5K Bob's Way!

 

At the Boston Marathon in 1975, Bob Hall pushed himself through the streets of Boston in a hospital wheelchair. No category existed for him. No rules. With the odds stacked against him, he crossed the finish line anyway. His story will give you goosebumps as told by the Today Show, "A Life Well Lived."

In doing so, he opened the door for every disabled athlete who would come after him.

I am one of those mobility impaired athletes who also shares a history of childhood paralytic polio with Bob. Were it not for Bob Hall's pioneering wheelchair Boston Marathon race in 1975, I would have never known the thrill, exhilaration and transformative experience of running the 2009 Boston Marathon as a mobility impaired runner. Although we never met in person, I was blessed to connect with him via email when he was celebrating the 50th anniversary of his pioneering Boston Marathon wheelchair win. I was able to express my heartfelt gratitude to him for paving the way for athletes of different abilities to be able to experience road racing. That's why I am participating in and fundraising for the Inaugural 5K Bob's Way.

Sadly, Bob passed away on April 12, 2026 before he was able to witness his inaugural team of Boston Marathon runners cross the finish line. They were running to raise funds and awareness for REquipment, Inc.

Bob believed in independence, dignity, and access for all. That belief lives on through the Bob Hall Legacy Fund benefiting REquipment, helping ensure that everyone has access to the mobility and assistive technology equipment they need to live fully and freely. Fifty years after Bob Hall became the first wheelchair athlete to officially complete the Boston Marathon, his legacy is powering a movement to expand mobility, independence, and access for people with disabilities across Massachusetts.

The First Annual 5K Bob's Way is taking place on 9/12th. We will be coming together as a community to honor the life and legacy of Bob Hall and support REquipment, Inc. "This event honors the legacy of Bob Hall, a trailblazing wheelchair athlete who changed the future of road racing and opened doors for adaptive athletes everywhere. His determination helped prove that movement, competition, and community belong to everyone. Today, we continue that legacy by creating a space where people of all abilities can run, walk, roll, and participate together.'

Funds raised through this event support accessibility initiatives, adaptive equipment reuse, and programs that empower individuals with disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination.Your support to my fundraising page will help provide life-changing refurbished mobility equipment to children, adults, veterans, and families who need it most.

Each year, hundreds of Massachusetts residents donate the home medical equipment and assistive technology they no longer use to REquipment. The devices are refurbished and reassigned to older adults and individuals with disabilities, including children and veterans. People who request devices have chronic or newly acquired disabilities, limited or no insurance, a temporary need for a device due to an accident or illness, or their primary device is under repair. Half of REquipment’s device recipients are under the age of 65.

I am incredibly grateful that I had insurance when I needed home medical equipment and assistive devices after I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. Equipment necessary for independence, dignity and self-determination is not a luxury yet many do not have the necessary means to acquire the necessary equipment. Fortunately, REquipment is there to help!

I know how incredibly fortunate I am to have healed my life from the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma. I am so excited to be training for the 5K Bob's Way and ask for your support by making a donation to my fundraising page. You can also register for the event on the same page!

Let us honor Bob Hall's incredible legacy that goes beyond the finish line!
Thank you! See you at the starting line!

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.

 

 

Unicorn Magic - Boston Marathon 2025 - Part 2

 

I woke up at 4:30am without the alarm which was set for 5:30. I had butterflies as I often have on Boston Marathon Monday ever since we ran it in 2009 only these were butterflies on steroids. I meditated and kept clearing thoughts of catastrophic "what ifs" to what if I imagine a perfect day. Ruth Anne and Tom got up with the 5:30am alarm. It was go time after Ruth Anne's 17 week training cycle for the 129th Boston Marathon.

