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
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.
Whether being a runner or a spectator, the experience of a race weekend is exhilarating. It has been two years since we have been able to feel the energy and sense of community that is part of a race-cation. Last November, while I was writing "Into the Light: Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic," I asked Ruth Anne what she thought the arc of my story should be. Without hesitation she said, "After we cross the finish line of the Providence Marathon next May." Initially, that didn't feel quite right to me but here we are. It feels as though we have crossed the finish line of the pandemic and Ruth Anne has crossed the finish line of a season of healing in her life.
During the pre-Boston Marathon festivities last October, Ruth Anne planned to run the Boston Marathon in April for Spaulding Rehab. Applications would open in December. Once we had a proper diagnosis and treatment for Ruth Anne and she was on the road to recovery, Ruth Anne fell in love with volunteering at ReVision Urban Farm. She created a birthday fundraiser for me in December of 2020 and continued fund raising for her birthday in August of 2021. Eve Rabinowitz, the Corporate and Community Engagement Manager for Victory Programsreached out to Ruth Anne last November. She noted that she knew Ruth Anne was involved with different causes and might not have the time, but would she consider doing a Friends Feeding Friends fundraiser. Ruth Anne took a pause on running Boston and talked with Eve about running the Providence Marathon to raise money for Victory Programs and the Farm. Eve was ecstatic and set up her fundraising page with an initial goal of $3000.
As serendipity would have it, Brian Simons who I knew through Spaulding Rehab's Race for Rehab Team was launching his Coaching Business, Creaky Bones: Running-Coaching-Performance. He was establishing a new business and Team McManus needed a coach. In early December, we partnered with Brian and Creaky Bones.
After a 15 mile training run which was preceded by Tom shoveling us out from a snowstorm and several weeks after a 9 mile training run on the treadmill, Tom powered through but ended up sideways and in a lot of pain. We decided that a full marathon was not in the stars but a half marathon would become the goal. Coach adjusted the training plan. Victory Programs was all in with the change and our village was incredibly supportive about the change in distance.
They trained with heart, dedication, persistence and determination and race day was epic!
We drove to Providence, went to bib pick up:
and our room at the Omni Providence was ready for an early check in. We had never been to Providence before and it was challenging to navigate our way around since people encouraged us to use the sky walk from the hotel to the mall. We eventually found our way to Uno Pizzeria (and found a penny along the way)
We were so happy to get off of our feet back in the room. We unpacked and had a long meditation/nap. We went downstairs to get bottles of sparkling water and the once quiet and subdued lobby was bustling with activity. Runners had their gear in tow and we were asking one another, "What are you running tomorrow." We were thrilled with our early check in and a room on the 3rd floor where we could hunker down with room service and relaxation.
The beauty of the setting sun bode well for race day:
Rise and shine at 5:45 to allow for plenty of time for breakfast, pre-race bathroom time (runners will appreciate the importance of that step), and walking to the starting line. Throngs of runners lined the streets on the path to the starting line. We arrived in time to hear the start of the marathon and take pre-race photos.
"Look! There's Brian," Ruth Anne shouted. He came running over to us. I love how we're able to find people in a crowd of over 2000 runners:
Brian's presence helped to calm pre-race jitters especially for me as a spectator. We sent Tom and Ruth Anne off to the back of the pack and Brian and I waited at the start to cheer them on their 13.1 journey:
Brian helped me to get set up at the finish line while he went out to find a spot to cheer them on out on the course:
I sent out lots of great energy for Tom and Ruth Anne while reading the social media messages of cheers and prayers. I was a little unnerved when I received a text saying Ruth Anne crossed the finish at 8:04 with a course time of 2:04:43 and a pace of 9:32. Right after I received the text, Eve (who was coming down with Chief Development Office Deborah Edison to cheer on Tom and Ruth Anne at the finish) texted me asking if that was correct. I told her no worries, they just started, I did not expect to receive a text with an update and knew I just had to trust in their training and of course the Divine.
What a very pleasant surprise to receive a text with an update at the 10K letting me know that Tom and Ruth Anne were running a 14:46 minute/mile pace. I immediately texted Brian who responded with, "Perfect. I found a great spot at Mile 11."
I was getting a little anxious as I calculated the pace and how far they had to go to Mile 11 (never a good idea) and asked Brian if he saw them. "Not yet," he replied, "Soon." He let me know that they were back on the roads after Mile 11 with smiles and were slowed down by Porta-potty stops but reassured me they were looking strong. "They're walking," he added letting me know that they slowed their pace. They had planned to do a run/walk interval. By mile 11, Tom was feeling the miles.
Brian sent me this photo:
Eve texted me to say they arrived but she couldn't find me. The crowd of spectators had grown thick by then as runners began to cross the finish line. "I'm wearing the red Victory Programs shirt," she texted and within a minute we found each other. I was so grateful that I did not have to wait alone during those last 2.1 miles. Another friend texted that they were on their way but were having trouble parking. "Have they crossed yet?" Karen asked. A moment before I received her text, Ruth Anne texted me with, "One mile to go." The text came sooner than I expected!
