A Celebratory 5K!

 

When I first set out on a quest to heal my life after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, when I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged, I knew there was going to be pain. There was going to be pain of atrophy and decline if I succumbed to the diagnosis or there was going to be pain as I worked to build strength and endurance. I chose the pain of building strength and endurance all the way to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon.

 

Tom and I had a rigorous training cycle through the bitter cold and snowy winter of 2026. Our goal race, the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K was cancelled because of the Blizzard of '26 but I'd gone beyond the distance of the 10K with my birthday celebration of 7.2 miles. We have needed a lot of time to recover, especially after we ran back to back 4 miles in snow, slush and ice. This past Saturday was the anniversary of when I had a Book Release Party for my first (and what I thought would be my only book) at Brookline Marathon Sports where I bought my first pair of running shoes in February of 2008. Despite never having run a day in my life and still wearing a toe-up leg brace for support, I declared to my personal trainer that my next health and fitness goal was to run the Boston Marathon. "Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibility" was the first book in a Trilogy of Transformation followed by two books I wrote during the pandemic. Writers gotta write and poets gotta create! I am working on my 8th book, "Running the Race: From Atrophy to Astonishing!" 

 

Monday, 5/25th was the 19th anniversary of when I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career at the VA to heal my life. To celebrate, I suggested to Tom that we should get back to the 5K distance.

 

It was a spontaneous, fabulous 5K from our home to two loops around the Route 9 Reservoir and back. 
I am forever grateful to Tom for telling me it was a no-brainer that I should leave my career 3 years shy of when I was eligible for retirement after receiving the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. Today's fantastic 5K refreshed us mind, body and soul as were unplugged among lush green trees hearing the birds and infusing our senses with all that Nature has to offer. 

 

Research suggests that being among trees exposes you to phytoncides. When inhaled, these compounds are shown to increase white blood cell activity and reduce stress hormones. It's how I continue to age strong! We had a goodp laugh when we got home realizing that we'd forgotten to bring our fuel. We had made such a spontaneous decision to go out the front door and extend our mileage from 2 miles (as our bodies, especially my right knee recovered from our training cycle) to a 5K, that we only brought water. Fortunately, our bodies responded well given the solid base we built from last June until March. 

 

I felt unbridled joy and exhilaration celebrating 19 years of healing after taking what was clearly the biggest risk I'd ever taken in my life. December will mark 20 years since I was given the diagnosis with that dire prognosis. Tom and I expressed our deep gratitude for our recent training cycle and contentment with doing workouts and runs right now without the pressure of a race. When I sat in my yard after having cleared out of the VA on 5/25/2007, I breathed a sigh of relief while also feeling a moment of terror wondering what had I just done?!? The Universe has consistently had my back during these past 19 years and I have consistently invested in my physical, mental and spiritual well-being. I've been blessed to share my message of what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary inspiring others to go beyond perceived limitations. It's a privilege and an honor to be a role model for health and vitality regardless of the number of birthdays one has celebrated. My journey also speaks to how one can heal trauma and overcome life's greatest challenges at any age.

 

 Every day is a celebration of life for me. We punctuated the celebration of life with a 5K that coincided with the anniversaries of the Book Release party for my first book and when I took a leap of faith 19 years ago. May my journey ignite a spark within you to know that a whole world of possibilities exists beyond what the eyes can see when the heart and soul light the way!

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Lucky I Am to be Alive Right Now!

 

 

Saturday was the first day in a long time that Tom and I were able to get our run on in short sleeves and shorts. As we made our way around the Route 9 Reservoir savoring the lush green and the sights, scents and sounds of Springtime in Boston, I said to Tom, "How lucky I am to be alive right now!"

 

In December of 2006, I was given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome with the dire prognosis of preparing to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expecting an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. Talk about a wake-up call. My life came to a screeching halt when I was at the height of my award-winning career as a VA social worker. My life today (if in fact I would be alive today) would look very different had I chosen to take that diagnosis sitting down.

