This Week in Training: Challenge and Change

Happy New Year! Two months from today, Tom and I will toe the starting line of the 45th Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. We will also be getting ready to celebrate his 74th birthday on 3/2 which is also the 49th anniversary of when we met. On 3/4, we celebrate 48 years of marriage. After wrapping up last week's training, I was reflecting on the challenges I've known and overcome since I was only 5 1/2 years old beginning with contracting paralytic polio at age 5 and enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members until my father's death by suicide when I was 17 years old. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I realized that without those challenges, I would not be the woman I am today. When I discovered the gift of poetry in my soul in February of 2007, I became aware of the gifts wrapped up in the challenges. I often say that out of the rubble of my past, I dug deep to discover the treasure of who I was always meant to be. 

 

Tom and I weren't sure what route we were going to be able to run for last Saturday's 5K after a snow storm on Friday. The sun was shining and the roads were relatively well plowed with salt and sand. Filled with grit, determination and layers of running gear, we set out on our street to see where we could safely run. The temperature felt like 5 degrees at the start of our run and 10 degrees at the end. The Town was just in the process of digging out a path to the Reservoir/Beacon Street. We stayed on back roads that were clear but we had to do hills to find safe streets on which to run. I embraced the discomfort of the cold and the challenge of the hills celebrating how, with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome I was told to NOT go out in Winter or if I did, I should use a cane with an ice gripper. One fall could mean 'the end' for me since I was presumed to have osteoporosis as a survivor of polio. As an aside, I did have several falls on training runs. Despite landing flat on my pelvis one time, I remained perfectly in tact. 

 

Saturday's run was equal parts discomfort and challenging, and joy, exhilaration and celebration. We had brief exchanges with people shoveling. The storm brought 3 inches of light fluffy snow that seemed to bring out childlike joy and wonder that happens with the first snowfall in Boston when it can be easily cleared away and has kept its pristine white layer on branches and lawns. I reflected on how much of life I would have missed if I would have taken the diagnosis sitting down.

 

Mindfulness was front and center as we navigated partially cleared streets and when plows would pass. We got 'sprayed' with salt from the plows and rather than absorb the discomfort we laughed and expressed gratitude that the streets were being cleared. I was reminded of the poem "Courage" I wrote on the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon.

Courage   

The fear of ice and snow and slush embedded in my soul
a training run in winter - the path to Being whole.
A winter scene - Jamaica Pond - a feast for eyes' delight
to witness nature's splendor and behold this glorious sight.

A leaf - a tiny dancer - skating free without a sound
God's breath directs her movements as She guides her twirling 'round.
Families of ducks decide to walk or take a dip
a comedy of errors into icy water slip.

Branches now bejeweled though bare bend with loving Grace
sparkling diamonds' anchor water's surface hold in place.
God's hand a glove of glistening snow hugs rocks along the wall
their heads peek out reminding me I'm answering God's call.

A scene I'd never witness if I let my fear take hold
courage triumphed, steppin' out with footsteps sure and bold.
Knowing that the pain subsides and Spirit can prevail
the Marathon is beckoning - through those miles I shall sail.

Tom and I relished the warmth of our home as we reversed the process of peeling off layers and getting into warm, dry clothes. To continue my birthday celebration, we went to Legal Seafood for refueling. The holiday decorations made it a festive lunch while the music was from the 60's, 70's and 80's added to the ambiance of our celebration.

 

Monday's strength training was inspired by this quote from Tommy Lasorda:  

Even though Tom was on vacation, we still got up at 7am to get in a before breakfast workout. We took extra time to stretch and challenge ourselves to complement our running. What a treat to have a leisurely breakfast. 

 

On Tuesday, we set the alarm for 8 since Tom was on vacation and we wanted the day to "warm up a bit," but still wanted to get in morning miles. We had breakfast before our run which helped to prepare us to embrace the frigid air.  It was a felt like 6 degrees with wind chill morning. We felt particularly badass getting up and out the door to get in our morning miles. One of my cold weather running tricks is to put vaseline on my face and on the bottom of my feet before getting my socks on. Saturday's miles held us in good stead for taking on Tuesday's relatively flat run. We were able to do our miles with an out and back around the Reservoir run. Miraculously, the wind had once again swept away the torrential downpours after the temperatures rose on Monday and then plummeted over night.