We had our plan and were ready to execute it. When we arrived at the Beaconsfield Stop on the "D" line, we took photos to document the day:

  

We asked a group of runners who were waiting for the T that you can see in the photo with Ruth Anne, who is running? The group separated and said she is. Ruth Anne asked if she BQ’ed. “Yes I did but I’m nervous because I have an Achilles issue.” I had watched a Patreon teaser from the On The Runs podcast. I was a guest on Episode 56.  They are a unique running podcast that I follow and support as a Patreon.  I asked her “What is your name?” pretty sure I already knew the answer. “Allie.” To which I said, "As in the Allie G show?" She has her own podcast under the umbrella of Monday Night Media which includes On the Runs. We all hugged and took a photo:

The train came. Allie's pit crew wished her well and told her they loved her. Team McManus smiled reflecting on the amazing Unicorn magic aka synchronicity that happened at the train station. You could feel the excitement of the runners and spectators vibrating on the train. The only other time I'd been up that early on Boston Marathon Monday was when we drove to Spaulding Rehab to get the bus to Hopkinton. The BAA no longer allows separate buses for charity teams.

The sun was shining when we arrived to Boylston Street where  Ruth Anne and her bus buddy Fadi would meet up.

 

Ruth Anne used the bathroom at Tatte while we waited for Fadi and she grabbed a croissant since she didn't make her smoothie before we left the house. They walked to where the buses would be loading to take them to Hopkinton. Fadi was hoping that they would be able to get on a bus earlier than the scheduled time given their start times as he had last year. Unfortunately, they waited an hour to get on a bus. Nothing was going to dampen their spirits for the day:

 

Tom and I walked to the T at Arlington Street passing throngs of lines of runners waiting to board their buses on the Common.

After Fadi and Ruth Anne left, Tom and I stopped in Tatte to fuel ourselves knowing we had a very long day ahead of us. There was a woman seated next to us who was scrolling furiously on her phone. We asked her if she needed help with anything. A look of relief came over her face. Her boyfriend is a qualifier and she was trying to figure out how and where she was going to see him during the day but being from Seattle and this being her first time in Boston, she had no idea what to do. We gave her the information she'd need along with which apps to download. We exchanged information in case she needed further help during the day. When we got on the train to head back to our usual spectating spot at Dean Road and Beacon Street, there she was sitting on the T. We laughed at the synchronicity. Tom started a conversation with a couple standing next to him who were from Virginia. There daughter is a student at Virginia Tech where Tom works. The Unicorn Magic was everywhere!

Ruth Anne texted me photos from Athletes Village. Just as Ruth Anne trained for the Marathon, I trained as a spectator training myself to trust and stay as calm as possible in between texts and tracking information but those pesky butterflies kept flitting around inside of me.

While Fadi and Ruth Anne were getting ready to toe the starting line, Tom and I made our way back to the spot where we have watched the Boston Marathon for years, at the corner of Dean Road and Beacon Street. Neighbors came up to us to ask how Ruth Anne felt. 

We left to go back to the Mandarin at around noon knowing that Ruth Anne was beginning her journey back to Boston. We had to wait for several subway cars to pass because they were full. We debated about whether or not to change trains and go to the Prudential stop or walk from Arlington Street since it was such a gorgeous day. We thought it would be good practice for walking Ruth Anne back to the Mandarin after she crossed the finish line since there was tightened security and she would have to walk behind Boylston Street to get there. What would ordinarily be a 10 minute walk took about an hour and a half. We were so hungry but fortunately Spaulding Rehab had an amazing spread at the party. 

I tried to not focus on the tracker and Find My Phone but it was as challenging as Ruth Anne running the Boston Marathon. Ruth Anne told me afterwards that at mile 2 she was tired given how she was on her feet for an hour waiting for the bus and then she had almost a mile walk from Athletes Village to the Corrals. But she knew there was no turning back and knew there was a lot of love, orange slices and pretzels waiting for her once she got to mile 10. She got a boost when Marathon Panda Maurice called out to her at the start of the race and took time to take a selfie with her:

 He's part of the On the Runs pod fam!

We've been friends with Paula Romero Dunbar since 2013. Her husband Walter was a first responder on 4/15/13. She always had a dream to have  her own celebration boutique and is the womanpreneur at Paper Fiesta (see previous blog post). She was delighted to bring oranges and pretzels for Ruth Anne as Tom and I had done when we were support crew during her training cycle. She took these amazing photos as Ruth Anne was coming into Mile 10 and Paper Fiesta and as she was heading back out on the course. She texted me and let me know how strong Ruth Anne looked at Mile 10! 

