The Heart of a Champion

 

As Tom and I got ready for last Saturday's 5.5 miler on the Road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K, I wondered to myself, "What is stoking the flames of this training cycle? After all, I'll be 72 on Christmas Day and have absolutely nothing to prove. Why am I doing this and where does my motivation come from?" 

 

Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, the author of the captivating book, 'Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist' posted a prompt on Instagram asking us to consider who was our Ms. Ames; one of Lin's most influential mentors. I shared my Joe Stetz story.  I had contracted paralytic polio at age 5. My first day camp experience was horrible. Fortunately, my rehab medicine doctor, Dr. Moskowitz, suggested my parents send me to Badger Day Camp known for their philosophy of inclusion and premier swimming program. They even held an end of year Olympics. The first year I went was wonderful. The counselors were supportive and emphasized my strengths rather than my limitations. I sat out the end of year Olympics. Towards the end of my second summer at Badger, my swimming counselor, Joe Stetz, with the dark hair, wide smile and soulful brown eyes, standing at the far left of the Olympic contenders in the above photo, asked me to compete in the end of year Olympics. I thought he must have been talking to someone else. He wanted me to compete in of all strokes - the Butterfly! There were only two other campers willing to compete in the Butterfly. They needed at least 3 campers to compete or there would be no event. I was guaranteed a place on the podium. 

 

Joe kept his promise that he would work with me one on one supporting me as I overcame my fears and physical limitations. On the day of the Olympics, he reminded me to swim my own race at my own pace. "Don't look at the other swimmers. It doesn't matter that you might finish last, you are a champion by stepping up to the starting block and finding the courage to overcome your challenges." When I finished long after the other two competitors, he extended a hand to me as I got out of the pool. He walked me to the podium and proudly looked on as I received my Bronze 3rd place plaque.  His words and actions stayed with me during these past 61 years. When I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome in December 2006, I once again felt his presence. Despite having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged, I took on the 2009 Boston Marathon. Whenever I faced a setback, I called upon what Joe instilled in me to have a strong come back. You can learn more about Joe and his extraordinary life in my blog post, "A Penny From Heaven."

 

This week's training cycle theme has been the heart of a champion.

 

Saturday was a spectacular end of September day. Seeing the seagulls glide effortlessly as they landed on the water reminded me of how free I felt in the water and freedom I feel when I am out on a training run. I knew there was a race happening in South Boston on Saturday and suggested Tom bypass the probable road closure. Instead, we ended up taking a detour dictated by the road closure. "I wish you would have listened to me," I said. "I wish you'd listen to me," Tom said as he pulled into a parking space.

"Watch this," he said. It's always a great idea to mix up training run routes. We enjoyed the new route that eventually took us back along the beaches.

 

The new route finished in an uphill like the finisher's chute in Hyannis. We visualized how we would feel coming into the finish line. I stretched at the car. As we build the miles, I can feel the pain that accompanies any training cycle. As I told my personal trainer when I first set out on this journey to health and wellness, I'd rather experience pain on the side of health and wellness rather than the pain of atrophy, decline and disuse. 

 

After our Sunday rest and recovery day, we woke up on Monday to our 6am alarm that now goes off in the dark. After meditation, we put on our water belts and head out the door. What a gift to see the dawn of a new day. What joy to rise, shine and run and be kissed by the light of the new day's sun. The cadence of Dr. Seuss is imprinted in my heart and soul thanks to Miss Holly, my physical therapist who tenderly ministered to me after I contracted paralytic polio. She'd have me recite Dr. Seuss in tandem with her to distract me from the pain of coaxing muscles and nerves back to health; a healer ahead of her time.

 

Tuesday was strength training day for this champion and Tom, my life and training partner. We set the alarm for 6:30, meditated and cranked up the playlist. Cooler air means open windows and no a/c but we still worked up a good sweat. 

 

 Wednesday was another rest and recovery day that included a lot of stretching and rolling out with foot roller and ball. I savor these new yet very familiar sensations in my body as we build a solid foundation.

 

Thursday was the first taste of October and Fall. Capris and layering for tops were perfect. I felt a powerful connection to Source seeing the sun rise and the dawn of a new day. My heart overflowed with gratitude for this sacred time with Tom, unplugged, out in nature knowing how fortunate we are to be doing this.