Tom and I were psyched to do a New Year's Day run on Thursday, but Mother Nature had other plans. A dusting of snow was what had been in the forecast, but we woke up to a little over an inch of snow. The streets had not been treated. I'd seen a post from Meb Keflezhigi about training in the winter. He said it is always better to be safe than risking a fall. Heading to the gym for an extra strength training session is the wisest choice. A front moved in that brought a snow squall and a wintry mix while we were doing our workout in our home gym and knew we had made the right choice!

 
We cranked up our playlist, sweat a lot and welcomed in the New Year with a rigorous 45 minute workout followed by a delicious nutritious leisurely breakfast. Tom and I carry our passion, persistence, purpose, commitment and dedication to training and our health and aging strong from 2025 into the New Year. 

Garmin even gave me this badge:

 When training for Boston aside from marathon aches and pains, I would experience phantom pains from polio and trauma. When brought to the surface, the wounds can be tended to and healed. After the epic 7.2 miles on 12/20 to celebrate 72 years, in addition to the incredible strength I felt, experiencing muscle soreness I hadn't felt in years (since the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon) I noticed trauma memories coming to the surface in different parts of my body.  I cherished the parts of me that were expressing these wounds sending love and compassion to nurse myself to healing these wounds and the beliefs that accompanied them. It is only by repeatedly challenging myself that I have the opportunity to change leaving behind all that went before. 

This training cycle is giving me the opportunity to heal more deeply than ever before. 

 

Were I just maintaining with 5K's or training only for the 10K rather than challenging myself with repeated 6 milers and that epic 7.2 miles, I would not be experiencing this glorious journey of transformation. Last year was the year of the snake when I shed a lot of old beliefs and relationships. I discovered how to love, value and honor myself in deeper and more meaningful ways. There's much I leave in 2025 and much that I carry forth with me from the lessons and blessings of the year. Out of the challenges of 2025, I've been blessed to grow, look for the weekly wins and feel overwhelming gratitude for the changes I've made. In letting go of people and things that no longer served me, I've been blessed with wonderful new connections and experiences. I leave 2025 much stronger physically, emotionally and spiritually than when it began.

 

Here's to 2026 and the year of the Horse!

 

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.

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. 

 

 

 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.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

When Turbulence Hits -- Throttle Up Gratitude...

 and stay tuned to your DGS (Divine Guidance System)

We did not expect turbulence in our first miles of 2025 but we fastened our seat belts, locked in a lot of gratitude and held each other close. Ruth Anne was recovering from an infected cyst on her back. The last Sunday of 2024, we spent the morning in Urgent Care to have a procedure done but we still got out in the afternoon to get in our miles. With the fog, puddles, and patches of ice around the Reservoir, we opted for an out and back route on Beacon Street. On the way back, I stopped as I saw an angel on the sidewalk. It was the exact same angel Ruth Anne had spotted a few months ago in almost the same spot! It was a sign that we are Divinely protected. A message that would hold us in good stead as we navigated the last week of 2024 and the first week of 2025.

 

 

Ruth Anne and I had a wonderful run on New Year's Eve. Tom had been ill for several days with a hacking cough and he needed to stay home and rest. The cough worsened as the week wore on but he went back to work on the 2nd. He took Friday afternoon off from work. I hadn't slept in a few nights because of his cough. I felt depleted despite my best efforts with meditation and self-care so I opted to try to get some sleep downstairs on the couch. I put on a series of visualization meditations to boost my immune system. I heard grunts and a thump and ran upstairs to find Tom on the floor with an altered mental status and a temp of 102.9. My heart raced and I called 911. Ruth Anne and I went into crisis mode getting information for the first responders and praying that Tom would be okay.

Once we learned that they had ruled out a stroke and would continue tests throughout the early morning hours, we came home to pray and get some rest.

