathon and beyond! I am savoring the sore muscles, delighted with the consistency of our runs and strength training workouts, and experiencing this journey of transformation in the wake of a once devastating diagnosis in all its glory.

 

We were treated to Autumn in all its glory as moderate temperatures continue to prevail needing only a long sleeve shirt, a pullover layer and capris. We unwrap the gift of a new day with presence, unplugged feeling the grace and gratitude for the blessings in our lives.

 

Thursday morning's run was the jewel in the crown of this week's training. I woke up naturally about 15 minutes before the alarm went off. I meditated setting my intentions for a wonderful run and expressing my overwhelming feelings of gratitude for this training cycle and these sacred before breakfast miles with Tom. We were both energized after a good night's sleep excited that moderate temperatures continued to prevail for late October.

 

We could see the magnificent colors of dawn on our way to the Reservoir. Our breaths caught as we noticed them at the same time. The still water created the canvas to reflect the magnificent colors of the dawn of a new day.

 

We turned a corner as the day got lighter. "Look," Tom exclaimed. "An Eagle!" "Do you think you can get a photo?" Not only did Tom get a photo of the Eagle perched on the tree but caught it as it took off in flight. "An eagle totem symbolizes strength, courage, vision, and a deep spiritual connection to the divine." While most birds take shelter during a storm, the eagle soars above the storm! I felt its magic and powerful energy as my heart soared with gratitude as I celebrate 19 years of healing in the wake of the once devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. Western Medicine's prognosis suggested that I would be grounded for the rest of my days needing to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expecting an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. But in February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance tapping into Source in my heart and soul as poetry poured out of me. 

 

                            

The runner within me was born in my imagination in the poem, "Running the Race." Click on link to read the full text and back story.

 

Even though I contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5 1/2 and then endured years of abuse at the hands of family members, I knew deep in my heart and soul that I was born to run. I knew it when I started writing poetry imagining myself running and free. I knew it when I declared to my personal trainer in February of 2008 that my next health and fitness goal was to run the 2009 Boston Marathon even though I had never run a day in my life and was still wearing a toe-up leg brace. I'm now off the sidelines with nothing to prove and everything to enjoy on this wondrous training cycle.

 

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.

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.

 

Looking for great books to get cozy with this Fall? 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.

 

Two Dimes, a Butterfly and Dogged Determination

 

"Mary McManus - A Life of Determination" was the title of a Brookline Tab article from October 2021 as we emerged from the pandemic. The article coincided with World Polio Day that year and offered my unique perspective on the pandemic as a polio survivor. Journalist Susie Davidson wrote, "At the age of 53, McManus was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease, and was told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair. But she is both scrappy and determined."

After contracting paralytic polio at the tender age of 5 1/2 years old it took strength, will and sheer determination to be able to walk again. I was blessed with my physical therapist, Miss Holly,  but there had to be something within me that was greater than the circumstances I faced with not only recovering from paralytic polio but enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members. 

 

 

 Determination was the theme for this past week's training on the Road to the 2026  Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. Six miles was on the training plan for Saturday; the longest mileage since I ran the Gone for a Run Virtual Series 10K on 5/4/2024. Tom and I are building a solid foundation for the 3/1/2026 race with our stretch goal being a half marathon next year. We never know what a New England winter may bring and want to make sure we get in solid training runs before we face the possibility of severe weather.

Saturday was another phenomenal weather day with bright sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures. As we were doing an out and back route along Carson Beach in South Boston, I spotted a dime half buried on the side of the road. 'How could you possibly spot that?" Tom asked me. "I just happened to see it," I said. "I know it's a sign that I am meant to do this." 

As if there were any doubt that I was on the right path training to go the distance again, we spotted a butterfly on our way back to our car. Tom was able to take this photo as the butterfly lighted on the bush.

My mental training is just as important as my physical training. I break down the 10K into 2 mile chunks celebrating each mile with its challenges and joys.

 

One of my anchor memories came up on Facebook last week from when I was at Mile 10 in the 2016 Bermuda Half Marathon. In December of 2014, I sustained a serious knee injury and was told that I would need a total knee replacement in a few years; to stop running or cap my distance at a 5K. I went on to run 3 Bermuda Half Marathons and the 2016 Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K.

You can caption this photo sheer determination!

