When Turbulence Hits -- Throttle Up Gratitude...

 and stay tuned to your DGS (Divine Guidance System)

We did not expect turbulence in our first miles of 2025 but we fastened our seat belts, locked in a lot of gratitude and held each other close. Ruth Anne was recovering from an infected cyst on her back. The last Sunday of 2024, we spent the morning in Urgent Care to have a procedure done but we still got out in the afternoon to get in our miles. With the fog, puddles, and patches of ice around the Reservoir, we opted for an out and back route on Beacon Street. On the way back, I stopped as I saw an angel on the sidewalk. It was the exact same angel Ruth Anne had spotted a few months ago in almost the same spot! It was a sign that we are Divinely protected. A message that would hold us in good stead as we navigated the last week of 2024 and the first week of 2025.

 

 

Ruth Anne and I had a wonderful run on New Year's Eve. Tom had been ill for several days with a hacking cough and he needed to stay home and rest. The cough worsened as the week wore on but he went back to work on the 2nd. He took Friday afternoon off from work. I hadn't slept in a few nights because of his cough. I felt depleted despite my best efforts with meditation and self-care so I opted to try to get some sleep downstairs on the couch. I put on a series of visualization meditations to boost my immune system. I heard grunts and a thump and ran upstairs to find Tom on the floor with an altered mental status and a temp of 102.9. My heart raced and I called 911. Ruth Anne and I went into crisis mode getting information for the first responders and praying that Tom would be okay.

Once we learned that they had ruled out a stroke and would continue tests throughout the early morning hours, we came home to pray and get some rest.

Fortunately I had access to Tom's on line medical record and learned that he had Influenza A. The altered mental status was due to encephalopathy due to the virus. We all breathed a sigh of relief that he would need lots of rest and hydration, but would make a full recovery!

On Saturday, Ruth Anne wasn't feeling well She was running a low grade temp with ear pain. She had to change providers because her insurance would no longer cover her previous pcp. Ordinarily we would have gone to Urgent Care close to our home. I stayed close to my DGS to figure out what the next best steps would be. I wasn't feeling well but knew that I was feeling the best out of the 3 of us. Ruth Anne started feeling better by the afternoon  but when she woke up Sunday morning, she suspected she needed antibiotics.

There was one appointment at 8:45 at urgent care, but I needed to have breakfast remembering how important it is to put on my own oxygen mask. At first Ruth Anne said she wouldn't take the appointment but I told her to call back and she could use an Uber. It was definitely a communication from my DGS. Fortunately the appointment was still available.

Ruth Anne had an amazing physician who suspected she had a sinus and ear infection but had to rule out COVID and the flu. They were able to fill her prescription at the clinic pharmacy. We spent the rest of the day resting and feeling gratitude deep in our hearts for good health care, insurance, Uber, antibiotics, caring professionals, a warm home, good food and being together as a family despite feeling under the weather. We were so grateful for the outpouring of prayers from our fellow passengers.

On Monday, my body experienced congestion and a nagging cough but no fever and no signs of any bacterial infections. I did, however, need to reschedule the recording of my podcast interview for The Optimism Institute. My only choice was to surrender to the circumstances and know that everything happens in Divine Timing. Bill Burke's Virtual Assistant is a delight and made the process of rescheduling the interview so easy. With meditation, visualization and rest, I am getting ready for my talk next Wednesday at Cohasset Elder Affairs. I've experienced spasms which has affected my speech; it has happened before when I get a rare upper respiratory virus and is a result of Post-Polio Syndrome. I am bringing compassion and kindness to my body realizing that the turbulence has set into motion this cascade of symptoms. I use my mantras and affirmations trusting once again in my body's tremendous capacity to heal. I focus on feeling grateful for all my body has given me through the years and continues to give me. I remind myself of how I have witnessed my body's process of transformation and healing and most recently, watching the transformation of the once infected cyst on Ruth Anne's back be reduced to a small scar! I feel Divine Love course through my cells riding the waves of emotions and physical symptoms as I eagerly anticipate seeing the seat belt sign turn off.