Fortunately I had access to Tom's on line medical record and learned that he had Influenza A. The altered mental status was due to encephalopathy due to the virus. We all breathed a sigh of relief that he would need lots of rest and hydration, but would make a full recovery!

On Saturday, Ruth Anne wasn't feeling well She was running a low grade temp with ear pain. She had to change providers because her insurance would no longer cover her previous pcp. Ordinarily we would have gone to Urgent Care close to our home. I stayed close to my DGS to figure out what the next best steps would be. I wasn't feeling well but knew that I was feeling the best out of the 3 of us. Ruth Anne started feeling better by the afternoon  but when she woke up Sunday morning, she suspected she needed antibiotics.

There was one appointment at 8:45 at urgent care, but I needed to have breakfast remembering how important it is to put on my own oxygen mask. At first Ruth Anne said she wouldn't take the appointment but I told her to call back and she could use an Uber. It was definitely a communication from my DGS. Fortunately the appointment was still available.

Ruth Anne had an amazing physician who suspected she had a sinus and ear infection but had to rule out COVID and the flu. They were able to fill her prescription at the clinic pharmacy. We spent the rest of the day resting and feeling gratitude deep in our hearts for good health care, insurance, Uber, antibiotics, caring professionals, a warm home, good food and being together as a family despite feeling under the weather. We were so grateful for the outpouring of prayers from our fellow passengers.

On Monday, my body experienced congestion and a nagging cough but no fever and no signs of any bacterial infections. I did, however, need to reschedule the recording of my podcast interview for The Optimism Institute. My only choice was to surrender to the circumstances and know that everything happens in Divine Timing. Bill Burke's Virtual Assistant is a delight and made the process of rescheduling the interview so easy. With meditation, visualization and rest, I am getting ready for my talk next Wednesday at Cohasset Elder Affairs. I've experienced spasms which has affected my speech; it has happened before when I get a rare upper respiratory virus and is a result of Post-Polio Syndrome. I am bringing compassion and kindness to my body realizing that the turbulence has set into motion this cascade of symptoms. I use my mantras and affirmations trusting once again in my body's tremendous capacity to heal. I focus on feeling grateful for all my body has given me through the years and continues to give me. I remind myself of how I have witnessed my body's process of transformation and healing and most recently, watching the transformation of the once infected cyst on Ruth Anne's back be reduced to a small scar! I feel Divine Love course through my cells riding the waves of emotions and physical symptoms as I eagerly anticipate seeing the seat belt sign turn off.

I look forward to getting back on the roads but know that I need to create time and space for healing in the wake of these recent stressors and upper respiratory infection. 

I appreciate that the turbulence we experienced is relatively minor compared to what the people of LA are going through. My gratitude is intensified as I focus on all the blessings in our lives. The other night, Tom and I shared how what we went through could have been so much worse if... We took it to the theater of the absurd and laughed so hard we went into coughing fits.

2025 may not have begun as we hoped and visualized. We certainly did not anticipate trips to the ER, Urgent Care and an upper respiratory virus wreaking temporary havoc with speech and spasms but with the throttle up on gratitude, a close connection to my DGS and being surrounded by the love and warmth of our fellow passengers, we are once again at cruising altitude feeling blessed and grateful.

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing details on my website.

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.

Welcome Aboard Flight 2025!

 

During my morning meditation on New Year's Day, as I was sifting and sorting through thoughts and clearing negative energy, I heard the words, "Ready for take off." The Flight Instructions post that I have used the past several years with editing for the current year, popped up in my Facebook memories.

This memory also popped up:

Believe is my word of the year

What a great start to 2025 with wondrous synchronicity. Every morning, I open up the door and take 3 deep breaths of fresh air to start the day. It was pouring yesterday. Of course there is no mail on New Year's Day and we had brought in the mail from New Year's Eve yet something moved me to open up the mail box. There was a snoaked envelope for Ruth Anne with a note from our beloved neighbor Gene Kelley. Inside was $25 dollars for her fundraiser for  Spaulding Rehab!He was having trouble with his computer and wanted to be sure to get in a 2nd donation for the New Year. If it would have been left in there any longer, I'm not sure the note and money would have been legible. 