 

 

We met Shawn Whalen at Boston Logan Airport on our way to Bermuda in January of 2016. We've been friends ever since. We knew that he would be at Mile 12 where he has volunteered for years. We asked him if he could bring oranges and pretzels for Ruth Anne to mimic her fueling on long runs. Not only did he enthusiastically agree but said he would peel the oranges because one time during a race, the juice from the orange squirted in his eye and burned. He also asked what kind of pretzels she would like and what would be easiest for her to carry!

Ruth Anne took a selfie with him at Mile 12:

 

When Ruth Anne saw the Wellesley sign she knew she was approaching the halfway mark and Caroline, her advisor from Boston College Woods College of Advancing Studies. Ruth Anne had been registered for her last class to finish her Masters Certificate but it was an in person evening class. When Ruth Anne asked Caroline for advice about whether or not she could take it in the summer and focus on training, she said absolutely yes! She told us exactly where she would be in Wellesley and had hugs, oranges and a sign to greet her.

A bit farther into Wellesley, Ruth Anne heard someone call out her name. It was Michelle Bopp  from our L Street Running Club. Another boost of love as Ruth Anne made her way to Newton and the Hills.

 I was so grateful for the texts from Ruth Anne with updates, and our friends saying how strong and happy she looked!

She slowly and steadily made her way toward Boston keeping plenty in the tank for the Hills. Unlike many runners when they get to the Hills, Ruth Anne was ecstatic when she got to the Firehouse where the party atmosphere was in high gear. 

At mile 18 she saw Candace, another member of the On the Runs pod fam who gave her a big hug. At mile 19point2 she was welcomed by the On the Runs Cheer Zone, given a bag of oranges and sent on her way but oh wait -- There was a surprise guest from Ohio, Patrick Leber, whose book she read and who was incredibly generous during Ruth Anne's thank you to her donors gift giveaways. She turned around and went back taking a selfie with the group.

 One of our dear friends, Beth Singleton Craig, who made Boston Marathon History being the first daughter-mother duo greeted Ruth Anne at the top of Heartbreak Hill. Along the way she was greeted by Wendy Wheeler, a dear friend of many years from Church and Ilene Fabisch, a friend we met through the running community. I was so grateful for the texts and photos.

Fortunately, Ruth Anne's Occupational Therapist from Spaulding, Erin Foley arrived at the Mandarin. The tracker froze at 18.3 miles. We were tracking Ruth Anne with "Find My Phone" which eased the anxiety a bit and Erin agreed that tracking can be more stressful than running.

 

 

 

At Mile 21, Ruth Anne was greeted by Boston College students and the two women we met at the Mile 21 Spaghetti Dinner the Monday before the Marathon. She thanked them for all they did, high fived the BC students and was on her way to Cleveland Circle.

 

She was disappointed at first that the people who said they would be at Cleveland Circle weren't there but understood that it was getting late and they had children. BUT she did have a big surprise when Willa and Lily, the 13 year old twins who are our neighbors and who have known Ruth Anne their whole lives were there to greet her. A week or so before the Marathon, we bumped into them in CVS. Ruth Anne shared with them that she was running the Marathon. They said they would be out there to cheer her on. She said she probably wouldn't be there til 5 or 4:30 at the earliest and they said they didn't care. True to their word, they waited. Lily greeted her first with pom poms and then Willa chased her down Beacon Street to make sure she got a selfie with her (Willa may have gone to the bathroom).

 

It was just the boost she needed to get through those final miles! 

We kept refreshing the tracker even though we had Ruth Anne on "Find Your Phone", and got a notification that no one ever wants to receive. "Location Not Detected. This means that the runner has either left the course or data is not available." I hopped on Facebook to let people know she was fine and heading toward the Kenmore. I was so happy when Ruth Anne texted me this photo of the Citgo Sign:

We exchanged the following text: Dr. Carter is the Race for Rehab Team Psychologist and photographer.