 

Next Monday, 5/25, marks 19 years since I left behind my award-winning career as a VA social worker. I am forever grateful to Tom for his unwavering support letting me know that it was a no-brainer to leave behind my career to heal my life. I smile as I reflect on that day in February of 2007 when I got still and asked for Divine Guidance knowing I was at a crossroads in my life. The answer to my prayer sure did surprise me! The poem, "Running the Race" flowed out of my soul followed by an anthology of poems inspiring me to heal from the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma.

 

I took that first step trusting in the Divine Guidance I was receiving through my poetry that fired up my imagination. At the time I wasn't aware of the extensive research that supports what happens when we harness the power of the mind/body connection through visualization. The body heals in miraculous ways. I had no idea what my future would look like. I had no way to anticipate that I would go on to become a 2009 Boston Marathon finisher and have many adventures as a most unlikely runner nor that I would author 7 books (and now working on book number 8), become a blogger and motivational speaker. I certainly had no idea that I would be sharing a powerful message of healing, hope and possibility to inspire others with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary.

 

As I count down to the anniversary of when I took that leap of faith that set me on a trajectory of healing after years of neglecting my health mind, body and soul, the runs I share with Tom become especially meaningful and special. We went from two salaries, and my career offered full benefits, to one salary. Fortunately, we were able to get health insurance through Tom's job.  I had withdrawn my retirement account and taken the penalty but it quickly dwindled. Tom was steadfast and steady through the lean years until I swallowed my pride and applied for social security disability. Oh the irony of a social worker hesitant to apply for benefits. 

 

Each step and each mile brings joy, gratitude and appreciation savoring the change of seasons and Nature up close and personal. I remember the days when I needed a toe-up leg brace and cane or, if I needed to go any distance, used a wheelchair. I used a tub bench to shower and had special utensils for eating. I had to use a straw to drink liquids to not aspirate into my lungs and used a chin tuck so I wouldn't choke on food. I let my eyes linger on the beautiful blue/green hues in the water and the lush green on the trees surrounding us.

The dancing sparkles on the water tickled and delighted my soul. The sound of the waves gently lapping on the shore provided the soundtrack for our run. We completely unplug when we are out in Nature getting in our miles. Instead of a scene of Tom pushing me around the Reservoir in a wheelchair (if I would have still been alive) we shared joyful moments feeling incredibly vibrant and alive. And while tomorrow is never promised to anyone, given my diagnosis and prognosis in December of 2006, I know how lucky I am to be alive right now! Every day is a celebration of life.

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. 

 

"Meet Mary McManus — our first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest winner.
We asked you to share the stories of the songs, the albums, and the moments when music reached in and changed everything. You delivered. And one story stopped us in our tracks. We are thrilled to announce that Mary McManus is the winner of the first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest. Mary’s journey is one for the ages. She contracted paralytic polio at age five. She survived years of childhood trauma. And then, at the height of an award-winning career as a VA social worker, she was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

Music — and the healing power of words — had other plans for Mary.
Through poetry, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible, Mary transformed her life. At 53 she became a runner. At 55 she crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. That is what music can do." 

 

Mary will be the guest on an upcoming exclusive episode of the "Music Saved Me" podcast.

 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.

 

 

The Merry Month of May

 

The month of May is a month long celebration of when I took a leap of faith leaving behind an award-winning social work career at the VA on 5/25/2007. I am celebrating 19 years of healing after the once devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. Western Medicine based their prognosis on clinical observations of individuals who had contracted paralytic polio in their younger years. Fortunately, I did not buy into the prognosis that was described in Dr. Julie Silver's book written in 2002, "Post-Polio Syndrome: A Guide For Polio Survivors and Their Families." I refused to take the diagnosis sitting down. Dr. Silver has since written books about the body's tremendous capacity to heal yet I do not see any updated information specifically about Post-Polio Syndrome. The Post-Polio Clinic at Spaulding Rehab continues to treat polio survivors with treatments based on the same prognosis!