What a great way to start the day. 

I am so excited for this New Year. As I love to say, every day is a celebration of life for me. In December of 2006, I was diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disease, Post-Polio Syndrome. I could have easily succumbed to the diagnosis but instead, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. Whenever I tap into Source, magic happens. 

I have 3 events lined up so far for 2025.

Next week, I am blessed and grateful to be recording an episode of the Optimism Institute's Blue Sky podcast. I reached out to Bill Burke on LinkedIn after I 'just happened' to see a post from Lee Woodruff about her being a guest on the podcast. We made an instant connection when he and I had a pre-interview chat to see if I would be a good guest for his podcast.

I met Meg Stewart last year at the Boston Outdoor Expo. We "just happened" to be standing next to each other after another speaker's presentation and started a conversation. A few months ago, Meg asked me if I would be interested in doing a presentation at Cohasset Elder Affairs. She 'just happened' to be the Director of Elder Affairs.

On 1/15, I will be sharing my journey, "A Most Unlikely Runner: A Story of Resilience, Strength and Determination." It's an event for all ages but be sure to RSVP at 781-383-9112 or www.mvactioncenter.com

On 3/1-3/2 I return for the 2nd year in a row as Ambassador to The Boston Run Show. You can use Free Ticket Code MMCMANUS for tickets for entry to both the Boston Run Show and The Boston Outdoor Expo. 

April 21, 2025 brings the Boston Marathon which I like to call Runner's Christmas. This year is an incredibly special year. Ruth Anne is part of the Race for Rehab Team running and raising funds and awareness for Spaulding Rehab. Here is the link to her fundraising page. I get goosebumps in anticipation of Marathon Weekend when so many friends near and far will gather to celebrate a successful training cycle and those special bonds of friendship forged through the sport of running.

The first third of the year looks amazing! I am ready for take off!

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing details on my website.

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.

In 2024, I.....A Different Kind of Year in Review

Here is my year in review highlighting what I've learned, done and what I am grateful for:

Loved more deeply
Had faith more fiercely
Practiced gratitude more intently
Learned to be more patient and kind
Self-love isn’t selfish
Let go of people and habits that did not serve my well being
Learned failure is not fatal and there are always opportunities to succeed
Success doesn’t always look the way we think it should
Grew my village of like-hearted souls
Published my 7th book
Amazon reviews are great but getting messages from readers make my book a NY Times bestseller
Embraced lovely synchronistic events
Became more unapologetically me and learned to value who I Am
Made it through challenges and extremely difficult times learning once more how strong and resilient I am
Learned the power of forgiveness of myself and others
Everything passes
Being graceful and grateful is better than grumbling
Life is better with a cat
It’s better to be kind than right
Rekindled my joy of running and movement
Learned the power of accepting everything as it is
Learned it’s vital to keep a sense of humor
Whenever I complain, replace it with 5 positive things
There may be less years to live than I’ve already lived and I plan to live those moments to the fullest
Rekindled my love of cooking
Was reminded of our bodies’ tremendous capacity to heal after illness or injury
There are more generous and kind people in the world when we look for them
Rushing slows you down
Love is always the answer
Saying no to someone or something is saying yes to myself 

I’m wrapping up the gifts of all that I learned and lived in 2024 and bringing them with me into 2025!

 

Happy New Year!

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing details on my website.

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 New Year!

 

 

 The energy of this month is optimism. Every choice I make is a stepping stone along the path to the wonderful future that I am creating for myself. I let go of the negative energy of the past and become a "now" person. I welcome each day with open arms. ~Louise Hay

How strange to not start the New Year with a run. But I am in serious taper mode and know that this time of rest and taking care of myself will serve me well come race day.

We have had a stressful few weeks albeit weeks that were also filled with joy and celebrations. It was easy to go to my "dark and twisty place" (iykyk from Grey's Anatomy) especially after Tom tested positive for COVID on 12/29. I am so deeply grateful for the primary care practice he has. His doctor was on vacation but the PA he had for his visit was absolutely phenomenal. I thought that he'd have to have two negative tests within 72 hours of travel which of course I googled and was protocol during the height of COVID. The PA told us that he is cleared regardless of test status after 10 days of isolation. His symptoms began Christmas Eve. Tom gets the week off between Christmas and New Year's but has to use vacation time. We had planned day trips but with Tom feeling unwell, Ruth Anne experiencing UTI symptoms and the upper respiratory infection, and me continuing to recover from it as well, we were very content to stay at home and let ourselves recover.

