"Look Tom," I said as I pointed on the map of the Bermuda 10K. I almost made it to Flatts Village!" "You almost didn't make it to anywhere," Tom replied and we both laughed.
As I rode back to the Stadium, the banter with the Bermuda Regiment faded into the background. Anthony Raynor's words echoed in my ears, "If you can train for the distance of the Half Marathon, you'll be better off since the 10K has a lot of steep hills." I could have easily shied away from taking on the challenge heeding
Anthony's advice. Ruth Anne and Tom had run the 10K several times and reassured me that
the hills were comparable to Heartbreak Hill where I trained for the
Bermuda 10K. I'm proud, happy and grateful that I took on the
challenge of the 10K and once again risked going too far. I'm delighted I took Anthony's advice and finished Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
There were several factors that contributed to the need for me to 'call it' at 3.06 miles that become apparent only in hindsight. There was a lot of stress leading up to our trip including not knowing whether or not we would be able to make the trip with Tom testing positive for COVID and the uncertain outcome of Ruth Anne's health concerns. I was still recovering from COVID but was in the caregiver role for Tom and Ruth Anne. We had only one full day on the Island before race day; the half marathon gave us two days before toeing the starting line. I did over 10,000 steps on Thursday including going up and down the steep stairs to the Pickled Onion.
Since we did not go to the Pickled Onion for our pre-race meal, I did not have adequate fueling for race day. The salmon and Caesar Salad were delicious but I realize I did not have adequate carbs such as the delicious rolls, rice and sharing Tom's Bermuda Fish Chowder. I slept well Friday night and woke up with the eye of the tiger repeating my affirmations for race day. I was mentally pumped.
To my credit, I did not feel the urge to take off with the pack which can be an energy drain. I found my rhythm going up that first hill and was in the zone to finish strong. There were only a few spectators along this part of the course but when we caught up with Marlene, I took it as a sign that what I visualized was manifesting in reality. I was not prepared for the unrelenting uphills and downhills or the humidity. I was well hydrated and at 40 minutes had my fueling. We were on pace to finish before 2 hours and 30 minutes. After conquering those uphills and downhills, and needing to move to the far left side of the road, single file, with its uneven pavement, the wheels started coming off the wagon.
I was brave and determined. I said my mantra, "The power that made the body, heals the body." I focused on what felt good in my body. My right knee that had bothered me during training felt fine. My breathing was even and steady. One foot in front of the other. When we came to the top of yet another uphill, I felt the Divine nudge me to call it.
I'm smiling as I write this realizing what a miracle it was for me to even get to the starting line with the combination of recent events, the setback I experienced in 2021/2022 and having been told in December of 2006 to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair.
In my email exchange with Race Director Phil Martin, he wrote, "If you have not been told this already, you are an amazing person and have the greatest spirit. It was a pleasure to meet you and chat, although I wish it had been longer." We are hoping for a reunion in Boston!
Once I posted what happened on social media, I received an outpouring of love and support from my amazing village. Bill McCabe, one of my dear runner friends wrote, "If your dreams don't scare you they are not big enough. When you push yourself in imperfect situations and do not finish a race, it's just a warm up for the next one. You are always in the arena. I pray for those poor timid souls who never set foot in the arena. Every challenge whether we finish or not has its rewards. You live to run another day Runner Girl."
I recently 'met' Jared Ewing another warrior in every sense of the word through the On the Runs podcast. He wrote to me, "Remember that DNF is not what deines you. Your work ethic, your drive does, your attitude does. You had the courage to do more, and you started. That in itself is a win. Not achieving the goal is only a fail if you quit, and I got a feeling you're going to continue moving forward. Not every run is going to go perfecct or great. Sometimes the goal that was started might not be the goal you end with. Some of my most proud moments are of the times things did not go as planned, but I did not either give up or let that moment define me. Keep on the good fight. I'm very proud of you and will be looking forward to seeing your journey forward and seeing you in Boston. {Be sure to listen to Jared's episode by following this link.}
Eric, the co-host of the On the Runs podcast wrote, "Erika (his co-host) told me in NYC about your DNF. She saw it on a Facebook post. Sh** happens you know. But you're 70 something years old and still getting out there giving it your best. Not many can say that and they had it easy growing up."
A sample of the comments that flowed from friends and family:
Great job. So proud of you.
100% So glad you listened to your body. You rock!
You were awesome. I was so proud to walk with you. (from Marlene who went the distance)
Great job all around...just the courage to start is admirable. So proud of you my friend. Spotted a rainbow for you.
Smart listening to your body. Proud of you!
Awesome!
Great job mom!
Great job Mary!
Love your spirit and Bermuda LOVES having you here.
Love your spirit and perspective. You finished big today in the heart department.
I'm so proud of you!!! Great job! Listening to your body is super smart.
Way to listen to your body; you are a winner.
So happy you got to experience this fun event.
Half the challenge is getting to the start line to begin with and the smartest thing to do is listen to your body so the rest of your time in Bermuda is enjoyable and you're not hurt.
Well, now you have a 3 mile PR in Bermuda. Those hills are no joke either. Congrats on starting and having a new distance personal best!
Well done Mary! You are a finisher in my eyes!
Nothing better or smarter than a runner who listens to their body. Cramps are the worst and so unpredictable. Way to stay positive, Mary!!!
Hope you are okay. Getting to the starting line is an accomplishment.
Listening to your body is super smart Mary and you know your body better than anyone else. You did your best on this day and I'm proud of you for making it this far and for all of the hard work you put in to make it to the starting line. You rock Runnergirl! (from Carol Griffith).
Way to put yourself out there and give it what you had. In the end that's what matters. The reward is knowing you gave it what you had.
You're a warrior and a champion, Mary. We're so proud of you. You're an inspiration.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. You gained a lot by making it out there.
Even though I did not finish the 10K, my passion and my purpose was fulfilled.
Despite what happened out on the course, I have a renewed confidence and trust in my body. I was ecstatic hen I woke up Sunday morning feeling sore muscles I had not felt in a very long time, It's time to build on the strength and momentum I gained while training. My confidence and endurance in life off of the roads soars in the wake of setting out to achieve a new goal after a 6 year hiatus of no events. I carry forward the discipline of the past 9 months rededicating myself to my health and wellness. While I'd share my journey of transformation at different events and podcasts, being off of the sidelines at 70 gives the message of healing, hope and possibilities a more powerful punch.
From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary
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.