In February of 2007, knowing I was at a crossroads in my life, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. My mind, body and soul were crying out for healing. I connected with Source tapping into the cadence of Dr. Seuss that had been a source of healing after I contracted paralytic polio. My physical therapist, Miss Holly was a healer ahead of her time. Before every painful physical therapy session, she'd prop me up on the red leather chair in the reception area of the office of Dr. Eugene Moskowitz. He was the supervising physiatrist who specialized in the treatment of polio survivors. There was a display of Dr. Seuss books on the table. She'd have me choose one; invariably The Cat in the Hat and she would read it to me. She took my hand as we entered the torture treatment room. During the painful sessions, as she would coax muscles back to health, she would have me respond in tandem to her to distract me from the pain and discomfort of rehabilitation. "The sun did not shine it was too wet to play. Your turn, she would say." "So we stayed inside all that cold cold wet day," I'd respond. Poetry flowed out of me on that dark night of mind, body and soul in February of 2007. My imagination was on fire and it ignited the power of the mind/body connection. My first poem, "Running the Race" foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run.

 Last Saturday, Tom and I basked in the glory of Springtime in Boston with magnificent morning miles. There is nothing better than being outdoors unplugged in Nature with my bestie. We shared lots of oohs and aahs appreciating the miracle of rebirth that happens every year!

I too experience rebirth and renewal in May as it marks the day when I found the courage to leave behind a steady paycheck, benefits and what once was an incredibly rewarding career to follow my newfound bliss as a poet and author.  With pen in hand, poetry in my soul and faith in my heart I embarked on a journey having no idea where it would lead. It led to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and many adventures as runnergirl 1953. It led to publishing 7 books that uplift, motivate and inspire readers with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary, two books of which helped readers navigate the pandemic. It led to inspiring others with my courage, strength and resilience despite or maybe because of knowing challenges since I was 5 1/2 years old starting with contracting paralytic polio followed by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members until my dad ended his life by suicide when I was 17 years old. It has led to me discovering the truth of who I was always meant to be emerging from the rubble of my past and to experiencing joy and a vibrant life in a way I never knew was possible. Gratitude and appreciation run deep in the very fiber of my Being now. I take nothing for granted, grateful for every step, every mile, every workout and all the incredible experiences I've had that I would not know had I not taken that leap of faith. 

Here's to the merry month of May as Mother Nature treats us to glorious displays of renewal and rebirth and I am fortunate to be celebrating 19 years of healing at 72 years young spreading a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities despite all appearances to the contrary.

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. 

 

"Meet Mary McManus — our first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest winner.
We asked you to share the stories of the songs, the albums, and the moments when music reached in and changed everything. You delivered. And one story stopped us in our tracks. We are thrilled to announce that Mary McManus is the winner of the first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest. Mary’s journey is one for the ages. She contracted paralytic polio at age five. She survived years of childhood trauma. And then, at the height of an award-winning career as a VA social worker, she was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

Music — and the healing power of words — had other plans for Mary.
Through poetry, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible, Mary transformed her life. At 53 she became a runner. At 55 she crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. That is what music can do." 

 

Mary will be the guest on an upcoming exclusive episode of the "Music Saved Me" podcast.

 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.

 

 

Just For The Health Of It!

 

In May of 2007, at my last physical therapy session with Allison LaMarre-Poole, she handed me my home exercise program. She said, "You're going to keep doing these right? You don't ever want to go back to where you were do you?" She was referencing my deconditioned state when I was first referred to her in January of 2007. Fortunately she did not subscribe to the if you use it, you will lose it as was true of most providers treating polio survivors. She believed in the body's tremendous capacity to heal. Her words have stayed with me all these years.