I spent New Year's Day continuing to clean and disinfect the house, creating social media content, cleaning out my digital files and focused on getting ready for our trip. We took extra long time for meditation and visualization and nourished ourselves well. Tom and I reviewed the itinerary from Marathon Tours and Travel taking notes and adding to the to do list. I took a lot of time for stretching. I cleaned out the planner from 2023 and cracked open the new planner for 2024. 

Ruth Anne gifted me a self-care journal as part of my Christmas Birthday celebration. It's a wonderful tool for reflections on what I want to heal this year and envisioning what I want to create this year. I get to choose my perspective on circumstances that happen in our lives. I could have had a wonderful pity party about what we weren't able to do after Christmas and that we were all experiencing discomfort. Instead I focused on gratitude and the blessings and gifts in the challenge. I was so deeply grateful for wonderful health care providers and that while our symptoms were uncomfortable, they didn't require more intense interventions than hydration, gargling, hot tea and lots and lots and lots of rest. Did I mention rest? I must admit, I am not the best when it comes to rest. I do know when the Universe is letting me know it's time for a big time out and all I can do is surrender.

I've had time to cook and focus on nutrition for the body and meditation for the heart and soul. Self-love, kindness and compassion take center stage exiting 2023 and embracing health and wellness for 2024. Tapping into happiness and joy regardless of circumstances is a top priority. David Hamilton shares a story about when his dog Oscar encountered a duck that snapped at him. He ran to David and David noticed that he literally shook off the experience. During this 'down time' I've been working on better managing my fear and anxiety. When that fear and anxiety take over, it's challenging to be in a creator mode allowing pleasant imaginings to be at the fore front of my thoughts. Soooo I had the image of David's dog shaking off the unpleasant experience and going about his day. He recently added a course to his on line offerings about how the mind can heal the body. It's been a wonderful refresher for me to harness the positive power of the mind to overcome these recent challenges and move forward with joy into 2024. Taper madness certainly intensified with us all being under the weather and not having our usual outlet on the roads.

While Tom's vacation was not what we envisioned and our post-Christmas time focused on medical care initially fraught with worry about whether or not we would be able to have our vacations to Bermuda and Nashville, we used the time and circumstances to regain our health and spiritually grow. We surrendered and accepted to the circumstances using gratitude and believe it or not humor as we navigated through disrupted sleep, lots of hot showers with steam and watching episodes of Psych in the evening. We read, meditated and listened to music. We stayed connected with friends and family through social media. Sure it would have been awesome to see the ice sculptures downtown and enjoy First Night festivities maybe going out for dinner but it was also awesome to be grateful for the gift of the dawn of a new year. And what an exciting adventuresome New Year we have planned.

On the 11th, Tom and I head to Bermuda on Jet Blue and Ruth Anne heads to Nashville to visit her best friend from college. On the 13th, I toe the starting line of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. I trust the training and let the excitement of anticipation wash through every part of my Being. January 26-27, I am an Ambassador for the Boston Run Show. How exciting and exhilarating to have meet ups with friends from social media, hear inspirational speakers and share my incredible journey. In February, Tom and Ruth Anne take on the Hyannis Half as their final training run for LA. In March, we head to Los Angeles where Tom and Ruth Anne take on the LA Marathon! I have a non-running adventure in New York City to hear Barry Manilow in Concert at Radio City Music Hall. I've been imagining manifesting a meet and greet with him. 

Hello 2024 - Team McManus is embracing you with open arms.

Happy NewYear!  

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.

I'm Now Off the Sidelines..or...

 for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, you run pretty fast!

