Feel Free...Have Fun...Finish

 

As I toe the starting line of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K, I will be doing the best with what I've got. I've consistently trained to take on the 10K taking myself to the edge of pace and endurance. Taper time has served me well to heal up those 'niggles' in my right knee and leg, and continuing to heal the effects from a reaction to the COVID vaccine in 2022. As I take pause from training to let taper time work its magic, I realize how much I do love being outdoors getting in the miles and doing the best with what I've got. 

What are my goals for Saturday's 10K?

1) Feeling free to be me knowing that I'll be doing the best I can as one who overcame the challenges of paralytic polio and trauma. I've been clearing out the memories of lugging my leg brace trying to keep up with my peers and embodying feeling proud that I chose to take on this challenge. It's been eight years since I toed the starting line of an in person event. It's been eight years since I've gone a distance longer than a 5K. No apologies are needed for my back of the pack status regardless of who may be part of Saturday's field. After all, they did set the event up as a 10K walk! As I celebrate myself for taking on the challenge to celebrate 17 years of healing and being 70 years old, I know and trust my energy will be infectious. I allow joy to sweep away the fears about the 'time limit' as I envision myself going out there and showing what this body can do! I continuously thank my body for all it has given me. I feel a stirring in my soul remembering my why to spread a powerful message of healing, hope and infinite possibilities! 

2) Have fun! I've done 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018. I have cherished memories of having so much fun out on the course. Bermudians invited us in for omelettes and mimosas. The volunteers are incredibly supportive and encouraging. There's music and dancing in the streets. Trusting my training knowing that I will easily come in under 2.5 hours makes way for me to relax and have fun out on the course. When I allow fun to be in the forefront of my thoughts, the fears are whisked away. 

3) Finish! While I would LOVE to come in under 2 hours, my goal is to finish feeling fabulous with a huge smile on my face and gratitude in my heart. It does not matter if I am the last finisher to cross the finish line. In my mind's eye, I break the finisher's tape knowing I won my race.

I was told several times throughout my journey, that I should never have started running, that I should stop running and/or cap my distance. I understand that the medical profession is wary about giving 'false hope' and share information based on statistics and case studies. Those are powerful messages to overcome. This quote about optimism is a wonderful way to wash away those messages I received from Western Medicine:

I am infusing myself with motivational quotes as I prepare to take on Saturday's challenge:

It is three more sleeps before the limousine picks us up in the early morning hours to whisk us away to Terminal C. I focus on our flight being on time. As I mentioned, the anticipation and excitement of Race Weekend begins at the gate when Tom and I play our game, "runner or not." We ask fellow travelers, "You running this weekend?" For the first time in 8 years, my answer is 'Yes.' If someone asks me what are you hoping for, I will answer with a BIG smile, to feel free, to have fun and to finish!

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.

Anticipation - One Month From Today!

 On January 11th, Team McManus heads to Logan Airport to go on our first I'm leaving on a jet plane vacations since January of 2020. Ruth Anne heads to Nashville to visit her best friend from Middle Tennessee State University. Tom and I head to Bermuda for Bermuda Triangle Challenge Race Weekend. It has a surreal quality to it after all the challenges we endured this year yet I remind myself that the challenges we face intensifies the gratitude and the joy for wonderful adventures and experiences.

It's taper time. I find myself using the words taper time to Christmas songs.

Silver Bells -- Taper time Taper time It's taper time in the City or Jingle Bells - Taper time Taper time taper all the way or O Christmas Tree - O Taper time O taper time how 'lovely' is thy waiting!

Tom and Ruth Anne joined me on my easy two miler on Saturday to make sure that I didn't do fartleks, speed work or a tempo run. Tom reined in the pace for us reminding me that our race plan is to go out easy! After the first half, we can pick up the pace and have a strong finish. We reminisced about the 2017 Bermuda Half Marathon when I went out way too fast, ignored my fueling and hydration plan and I ended up sideways. What drove me to ignore what was happening in my body was the time 'limit' on the website of 3:30 for the Half. The full marathon was two loops and finished where the Half finished so I knew the finish line would be open. I was also trying to beat my time from 2016. Lessons were learned.

We were blessed with moderate temperatures and a lovely early winter's day. Every training run that has no snow or ice on the ground and temperatures are well above freezing is a gift as I countdown to race day.