I look forward to getting back on the roads but know that I need to create time and space for healing in the wake of these recent stressors and upper respiratory infection. 

I appreciate that the turbulence we experienced is relatively minor compared to what the people of LA are going through. My gratitude is intensified as I focus on all the blessings in our lives. The other night, Tom and I shared how what we went through could have been so much worse if... We took it to the theater of the absurd and laughed so hard we went into coughing fits.

2025 may not have begun as we hoped and visualized. We certainly did not anticipate trips to the ER, Urgent Care and an upper respiratory virus wreaking temporary havoc with speech and spasms but with the throttle up on gratitude, a close connection to my DGS and being surrounded by the love and warmth of our fellow passengers, we are once again at cruising altitude feeling blessed and grateful.

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing details on my website.

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.

The Vicarious Thrill of Cape Cod Marathon Race Weekend!

As Kara Goucher once said, "When it comes to running, participation and spectating go hand in hand. Watching the world's best compete, fires you up to achieve your own feats of greatness." I may  not have been watching the world's greatest competing at the Cape Cod Half Marathon, but I was tracking Tom and Ruth Anne as they set out on their quest to finish the Half Marathon in 3 hours or less. I chose to stay home with our newly adopted cat MoMo. We didn't feel comfortable leaving him home along after only 3 months of his being in his furever home.

Ruth Anne and Tom texted me photos from bib pick up and their pre-race dinner at The Flying Bridge along with photos from lunch with our beloved cousin Kathy. She has been on her own marathon of healing. She was in a rehab facility for recovery from complications from a heart attack. She worked so hard in PT to make sure she would be out in time to have lunch. I followed Cape Cod Marathon on social media and the excitement was palpable. On Saturday morning I set my alarm along for 6am so I could join Tom and Ruth Anne as they prepared for race day. I had butterflies and #allthefeels of pre-race jitters. We all took time for meditation to 'get in the zone'. I had exchanged messages with the social media coordinator with whom I have been friends through the years. We had lost touch in recent years. It was a joy to reconnect with her. I asked her about the strict 3 hour time limit and she assured me that she would be there past the 3 hour mark calling the runners in. She knew about what Ruth Anne had to overcome with her journey with Functional Neurological Disorder since July. She has had her own health challenges and her compassion and kindness transcended cyberspace.

I got ready for my Saturday morning 5K. I was planning an easy loop around the big Reservoir at Cleveland Circle. As I checked the tracker for Tom and Ruth Anne, I got fired up. There was no way I could do an easy pace while they were out there giving it their all. I am training for the 45th Bill Rodgers Somerville Jingle Bell 5K happening on December 15th. My goal (and remember that for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair I run pretty fast) is to do it in under an hour. There are a lot of hills and who knows what the weather will be but I have every confidence I can meet or exceed my goal.  I've already conquered the distance of the 10K again in May and did a 4 miler last month. It's a matter now of working on speed. I've been doing two speed workouts during the week so I do try to keep my pace easy on Saturdays. I was too fired up to not see what this body could do while Tom, Ruth Anne and many of my friends were out on the Cape Cod Half Marathon course.

It was a glorious day here on Saturday. I started out with short sleeves and a pull over but after a mile I was in short sleeves. I had to pause for a water stop and to savor the beauty of nature in all of her glory:

I was disciplined and focused on my miles feeling the connection to those running in Cape Cod. It was windy with white caps on the Reservoir. Ruth Anne sent me a video of a view along the course and it was very windy on the Cape with white caps on Nantucket Bay. I pushed myself and was delighted with negative splits and and a 19:48 pace. My total time was 1:01. I visualized my December race during my run while checking in to see how Tom and Ruth Anne were progressing along the course.