Wow it's been a little over 16 years (December 2006) since I was given the life changing diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The answer came in the form of a poem, 'Running the Race' and then a volume of poems flowed through me healing my past and creating a future very different than the one the doctors predicted for me. Little did I know at the time, that poem would foreshadow my 2009 Boston Marathon run. Here are the final stanzas of the poem:

Using wheelchair to travel, set limits on what I could do
resulted in joy to realize I could live life anew.
Celebrated my body-creaks, groans and need for a brace
while in my mind I focused on winning a 10K race.

I'm now off the sidelines, no need to sit and whine
so much gratitude fills my heart and love and beauty shine.
After all these years I can join the loving human race
I exceed all expectations and now I set the pace.

While I ran several virtual races during the pandemic, I had recently shied away from being a part of any races. I haven't wanted to give any extra energy to a reaction I had to the vaccine booster in May of 2021,  and so haven't posted about my running or shared about the reaction I had. I've been consistent with my health and wellness routine of strength training twice a week and going out to get my miles in three times a week. I walked/ran through the discomfort.

I gave thanks to my body for whatever it could give me while focusing on feeling the healing harnessing the power of the mind/body connection. I was focused on being support crew for Tom and Ruth Anne as they were training for the Providence Half Marathon to raise money and awareness for Victory Programs. I was not focused on self-care. In February of 2022, I knew my body needed a break. I wrote a blog, Rest and Hope. Little by little, my body responded to the much needed rest and being able to better express my needs to the family amidst the whirlwind of activity that was happening in our lives. But the symptoms persisted. I continued to harness the power of the mind/body connection and peeling back the layers of childhood trauma that still needed to heal. I focused on patience and compassion for and with myself.

I decided that I would focus on strengths and abilities letting go of any time goals and enjoy being outdoors in every kind of weather. I would cheer on Tom and Ruth Anne at their races. We would go in opposite directions around the Reservoirs near where we live or as we ran around Jamaica Pond to give high fives and selfies. 

On November 30th, I played around with speed work on a short neighborhood run. I saved photos of a 14 and 15 minute mile pace remembering when I was able to maintain that pace for a 5 or 10K. 

 

 

Several weeks ago, I revamped my strength training workouts feeling enough was enough. I incorporated some of the workouts that Tom and Ruth Anne were doing to complement their running. I knew I needed to make a shift rather than feeling stuck with the cycle of symptoms that persisted. I intensified my meditations and visualization. I released attachment to any specific outcomes. I saw posts from Dr. Joe Dispenza who reminded me that there are no limits to the body's capacity to heal. One of his posts said Believe...Behave...Become. I needed to once again embody the me I was always meant to be beyond trauma and paralytic polio, and how my body responded to the vaccine despite my best efforts to ensure ease and comfort after receiving the booster.

Ruth Anne has been asking me about doing a race with her and Tom that was walker pace friendly. In my mind I thought my racing days were over. In my heart and spirit I knew otherwise. I was hesitant, but Ruth Anne insisted we do the Virtual First Run 5K/10K. When I looked at the last finisher from 2022, I said there was no way I could get close to that pace for the 5K and suggested I be support crew for them running the 10K. But she was quick to point out that if we did a Virtual Race, I wouldn't have to feel the pressure of what if I finish last or the finish line closes before I finish. The last finisher of 2022 finished at a 19:18 minute pace. I'd been doing an average of a 20+ minute/mile pace. 

When I got up this morning, I felt pre-race jitters like I had not felt in a very long time, especially since I had not run a race in a very long time! This quote came to me during my morning meditation:

Yes it's a new day and a new year and it's time to harness the power of strength from the Divine and new thoughts transforming the physical sensations I experienced after my booster shot. During our drive home from a day trip to Falmouth last week, we were treated to a spectacular sunset that became a magnificent light show in the sky. As I saw the magnificence of that sunset, I drew energy from it to incorporate into my healing. In my meditations and visualizations, I anchored to my previous success as a runner.

I had no idea what my body could give me today but whatever it was I would be grateful and celebrate the gift of being outdoors on a glorious day for 1/1/2023. 55 degrees and sunny is a gift from Mother Nature in Boston in January as winter took a hiatus for now.