The police officers were amazing. It was almost 6:00pm which is when they would open up Boylston Street but they were going to let her get to the finish line. "Who are we waiting for?" one of the officers asked. "Our daughter Ruth Anne." Tom ran up to Hereford Street and yelled out for her. He ran back as she ran toward the finish line for what she called the big finale.

 

 Erin took this photo:

 

And here she is at the finish line:

There is still time to donate to support Spaulding Rehab and the life saving work they do. You can read Ruth Anne's incredible journey on her fundraising page by following this link.

 To be continued...

From my heart to yours--

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 books are available on Bookshop that share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. Be sure to visit my Author Page 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 .

 

Falmouth Is Our Happy Place!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ruth Anne reached out to Julianna Coughlin, host of the Runnah podcast. Julianna and I have been social media friends for years. This past summer, Tom and Ruth Anne met her in person at the Cape Cod Marathon Weekend. Julianna gave Ruth Anne an enthusiastic response to having her as a guest on her podcast to talk about her Boston Marathon journey, her running journey and fundraising for Spaulding Rehabilitation. She extended the invitation to include having me as a guest since our journeys are intertwined. When she asked if we could come to Falmouth to record the episode, I jumped at the opportunity. We decided to make it a girls' mid-week mini vacation. We made a reservation at the Falmouth Inn; our go to place for decades. One of our dear friends introduced us to Falmouth and his friends in the Sea and Surf Anglers Club. They would compete in fishing tournaments against the Blue Waters Anglers Club of Bermuda. They began the international fishing tournaments because Black men were not allowed to compete in international fishing tournaments.

We left in the morning on Wednesday to have plenty of time to relax before recording the podcast at Falmouth Community Television. There is a sense of joy and deep exhale of relaxation when we crossover the Bridge.

Our first stop was to see the breathtaking views of Nantucket Sound along Falmouth Heights Beach.

 

We went to Main Street for lunch. Devine Pizza was closed for vacation. We went to Maison Vilatte and had exquisite sandwiches, French Onion Soup that was THE best French Onion Soup I have ever enjoyed and Ruth Anne had a hot cocoa.

 

 

 

We freshened up and easily found our way to Falmouth Community Television. 

Julianna was an incredible host and helped us to feel at ease during the interview. The mic and camera melted into the background as we had a free and easy conversation among 3 runnah friends. After the recording, we sat and chatted with Julianna before we headed to the Falmouth Inn to check in.

After a rest with meditation, we headed to Shipwrecked for dinner. The stars shined brightly above the Sound and the sound of the ocean was medicine for our soul.

Thursday morning we woke up at 7am without an alarm. We decided to go on a pre-breakfast run!

There was a strong headwind and the temperature was 27 degrees but it didn't matter with the spectacular views and the joy of running together in our happy place. We went back to the Falmouth Inn fueling with our oatmeal at the continental breakfast, and headed back in town to Maison Vilatte for croissants and tea.

 

We checked out of the hotel and went back to the Beach. We took a long drive winding along the beach, windows open to breathe in the sea air and feel the fresh cold air on our faces.

 

We went back to Shipwrecked for lunch. Ruth Anne checked her email and received a message from the manager of the Black Dog. They had generously donated a mug and coffee to her thankful Thursday gift giveaways and were delighted to make another donation for her Spring Fling Gift Giveaway.

After a delicious lunch at Shipwrecked:

 

we headed in town to collect Ruth Anne's gift giveaway gifts at the Black Dog and thank Scott Ghelfi for his donation of a $25. He gave her a sample of their signature almond bark:

 Such an amazing 48 hours in Falmouth which continues to be our happy place. We can't wait to return.

Julianna edited the Runnah Podcast and it dropped one week after we recorded it!

Here is the link to watch it and subscribe on YouTube.

Be sure to subscribe to Runnah pod on your favorite podcast platform. Here is the link to Spotify and Apple.

We are deeply grateful to Julianna for being the hostess with the mostess; for her mad podcast interviewing skill, editing, content creation and the gift of her friendship.

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.

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.