A Most Unlikely Runner: celebration

Showing posts with label celebration. Show all posts

Monday, July 20, 2026

The Ingredients of a Great Workout!

Throughout my 20 year journey in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I've discovered that transformation is not a once and done experience. Healing, like life, ebbs and flows. I am deeply grateful for every run and every workout. Every workout is a good workout but today's before breakfast strength training workout with Tom was a GREAT workout! I was wondering what made this workout so great. We didn't need air conditioning and enjoyed having the windows open hearing the neighborhood birds sing. Our playlist on shuffle seemed to hit just the right vibe to move to and infuse joy into the different challenges. Or maybe it was knowing I was going to share this quote from Dr. Bernie Siegel who has been a coach and a bonus dad in my life since the 1980's.

I came to know the work of Bernie Siegel through a most remarkable nurse who cared for me during a lengthy hospitalization for an infection in my shoulder. She brought me cassette tapes of his lectures about holistic healing. Beth asked me what I needed to heal in my life! Through the years, Bernie has been my coach as I reparented myself and gave birth to the treasure of who I was always meant to be. He and I became particularly close after I received the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. His teachings seemed to come together for me in a profound way. Writing poetry opened the portal to healing as it ignited the power of the mind/body connection through my imagination and visualization.

In addition to these external variables, there was also something profoundly internal going on. Tom and I each experienced this deep sense of gratitude and celebration for the life we share in our mid-70's. 20 years ago this December, I'd been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. During and after the workout I felt exhilarated and energized ready to embrace a new day and a new week feeling gratitude overflow from my heart. I am always grateful and a bit in awe of all my body gives me even when I may be on the struggle bus. I felt over the moon joy and celebration with how I felt during and after this morning's strength training workout. I did take extra time to stretch and let the music flow through me as I incorporated dancing into the exercises. I remembered how I felt in my body in ballet class when I was 5 1/2 years old before childhood paralytic polio and abuse took their toll. The muscle memory felt so real! I felt self-love and compassion surge through me for all I have endured and all I have overcome with grace, strength, determination and resilience.

While I maintained the consistency of workouts and getting out to run when it was safe to do so given the high heat, humidity and air quality issues, I wasn't experiencing or relishing the incredible miracle of my healing in the wake of the Post-Polio diagnosis. After this morning's workout, I feel as though I've emerged from the cocoon once more. I am flying more freely untethered from the beliefs about aging and disease.

While there's no particular milestone to celebrate, I am celebrating the joy of being alive, feeling transformed once again savoring the ingredients of gratitude, self-love, compassion, awe, joy, the magic of the mind/body connection and movement that created a delicious recipe for a great workout.

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 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.

What if the key to overcoming life's greatest challenges lies in the melodies that resonate with our souls? Join us in this heartfelt episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast, where hosts Lynn Hoffman and Buzz Knight dive deep into the transformative power of music with our inaugural contest winner, Mary McManus. Mary’s journey is a testament to the healing power of music, as she shares her inspiring story of resilience after contracting paralytic polio at a young age and navigating a tumultuous family environment. Listen to the episode by following this link.

Through her narrative, Mary McManus reveals how music became her sanctuary. A pivotal moment in her life came when her cousin, a Broadway producer, introduced her to the world of musical theater—a vibrant escape that ignited her passion and brought her immense joy. This episode explores the profound connection between music and emotional healing, showcasing how Mary McManus found solace in melodies during her toughest times and how they helped her forge connections with others

Listeners will be moved by Mary’s reflections on the influence of her high school music teacher and the supportive community she discovered in orchestral music. These experiences highlight the essence of music as therapy, illustrating its role in fostering emotional well-being and resilience. Mary’s journey culminates in her remarkable achievement of running the Boston Marathon, a testament to her indomitable spirit and the impact of music in her life.

Throughout this episode, we delve into the broader themes of music and mental health, exploring how independent musicians can harness their art to inspire and uplift. Mary’s story is not just about personal struggles; it’s a celebration of the healing power of music and its ability to connect us all. From emotional healing through music to the stories of musicians who have shaped our lives, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone seeking inspiration.

Join us as we uncover the magic of music and its role in personal stories of triumph. Whether you’re a fan of the music history podcast genre or simply looking for a dose of motivation, this episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast promises to resonate deeply. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of finding your voice and the transformative nature of music in navigating life's adversities. Don’t miss out on this heartfelt journey with Mary McManus, where we celebrate the stories that remind us all of the profound impact music has on our lives.

Last year I was 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.

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Happy Global Running Day 2026!

On Wednesday, Tom and I celebrated Global Running Day with magical magnificent early morning miles. It had been a year since we set the alarm to 6:00am to embrace the start of a new day with morning miles. We had absolutely perfect weather for before breakfast morning miles. I said to Tom that I felt in every step I was saying to my body, "I love you." For years I felt as though my body were something I lugged around. Childhood paralytic polio and trauma left their mark. BUT after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, when I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged, I went on a quest to heal my life.