 

After working with Allison, I hired a personal trainer in October. When I first got moving with Janine, I had the lofty goal of running the 2009 Boston Marathon. I had to take time off from running after the marathon and spent several months in physical therapy before returning to the roads. I kept moving forward hearing Allison's words echo in my ears. After a serious knee injury in December of 2014 and having been told to stop running or cap my distance at a 5K preparing for a total knee replacement in a few years, I went on to run 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018. I took time off from racing but continued on my health and fitness journey with cross training, lots of swimming and still getting out on the roads to get in my miles. 

 

I had a major setback in 2021 after an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine but soldiered on as best as I could dealing with neuromuscular symptoms that limited my running and workouts. By 2023, I was ready for my comeback.  For my 70th birthday I trained for the Bermuda Marathon Weekend 10K. Despite a DNF in Bermuda,  on 5/4/24, I conquered the distance again. Since June of last year, Tom and I embarked on a rigorous training cycle for the Hyannis 10K. I felt unbridled joy and exhilaration when I ran 7.2 miles for my 72nd birthday. The last several weeks of training were in bitter cold, snow and ice. To avoid a major snowstorm, we did two, 4 mile runs in less than a week. I embraced taper time. The Blizzard of 2026 cancelled Hyannis but Tom and I did our own race at the 5K distance given the terrible road conditions.

 

Once again, it's time to strength train and run just for the health of it. Tom and I are playing around with our training schedule based on weather and what our bodies are letting us know what we need. On Monday, we had so much fun with our strength training work out. 

 

As I get ready to celebrate 19 years since I took that leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career at the VA, Tom and I reflected on those early days of my journey. It was everything shared in this quote from Kellie MacPherson.

 

Tuesday and Wednesday were rest days with lots of foam rolling, stretching and taking breaks from sitting to breathe in fresh air and walk around. With Spring in the air, Tom and I decided to get out for a runchie on Thursday. Before we went out, I set the intention that my right knee is healed and I was going to enjoy the time we spent unplugged out in Nature soaking up serenity and eagerly anticipating Spring. I used visualization and conscious movement before, during and after our runchie miles. 

 

The sun melted the bit of chill in the air. I love the childlike joy of rediscovering Springtime especially after the winter we had. 

 

Every day in every way my body is recovering from our recent training cycle and the joy of running has returned as the pain and strain diminishes. After our trip to NYC on April 21st, Tom and I will do a virtual 3.2 for 32 to honor the memories of those who died at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007. That's the only goal we have on the calendar for now. And for now, we are working out and running just for the health of it. I celebrating 20 years of healing in December of 2006. I will never go back to where I was as we age strong enjoying life one mile at a time.

 

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** 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. 

 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.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

This Week in Training: Taking Risks

 

At the beginning of this week's training on the Road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K, I reflected on the risks I have taken since December of 2006 when I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair expecting an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. I was told that if I used it, I would lose it. Yes you read that right. The thinking was that because of the initial polio virus, there were fewer nerve to muscle connections and they would just continue to burn out at a faster rate as one aged. Neuroplasticity and the body's tremendous capacity to heal were not factored into the prognosis.

 

I took the risk of a leap of faith leaving behind an award-winning social work career to heal my life in May 2007 and I took the risk to start a greeting card business of original poetry for every occasion. It was an epic fail but sure brought a lot of joy to my customers. I still write original poetry for family and friends for special occasions. Perhaps the biggest risk I took was to train for and run the 2009 Boston Marathon defying Western Medicine's prognosis. I continuously reap the rewards of having taken the risk to become a most unlikely runner.

 

On Saturday, Tom and I made an 'audible' about where we were going to do our 5K. At the last minute, we decided to go to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir having no idea of the magic that was about to happen. As we headed to the Reservoir we heard, "Mary! Mary!" and saw a runner with his friend charging down the hill to meet Tom and me. It was our dear friend Dan, aka The Bearded Runner, aka Forrest Gump!