I embraced the miracle of healing that allows me to get outside and go for 3.11 miles whatever the time.

Team McManus had a perfect pre-race morning. We were in perfect rhythm getting ready to go to the 'starting line.' at the Cleveland Circle Reservoir.

We did a warm up before we left the house. My thought for the day was a quote that my beloved personal trainer Janine Hightower (who tragically passed in March of 2022) used, "Let's see what this body can do."

Tom and Ruth Anne warmed up with me. I did not look at my pace and ran from the inside out. I remembered how it felt to cross a finish line with a PR. It was a glorious day although at times there was a headwind. I powered through the headwinds and also took a few moments to take photos and enjoy the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We go in opposite directions so we can meet up on the course to take a selfie:

and a photo of Ruth Anne:

 

Tom asked me what my pace was during one of our high five meet ups. I had not been looking at my pace until he asked. "Oh it's 18 something."

"Wow - you're crushing it," he said.

Tom and Ruth Anne were close by when I had .11 to go. They do a run/walk and said that it was time for their walk so they would finish my race with me.

I asked Ruth Anne what our pace was on her Garmin.

"It's a 19:00 minute mile."

At that point, I wanted to finish strong.

"We have to go faster. Pace me."

"Oops. That was lap time not pace right now."

We laughed and talked about how the power of belief can alter perception.

I went as fast as I could to finish. Tom and Ruth Anne suggested I stretch and sit in the sun while they finished their 10K. 

 When I saw my pace I was at once stunned and exhilarated. I looked through Nike+ statistics and the last time I had run an 18 minute pace was in March of 2021 at an 18:20 minute/mile.

Here are my statistics from today's race:

My average pace was 18:42 with an overall time of 58:14. I looked at the finishers' times for the in person race. There were 8 people who finished with times after my time. Who would have thought I could have been a successful back of the pack runner with the way I was feeling up until a few weeks ago and doing paces in the 20+ range.

What happened today was a miracle. I had no idea what pace I was doing during the race. I felt this profound connection to the Divine running my race at my pace releasing all attachment to the outcome. One of the intentions I set last night for 2023 was to break the sound barrier on once perceived limitations. I put together a Guidelines to Live By for 2023 at the prompting of one of my Facebook friends:

Guidelines to Live By for 2023: Open my heart to infinite possibilities. Gratitude for all my blessings Choose faith over fear. Expand and create Feel joy Harness the power of mood shifters Connect with like hearted souls Go on a trip Celebrate life’s moments big and small Carpe diem Be grateful Make time for meditation and self care Break the sound barrier of once perceived limitations Let go of control and lean into whatever may be happening Replace judging thoughts with thoughts of tenderness and kindness

Day one has been a most spectacular day for me and for Team McManus. For the first time in a very very long time I feel that I'm now off the sidelines. I am so excited for all the adventures that this New Year is going to bring both on the roads and in my life.

Here's the full text of "Running the Race":

Running the Race   

Early summer 1959 my kindergarten year
everyone around me filled with nervous fear.
Despite the Salk vaccine hope polio would disappear
the polio virus crept right up and knocked me in the rear.

Dancing all around the gym feeling free just like a bird
I dropped to the ground just like a stone and no one said a word.
The pain it was so searing-the diagnosis even worse
"It's polio" the doctor said...he was abrupt and terse.

Called one of the 'lucky ones' I had a 'mild case'
but with the other athletes I could never keep their pace.
Miss Holly physical therapist, curly hair and a warm, broad smile
it tempered the pain of being apart - to walk I'd take awhile.

I always wore those 'special' shoes the kids they poked and teased
with no support and much abuse with childhood I wasn’t pleased.
But put nose to the grindstone and learned all that I could
I couldn't kick a ball but my grades were always good.

Years went by and no more thought to polio did I give
I accepted the limp, everything else and decided my life I would live.
But symptoms of weakness and muscle pain did grow
I kept a stoic face hoping no one else would know.

Life no longer was my own I struggled through each day
suffered in silence, alone and afraid tried to keep depression at bay.
And with the grace of glorious God my world it opened wide
I discovered there was a Post Polio team and they were on my side.                                            

Sought out paths for healing and my spirit flew free
for the first time in life, I could truly be me.
The chains are gone and possibilities abound
I'm a tree with my roots planted firmly in ground.