 

The magical magnificent morning miles were exhilarating. We even did negative splits. Hot oatmeal, toast, a banana and cold OJ tasted so delicious as we wrapped up another week in our training cycle. I am feeling strong, resilient, blessed and grateful, and determined to go the distance having the best time with my heart of a champion leading me each mile along the way.

 

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.

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.

 

Looking for great books to curl up with this Fall? My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Amazon.  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Amazon Author Page for book descriptions and rave reviews.

 

 

 

As Long As We Keep Moving...Book Signing with Bill Rodgers

 

 "Our stories are proof that passion and purpose in life can lay dormant for years. But then one day, you find your desire, your dreams, your strength. It was in you the whole time. And once you find it, you will never be the same. From that day forward you will everything on the line, make every day count, test the limits of your heart and embrace the challenge of your Spirit." ~Bill Rodgers

It is always a treat to spend time with Bill Rodgers; to hear his worldly wisdom, running conversation about running history and to bask in his warmth and wit. At the 45th Annual Bill Rodgers Somerville 5K Jingle Bell Run and Walk bib pick up, I was blessed to do a book signing of my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrrior" next to Bill's Meet and Greet. 

Bill will turn 77 on 12/23 and I will turn 71 on Christmas Day. We teased each other about being Capricorns - "the GOAT right?" but then had a serious conversation about aging. I told Bill that I'm a lot slower now but love challenging myself to be the best I can be. Bill replied with, As long as we keep moving."

As runners came up to chat with Bill, get a book or poster signed, he was quick to share my journey, letting the runners know that I had quite a story and encouraged them to buy my book! Bill wrote this review as I was getting ready to publish it this past May:
"I enjoyed reading your new book, which is so appropriately titled, A Most Unlikely Runner....I especially like the way you understand Running as more than just the physical movement, and how you linked the great American Poet, Robert Frost to Running...  I know you will always be a Runner!" ~Bill Rodgers, Olympian, former record holder in the marathon and 4 time Boston and NYC Marathon Champion

Bill and I reminisced about our friendship through the years. We each acknowledged that what makes running the greatest sport is that every day runners and champions get to interact with each other and forge friendships through the years.

Bill was incredibly loving and supportive to Ruth Anne who is running the 129th Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab. {Here is the link to her fundraising page with her incredibly inspiring story.} He had known about her journey through his partner Karen and repeatedly told her that she was doing great things. He even wanted to know what kind of Asics she was wearing and did a shoe critique as to why those were good marathon shoes for her.

He gifted her a signed copy of his book to use in her Thank You to donors gift giveaway!

We chatted with a new runner, Keith, who lives with Cerebral Palsy. Race director Paulie gave him the bib with #1. Bill insisted that I too sign Keith's bib.

That's Ruth Anne and Bill's brother Charlie in the photo. One can only smile whenever Bill Rodgers is around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I first met Bill at the 2009 Hyannis Marathon Weekend. It was my first half marathon. I was in awe meeting Bill and Frank Shorter who embraced my journey and were inspired by what I'd overcome to take on the Boston Marathon. Bill and I would meet at future Hyannis Marathon Weekends and we forged a friendship through the years.

We share a similar philosophy on aging; that age is just a number. As long as we keep moving, whatever the pace and whatever the distance, we can live to be 100!

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.

 

Book Review: Choosing to Run: A Memoir Des Linden

When I heard that Des Linden was going to be a headline speaker at the Boston Run Show, I knew that I had to read her book, 'Choosing to Run: A Memoir.'

My husband ran the 2011 Boston Marathon for Boston Children's Hospital. I had a front row seat at the finish line thanks to the hospitality of Marathon Sports. I got goosebumps all over when Des recounts the moments of that iconic finish. My voice was hoarse as I joined in the crowd's chanting trying to will her to get that kick so she could break the finisher's tape. Des's memoir takes us into the heart and mind of her amazing journey as one who chooses to run over and over again despite setbacks and a potentially life threatening health issue.

In the Acknowledgements, Des thanks her agent Josh. "We've shared so many hours and and beers talking about my running career and what it would be like when I won the Boston Marathon. It didn't wind up looking anything like we'd dreamed of, but that made it a bit more special.....Thanks for recognizing that this version, the full version of my Boston win needed to be told..." It certainly did!