I went for solo Monday morning miles after taking a rest day on Sunday. It was a grey Monday morning but what joy I feel celebrating 17 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and as I get ready to celebrate turning 70 on Christmas Day! The torrential rain from Sunday night's storm stopped but there was, at times, a stiff and brisk head wind. I visualized the start of the race seeing all the runners take off in front of me. I embodied feeling proud and strong having Tom by my side to pace me. I set my internal clock to the easy pace we will keep for the first 5K reining in negative thoughts about 'the time'. My heart overflowed with gratitude as I spread my arms wide to embrace the miracle of transformation and healing. I envisioned a sunny day with 60 degree temps and no headwind. I saw the beautiful blue Bermuda sky and the turquoise blue water. I felt my feet on the asphalt embracing the cheers of the spectators. 

I smiled to myself as I remembered the pre-race/travel dream in which we were on the bus to the airport. I told the driver to stop. I forgot my passport and travel documents. I kept thinking "Why didn't I go through the list I made? Why didn't I go through the list I made?" As Tom and I stood in the middle of nowhere, I looked at my watch and wondered how we were ever going to make our flight.

I shook my head and reminded myself that my passport to the land of negativity was revoked. I honored the 'nerves' that accompany any race day. As one of my friend's told me at the Bermuda Half Marathon 2018, the nerves are a sign that the race matters but it's vital that I not allow them to overtake me as they had in Bermuda 2017. It's one mile at a time visualizing a strong finish. My body will be well rested as it was before the First Run Virtual 5K last year. I trust my training. I trust my body's ability to meet, greet and conquer the challenge of the Bermuda 10K. One month from today, at the moment that I am writing this, we will be at National Stadium seeing a Bermudaful sunrise. I savor every moment of anticipation feeling the excitement of returning to our happy place with so much to celebrate!

 

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.

A Run Around Jamaica Pond - My Happy Place

 

 

Saturday mornings always beg the question, "Where should we run today?" It was a toss up between Heartbreak Hill and Jamaica Pond. Tom and Ruth Anne had 8 miles on tap as they ready for Half Marathon #2 for Victory Programs. I had my weekly 5K planned. We vacillated between the two running spots weighing the pros and cons of each. I had everything ready knowing that it would not be an out the door run where Ruth Anne and Tom could stop at the house for provisions.

The day was cool but the sun had that hint of Springtime is coming to Boston. Ruth Anne loves how I embrace this time of year when we get to experience anticipation of buds on the trees pregnant with possibilities before everything bursts into bloom. I love savoring the moments that lead up to Spring and Summer. My heart opens with joy knowing the beauty and warmth that is about to burst onto the scene.

The day started out with clouds yet the beauty of Jamaica Pond endures through any weather.

 After their warm up, Tom and Ruth Anne set out in the opposite direction from me. My solo run is a time for solitude and reflection. As Boston has begun the countdown to the Boston Marathon in less than a month, I reflected on our training runs around Jamaica Pond. We did speed work, hills and long runs as we built speed and endurance in preparation of 26.2 miles. What a thrill and delight to be out in the elements and experience the change of seasons, especially since I was given stern warnings about the risk of falls especially in winter.

My poem "Courage" was inspired by one of our training runs around Jamaica Pond:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Tom, Ruth Anne and I passed each other we gave high fives and took a water stop. 

The clouds began to yield to sunshine and Mother Nature gave us a sneak preview of Spring's coming attractions.

While Tom and Ruth Anne finished their 8 miles, I savored the satisfaction of having completed my 5K while soaking in the sunshine as I refueled and hydrated. Geese honking and the gentle waves lapping against the shoreline were a wonderful soundtrack for my meditation.

Tom and Ruth Anne felt incredible joy that they completed their 8 miles feeling great knowing that they are one training run closer to the Providence Marathon Half Marathon for Victory Programs.

Prior to the start of my running career, I had been to Jamaica Pond only a couple of times. Tom and I rented a canoe before we had children. If you would have told me 16 years ago as I was just setting out on a quest to heal my life that Jamaica Pond would become a place near and dear to my heart for training runs, I would have said, "No way." But "Yes, way" as Jamaica Pond has become my happy place.

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.

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.

It's Time for a Race-cation

 

It seems like only yesterday that I started the On The Road to Providence For Victory Programs to document Ruth Anne and Tom's journey of training and fundraising. It started out as on the road to the Providence Marathon, but after a 15 mile training run left Tom sideways, Team McManus opted for the Half Marathon distance. They received so much support from our village and Victory Programs for their decision. When we talked with Coach Brian Simons, we talked about how the pandemic had taken a toll on everyone mind, body and soul. As we emerge from the pandemic, we all needed to honor what would be best for all Tom and Ruth Anne as runners, and for me as the marathon manager.