Using wheelchair to travel, set limits on what I could do
resulted in joy to realize I could live life anew.
Celebrated my body-creaks, groans and need for a brace
while in my mind I focused on winning a 10K race.

I'm now off the sidelines, no need to sit and whine
so much gratitude fills my heart and love and beauty shine.
After all these years I can join the loving human race
I exceed all expectations and now I set the pace.

Happy New Year to you and yours. Cheers to a year overflowing with healing, hope and infinite possibilities!

From my heart to yours,
In health and wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at https://marymcmanus.com to learn about my journey to health and wellness in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma

Visit the News and Events tab to listen to my inspiring and uplifting interviews

My books to motivate, uplift and inspire you are available on Amazon 

 

My End of Year Run for 2021

 

I call myself a most unlikely runner...and I am...I contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5, endured years of abuse at the hands of family members and at the age of 53, 15 years ago this month, was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards. But I am a scrappy and determined woman who is one to meet challenges head on with the guidance from helpers seen and unseen. 

I discovered the gift of running in my life a year after writing the poem, Running the Race, in which I foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. As  Forrest Gump said, "From that day on whenever I was going somewhere, I was running."

Well, not exactly but since the pandemic began in March of 2020, I have been running outdoors 3X a week with very few exceptions resorting to a treadmill run if conditions were too treacherous outdoors.

Last Saturday it was a sheet of ice and we changed up our strength training day for a running day with Sunday. That meant I got out Tuesday and Wednesday for my 5K's.

On Tuesday, Tom and Ruth Anne had their 3 mile training run around the neighborhood. We started out together for their warm up and they went on their way for training for the Providence Marathon. I was able to enjoy the sights around the neighborhood on an unseasonably warm late December day.

One of my favorite sights to capture was the raindrops gently hugging on to the berries glistening in the sunlight. I savored seeing green grass at the end of December.

On Wednesday I capped off my miles for 2021. Many of my runner friends run over 1,000 miles for the year so I often am shy to post my miles for the year at just over 500. But then I reflected on what an amazing accomplishment that is for this most unlikely runner and posted on Facebook, "With today's 3.25 miles, 2021 miles are done. Tomorrow and Friday are my rest days.
505 miles for the year ALL OUTDOORS which for many may not seem like a lot but 15 years ago I was given the diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease.
I celebrate every footstep and every mile I enjoy and while I am not racing these days, I am incredibly proud of my consistent health and wellness regimen.
2022 here we come with my goal of feeling gratitude for all my body gives me every day and for the gift of health and well-being!
Loved my serene solo miles reflecting on how blessed I am!
To healing, hope and possibilities!
To your health and wellness!
To an amazing 2022 of miles filled with smiles!"

The post received over 80 reactions and 33 comments! 

I am excited to continue to motivate and inspire others with my powerful message of healing, hope and infinite possibilities. There are exciting projects that will take root and bloom in 2022. I  have a commitment to daily affirmations from Louise Hay with her calendar and Power Thought cards. I am fierce to protect my time for meditation and reading every day and continue my dedication to my health and wellness journey.

We will be celebrating Tom's 70th birthday, our 45th wedding anniversary and our twins' 35th birthday. I am so blessed and grateful that I take the gift of running with me into 2022 and also will be support crew for Tom and Ruth Anne's Providence Marathon for Victory Programs. 

To a year of resilience, gratitude, healing, strength, hope, joy, loving kindness and abundance for all Beings everywhere.

 

To finding the beauty in all things every day!

Since 2020 and all of my life experiences, I know that I have the resilience and strength to navigate these uncharted waters and be a beacon of light and hope in the darkness. So do you!

From my heart to yours

In health and wellness,

Mary

Be sure to visit my website at https://marymcmanus.com to learn about my journey to health and wellness in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma

Visit the News and Events tab to listen to my inspiring and uplifting interviews

My books to motivate, uplift and inspire you are available on Amazon