Unicorn Magic - Boston Marathon 2025 - Part 2

 

I woke up at 4:30am without the alarm which was set for 5:30. I had butterflies as I often have on Boston Marathon Monday ever since we ran it in 2009 only these were butterflies on steroids. I meditated and kept clearing thoughts of catastrophic "what ifs" to what if I imagine a perfect day. Ruth Anne and Tom got up with the 5:30am alarm. It was go time after Ruth Anne's 17 week training cycle for the 129th Boston Marathon.

We had our plan and were ready to execute it. When we arrived at the Beaconsfield Stop on the "D" line, we took photos to document the day:

  

We asked a group of runners who were waiting for the T that you can see in the photo with Ruth Anne, who is running? The group separated and said she is. Ruth Anne asked if she BQ’ed. “Yes I did but I’m nervous because I have an Achilles issue.” I had watched a Patreon teaser from the On The Runs podcast. I was a guest on Episode 56.  They are a unique running podcast that I follow and support as a Patreon.  I asked her “What is your name?” pretty sure I already knew the answer. “Allie.” To which I said, "As in the Allie G show?" She has her own podcast under the umbrella of Monday Night Media which includes On the Runs. We all hugged and took a photo:

The train came. Allie's pit crew wished her well and told her they loved her. Team McManus smiled reflecting on the amazing Unicorn magic aka synchronicity that happened at the train station. You could feel the excitement of the runners and spectators vibrating on the train. The only other time I'd been up that early on Boston Marathon Monday was when we drove to Spaulding Rehab to get the bus to Hopkinton. The BAA no longer allows separate buses for charity teams.

The sun was shining when we arrived to Boylston Street where  Ruth Anne and her bus buddy Fadi would meet up.

 

Ruth Anne used the bathroom at Tatte while we waited for Fadi and she grabbed a croissant since she didn't make her smoothie before we left the house. They walked to where the buses would be loading to take them to Hopkinton. Fadi was hoping that they would be able to get on a bus earlier than the scheduled time given their start times as he had last year. Unfortunately, they waited an hour to get on a bus. Nothing was going to dampen their spirits for the day:

 

Tom and I walked to the T at Arlington Street passing throngs of lines of runners waiting to board their buses on the Common.

After Fadi and Ruth Anne left, Tom and I stopped in Tatte to fuel ourselves knowing we had a very long day ahead of us. There was a woman seated next to us who was scrolling furiously on her phone. We asked her if she needed help with anything. A look of relief came over her face. Her boyfriend is a qualifier and she was trying to figure out how and where she was going to see him during the day but being from Seattle and this being her first time in Boston, she had no idea what to do. We gave her the information she'd need along with which apps to download. We exchanged information in case she needed further help during the day. When we got on the train to head back to our usual spectating spot at Dean Road and Beacon Street, there she was sitting on the T. We laughed at the synchronicity. Tom started a conversation with a couple standing next to him who were from Virginia. There daughter is a student at Virginia Tech where Tom works. The Unicorn Magic was everywhere!

Ruth Anne texted me photos from Athletes Village. Just as Ruth Anne trained for the Marathon, I trained as a spectator training myself to trust and stay as calm as possible in between texts and tracking information but those pesky butterflies kept flitting around inside of me.

While Fadi and Ruth Anne were getting ready to toe the starting line, Tom and I made our way back to the spot where we have watched the Boston Marathon for years, at the corner of Dean Road and Beacon Street. Neighbors came up to us to ask how Ruth Anne felt. 

We left to go back to the Mandarin at around noon knowing that Ruth Anne was beginning her journey back to Boston. We had to wait for several subway cars to pass because they were full. We debated about whether or not to change trains and go to the Prudential stop or walk from Arlington Street since it was such a gorgeous day. We thought it would be good practice for walking Ruth Anne back to the Mandarin after she crossed the finish line since there was tightened security and she would have to walk behind Boylston Street to get there. What would ordinarily be a 10 minute walk took about an hour and a half. We were so hungry but fortunately Spaulding Rehab had an amazing spread at the party. 

I tried to not focus on the tracker and Find My Phone but it was as challenging as Ruth Anne running the Boston Marathon. Ruth Anne told me afterwards that at mile 2 she was tired given how she was on her feet for an hour waiting for the bus and then she had almost a mile walk from Athletes Village to the Corrals. But she knew there was no turning back and knew there was a lot of love, orange slices and pretzels waiting for her once she got to mile 10. She got a boost when Marathon Panda Maurice called out to her at the start of the race and took time to take a selfie with her:

 He's part of the On the Runs pod fam!

