Let's See What This Body Can Do!

As Tom and I did last Saturday's 5 miler around Jamaica Pond, I reflected on a phrase my personal trainer used during my 2009 Boston Marathon training. Many of our training runs happened around Jamaica Pond. When pushing me with speed work or when it would be time tosl increase mileage, she'd say, "Let's see what this body can do." One of her favorite quotes was from Henry Ford. "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."

I could have easily stayed with the distance of a 5K. On 5/4/24, I did the distance of a 10K after a DNF at the Bermuda Marathon Weekend 10K. One of my running anchor memories though, is running 3 consecutive Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018 after a serious knee injury in December of 2014. The MRI indicated that I would need a total knee replacement in a few years. I was advised to stop running or cap my distance at a 5K. Oh well! 

Saturday's run was hotter than predicted. The week had been stressful at Tom's work and ongoing family stress. We had not slept well Friday night but when the alarm went off at 6:30am, we meditated and psyched ourselves up for the longest run of this training cycle. We were blessed to find a parking spot at the Pond. We always fill up our drinking water bottles with ice. The water fountain at the Pond was warm. How fortunate that we were able to fill up our fueling water bottles with ice water that we kept in the cooler. I always pack pretzels for post-run refueling and salt replacement. Given the higher heat and humidity, I used a handful to get me through the rest of the miles. We enjoyed the natural beauty surrounding us and drew energy from the 200+ runners doing the weekly Park Run.

 

After twice around, we opted for a mile out and back to get us to 5 miles only we reversed our direction. On the way back, Glenn Miller's "In The Mood" was blaring from a stereo system beyond the trees out on the Jamaicaway. It put me in the mood to have a strong finish celebrating that I am once again able to go the distance. I experienced nerve pain down my right leg as we were coming toward the end of our run. I harnessed the power of my mind to have a chat with my leg thanking it for all the miles it has, and continues to give me. It is so easy to doubt and wonder if, at almost 72 years old and all that the medical community has told me about my 'condition' that I'll be able to go not only the distance of a 10K again in Hyannis but go beyond that goal and go the distance of a half marathon again. 

 

Tom and I reviewed our run to both celebrate 5 miles and see what we could do differently next time as we slowly build mileage. The hand tremors  that can happen when I'm tired or after taxing my body were particularly intense at lunch. I was nauseous and it took longer than usual to recover despite the mantra, "My body recovers with ease." I did not have my 2nd Gu Waffle for fueling. We also were not mindful of our pace! And that is why they are called training runs! We took an hour and a half meditation/nap on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon. I've been listening to the newly released soundtrack of "Just in Time." It's a soundtrack from my youth. Watching videos of dancing scenes from the show fire up my mirror neurons from before contracting paralytic polio when I loved to dance ballet. By Monday morning, I was ready for morning miles.

We know that summer is fading fast. We appreciated the lush foliage knowing that soon the vibrant green fades into the oranges, yellow and reds of Autumn. 

 

We had a rigorous strength training session on Tuesday morning. What a gift to trade the air conditioning for breezes through an open window. Tom and I cranked up the playlist (that now includes the "Just In Time" soundtrack) and completely changed around the order of our workout. It was exhilarating and energizing!

 

Thursday morning was the pick of the week for weather, running and joy. Since summer will soon be over, I paused to take more photos than usual AND on the way home, found a 2007 dime! 2007 is the year I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career to heal my life. Dimes signify a 10K. They have special symbolism for polio with FDR's likeness on the dime and his March of Dimes campaign to fund research that ultimately led to the Salk vaccine to end polio in the US and in most countries around the world. 

 

Another week in the training cycle on the Road to the Hyannis 10K is in the books. Tomorrow is going to be another warm day. We will implement what we learned from last Saturday's run and continue to build a solid base for race day while enjoying every step and every mile along the way.

 

Let's see what this body can do!

 

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.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  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 Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews.

 

 

Believe It! Achieve It! The Value in Setting Goals!