We all had our cameras ready to capture the epic moment. Brian was able to capture the announcement:
I wasn't sure if my video even came out because I was so overcome with emotion:
I love how they high-fived and embraced. Tom and Ruth Anne made their way over to us. It was as though the runners and spectators around us faded into the background while Tom, Ruth Anne, Eve, Deborah, Brian, Karen and her husband Chris excitedly talked with each other. Karen said this was such a great opportunity to check off seeing Tom and me. We were about to get together before the pandemic. Karen said she has a list of people on her "we were planning to get together list and then the pandemic happened." We plan to get together this summer in Providence. Deborah and Eve regaled us with gratitude and compliments and yet Ruth Anne thanked them for this amazing opportunity.
They presented us with these beautiful track jackets embroidered with Victory Programs on them:
Our hearts overflowed with love, gratitude, joy, excitement for the accomplishment of running a half marathon and exhilaration for an incredibly successful fundraising campaign.
Ruth Anne said that crossing that finish line would be the beginning of a new season in her life. The journey on the Road to Providence for Victory Programs awakened within her a gift, a passion and a purpose that Deborah would like to support and nourish. Ruth Anne scoured the internet for programs to further her education and for career exploration. While she started a program at Boston College for a Masters in Leadership and Administration, it wasn't feeding her heart and soul. Deborah suggested she get a certificate in Professional Fundraising at Boston University. Who knew such a thing existed?
Every finish line is a starting line! Ruth Anne is so excited to pursue her passion in this next season of her life. Tom feels incredibly vibrant and energized by being able to run a half marathon at 70 and plans a return appearance with Ruth Anne next year. A year ago, Tom felt 'old' but he realized he still had a LOT of life left in him. He left his job where he was under appreciated and experienced age discrimination and is doing contract work. Training for this race gave him that extra boost he needed to feel healthy and younger than his biological age. He enters a new season in his life with great anticipation of perhaps winning his age group (he came in 7/8) and enjoying these later years of his life.
I was transformed through their journey and being a part of the racing scene again. We are emerging from the pandemic into the light stronger and more resilient than before the pandemic began. I am celebrating 15 years of healing this month. On 5/25/2007, I set off on a new season of my life taking a leap of faith leaving behind my award winning social work career to heal my life.
It's a time of wondrous and wonderful happenings that was reflected in conversations overheard after the race. One marathoner said, "We really needed this!"
On our way back to the hotel, we found another penny:
We enjoyed a post-race celebration meal along with many other runners at The Cheesecake Factory where people congratulated each other and greeted each other with "How did you do?" It's been two years since we've had this kind of experience and my heart and soul overflowed with gratitude that we could have this experience again.
As for Coach Brian, he posted this on Facebook:
I am so inspired by them! It was so awesome to see their hard work and my coaching business notch its first finish!
・・・
It took a few days to process how amazing Sunday was as a coach!
I am so proud of my athletes! They did it! My clients crushed their half marathon in Providence this past weekend! A 20 minute PR! Their diligence and dedication paid off! I’m so grateful to have had the the opportunity to create their training plans, adjust them as needed, and help them enjoy the process and progress!
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 pageand 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
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, an international day of giving that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity! There are so many wonderful causes to choose from when it comes to where you want to donate. I love to spread my donations around knowing that when you donate even $10 to a cause it can make a huge difference as others do the same.
Voices of Hope Boston and Victory Programs and Victory Programs ReVision Urban Farmare two causes near and dear to my heart. I hope after reading about these two programs, you will find it in your heart to make them part of your Giving Tuesday or any day of the week donations during this holiday season.
VOICES OF HOPE BOSTON
Voices of Hope Boston is a registered, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization with more than 150 active volunteer members who share a passion for the performing arts and a desire to join the fight against cancer by raising awareness and funds for cancer research.
Their inspirational performers, whose lives have all been affected in some way by cancer, share stories of hope, loss, and courage through song, dance, and testimonials, allowing for an intimate and inspiring look at our collective fight against cancer.
To that end, Voices Of Hope dedicates its performances and additional fundraising efforts to this life-changing cause. They are on a march to a million; with a goal to raise at least $1 million dollars for cancer research. Since 2009, Voices of Hope has donated $836,000 dollars to cancer research and over a half a million dollars directly to the Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies at the MGH Cancer Center. From 2009 to 2011, Voices of Hope supported the Belfer Institute for Applied Cancer Sciences at The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In 2013, Voices of Hope began supporting the Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies and continue that support.
Without being able to do their annual performances, Voices of Hope lost their main source of fundraising. They have gotten quite creative at finding ways to continue raising money. Tomorrow is the kickoff of their Virtual Gala, "Dancing in the Rain: A Musical Celebration of Resilience and Hope." You can get your virtual ticket by making a donation of any amount and visit their fantastic array of Silent Auction Items by following this link. The Silent Auction ends at 7pm on December 1st and the show runs through December 31st.