We've been friends with Paula Romero Dunbar since 2013. Her husband Walter was a first responder on 4/15/13. She always had a dream to have  her own celebration boutique and is the womanpreneur at Paper Fiesta (see previous blog post). She was delighted to bring oranges and pretzels for Ruth Anne as Tom and I had done when we were support crew during her training cycle. She took these amazing photos as Ruth Anne was coming into Mile 10 and Paper Fiesta and as she was heading back out on the course. She texted me and let me know how strong Ruth Anne looked at Mile 10! 

 

 

We met Shawn Whalen at Boston Logan Airport on our way to Bermuda in January of 2016. We've been friends ever since. We knew that he would be at Mile 12 where he has volunteered for years. We asked him if he could bring oranges and pretzels for Ruth Anne to mimic her fueling on long runs. Not only did he enthusiastically agree but said he would peel the oranges because one time during a race, the juice from the orange squirted in his eye and burned. He also asked what kind of pretzels she would like and what would be easiest for her to carry!

Ruth Anne took a selfie with him at Mile 12:

 

When Ruth Anne saw the Wellesley sign she knew she was approaching the halfway mark and Caroline, her advisor from Boston College Woods College of Advancing Studies. Ruth Anne had been registered for her last class to finish her Masters Certificate but it was an in person evening class. When Ruth Anne asked Caroline for advice about whether or not she could take it in the summer and focus on training, she said absolutely yes! She told us exactly where she would be in Wellesley and had hugs, oranges and a sign to greet her.

A bit farther into Wellesley, Ruth Anne heard someone call out her name. It was Michelle Bopp  from our L Street Running Club. Another boost of love as Ruth Anne made her way to Newton and the Hills.

 I was so grateful for the texts from Ruth Anne with updates, and our friends saying how strong and happy she looked!

She slowly and steadily made her way toward Boston keeping plenty in the tank for the Hills. Unlike many runners when they get to the Hills, Ruth Anne was ecstatic when she got to the Firehouse where the party atmosphere was in high gear. 

At mile 18 she saw Candace, another member of the On the Runs pod fam who gave her a big hug. At mile 19point2 she was welcomed by the On the Runs Cheer Zone, given a bag of oranges and sent on her way but oh wait -- There was a surprise guest from Ohio, Patrick Leber, whose book she read and who was incredibly generous during Ruth Anne's thank you to her donors gift giveaways. She turned around and went back taking a selfie with the group.

 One of our dear friends, Beth Singleton Craig, who made Boston Marathon History being the first daughter-mother duo greeted Ruth Anne at the top of Heartbreak Hill. Along the way she was greeted by Wendy Wheeler, a dear friend of many years from Church and Ilene Fabisch, a friend we met through the running community. I was so grateful for the texts and photos.

Fortunately, Ruth Anne's Occupational Therapist from Spaulding, Erin Foley arrived at the Mandarin. The tracker froze at 18.3 miles. We were tracking Ruth Anne with "Find My Phone" which eased the anxiety a bit and Erin agreed that tracking can be more stressful than running.

 

 

 

At Mile 21, Ruth Anne was greeted by Boston College students and the two women we met at the Mile 21 Spaghetti Dinner the Monday before the Marathon. She thanked them for all they did, high fived the BC students and was on her way to Cleveland Circle.

 

She was disappointed at first that the people who said they would be at Cleveland Circle weren't there but understood that it was getting late and they had children. BUT she did have a big surprise when Willa and Lily, the 13 year old twins who are our neighbors and who have known Ruth Anne their whole lives were there to greet her. A week or so before the Marathon, we bumped into them in CVS. Ruth Anne shared with them that she was running the Marathon. They said they would be out there to cheer her on. She said she probably wouldn't be there til 5 or 4:30 at the earliest and they said they didn't care. True to their word, they waited. Lily greeted her first with pom poms and then Willa chased her down Beacon Street to make sure she got a selfie with her (Willa may have gone to the bathroom).

 

It was just the boost she needed to get through those final miles! 