 

My initial goal for this year was to get up to the half marathon distance again. I scaled the goal back to running an in-person 10K at the Hyannis Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K Weekend as I wrote about in "Let The New Training Cycle Begin! - You're Never Too Old!" At the end of my conversation with Bill Burke on The Optimism Institute's Blue Sky podcast, that we recorded in January and dropped this past Wednesday, I shared that my next goal is to get to the half marathon distance again. After listening to our conversation, I whipped out my planner. I can get to 10 miles by the end of the year pacing myself to avoid injury and maximizing my joy. I'll be on a similar training cycle to those taking on the Boston Marathon next year. After I reach double digits again, I'll scale back and focus on training for the Hyannis 10K. After the 10K, I'll take a bit of time to recover and build my mileage back up to 13.1.

In 2021/2022, I had an adverse reaction to the COVID vaccine. It happens! But I told myself that I had not gone that far to only go that far. I set out to conquer the Bermuda Hills in January 2024 during Bermuda Marathon Race Weekend at the age of 70.  I had contracted COVID in December of 2023 and was a DNF. On May 4th I conquered the 10K distance with a Gone for a Run Virtual 10K. I've been enjoying seeing what this body can do with pace and kicking up my distance to 3.5 miles to begin building my base. I am registered for the Hyannis 10K knowing I can go that distance. But why stop there?

As I wrote out my training plan, I felt this sense of joy and determination flood through me. I certainly have nothing to prove at this point in my life. On Christmas Day I will turn 72 years old. I feel a powerful need to keep moving forward and to test the limits of what my body is capable of. I certainly know the power of the mind/body connection; the power of belief in my ability to meet these goals. I embrace the joy of visualizing only success as I build mileage; slow and steady with the emphasis on steady.

What fuels my belief that I can go the distance of a half marathon again? I flash back to January 2016. In December of 2014 I sustained a serious left knee injury. The MRI indicated that I had torn cartilage, bone spurs, a fatty lipoma, degenerative joint disease and scar tissue from previous surgeries. The physiatrist told me that repairing the torn meniscus would provide no benefit. "Oh and that atrophied gastroc muscle? That's been there since polio. There's nothing we can do about that and is part of the reason why your knee is injured and you should stop running." I should prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years. In the meantime, I should stop running (which he knew I would not do) or cap my distance at a 5K. He gave me a referral to a physical therapist. I've always had positive experiences with physical therapists but the Universe had other plans for me. The physical therapist I saw was the worst provider I had ever known BUT I was magically led to a chiropractor who believed in the body's tremendous capacity to heal. While he was in chiropractic training, he was fortunate to have learned from Candace Pert, explorer of the brain, body/mind and beyond. He was a personal trainer as well as a chiropractor healer. He told me I just HAD to read Dr. Joe Dispenza's book, "You Are the Placebo" and watch the movie, "What the bleep do we know..." 

We partnered together to get me back on the roads, heal my left knee with chiropractic, a revamped strength training program and harnessing the mind/body connection through visualization with a practice deeper than I had done before. We grew a new gastroc muscle using KT tape and gastroc strengthening exercises. I went on to run Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018 with the 2016 Hyannis 10K thrown in after I'd run the Bermuda Half in January.

Just look at the joy on my face at the Hyannis 10K Finish Line:

As I write this, I feel that joy stirring in my soul feeling overwhelming gratitude for all that my body has given me through these 18 years since the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I am up for the challenge. I've learned that if I am going to do any races, there can't be the pressure of having to finish within a certain time.  I'm doing a 2.5 mile fitness walk at the ALS Squirrel Run, volunteering at the BAA 10K and then focusing my energies on executing my training plan. I don't have to be support crew for Ruth Anne who successfully ran the 2025 Boston Marathon. I've honed in on what I need for good self-care after supporting Ruth Anne through her appointments this past year for Functional Neurological Disorder. 