Whether or not you are a runner, you will appreciate the unfolding of the events of the day that Des Linden achieved her dream of becoming a Boston Marathon champion. Her memoir draws you into the drama of the day by interspersing the recounting of the miles against the backdrop of what was happening in her life.  After the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, she shares how she had to adapt her training for days when she was not like her former self able to effortlessly roll through the miles. As she Tweeted on 3/15/18: "Some days it just flows and I feel like I'm born to do this, other days it feels like I'm trudging through hell. Every day I make the choice to show up and see what I've got, and to try and be better. My advice: keep showing up."

She certainly does keep showing up. It is always a thrill to see her coming down Beacon Street on the 3rd Monday in April. The crowds adore her no matter what place she is in especially since her iconic 2018 win. The weather conditions were too tough for me to watch the race in person that year but what a thrill to watch the TV coverage and see her all alone down the stretch on Boylston Street to break the finisher's tape, and a spell of over 30 years of not having an American woman win Boston. Being able to experience those final miles through the lens of Des's mind and heart in her memoir brought me to tears and goosebumps all over. 

"Choosing to Run:A Memoir" is an intimate portrait that lets the reader into the life of an inspiring, captivating, uniquely complex champion.  Run, don't walk to get your copy. 

Be sure to sign up for the Boston Run Show Newsletter to stay up to date on all the excitement happening at the Boston Convention and Exhibit Center on March 1-2, 2025. 

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  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.

So Much More Than a 10K!

 

 

During my morning meditation a few days ago, thoughts of Joe Stetz came to mind. He was my camp counselor at Badger Day Camp when I was 10 years old. Despite my recovering from paralytic polio, he encouraged me to participate in the end of camp Olympics in, of all strokes, the butterfly stroke. There were only two other campers willing to compete in the butterfly. I was guaranteed a place on the podium regardless of my time. I was terrified to jump off the starting block and had difficulty with being able to propriocept a turn at the wall. Joe told me he would work with me one on one. He was true to his word. On race day, he told me to not look to my left or my right but to swim my own race at my pace. He was there to greet me when I touched the wall at the finish and extended a hand to me to escort me to the podium to receive my third place plaque. The other swimmers finished way ahead of me but none of that mattered. Joe instilled in me what it means to have the heart of a champion. He taught me how to conquer fear and rise above physical limitations. He taught me how to find courage to do what I thought was impossible for me to do.

I saw Joe's Death Notice in the Boston Globe in December of 2004 and gasped to learn that we had worked at St. Elizabeth's Hospital at the same time! I worked as a geriatric social worker and he worked as a cardiothoracic surgeon. He had given up the chance to compete in the Olympics to go to medical school. He died in a single car accident shortly after retirement. In 2019, as I stood at the starting line of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K as a spectator for Tom, I struck up a conversation with the woman standing next to me. Talk about synchronicity! This woman who was doing medical spectating for the course worked at St. Elizabeth's Hospital for 36 years as a nurse in the CCU and ICU. Of course she knew Joe Stetz! We talked about what an incredibly special man and physician he was. It was believed that he suffered a heart attack or stroke while driving. She said what a tragedy it was because he was looking forward to retirement riding his horses and spending time with his daughter and grandchildren. 

 

And in that moment of the starting line of the 2019 Bermuda Marathon Weekend 10K, I connected with a part of my past where the seeds for possibility in my life, despite polio and trauma were planted. I reconnected with the man whose Spirit helped me stare down the challenge of Post-Polio Syndrome and take on running the 2009 Boston Marathon; who inspired me to never ever give up whatever the challenge. After a serious knee injury in December of 2014, after being told I should never have taken up running to begin with and should hang up my running shoes, I went on to run 3 consecutive Bermuda Half Marathons. The Universe and Joe's beautiful Spirit brought me to that moment in 2019 standing face to face and heart to heart with Lynn Landry, RN sharing in the glow of a man who changed lives by his very presence for the time he walked this Earth.

Thursday was a cold day. I went for solo miles and experienced such invigorating yet easy miles on the road to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. I felt the joy of being out on the course and visualizing the finish into the Stadium. I cried and felt goosebumps seeing my Bermuda friends cheering me into the finish. I even dared myself to imagine my friends coming out on the course to accompany me to a strong finish. My steps were mindful. I connected to Source and feel how important it is for me to shine my light and share my powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities.