We kept refreshing the tracker even though we had Ruth Anne on "Find Your Phone", and got a notification that no one ever wants to receive. "Location Not Detected. This means that the runner has either left the course or data is not available." I hopped on Facebook to let people know she was fine and heading toward the Kenmore. I was so happy when Ruth Anne texted me this photo of the Citgo Sign:

We exchanged the following text: Dr. Carter is the Race for Rehab Team Psychologist and photographer.

The police officers were amazing. It was almost 6:00pm which is when they would open up Boylston Street but they were going to let her get to the finish line. "Who are we waiting for?" one of the officers asked. "Our daughter Ruth Anne." Tom ran up to Hereford Street and yelled out for her. He ran back as she ran toward the finish line for what she called the big finale.

 

 Erin took this photo:

 

And here she is at the finish line:

There is still time to donate to support Spaulding Rehab and the life saving work they do. You can read Ruth Anne's incredible journey on her fundraising page by following this link.

 To be continued...

From my heart to yours--

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books are available on Bookshop that share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. Be sure to visit my Author Page 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 .

 

Sore. The Most Satisfying Pain!

18 years ago I received the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I was told it is a progressive neuromuscular disease and to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. There was a possibility of needing a feeding tube because the left side of my esophagus was sluggish and I was aspirating food into my lungs. My breathing was compromised. I declined the recommendation for a sleep apnea machine. After intensive outpatient rehab with physical therapist Allison, who did not believe I was destined to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I hired a personal trainer who subscribed to Henry Ford's philosophy of "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right!"

After my first training session with my personal trainer, I had muscles that I did not know existed in my body. I made a conscious decision that if I were going to be in pain, I would rather hurt on the side of healing and wellness than the pain of atrophy. In truth, they both cause pain!

After 6 months of working with Janine, she asked me what my next goals were. "I want to feel free in my body. I want to diversify my workouts. I want to come out of my leg brace...maybe take a dance class since I took ballet before I contracted polio..." She wrote down my new health and fitness goals. She had her hand on the door knob and had already gathered up her things when I said...

 

Talk about sore!!! Learning how to run and train for a marathon at 53 years old is no easy feat but what moments of satisfaction I experienced as I built endurance and mental toughness on the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon.

 

 

 

 

 

I continue to experience soreness as I continue to challenge myself on the roads and in my strength training workouts. At 71 years old, and as one who had been diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, I know how vital it is to keep moving forward in my health and wellness journey. I listen closely to my body to ensure I do not cross that delicate line from soreness to pain that could lead to an injury. I do, however, relish the most satisfying pain of being sore.  

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

Finishing Unfinished Business!

 Yesterday's 10K embodied the Nike motto of "Just Do It!"

I had unfinished business from the Bermuda 10K in January. I know that I made the right choice to 'call it' at 3.06 miles to avoid injury or worse. Believe me when I say that you do not want to have to access medical care in Bermuda. Most Bermudians come to Massachusetts for their care. I knew that I needed/wanted to finish a 10K before the year was out. When I was unable to find a race that would accommodate my pace, I opted for the Gone for a Run Virtual Series 10K Challenge. I started the challenge on March 30th.  My planner had a training plan mapped out as I had for when I trained last year for the Bermuda 10K. I planned to slowly increase my mileage.

Last week, during my strength training session, I was inspired to up my game with core work. I'd been inspired by all I had seen and heard at last weekend's Boston Outdoor Expo. I felt the benefits of strengthening the core when Ruth Anne and I did fartleks last Thursday.

Let me digress for a moment, This time last year, I recorded my episode for the On the Runs podcast. I gave them 'an exclusive' that my next goal was to do the Bermuda 10K walk as a way to celebrate my 70th birthday and 17 years of healing in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. Here is the link to my episode on Apple but subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform. 

Race day in Bermuda did not go as planned-spoiler alert for "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior-but other goals were met. Tom and I had a wonderful time.

Having that unfinished 10K was gnawing at me since January. Part of me wanted to do the Hyannis 10K where I knew that my pace wouldn't matter since there is a half marathon and marathon but that didn't feel right in March. I've been using conscious movement and meditation/visualization to continue to heal the late effects of paralytic polio and trauma and the reaction I had to the 2nd Pfizer vaccine (coincidentally 3 years ago today on 5/5).  Yesterday morning I was able to remove the top of the full orange juice jug with ease and pour the OJ into glasses without spilling any concentrating on keeping my hands steady. I tamed the nerve pain in my right leg by lovingly talking to my body with the mantra, "The Power that made the body, heals the body." My day was off to a good start!