I tapped into Source as my pen became my divining rod for healing writing poetry that opened the portal to discovering the treasure of who I was always meant to be. I unleashed the power of self-love.

Early morning runs on a perfect weather day is heaven on Earth. My heart overflows with gratitude for the gift of running in my life.

If you would have seen me 19 years ago in a toe-up leg brace, using a cane at times for mobility and not being able to get off of the couch or toilet seat without assistance, needing a tub bench when taking a shower because of fatigue and unsteadiness on my feet, and having difficulty climbing the stairs in my house you would have said there's no way that woman is going to run the 2009 Boston Marathon and go on to have many adventures as a most unlikely runner.

But that's exactly what happened!

These days, Tom and I are running just for the health of it after a very rigorous and intense training cycle on the road to the Hyannis 10K in March. There are miles filled with smiles and joy. Last Saturday's weather was unseasonably raw and cold. One of the luxuries of not having a training schedule is it's easy to shuffle our running and strength training days. We got in a work out on Saturday with a rigorous deep cleaning of our home. On Sunday, we enjoyed an easy few miles gearing up for Wednesday's celebration of Global Running Day. Mondays are for strength training and I enjoyed reflecting on this Walt Disney quote:

And you know what? Transformation is not a once and done experience. In 2021/2022 I had a major setback in my healing from childhood paralytic polio and trauma after an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine.

I needed to continue to harness the power of the mind/body connection through visualization, double down on my self-care routine and remind myself of all the healing that went before. It took time to get back on the roads. I cannot imagine my life without running whatever the pace and whatever the distance.

This year's Global Running Day celebration was especially sweet celebrating 19 years since I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career on 5/25 to heal my life. The only goal Tom and I shared was to savor the time together unplugged in Nature on a picture perfect weather day.

I'm excited to resume early morning summer runs needing only a t-shirt or singlet and shorts to head out the door. I'm delighted with feeling strong and healthy as all the 'niggles' from that training cycle continue to heal. It was great run to pass runners and say with a big smile, "Happy Global Running Day!" "You too," they'd respond with smiles reflecting back to me the joy I felt in my heart and soul.

In health and wellness,

Mary

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

A Celebratory 5K!

When I first set out on a quest to heal my life after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, when I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged, I knew there was going to be pain. There was going to be pain of atrophy and decline if I succumbed to the diagnosis or there was going to be pain as I worked to build strength and endurance. I chose the pain of building strength and endurance all the way to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon.

Tom and I had a rigorous training cycle through the bitter cold and snowy winter of 2026. Our goal race, the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K was cancelled because of the Blizzard of '26 but I'd gone beyond the distance of the 10K with my birthday celebration of 7.2 miles. We have needed a lot of time to recover, especially after we ran back to back 4 miles in snow, slush and ice. This past Saturday was the anniversary of when I had a Book Release Party for my first (and what I thought would be my only book) at Brookline Marathon Sports where I bought my first pair of running shoes in February of 2008. Despite never having run a day in my life and still wearing a toe-up leg brace for support, I declared to my personal trainer that my next health and fitness goal was to run the Boston Marathon. "Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibility" was the first book in a Trilogy of Transformation followed by two books I wrote during the pandemic. Writers gotta write and poets gotta create! I am working on my 8th book, "Running the Race: From Atrophy to Astonishing!"

Monday, 5/25th was the 19th anniversary of when I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career at the VA to heal my life. To celebrate, I suggested to Tom that we should get back to the 5K distance.

It was a spontaneous, fabulous 5K from our home to two loops around the Route 9 Reservoir and back.
I am forever grateful to Tom for telling me it was a no-brainer that I should leave my career 3 years shy of when I was eligible for retirement after receiving the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. Today's fantastic 5K refreshed us mind, body and soul as were unplugged among lush green trees hearing the birds and infusing our senses with all that Nature has to offer.

Research suggests that being among trees exposes you to phytoncides. When inhaled, these compounds are shown to increase white blood cell activity and reduce stress hormones. It's how I continue to age strong! We had a goodp laugh when we got home realizing that we'd forgotten to bring our fuel. We had made such a spontaneous decision to go out the front door and extend our mileage from 2 miles (as our bodies, especially my right knee recovered from our training cycle) to a 5K, that we only brought water. Fortunately, our bodies responded well given the solid base we built from last June until March.