Our last race-cation was in February of 2020 at Hyannis Marathon Weekend. As we crowded the ballroom and hallways, greeted each other with hugs and high fives and warmly hugged each other goodbye with "See you in Boston," we had no idea life would come to a screeching halt a few weeks later. The pandemic has been quite the journey. I know how incredibly blessed we have been through it all. Ruth Anne had to take yet another COVID test for work and once again it was negative. We have all been physically healthy throughout the pandemic. There were bumps along the road exacerbated by the pandemic that took a toll on our emotional well-being but gratitude helps us to keep a perspective on how blessed and fortunate we are. 

Tom and Ruth Anne trained through every kind of weather. The forecast looks amazing for Sunday. The question is how many times can I refresh the Weather Channel page set to Providence weather before Sunday. We started packing last week checking off necessities that we could pack ahead of time on our list. This Race-cation has a very different feel from pre-pandemic Race-cations. There is an excitement intensified by the two year hiatus since we had a running vacation. Appreciation and gratitude overflow knowing how precious life is. Our freedom to travel, stay at a hotel and gather with friends at a race weekend is no longer something we come to expect in our lives.

During an interview on Tuesday, chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci shared that the U.S. is “out of the pandemic phase” of COVID-19 as hospitalizations and cases have plummeted.

Fauci made his statement during an interview with PBS’s “NewsHour” when he was asked if the nation was close to the end of the pandemic.

“We are certainly right now in this country out of the pandemic phase,” Fauci said.

During an interview with The Washington Post, Fauci clarified that the global pandemic is still going on, but the U.S. is going through a transition period.

“The world is still in a pandemic. There’s no doubt about that. Don’t anybody get any misinterpretation of that. We are still experiencing a pandemic,” Fauci said.

However, he said that the virus is no longer causing the same amount of hospitalizations and deaths that it had when omicron swept the nation over the winter.

Throughout the winter, Fauci said the U.S. was experiencing a “full-blown pandemic phase.” Then, he said when cases started falling, it moved into a “deceleration” phase, and now we are transitioning to the control phase.

“The way we were months ago, where we were having 900,000 cases a day, tens of thousands of hospitalizations, three thousand deaths a day,” Fauci said. “The deaths went from 3,000 down to 300.”

Fauci predicted we would hit a “control” stage of the pandemic by last fall, before the delta and omicron variants emerged, causing a spike in cases. Now he is saying the same, as new variants are not posing a threat.

The doctor said that omicron subvariants have started to spread, they are not impacting hospitalizations or deaths like their variant predecessor.

“Right now, we’re at a low enough level that I believe that we’re transitioning into endemicity. ... We’re not in the full-blown explosive pandemic phase. That does not mean that the pandemic is over,” Fauci said. “A pandemic means widespread infection throughout the world. ... In our country, we’re transitioning into more of a controlled endemicity.”

With cases getting better, the nation has started to adjust to a new way of life as mask mandates, restrictions, and other COVID-19 era policies continue to be lifted.

Even though mandates are becoming a thing of the past, COVID-19 is still present in our communities, and health experts continue to urge Americans to make the best choices for themselves. 

During a Race-cation, we would plan to take advantage of all of the hotel amenities. We decided to forego use of the swimming pool. Food service at the hotel is still limited so we will be bringing all of our breakfast needs for race day. We will look like we are going away for a week with all of our bags but that was true pre-pandemic.

When we check into the hotel, we will have come full circle from the last week of February in 2020. Once again we are able to look forward to a weekend of anticipation, excitement, bib pick ups, pre-race fueling for runners and support crew, asking people as they pass by, "You running on Sunday?", getting up at the crack of dawn on Sunday, feeling #allthefeels and heading to the start line. We are visualizing Race Weekend from start to finish with exactly how we want it to be. It's easy for gremlin thoughts that are residue from having lived through the pandemic to creep in but I keep coming back to focusing on how we all want the weekend to be and staying focused on only positive experiences.

The hay is in the barn as they say. The fundraising was a phenomenal success raising $7700 for Victory Programs and their ReVision Urban Farm. To learn about the work they do to help with healing, hope, recovery, housing and food security visit Ruth Anne's fundraising page and if you are so moved, make a donation to support her run.

It's two more sleeps until we head to Providence for our first Race-cation in two years. 

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

 

It's Been Awhile - Countdown to NYC - The Joy of Anticipation

 

When I received this email from Mama Mia, a classic New York City Italian Restaurant within walking distance of our hotel and the theater district, I felt an intense mix of emotions!

