The Icing on the Cake

 

As the page on the calendar turns over to November 1st this weekend, we are 5 months away from the 2026 Hyannis Marathon Weekend. As Bill Rodgers said, "The proverbial icing on the cake - has always been racing." My first race was on June 1, 2008. It was the Corrib Pub 5K; a friendly race that welcomed all paces and supported the West Roxbury Community. What a wonderful introduction to the running and racing community. In July of 2008, we ran the Marathon Sports 5 Miler. It was a highly competitive field; an evening race with hot and humid weather. I knew that if I quit, I would never be able to run the 2009 Boston Marathon. Because the staff at Marathon Sports knew my story, they celebrated me crossing the finish line as if I had broken the finisher's tape. 

Fast forward to Hyannis Marathon Weekend 2009 when I ran my first race at the half marathon distance. Because it was a race for the 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon distances, my being a back of the pack runner didn't matter; I was a mid-packer for the marathon distance. I'm using visualization again to both draw from anchor race memories and to create a magical day on 3/1/2026. 

Tom and I wrapped up another week in the training cycle with a 4 mile run on Saturday, an invigorating strength training session on Monday and two wonderful early morning pre-breakfast training runs.

Saturday's run took us twice around the Cleveland Circle Reservoir. It was a quiet run in contrast to the previous week's run when it seemed as though everybody was outside soaking up the sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Tom and I took notice of the still water and Fall foliage with hearts overflowing with gratitude for being together, unplugged and out in nature. I appreciate every step and every mile and never take my movement for granted. There was a crew cutting down the growth of bushes that line the Reservoir and we had to take a detour. We weren't sure how that would affect our mileage. We were just a tenth of a mile over 4 miles when we got back to the car.

 

While I am looking ahead to Hyannis Marathon Weekend and reflecting back on amazing race experiences, I am also looking ahead to my 72nd birthday on Christmas Day. Birthdays bring a time of reflection along with celebration. On Monday's strength training workout, I reflected on this quote:

I've known struggles since contracting paralytic polio at the age of 5 1/2 followed by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members until my father ended his life by suicide when I was 17. There was no time for me to say "I can't do this" as I headed off to Boston University the month after he died. Throughout my life, whenever faced with struggles and challenges, my resounding mantra has been I must do this. I am incredibly fortunate that I found my soul mate in my mid-20's who also believes in an "I must do this" mantra for navigating life's struggles. We had an invigorating 45 minute strength training workout that complements our miles on the road.

Another one of my favorite Bill Rodgers quote is how running as a sport unifies us. "That's why we're the greatest sport," he is quick to say whenever the opportunity presents itself. Tuesday was a shining example of how running unifies us. Despite gray skies and a chill in the air, we exchanged smiles and said good morning to many runners like us, enjoying early morning miles.

 

A warm bowl of oatmeal, a cold glass of juice, toast and a banana made for perfect post-run fueling. By 8am our hearts and bellies were full.

The forecast did NOT predict rain for early Thursday morning. When the alarm went off at 6am, the weather app showed light drizzle ending in 21 minutes - NOT! Fortunately we decided to wear our ponchos and set out to feel the unbridled joy of the gift of running in the rain. There was no wind and the temperature was in the upper 40's. I love how these early morning runs help our bodies to adapt to the change in seasons. With fog and mist, the morning miles had a mystical quality to them. 

 

Despite all the chaos happening in the world right now; all the pain and tragedies, these morning runs fortify us to figure out how we can best use our time, talent and treasure to make a difference in the world. Taking care of ourselves by taking time in nature, unplugged and being fully present gives us the ability to be present in the world without becoming overwhelmed by circumstances.

 

We are looking forward to a sunny run on Saturday for 5 miles. The theme for the next week of this training cycle is shaping up to be It's More Than the Miles. 

 

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.

 

 

Freedom and Gratitude in a Morning Run!

 The alarm went off at 6:00am. I know how precious the early morning summer runs are here in New England but for some reason, I was wrestling with myself about whether or not I wanted to do an early morning run. It was foggy and misting seemingly a reflection of the mood I was experiencing. Tom and Ruth Anne are training for the Cape Cod Marathon Half Marathon and need to do training runs together at their pace. I ordinarily love solo runs especially with the solitude of the Reservoir. I said to myself after my morning meditation, "Just go before your head says no!"

I savor being able to head out the door with only one layer and shorts. Needing to layer and keeping hats and gloves organized seems to come way too fast after the splendor of Spring and Summertime runs. I got into a good head space and decided to focus on gratitude, finding beauty in the day despite the weather.

When I saw the uphill that takes me up and over to the Cleveland Circle Reservoir I took a pause, and a photo:

My heart overflowed with gratitude experiencing the expansive freedom of the open road before me. I remembered the time when even taking a few steps wearing a toe-up leg brace and using a cane would tax me. What a gift to appreciate my miraculous journey of healing and transformation experiencing the gift of freedom in my life.

I've been working on improving my pace for a 5K. During the week I do two miles on Mondays and Thursdays, strength train on Tuesdays and do active rest (laundry, cleaning, walking) on Sundays and Wednesdays. The Saturday before this early morning Monday run, I did negative splits. Despite the heat, I pushed my pace. The rule of thumb of training is an easy run after a hard run but something ignited within me that was in stark contrast to the overcast skies, mist and fog.

I ran from the inside out. With every step and stride, as sweat poured from every pore, I allowed the run to cleanse me inside and out. I connected with Source within and around me reflecting on what a privilege it is to be able to get up, get dressed and go out the door requiring no assistance from anyone else or anything. My life was quite different 18 years ago. In addition to the toe-up leg brace, cane, occasional wheelchair use, needing assistance with laundry and grocery shopping, I had a tub shower chair and tightly held the stair banister when I had to go up or down stairs. I felt the joy, exhilaration and freedom of pushing my pace. When Tom and Ruth Anne got home, they were surprised that I had 'beaten' them with a 39:18 pace. Remember - for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I run pretty fast!

As I felt the nausea and sweat continued to trickle down the small of my back, exhilaration, gratitude and joy bubbled up from the depths of my heart and soul.  I overrode the initial feelings of wanting to stay in bed and was rewarded with magnificent and magical morning miles. It can sometimes feel counter-intuitive to get up and out for a run when feeling tired but what sweet sweaty rewards await after the miles are done!

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.

On 9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp for a book signing and inspirational conversation, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong." Details are on the News and Events  Page.

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.