I went on social media to do my morning post. I stopped my scrolling when I saw what my dear friend, Candice, who I met through the On the Runs podcast posted. She was diagnosed with an aggressive type of breast cancer last month and has crossed the starting line of her marathon of healing. She posted her 5 mile run with the quote, "Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you." Loved this quote so much! Happy Saturday! 5 miles on this beautiful morning. I go into each run with a number of miles in mind. If I don't hit my number that's ok. I celebrate that I no longer beat myself up for what didn't happen and be proud something happened! It's the little things.

Last Tuesday (the day she receives chemo) she ended her post with, "I'll continue to stay mentally strong and surround myself with amazing people! A seed can only grow to its full potential by what it's surrounded by."

I felt a stirring deep in my soul. I knew I wanted to dedicate my miles to Candice but not the 4 miles I had on the training plan. I knew that even though I had not built up the mileage again to do the 10K, it was go time. I knew in every fiber of my being that it was time to once again see what this body could do ( a favorite phrase from my personal trainer from the 2009 Boston Marathon) and finish that unfinished business. Ruth Anne said she would go the distance with me as was our original plan for Bermuda. There were many layers and factors inspiring and motivating me to finish what I started a year ago. When I said goodbye to Scott Jurek at last week's Boston Outdoor Expo with a hug, he got a gleam in his eye. "Go finish that marathon." I knew he was referring to the 10K. For me, a 10K is a marathon these days. He talked about keeping the fire lit and the passion alive while feeling that child-like aliveness in our endeavors. 

But the number one source of inspiration and motivation for getting out there and just doing it was Candice. While she is doing an incredibly hard thing with cancer treatment, I wanted to do a hard thing in her honor. I ran with my heart and my mind not paying attention to the fact that I was under trained to do a 10K. All of the admonitions from Western Medicine about if you use it, you'll lose it were washed away by the passion and drive I felt inside. I felt incredible joy knowing that once again I was running for something greater than myself. Candice and I are both warriors who refuse to let a diagnosis define who we are and how we live our lives.

When I set out on this quest to heal my life 17 years ago, I knew there would be pain whether I chose the pain of atrophy as a result of Post-Polio Syndrome or I chose the pain of healing and surpassing limits, listening to my intuition. I wore my 2009 Boston Marathon jacket as the anchor memory from when I defied the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome.

Candice talks about one day at a time in her posts. I took the 10K one mile at a time. Ruth Anne was mindful of helping me to keep a steady pace. When the wind intensified around the Reservoir, we went to the track across the street. She asked a person to take our photo. He was the Director of Grounds Keeping for the field at Cleveland Circle. Once the wind died down, we returned to the Reservoir. Although the temperature did not feel like Spring, the beauty of Spring shined through.

Baby geese once again grace the perimeter of the Reservoir.

I did not feel the pressure of a specific pace, reminding myself that for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I go pretty fast but secretly, I wanted to finish in under 2:30 which was the time limit for the Bermuda 10K. I was keenly aware of fueling and hydration. I thought greater than my circumstances as I thought to myself I should have cut my toenails and dismissed the inevitable soreness that was creeping into my IT band, quads and hamstrings.

We took our traditional selfie:

We made a pit stop at the Boston College Recreation Center to refill our water bottles and go to the bathroom when we were at about 4.5 miles. My right knee was crunchy. I imagined putting a washer into the joint to stop the bone on bone sensation and visualized lubricant moving through the joint. I even said to my knee -- there - that's better! When I got to 5.6 miles I said to Ruth Anne, "This is the farthest I've gone since 2018 when we ran the Bermuda Half Marathon together!" Ruth Anne was incredibly supportive and encouraging throughout the miles, especially when I hit this milestone reminding me we only had .6 miles to go. We called Tom to meet us with the medal from Gone for a Run Virtual 10K Challenge. 

 

 I had my third eye on the goal throughout the miles and when I approached the 'finish line', I felt a rush of emotion. It was clear to me that I was meant to finish the 10K on May the fourth! 