I felt unbridled joy and exhilaration celebrating 19 years of healing after taking what was clearly the biggest risk I'd ever taken in my life. December will mark 20 years since I was given the diagnosis with that dire prognosis. Tom and I expressed our deep gratitude for our recent training cycle and contentment with doing workouts and runs right now without the pressure of a race. When I sat in my yard after having cleared out of the VA on 5/25/2007, I breathed a sigh of relief while also feeling a moment of terror wondering what had I just done?!? The Universe has consistently had my back during these past 19 years and I have consistently invested in my physical, mental and spiritual well-being. I've been blessed to share my message of what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary inspiring others to go beyond perceived limitations. It's a privilege and an honor to be a role model for health and vitality regardless of the number of birthdays one has celebrated. My journey also speaks to how one can heal trauma and overcome life's greatest challenges at any age.

Every day is a celebration of life for me. We punctuated the celebration of life with a 5K that coincided with the anniversaries of the Book Release party for my first book and when I took a leap of faith 19 years ago. May my journey ignite a spark within you to know that a whole world of possibilities exists beyond what the eyes can see when the heart and soul light the way!

In health and wellness - Mary

Friday, April 24, 2026

A Bucket List Adventure to NYC - Part 1

Anyone with a heartbeat heard the stir that "Hamilton" was causing from the 2009 performance at the White House to Hamilton playing to sold out audiences, the Ham4Ham performances, and the Tony sweep in June of 2016. Hamilton became an integral part of the fabric of our nation as we navigated the world turned upside down with our political climate and the pandemic. On a personal note, my son's high school friend, Nik Walker took the lead as Aaron Burr. I read Mike Anthony's book, "Life at Hamilton." I never imagined that one day, I too would be sitting in the audience at the Richard Rodgers Theater to experience all that is "Hamilton."

There was a confluence of events that called my soul back to New York City to have a Bucket List Adventure. Last year I was a guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. I'd been a fan before I was a guest given their uplifting and inspiring conversations especially during these challenging times. Episode 95 was an Episode Swap with Arts Educators Save the World which I started following after the episode swap with Jonathan Groff. Coincidentally, Erica went to school with Lin-Manuel Miranda at Hunter College High School. Her first episodes in 2022, on Arts Educators was with Lin and Bobby Lopez. I subscribed to Arts Educators. In September of last year, Erica's guest was Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, author of "Lin Manuel-Miranda: The Education of an Artist." I started following Daniel on Instagram. I had not heard of The Hamilcast before Daniel was a guest talking about his soon to be released book. I was drawn into the world of Hamilton via The Hamilcast and Lin-Manuel's world reading Daniel's book. Hamilten filled the social media news feed. What a thrill to see Hamilton on the big screen in early September while getting behind the scenes conversations on The Hamilcast.

I'd been social media friends with Tom and Michael D'Angora for several years. Tom and I connected initially as Fanilows. Our connection grew deeper after Kamala Harris lost the election. He was a beacon of light in the darkness. He had a major role in Hillary Clinton's campaign and was no stranger to the profound feelings we experienced after both elections. In January 2025, Tom and Michael saved a beloved theater district staple, The West Bank Cafe, from closure. I was drawn to the restaurant and its food and ambiance like a moth to a flame.

Javier Munoz, who (among many other things) narrated Daniel's book, was in "Wonder," here in Cambridge, MA. On January 1st, he posted a reel taking the Acela to New York to sing at Mayor Mamdani's inauguration. It sealed the deal for me to set the bucket list goal of an NYC adventure for 2026.

Train tickets, theater tickets and hotel were booked on January 11th for April 17-19th. I felt divinely guided. Tom and I just knew we wanted to do something different for the Boston Marathon Weekend this year. As a very long, cold, snowy winter dragged on, I kept myself warm and my spirits high listening to the Hamilcast, reading Daniel's book, Jeffrey Seller's book, "Theater Kid" while training for the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. The disappointment of race weekend being cancelled because of the blizzard, was tempered by knowing I would be returning to NYC in 6 weeks.

I grew up in Westchester. I contracted paralytic polio in one of the last polio epidemics. I endured abuse at the hands of a drug addicted mother and an alcoholic father BUT my cousin, Paul Blake would come to our house from the Bronx and play show tunes at our piano encouraging me to belt out songs despite not being able to keep a tune in a bucket. He encouraged my parents to take us to see Broadway shows. When the lights dimmed and the curtain rose, I was transported to another world. Musical theater provided not only a healing balm but lit up my heart and soul. In Chapter 20 in "Theater Kid" my cousin's name leapt off of the page. He played an influential role in Jeffrey's life as a producer. I was feeling all the feels of our NYC bucket list adventure before the train left the station.