I refueled and debated about whether or not to watch the live feed from the finish line. As the tracker told me they were getting close, something nudged me to go to the YouTube channel. It's always a thrill to hear the race announcer beckon runners to the finish line with great enthusiasm. I could see Ruth Anne and Tom heading toward the finish line when oh no....Tom tripped and fell. Thank goodness I was watching the finish line because I got an alert on my phone from Garmin connect that Tom had an incident followed by a text and an email since I was his emergency contact. With the help of the medical team he got up and crossed the finish line. The only thing that was hurting was his wrist and a bruised ego. Ruth Anne got their medals and they were able to relish their epic Half Marathon with a time of 3:01 which was exactly their goal pace.

We all shared an incredible runners' high together in the evening via Face Time. We shared that feeling of the shift in mind, body and soul that happens after an all out effort, being with our runner family in real life and on line. Tom and Ruth Anne exchanged shout outs with runner friends who passed on the out and back route.

Even Tom's visit to Urgent Care on Sunday that indicated he has a hairline fracture of his wrist could not dampen the joy of what we all accomplished together. It was a thrilling weekend that extended into Sunday. The festivities of Cape Cod Marathon weekend continued with the 5K and full marathon. I tracked friends and a family member running in Chicago. As Bill Rodgers loves to say:

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.

Running on Thanksgiving

 

Shortly after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I began a gratitude practice. I wrote poetry about gratitude and kept a gratitude journal. On Thanksgiving Eve we read all the post-its from our gratitude jar that we started in January. We shared laughter and tears. What a great way to kick off the long holiday weekend. 

Tom and I got up early on Thanksgiving to get our miles in before breakfast. It was a spectacular morning and we expressed deep gratitude for the blessings in our lives; especially the gift of running. 

 

We had not done a before breakfast run in quite awhile since the seasons changed. I savored my late morning breakfast after putting in the turkey and starting the gravy. We gave thanks for our beautiful home, the bounty of food and the love of our family that is strong and resilient having weathered so many storms during the past year. There were hugs, tears, laughter and joy as we spent several hours around the dinner table.

 

We did early birthday celebrations since Autumn is on call during Christmas week. Michelle's birthday is December 15th.

The weather was gorgeous and we enjoyed an after dinner walk through the neighborhood while Autumn and Ruth Anne shared childhood memories with Michelle.

On Friday, we went to Cape Cod to have a reunion with Tom's cousin Kathy. We used to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas afternoons at Kathy's house sharing dessert and quality family time. Since the pandemic, we realize how precious and fragile life can be. Despite going to the Cape for years, we had never been to the Cape Cod Canal where Kathy suggested we meet.

After breaking bread together and expressing our deepest gratitude that we were able to gather together in love, laughter and tears, Ruth Anne went for a run along the Cape Cod Canal.  We bathed in spectacular sunshine and temperatures warmer than usual for November.

Tom had to work on Saturday. Ruth Anne partnered with me for a fabulous 5K as I count down to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. It was our first run of the season where we were greeted with a blast of cold air when we opened the door! I earned the Frosty Badge from Garmin for doing a workout in below freezing temperatures. Ruth Anne shared her excitement with me for the Fast 5 and Tough Ten Mile Turkey Trot she was racing on Sunday. Her excitement was infectious. She would pick up the pace when she imagined how it was going to feel to run her favorite race again. I had to remind her that I was going into taper mode so we had to keep an eye on the pace. We ended up doing negative splits anyway. Ruth Anne was supportive and encouraging letting me know that she would be with us in spirit on Bermuda race day while she enjoys time in Nashville with her bestie from college.

Our 87 year old neighbor is the first one to put up outdoor decorations on the Friday after Thanksgiving:

It always gives us a boost during winter running and reminds us of the reason for the season.