Tom put the medal around my neck coincidentally wearing the hat he bought at the Flying Colours in Bermuda:

And Ruth Anne was at the ready to take a photo of me with my medal:

Out of curiosity, I did an age grade calculation. My age graded time is 1:35:08. As Ruth Anne paced me to a strong finish, she suggested that my goal for 2025 should be a half marathon again. I suggested she let me recover from today's accomplishment and we'll see. I did love that incredible feeling that happens after a long run that I had not experienced since I crossed the finish line of the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon.

Thank you Ruth Anne for going the distance with me to finish the 10K distance. I am so grateful to my body, mind, heart and soul for working together to achieve this new milestone. Thank you Candice for being the ray of sunshine that you are. Your strength, grit, grace, remarkable resilience and living life with an attitude of gratitude are an inspiration to all who are blessed to know you. Be sure to listen to her Episode on the On the Runs podcast.

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.

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

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square

 

Unicorn Magic Continues!

 

I love how we let Spirit guide us throughout Boston Marathon weekend. Tom took the afternoon off from work so we could enjoy the Expo together. I initially suggested we take the train in but Tom suggested we drive in. He was going to drop us off and look for a parking space. I suggested we give Newbury Street a try since we had good fortune there on Wednesday.  Sure enough as we turned the corner from Comm. Ave., there was a parking space just waiting for us. Tom wanted to walk down Boylston Street 'the long way' to soak up the energy that Ruth Anne and I enjoyed on Thursday. As we walked the few short blocks to the Expo, we saw Susan Hurley. She is a warrior on and off the roads and was genuinely happy to see us and take a photo with us. When we told her we pray for her health she said, "I'm fine. Really I'm fine."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 In the morning, the texts and messages lit up my phone. Michele Audet and I have been planning a meet up for years. We met each other as part of the Boston Strong Community. We exchanged phone numbers and agreed we would find a way to meet up at the Expo.

Just as we turned the corner to head into the Expo, who came walking out of the ladies room but Michele Audet.

She had just finished her volunteer assignment at bib pick up. She mentioned that unlike in previous years, there were no snacks and limited food for the volunteers. We suggested that we go to the FlavaNaturals booth where she could get a boost with their amazing product. 

 

It was wonderful to see our dear friends Alan and Shari Frost who are the creators and owners of FlavaNaturals.

Michele, Ruth Anne, Tom and I chatted while soaking up the energy of all that is Boston Marathon. There was a Navy Warrior Challenge Booth that Ruth Anne just had to try. Michele captured Ruth Anne's joy in a series of photos. Here is one of them:

We secured great seats to see Meb on the Marathon Live Stage and listened to the panel of Women in the World of Running. Michele had worked for John Hancock, the previous sponsor of the Marathon and gave us the back story of one of the women on the panel who now recruits for the BAA. I messaged with my friends/On the Runs podcast family Candice and Jared. Candice and Jared 'met' through the On the Runs podcast and were coincidentally on the same flight to Tokyo. What a wonderful Boston reunion for them and what a blessing for me to meet them in person. Of course we included Michele when it came to taking a photo. Candice has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will be toeing the starting line of her marathon of healing on Monday. With her positivity, grace, grit and determination, I just know she is going to conquer this challenge.

We were enthralled with having the opportunity to hear Meb speak about his journey. As he spoke his gentle, kind, humble, and warm personality shined through. At times, he expressed a wonderful sense of humor. He said that he loves interacting with fellow runners of all abilities and always wants to take time for photos and to sign autographs. "It's never a bother," he told the crowd. When he recounted his 2014 Boston win, you could feel the collective sense of goosebumps and tears. He took time for people to ask questions. Ruth Anne asked about his pre-race rituals. He said how they are very important and shared with us how he fuels the night before (spaghetti and meatballs with red sauce or chicken and rice) and at breakfast (a traditional bread, oatmeal, almond butter) and that prayer - before, during and after a race is a vital part of his rituals. 

Even though a meet and greet line was forming, Meb graciously and generously took selfies with Michele and Ruth Anne. I was moved when he put his hand on Ruth Anne's shoulder and gave her a pat on the back.

Our hearts were full as we left the Expo expressing gratitude for a day filled with spontaneity, synchronicity, friendships and inspiration. Michele had to catch her train but Tom, Ruth Anne and I decided to go to Legal Seafood in Chestnut Hill. Our dear friend whom we hadn't seen all winter was there. Big hugs and lots of love along with an incredible dinner was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

To be continued...

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.

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

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square