Because it was Boston Marathon weekend, Tom and I did not want to take public transportation, Uber or Lyft to the train station. We left plenty of time to get to the station using Boston Carriage, a limousine service. Why not right? After all it was a Bucket List adventure. When we went to the track we asked someone if they knew how to gauge where the cars stop since we had reserved seats. She smiled and pointed down to signs that indicated car numbers. We boarded the train with ease. I often get anxious when I have to "mind the gap" but I visualized myself easily stepping onto the train. Although I have mostly overcome the effects of paralytic polio and trauma, I still experience challenges in certain situations. What a luxury to have 3 1/2 hours to sit back and just be present! I meditated, enjoyed the scenery and the anticipation of heading to New York on a rail line I often took from Westchester to New York. My great Aunt Laura would have me take the train in to meet her. We'd have lunch, go to a matinee and I'd sleep over in her Greenwich Village apartment.

We didn't mind waiting for a taxi outside of Moynihan Train Hall. It was sunny and 70 degrees! We put our jackets in the suitcase, turned our faces to the sun and listened to the unique sounds of NYC. I chose the Double Tree Hilton at Times Square West because of its proximity to the West Bank Cafe and the theater district. After a light bite in the Hotel restaurant, we headed up to our room. We were fortunate to get an early check in. We planned to unpack and head over to the Drama Book Shop before dinner. The Universe had other plans. That delicious sun that greeted us when we arrived, had been baking the room on the 29th floor. The thermostat was broken! Fortunately, Grace was the Front Desk Manager and after engineering declared that they couldn't fix it, she arranged for us to have another room. She took off the charges for our lunch and the upgrade to an upper floor and late checkout because of the inconvenience. We packed up, moved to our new room which was blissfully cool, unpacked for the 2nd time and rested before dinner.

It was a short walk to the West Bank Cafe. It was surreal to see what I'd seen in social media in 3D, up close and personal.

I felt goosebumps seeing that Donna McKechnie is one of the Legends of Broadway doing a residency at the Beechman Theatre. I met Donna when I was a teenager at my cousin Paul's apartment in the Village at a Christmas Party and had seen her in Promises, Promises, Company and A Chorus Line. When Tom and I entered The West Bank Cafe, he asked me if I recognized anybody. There was a line of diners waiting to be seated. Towering above them all was my Facebook/Instagram friend Tom D'Angora and his husband Michael. We chatted a bit before Tom led us to a cozy booth in the back of the restaurant. I was like a wide-eyed child taking in the whole scene of Hirschfeld drawings that lined the walls absorbing the ambiance that doesn't come through on social media. Tom let us know that this was his Hirschfeld collection, pointing out the different celebrities. Andrea McArdle's original Annie was on loan from the star herself.

Shortly after we sat down, Tom presented us with a plate of the WBC's signature Risotto Balls. I'd been 'drooling' over them on social media. My Tom suggested we take a photo with Tom which he was enthusiastically and delighted to do. While we were waiting for our dinner, we chatted as though we'd known each other all of our lives. We had to take another photo when our main course arrived. The only problem with my salmon was, I don't know how I will eat salmon again after eating this exquisitely prepared dish. Tom had the special of a seafood pesto.

I was in awe of how Tom and Michael make everyone feel as though they are guests in their home ensuring that every diner is attended to. Of course we had to sample one of their desserts choosing a selection of homemade cookies with cappuccino.

As we left the restaurant, we hugged as dear friends hug expressing heartfelt gratitude for their hospitality and the amazing space Tom and Michael created.

An after dinner walk was in order to scope out how to get to the Richard Rodgers Theater from the West Bank Cafe where we'd be having our pre-theater brunch. I may have cried tears of gratitude and joy feeling goosebumps all over when we approached the theater marquis. I'd seen so many social media posts of people who were going to be in the room where it happened outside the theater. Now it was my turn!

Despite being up since 6am, I was filled with vibrant energy, and a heart overflowing with gratitude. The anticipation from having patiently waited 10 years to be in the room where it happened was almost over. Except for the glitch with the thermostat at the hotel, we had a perfect day. That glitch turned out to be a blessing (as they always do).

It was an unseasonably warm evening in New York. My great Aunt Laura would have been proud that we found our way back to the hotel without getting lost. She took great pride and care to teach me about navigating the grid in NYC on foot without the help of Google girl. We were incredibly grateful that our hotel room was cool, ensuring a good night's sleep before a full and busy day on Saturday.

To be continued....

In health and wellness - Mary

"Meet Mary McManus — our first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest winner.
We asked you to share the stories of the songs, the albums, and the moments when music reached in and changed everything. You delivered. And one story stopped us in our tracks. We are thrilled to announce that Mary McManus is the winner of the first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest. Mary’s journey is one for the ages. She contracted paralytic polio at age five. She survived years of childhood trauma. And then, at the height of an award-winning career as a VA social worker, she was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

Music — and the healing power of words — had other plans for Mary.
Through poetry, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible, Mary transformed her life. At 53 she became a runner. At 55 she crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. That is what music can do."

Mary will be the guest on an upcoming exclusive episode of the "Music Saved Me" podcast.

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.

A Most Unlikely Runner