It's new for me to put myself and my priorities first but I know that at this time in my journey, it is vital. And therein lies the value of setting goals. It's for my well-being mind, body and soul. My passion and purpose in my second act is to share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities. My plan is to continue to fuel my belief with memories of all that I have already achieved imagining how all this will feel as it unfolds believing and achieving going the distance of a half marathon for this most unlikely runner. Let's see what this body can do!

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.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  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 Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews. 

 

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.

Risk Going Too Far! Celebrating a Half Birthday!

 

In "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior," the theme of taking a risk is woven throughout my story. Transformation is an ongoing process. After a major setback in 2021/2022, it was time to risk going too far again. It can be so easy to become complacent and surrender to 'what is' as I did after an adverse reaction to the COVID vaccine. I honestly thought my racing days and distance days were behind me. But how dull my life would be just resting on what I'd done as a most unlikely runner rather than continuing to challenge myself and see what this body can do over and over and over again.

I just celebrated my half birthday on 6/25. I've been pushing my pace in training runs and love sweating, feeling nauseous and how strong I am becoming despite having once been diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disease. 

This was my Facebook post after my strength training session on Monday: 

 

From atrophy to activity and amazingness! During this morning's strength training session with Tom McManus, as we did our weighted leg lifts, I blurted out "I am getting stronger. From atrophy to activity and amazingness!"

17 years ago I was still in my leg brace and had messages from Western Medicine that said, "Prepare to spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair. If you use it you will lose it." Initially I needed to slow down, leave my award-winning social work career and use a leg brace and cane and energy conservation techniques.

But something deep within me stirred as I wrote poetry harnessing the power of the mind/body connection. Optimism, faith, gratitude and feeling connection to Source fueled my healing in the wake of the devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. 

To celebrate my half birthday, we went to Cape Cod. I switched up my training plan for the week. Strength training on Monday. A run on Tuesday. A walk on Wednesday. Now it's time for two rest days before a 2 mile race on Saturday. 

I noticed the improvement in my strength and endurance from when we visited Cape Cod last year. Having gone out on May 4th to finish the unfinished business from Bermuda gave my body a confidence boost. I believe that it sent my body a powerful healing message. I risked going too far that day because I had not yet built back my mileage and my body was recovering from travel and the DNF but I found out how far I can go!

Every day is a celebration of life and having my half birthday was a great excuse to enjoy and celebrate in our happy place on Cape Cod. Enjoy these photos that highlight the joy:

 

I've made lifestyle changes to support my desire to risk going too far. While we were on the Cape, I had no ice cream or desserts. The only sweet treat I consume these days is FlavaNaturals. I consume no alcohol or red meat and love fish with occasional chicken. I know nutritionists and trainers say don't deprive yourself but truth be told, the way that I feel when I focus on healthy eating habits far outweighs any feelings of deprivation. Dr. David Hamilton speaks to the power of neuroplasticity when we want to change habits. We can retrain our brains to eliminate cravings for foods that we tend to over indulge in or even foods that don't feed our bodies well. I've also eliminated pizza which was a regular part of my diet. I feel lighter and healthier. David explains that our wiring is like a path in a field. We keep going over the same path in the field because it's the easiest path. It takes a lot of work and effort to go down a new path BUT what happens is the new path becomes known and familiar and the old path gets overgrown along with the desire to go down that path again. Initially it takes discipline and effort to make changes but the rewards are so worth it.

In 2007, I took a risk with a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career. In 2009 I risked going too far by running the Boston Marathon. Throughout my adventures as runnergirl 1953, I risked going too far. Once again in my healing journey, I am risking going too far. I've intensified strength training effort and pushing my pace. My goal race for this year is the Somerville Jingle Bell 5K on December 15th. Next year, I will risk going too far and train for another half marathon.

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.

 

Reflections on a DNF

                                                                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

"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.

Look out 2025 Hyannis 10K! I'm taking this year to be more bada** than ever. I am excited for my triumphant return to the 10K distance. This most unlikely runner with the heart of a warrior is excited for this new year and new decade.

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.

 

 

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.

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Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

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