“Voices of Hope is fighting the good fight in a remarkable way: raising funds to help cure cancer, and doing it with a song in their great-big collective heart. Please donate if you can, and help this incredible company of caring & talented human beings help those struggling with cancer. And enjoy their beautiful music.” Sean Allan Krill – Tony nominated actor “Jagged Little Pill” who also donated an Original Broadway Cast signed poster from Jagged Little Pill.
After bringing over 50 members of VoH to support Broadway being back, Sean came to Schubert Alley to meet with the group (masks removed only briefly for photo ops.) Here are Sean and Greg Chastain, President and Founder of VoH with Ed Siegel, Vice President; his wife Dana, Executive Artistic Director; Beth Consoli, Director of Membership, and Jean Chastain, Treasurer.
VICTORY PROGRAMS AND VICTORY PROGRAMS REVISION URBAN FARM
When Ruth Anne crosses the finish line of the Providence Marathon on May 1, 2022, she will be running with more than her legs. She will be running with all of her heart for those running the marathon of healing and recovery at Victory Programs.
Victory Programs is a Boston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families who are homeless and may have substance use disorders, often accompanied by chronic health issues like HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and mental illness. Providing a welcoming environment, their compassionate and inspiring team is committed to helping them regain their health and restore their hope through immediate access to safe and stable housing.
Victory Programs’ ReVision Urban Farm is an innovative community-based urban agriculture project that grows produce in its own fields and provides access to affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food to residents of our ReVision Family Home and our extended community. In association with ReVision Family Home, they also provide job training for youth and Boston’s homeless. They are the oldest urban farm in Boston.
Your donation to Victory Programs has an especially powerful impact during the holidays and as winter approaches in Boston. After several years of critical illness, Ruth Anne volunteered at ReVision Urban Farm as a way to get back into the community. The mission, passion and purpose of Victory Programs and the Farm captured her heart. You can follow this link to donate to her fundraising page.
Give the gift of healing, hope and possibilities this year by choosing Voices of Hope Boston and Victory Programs as nonprofits who will bring hope for the holidays to all whose lives they touch through their life changing work.
Thank you for your consideration!
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
When Ruth Anne began to get traction in her healing journey following several years of being critically ill, she said that one of her goals was to run another marathon! She thought long and hard about which marathon she wanted to run and for what cause.
One of the first places Ruth Anne volunteered while she went through outpatient therapy at Spaulding Rehab was Victory Programs ReVision Urban Farm. In addition to the healing powers of 'dirt therapy', the staff welcomed her with open arms knowing her journey. Their compassion and kindness towards her and anyone who came by the farm warmed her heart and soul. She became an Ambassador, fundraising, helping with marketing and CSA sales.
From Victory Programs Facebook page:
Victory Programs believes that all people deserve care.
For men and women struggling with addiction, we are recovery;
For young mothers and children with nowhere to turn, we are shelter;
For people coping with HIV/AIDS, we are support;
And for those who were homeless for years on end, we are home.
When Eve Rabinowitz reached out to her to see if she would set up a fundraising page for Friends Feeding Victory for the month of November, Ruth Anne knew that she would run her marathon for Victory Programs and Victory Programs ReVision Urban Farm. She had been looking at running the Providence Marathon with her dad and decided that would be 'their' marathon. Tom wanted to run a marathon to celebrate his 70th birthday in March so all the stars were aligned.
When Ruth Anne sent an email to Eve letting her know she wanted to run the Providence Marathon for Victory Programs she was thrilled. Ruth Anne and Eve put together her fundraising page which you can go to by clicking on this link.
About Victory Programs:
Victory Programs is a Boston-based nonprofit organization dedicated
to helping individuals and families who are homeless and may have
substance use disorders, often accompanied by chronic health issues like
HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and mental illness. Providing a welcoming
environment, our compassionate and inspiring team is committed to
helping them regain their health and restore their hope through
immediate access to safe and stable housing.
About Victory Programs' ReVision Urban Farm:
Victory Programs’ ReVision Urban Farm is an innovative
community-based urban agriculture project that grows produce in its own
fields and provides access to affordable, nutritious and culturally
appropriate food to residents of our ReVision Family Home and our
extended community. In association with ReVision Family Home, we also
provide job training for youth and Boston’s homeless.
Running a marathon requires endurance, determination, discipline, persistence, motivation and an ability to keep moving forward no matter how you may be feeling.
The clients at Victory Programs are running their marathons of healing and recovery.
On the roads and in life, running a marathon takes a village!
We are so grateful for the funds raised so far and look forward to exceeding Ruth Anne's current fundraising goal of $3000.Ruth Anne is putting together raffle prizes to put the fun in fundraising and the outpouring of support from local businesses has been astounding!
Everyone's a winner when they donate to support Victory Programs and Victory Programs ReVision Urban Farm and we look forward to giving back to those who give.