We exchanged warm hugs and I said, "Congratulations!" Tom asked for what. I rattled off, "The BAA Distance Medley, an ultramarathon and sobriety." "And don't forget a sub 1:30 half," Dan chimed in! We exchanged introductions with Adam who was running with Dan. Dan asked, "So you're taking a walk around the Reservoir?" "No Dan. This is my running." I went on to tell Dan and Adam what I was told by the medical community and added, "For someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair I go pretty far and pretty fast." Dan totally got it. "If we listened to doctors, we'd all be popping pills and be bed ridden." Dan is going to run for his Fourth Star in London next year for a wonderful charity. Here is the link if you'd like to support him. We told him what we were training for. We took the obligatory selfie.

While running into a running friend is always magical, especially when they come charging down the hill to meet you, running into Dan who embraces the character of Forrest Gump when running, was especially magical for me.

 In February of 2007, I began writing poetry about running, imagining myself winning a 10K race, running free, coming out of my toe-up leg brace and I just knew that one day I was going to run. At the time I had no idea when, where, how or why. I fired up my mirror neuron system by watching Forrest Gump as he breaks out of his leg braces over and over again. It worked!

Tom and I were pumped after seeing Forrest and embraced the cold headwind with joy. I shared with Tom how, if I would have taken the diagnosis and prognosis sitting down, we would have never known all the love, joy and camaraderie that makes, what Bill Rodgers says, running, as the greatest sport. I would also not be able to experience the glorious sunshine and beauty of late Autumn in Boston.

 

 Monday's strength training session was inspired by this quote from Thoreau. While having gone through 10 years of not feeling well prior to the Post-Polio diagnosis finally being made and those early days, weeks and months of beginning to emerge from the dark night of my mind, body and soul were extremely challenging, I now get to experience a state better than what I was ever in before. I was a stranger to athletics, and a stranger to my body. It was how I survived the horrors of my youth. Now I get to enjoy every workout and run celebrating what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary.

Mother Nature shined the spotlight on the late Autumn splendor as we made our way around the Reservoir for our early morning Tuesday run. It's become our favorite place to run in the early morning. We know what a privilege and blessing it is to see the dawn of a new day especially when the Master Artist paints a mystical and magnificent scene as happened on Thursday morning.

 

While I was putting on my running shoes, I 'just happened' to look up and out our dining room window. I left the jacket, hat and gloves on the couch as I ran out to see if I could capture the magnificent colors before they would fade.

I did not see the sun with my naked eye. My breath caught when I saw the beams from the rising sun. After showing Tom the photo I said, "It's not too cold out there." "That's what we always say for the first few minutes until we're out there for awhile," he quipped. But we have great cold weather gear and were energized by the spectacular colors that lit up the morning sky. 

We let the serenity of the Reservoir settle into our souls as we wrapped up another week of training. What a spectacular finish to the week!

 

This photo was taken at the start of the 2016 Bermuda Half Marathon. In December of 2014, I had a very serious left knee injury. The MRI indicated that my gastroc muscle was atrophied from polio, the knee had degenerative changes, bone spurs, torn cartilage, and a fatty lipoma. It was beyond arthroscopic repair. I should stop running or cap my distance at a 5K and prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years. Fortunately, I was led to a wonderful chiropractor who also just happened to be a personal trainer! With chiropractic care, KT tape, and a revamped strength training session that I continue to build on today, we got me back on the roads. It was always on my bucket list to run in Bermuda. I went on to run 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018 with the Hyannis 10K in February of 2016 and many 5K's after that. Last year I went the 10K distance again after a set back in 2021/2022 and am so excited to return to Hyannis next March.

 

No matter how all those risks ended up, I am overjoyed and grateful that I took them. I am especially grateful to my husband Tom, who I call my hero for supporting me every mile of the way during these past 19 years. There were moments of financial stress and strain, and physical set backs but those pale in comparison to the fullness of life we are blessed to experience.

 

 In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** 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. 

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.

 

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.