We wrapped up our Thanksgiving weekend with Ruth Anne running one of our favorite races. The entry fee is 15 nonperishable food items to restock the food pantry in Marlboro, Mass. We ran the Tough Ten Mile Turkey Trot in 2008 when we were training for the 2009 Boston Marathon. Ruth Anne and Tom ran the race two more times. Ruth Anne and I reminisced about our time out on the course and I felt how strong and confident I felt navigating those tough ten miles. I expressed gratitude to my body for all it has given me during these past 17 years.  This year, they had a time limit for the ten miler but offered a five fast mile option. Ruth Anne trained hard during the three weeks leading up to the race; no easy feat since she was going through a lot of health challenges. We got up at 6:00am on Sunday to ensure plenty of time for pre-race "necessities" including making sure there was bathroom time. There was no traffic and we easily found our way to the race after many years. We dropped off our nonperishable items, took pre-race photos and stayed warm in the car.

Ruth Anne absolutely crushed those hills with an 11:00 minute/mile pace. What a thrill to be support crew and watch her finish strong! 

 

Our hearts swelled with gratitude for a perfect ending to a Thanksgiving weekend fueled by running and gratitude running on Thanksgiving!

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 Joy Shared...

 Last Thursday morning was the first time in 7 weeks that we went on an early morning run and Ruth Anne was home from the hospital. She stayed at home to do strength training and went on a run later in the day. I felt joy and gratitude swell from deep within my heart and soul as I saw the sunrise over the Reservoir.

Tom and I reflected on the past 7 weeks and all the people who prayed, sent emails, texts and commented on Facebook posts just when we needed an extra boost of support and faith. Our friends were incredibly in tune with our journey. We rejoiced in knowing that Ruth Anne was safe at home doing her strength training. I expressed my gratitude that I was able to share miles with Ruth Anne after she was discharged on Tuesday.

 It's truly incredible how the things we so often take for granted like going out on a run with a loved one becomes a sacred experience. We weren't sure about the outcome of the hospitalization. We held onto faith and hope. 

There was an incredible outpouring of joy in social media when Ruth Anne announced her homecoming. The joy was multiplied as we responded to all of the comments that reflected how much love surrounds Team McManus. During those very dark times, the grief was divided and diminished in the light of others hearts that poured out love and support.

On Saturday, we had our first run together in 8 weeks as Team McManus. Ruth Anne was so supportive and encouraging of my training for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. It was as though we picked up where we left off yet so much had changed. The love that we share was rekindled. We talked about compassion and forgiveness for the treatment team and how everything happened as only it could because that's how it happened. We took a lot of photos to celebrate healing and appreciating the healing power of nature:

On the run, Ruth Anne decided that she wasn't going to travel to Bermuda with us. She feels it would be too much to experience the excitement of travel right now, is getting ready to finish her Masters Certificate next semester at Boston College and wants to get a dog sooner rather than later. We planned to get a dog after we returned from Bermuda since we wouldn't want to leave so soon after bringing new pet into our home. Ruth Anne said she will be thrilled to have the time to bond with our newest family member. Wonderful conversations and clarity come during 5 fabulous miles!

Tom and Ruth Anne are fired up to run the Bay State Half Marathon on October 15th. They are going to run with their heart as Ruth Anne wraps up her Trilogy of Half Marathons for Victory Programs. She raised $10,500 during this amazing fundraising campaign.

This is a photo from Ruth Anne's 3 mile tempo run on Thursday.

It is a magnificent miracle to be in the brilliant sunshine after 7 weeks of stormy tumultuous times. Running and the amazing friends we have met through running along with family helped us to weather one of the most challenging times in the life of Team McManus. My heart went from being broken to full and overflowing with gratitude. The grief diminished as people touched our hearts with an outpouring of love and prayers, neighbors stopping by with hugs and encouraging words during Ruth Anne's hospitalization. Our dear 86 year old neighbor kept saying, "This will all happen in God's timing." The joy of Ruth Anne's homecoming was multiplied sharing it with our neighbors, and through social media posts. Here's to many many more blessed miles of health and well-being for Team McManus.

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