 

I experienced exhilaration and exhaustion when we finished our 6 miles. I stretched, refreshed with an orange and hydrated as sweat and tears of gratitude mingled together. Tom and I refueled at Stoked Pizza and went home for an hour and a half nap.

 

Sunday was our rest and recovery day. I still felt the afterglow of having gone the distance of 6 miles again. Monday morning I was refreshed and ready for a before breakfast run. It was another glorious morning. We were treated to a spectacular sunrise AND I found another dime! In case you weren't aware, dimes have a special significance for me as a polio survivor. FDR's image is on the head of a dime. He spear headed the March of Dimes campaign that helped to fund the research for the polio vaccine. Polio is close to being eradicated worldwide.

 

What an amazing way to start a new day and a new week as we settled into Tom's vacation week in the afternoon. 

 

Tuesday was our strength training day. What a luxury to sleep in a bit later and take extra time with stretching and our strength training routine throwing dancing into the mix. Wednesday was our rest and recovery day which became a cleaning and decluttering day as we get the house and closets ready for Fall and Winter.

 

We wrapped up this week in the training cycle with the first real taste of Autumn weather on Thursday's morning miles. We embraced the chill in the air taking notice of the vibrant blues of water and sky. The bright green leaves have paled and we anticipate when in short order the vivid reds and oranges will take center stage. It was wonderful to once again sleep in a bit later since Tom is on vacation yet we wanted to stick to our before breakfast morning miles. I was moved to take this first photo of a lamp post pointing toward the setting moon.

Another week of training on the Road to the Hyannis 10K is in the books. My dogged determination to continue to defy the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and the grim prognosis offered by Western Medicine is fueled by the beautiful signs of two dimes and a butterfly. 

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.

 

Looking for great books to curl up with this Fall? 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.

 

 

 

 

 

It's a Sign - or 3 on the Road to Hyannis 10K

                             

Last Thursday, Tom and I found a penny on our run. While picking up bagels at Rosenfeld's in Newton Center on Friday, I found a quarter. The mother lode of signs happened on Saturday's 4 mile run on the road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. A couple paused ahead of us looking at these bushes. One of them said, "I wonder if it's a Monarch." We didn't immediately see the butterfly. After they walked by, it reappeared. Rather than just continue on our run, I wanted to pause and savor the moment. I tried to capture the butterfly in a photo when it lit on the leaves. It wanted to just keep on flying. Tom took my phone, pointed at the butterfly and took a series of photos. 

I felt energized by seeing the butterfly fueled by having found a penny and a quarter within just a few days' time. It's reassuring to receive signs knowing I am on the right path training for Hyannis.

As Maya Angelou said, "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." Have you ever looked up the stages of transformation of the caterpillar? It gets pretty messy along the way. As it emerges from the cocoon, it has what is called ''wet wings" and has to flap its wings hanging upside down to dry them. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I was a mess. I experienced the dark night of mind, body and soul. I thought my life was over!  I began my journey to becoming a most unlikely runner, flying free and feeling free in February of 2007 tapping into Source finding the healing power of poetry. 

Seeing the butterfly reminded me of when I competed in the end of summer Olympics at Badger Day Camp. I was 11 years old and still recovering from paralytic polio. My counselor, Joe Stetz asked me to compete in the butterfly. He was on his way to becoming an Olympian but chose to go to med school instead. You can read the full story in a previous blog post, "A Penny From Heaven."  Long story short, he worked with me one on one to overcome my fears and not be concerned about finishing last. There were only two other campers willing to compete in that race. I was guaranteed a place on the podium. Years later I drew from that experience to take on the 2009 Boston Marathon. It was also that experience that inspired me to name Hyannis Marathon Weekend, "Camp Hyannis."

I'm comparing this training cycle to my training cycle for the 2024 Bermuda 10K. While there are still stressors in my life (as there always will be), I am finding much better ways to manage them. I am making my self-care and my training a top priority. I meditate for an hour every afternoon and start the day with a 10 minute meditation. I take rest days very seriously. I am nourishing myself mind, body and soul with a  dogged determination to train well and run happy.

I know in every fiber of my being I am meant to train for the 45th Hyannis Marathon 10K.  2026 is the year I will be celebrating 20 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome which was given to me in December of 2006.

The stars are aligned and the signs are happening along the way. My heart overflows with gratitude for another 4 fabulous miles on the road to Hyannis blessed by the butterfly sighting.

 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.