The last time I took out a suitcase to pack was in February of 2020 for the Hyannis Marathon Weekend. My suitcases would be rolled in and out of the closet at least several times a year. We did destination  race weekends and traveled to Cape Cod and Bermuda for vacations. 

There was quite a bit of dust around the wheels from its lack of use. I'm the type of person who starts packing about two weeks in advance checking things off of our to pack list. Our blue carry on suitcase that we will use for our overnight trip to New York is just standing in our bedroom. 

I'm almost at a loss for how to proceed because it's been so long since we've gone on an overnight trip. After we were fully vaxed, we began to make plans and anticipate with great joy events and travel. And then came the Delta Variant and a new set of guidelines. Do I allow myself to fully experience the anticipation of a road trip, experiencing the joy of the city that never sleeps and a Broadway show? Can I allow myself to think about the luxury of not having to cook or clean for 48 hours, being with wonderful, loving friends and savoring the sights, sounds and smells of New York right before the holidays?

I've made a conscious decision to say YES to experiencing the joy of anticipation.

The New York City Marathon was held yesterday. My friends posted photos of the Expo and taking in the sights of New York before race day. Times Square's energy was electric through cyberspace. Several of my friends posted that they burst their bubble with the New York City Marathon weekend. Many of my friends have already traveled, gone to the theater and movies and dined out. I may be a little late to the party but I am emerging from the pandemic in my own way and in my own time teasing out what risks we want to take.

Writing this, I realize that I have not been away from my house for any length of time since February of 2020. It continues to feel surreal. Travel used to be an integral part of our lives. We settled into a life without travel or running events. We focused on being present, navigating the uncharted course of circumstances way beyond our control and doing the best we could to experience life to the full despite the pandemic.

Boston Marathon Weekend was our first introduction back into a world beyond our family. My soul felt nourished by the adventure of meeting new people and cheering on friends on Marathon Monday. The world has changed and shifted but our resilience and strength shines through.

Broadway's lights were dimmed for many months. Starting lines were quiet. Hotels and airports were vacant. Many many businesses pivoted or sadly closed. Restaurants moved to take out windows. Loved ones were separated by oceans as international travel was halted.

Today international travel to the United States resumed, and the front page of the Boston Globe showed moving photos of loved ones being reunited. I can only imagine the joy they felt in anticipation of reunions. International travelers are being welcomed back to the theater. The Broadway League announced today that pandemic guidelines are being extended through February 28th.

On April 22nd, Sean Allan Krill was a guest on Voices of Hope Boston's podcast, The Cardinal Cafe. He spoke with hosts Greg Chastain and Ed Siegel about the anticipation of the re-opening of Broadway in the Fall. They were setting up vaccine sites to help get the theaters open again. They talked about what it was like during the first few weeks of the pandemic and how it looked like a post-apocalyptic movie. Sean went on to say, "It's not like that now. There are more people coming to New York just to visit. I'm not sure if that's good or bad but I do believe we are on the right track. Thank God for the vaccines and that  we're working towards getting to the point where we can all sit in a big room together and enjoy something." 

Ed chimed in, 'We just have to get past the Spring break surge." 

"Exactly, exactly," Sean said.

"Well you just better be ready Sean because when things open up you're gonna have, I bet we're gonna have at least 50-75 of our members (referencing Voices of Hope Boston) who are gonna be on the bus, on the train and the first show we are going to see is Jagged Little Pill," Ed replied.

"Wow I can't wait," Sean said with such warmth and love in his voice. "You're gonna let me know.  You're gonna let me know, right? They probably won't have a line for awhile and nobody will be able to come back but I can certainly come out."

Sean went on to say, "It sounds crazy to even talk about it. I know it's not impossible but at this point a year in it does feel like, Wow, is that ever really going to happen? But let's plan that. It sounds really nice."

It's time to unzip the suitcase and begin putting in items we are going to need for our first adventure since the pandemic began. I printed out driving directions. Ruth Anne, Tom and I plotted out where we want to go during our first trip back to New York with walking directions to get there. I went shopping in my closet to find clothes to wear to the theater. 

It's been awhile since I've packed a suitcase and planned a trip with my family. But here we are. Seven months after Greg and Ed talked about a group of Voices of Hope members (of which I am an honorary member) heading to New York to see Jagged Little Pill, I am counting down to our NYC return. I am savoring every moment of the joy of anticipation. I know it's going to be better than I could have ever imagined in my wildest dreams.

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