 

When I toe the starting line in just a few weeks, the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K is so much more than a 10K for me. It's a celebration of what's possible, 17 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome,  turning 70 on Christmas Day and what it means to age strong. In all likelihood, depending on who decides to participate in the 10K Walk, I will be one of the last finishers. I will leave nothing out on the course yet we will be mindful with pace .I will feel Joe Stetz's presence with me every step of the way.

On Saturday, Tom and Ruth Anne joined me for my two miles. It was another gift of a gorgeous December day with temperatures in the 50's. We decided to go to the small Reservoir on Route 9. Tom made sure I kept my pace way down which of course made my anxiety go way up. Tom was quick to point out my taper madness that manifested in questions like, "Is this what the hill is like in Bermuda? Does it stop at the lights or is it the continuation to the corner of Route 9." Ruth Anne and Tom chimed in, "Relax ma/Mary - you've got this!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I know and I feel in every fiber of my being that I've got this. I'm allowing myself to feel the excitement that goes with anticipating an event I have not done in 6 years, traveling on a plane for the first time in 4 years. As Helen Keller once said, "Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Here's to my next adventure happening in:

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hard Days Are the Best...

 

Even though Boston was only mildly affected by Hurricane Lee, last Saturday's run was a hard run for me. There were gusty headwinds at times but it was my stormy internal state that made it a hard run. When our daughter gets an infection, she experiences concomitant neuropsychiatric symptoms that are deeply distressing for her and for us. Last Saturday we were in the darkest of times not knowing how/if/when she was going to experience wellness again. I have an incredibly strong faith. Our village was praying for her and Team McManus; people were sending Reiki and healing energy. I did meditations and visualizations seeing her as healthy, whole and healed. I imagined her crossing the finish line with Tom at the Bay State Half Marathon to complete her Trilogy of Half Marathons for Victory Programs.

I had to find a way to find comfort in the discomfort of uncertainty holding onto hope, accepting everything as it was. There were abundant signs from the Universe that everything was going to be okay. I would see just what I was supposed to see on social media and friends' messaging me videos and quotes to support me during the time of uncertainty. We created imagery to imagine Ruth Anne's healing like this Unicorn and rainbow:

We imagined the healing powder from the Unicorn's horn helping to bring Ruth Anne to a state of wellness and well-being. The rainbow is a wonderful symbol of hope and our connection to the Divine. 

We were grateful that there hadn't been any more disconcerting phone calls as there had been during the previous Saturday's run but I was clearly feeling the cumulative effect of the stress of Ruth Anne's hospitalization.

It was the first cool, cloudy and drizzly run we had in a long time. The weather could easily be like that on race day in Bermuda although I am visualizing a perfect sunny yet cool dry day. Training in all kinds of weather, especially while having a hard run is great physical and mental preparation for race day. Up until Saturday's run, I hadn't realized how much I was missing Ruth Anne on our training runs. It was also the first time that I wasn't sure how Team McManus was going to be able to emerge from the darkness that descended as a result of Ruth Anne's infection. I reflected on how excited Ruth Anne was to have me take on this goal and having us train together. My heart was heavy but I kept focusing on how vital it was for me to train hard even when/especially when it was a hard day!

We focused on the contrast between the delicate flowers that dotted the path around the Reservoir and how the powerful wind created waves on the often still waters of the Reservoir. I breathed deeply knowing that in the midst of mist, a grey sky and clouds the sun still shines somewhere. I remembered a recent fortune I got at our favorite Chinese restaurant that said, "It's always darkest before dawn."

I felt accomplished and empowered after getting through those 5 miles. It wasn't my best pace but it was a pace that was well within finishing before the 2 1/2 hour time limit. 

Saturday afternoon we received a call from Ruth Anne. She wasn't quite back to being/feeling herself yet but she was certainly better than she was the week before. And then...after 7 very long hard weeks...all of a sudden Ruth Anne was ready to come home!

To celebrate her homecoming, we went on a run together. It was the perfect weather day with warm sun, blue skies and puffy clouds:

What a blessing to be able to take a selfie together:

Team McManus navigated through seven weeks of mostly hard days. We feel like champions after weathering those storms and are so deeply grateful to have a loving, supportive village surrounding with prayers and healing energy. We know we can get through anything with our faith, our love and the healing power of running in our lives.

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.

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.

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel