The Joy Is In The Journey

 

I am giddy with delight and gratitude to be in a new training cycle on the road to the Hyannis Marathon 10K. I am today years old when I found out that it is the 45th Edition of Hyannis Marathon Weekend. Hyannis was the first half marathon race I ever participated in. I emailed the race director asking if there was a time limit for the Half explaining that I am a mobility impaired runner and was training for the 2009 Boston Marathon. We've become dear friends through the years. I affectionately call Hyannis Marathon Race Weekend, Camp Hyannis. There are many runners who gather there every year and it's usually only once a year that we see these runners in real life. The last time I was in Hyannis, I was the guest speaker at the Pre-Race Pasta Dinner. What a thrill to share the stage with Bill Rodgers. 

 That was in February of 2020. We haven't been back since. Tom and Ruth Anne ran the 10K that year. The last time I ran Hyannis was in 2016. 

There's a stirring in my soul and excitement in my Being to be training for Hyannis again. On Saturday, Tom and I went to South Boston to run 3.5 miles as I slowly build my base to go the distance again. My goal is to get to 10 miles by January and then taper for the 10K. The heat in Boston began to build although there was a cooling sea breeze on the first full day of summah as we like to call it in Boston.

 

We are so fortunate to live just 25 minutes away from South Boston where we get to experience the expansiveness of the ocean and the beauty of Boston's Bay. I was mindful to focus on hydration, fueling and not pushing the pace given the heat and that I am going for distance. When I trained for the 2024 Bermuda 10K in 2023, I had the time pressure of finishing in 2:30 (and bear in mind that for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I run pretty fast). During this training cycle, there is no time pressure as the finish line is the same for the 10K, Half and Full Marathon although I want to have a solid performance for me. I felt so much joy on Saturday's run. Going back to where I ran my first half marathon, where a friendship was born with champion Bill Rodgers and when I was given a blessing by Frank Shorter for my Boston Marathon run fuels the joy in the journey.

As I was waiting in line to meet Bill and Frank, I started a conversation with Ric Beaudoin, sharing my story on the road to Boston with him. That's why running is the greatest sport. You strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and before you know it you become like family. At the time, Ric was a member of the L Street Running Club and Merrimack Valley Striders Running Club. I was welcomed into the running family with open arms. Ric ran the 2020 10K with Tom and Ruth Anne. I'm still a member of L Street and friends with the Striders. I was a guest speaker at each of the Clubs after my epic Boston Marathon run. 

 The weather forecast called for a heat advisory for Monday and Tuesday. I set the alarm for 6:00am so Tom and I would beat the heat of the day. It was 70 degrees with high humidity. To be honest, if I weren't training for Hyannis, I might have either taken a rest day or done cross training in our air conditioned home. I had put the water bottles in the refrigerator Sunday evening and laid out my coolest tank top and shorts. No excuses when there's a goal race on the horizon. 

It was a gorgeous morning at the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. What a blessing to see the Dawn of a new day; a privilege not given to everyone. Being able to be out in nature feeling vibrant and healthy is not something I EVER take for granted. I remember one day when I went to Wollaston Beach shortly after I started working with a personal trainer after being discharged from outpatient physical therapy in October of 2007. I could barely walk with my cane and toe-up leg brace. Every day I get to train is a gift; my journey is a miracle. It takes incredible effort and discipline given the toll on my body from paralytic polio and trauma to train but what gratitude swells in my heart when I see the beauty of nature with a before breakfast run:
          

What a serene and peaceful way to start a new day and a new week setting the tone and intention to be a harbinger of light and peace. What a wonderful antidote to the noise and chaos in the world. 

 

Mile by mile, I am training mind, body and soul for the 45th Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K but my sights and intention are focused on every run and strength training workout feeling the incredible joy in the journey.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Perspective on a Rainy Day Run

 

There is a quote that says every storm runs out of rain. It was hard to believe that to be true in the Northeast during the past few weeks. It was cold, raw and rainy but one must brave the elements when one is training. You never know what the weather might be on race day. I was never afforded the luxury of being out in the rain as a child splashing in puddles and feeling that unbridled joy and freedom of being out in the elements. Still, even I, with my attitudes of optimism and gratitude was getting tired of the unrelenting gray skies and rain. I was reminded of Helen Keller's quote about pessimism and knew I needed to get a new perspective.

  I baptized my new Altra running shoes during these runs and was very impressed with how well they held up keeping my feet relatively dry. As the dreary days dragged on, I knew I needed a mood shifter on my runs. I thought about building an ark as a distraction but I wanted to find a way to be present.  In Winter, it might have been a bit more challenging to find a shift, but we are having a most glorious Spring here in New England. Big thanks to these periods of rain followed by abundant sunshine.

 

I found the most glorious purple bush and stopped to take a photo:

In December of 2006, when I was diagnosed with the progressive neuromuscular disease of Post-Polio Syndrome, I felt as though I was being drawn into the vortex of darkness; of a doom and gloom prognosis. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged, possibly need a feeding tube and a sleep apnea machine at night. It wasn't until February of 2007, when I got still and asked for Divine Guidance, that the light pierced the darkness that enveloped me.

I had no idea how or when the answer to my prayer would come. It came very quickly in the form of the poem, "Running the Race." The portal to healing opened wide as I fired up my imagination shifting perspective and perception of my current situation. It was quite a miraculous process. I wrote that first poem, "Running the Race" while wearing a toe-up leg brace, using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility. I felt no pain when I wrote poetry. I kept a yellow legal pad and pen with me at all times. I was even so bold as to start "New World Greeting Cards Customized Poetry for Every Occasion" as I began planning my Second Act and taking a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career. 

Amidst the doom and gloom of news; attempts to instill spine chilling fear in our hearts and minds, I consciously shift perspective focusing on beauty, optimism, kindness, gratitude in both my own behavior in real life, the behaviors of others and in my news feed. Is this serving my mental health and well-being is a question I frequently ask myself. Do I want to focus on the fog, the lackluster gray of the Reservoir and muddy brown puddles or the spectacular splashes of purples, pinks, whites and lush green that can just as easily draw my attention if I allow it to. Even if I do focus on the muddy brown puddles, I can feel the joy and gratitude that I am now physically able to splash in puddles.

 

The great thing about perspective is we get to choose where and what we focus on. If I would have focused on the experience of a progressive neuromuscular disease, I'm not sure I would still be here and I certainly would not be sharing the wisdom I garnered through these past 18 years of healing. If I choose to focus on doom and gloom scrolling rather than fanning the flames of hope, gratitude and optimism, I will sap myself of life's joys while also placing my health at risk. 

Here's to directing our perspective to life's beauty, joys and goodness.  As Helen Keller so eloquently said, "No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit."

 

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 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. Be sure to visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews. 

 

 

 

 

Let's see what this body can do...

 

“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.” ~Richard Bach

“Let’s see what this body can do,” is a phrase that has echoed throughout my healing journey after I was blessed to meet Janine Hightower in October of 2007. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what this body could do after the setback in 2021/2022. Throughout this training cycle, I have been in awe of how my body responded to the training and how I harnessed the power of my mind to work with my body to nourish it throughout the training. I went beyond what my eyes were telling me with knee pain, calf spasms and different sensations including nerve pain. I was mindful about how far I did push myself modifying my training plan when necessary. I developed a training plan that I knew would work well for me to have success when I toe the starting line on January 13th.

My plan for Saturday’s training run was for 4 miles. As we approached the Cleveland Circle Reservoir, I needed to go home to go to the bathroom not wanting to risk what happened with Ruth Anne during last Saturday’s training run. Tom and I were left once again to calculate miles given the change in route. We thought we had a fool proof calculation but somehow we ended up with over 4.3 miles. We laughed at how we can never seem to get it right and used the extra mileage as a cool down. The torrential rain stopped as the temperatures climbed. I changed out of my winter jacket to a windbreaker when we made our pit stop. Everything worked out as it was supposed to. 

I embrace the soreness and discomfort knowing that there is power being stored in my body and mind to be unleashed on race day. I feel stronger mentally and physically for taking on the challenge to see what this body can do. For the first time in 4 years, I am anticipating a winter vacation. This isn’t just any ordinary vacation. It’s the first time since 2018 that I am off the sidelines. 

I remember when people asked me why I didn’t take a ‘normal vacation’.  It’s hard to describe the exhilaration of anticipating a reunion with runner friends in Bermuda or checking off what I need to pack for me as a runner instead of a spectator! When I wheel my carry on off of the plane, I anticipate feeling the thrill of having a suitcase filled with my running gear.

My anchor memory of taking on the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K is the Boston Marathon. I recall all the mental training tips for race day. The coaches told us to feel as though we filled up a balloon during the training. We slowly let it all out along the course leaving plenty in the tank for a strong finish. There was only room for thoughts of success in the final weeks leading up to Marathon Monday.

 During today’s training run, I embraced the blast of cold air giving thanks that Bermuda will be much warmer than today’s high of 38 degrees.

 

 

I focused on all that I accomplished during this training cycle. While I see many posts from my friends’ races seeing paces far faster than mine knowing I will be in the back of the pack for the 10K, I straightened my spine and let a smile cross my lips. I felt the power of the miracle of healing I created during these past 17 years. I am proud to be off of the sidelines bringing a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities as I tackle the Bermuda hills.

On January 13, as I cross the starting line of the 2024 Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K, I am going to see what this body can do!

 

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 Hope

During the 2020 pandemic, I used writing poetry and keeping a journal to help me navigate those times of dire uncertainty. I published "Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays from the 2020 Pandemic," followed by "Into the Light: Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic." Running was also a constant companion, source of strength, comfort, joy maintaining a sense of health and well-being. We planted a flower garden for the first time in 25 years and rekindled our love for growing vegetables. I love the title poem as it speaks to faith and trusting in the invisible:

I was looking for quotes about hope to post an update on social media before Saturday's run. The quote, "Hope is more powerful than fear," by Dr. Ivan Misner really spoke to my heart and soul.

"While we have not heard from Ruth Anne since that meeting on Monday, I have absolute trust, hope and faith that the med changes, your prayers and love beaming to her from all over the world, and her own indomitable Spirit are helping her to heal. She will soon be joining us on our morning runs, fixing her smoothies and getting back to all the things she loves to do. And what an epic moment it will be when she and Tom cross the finish line of the Baystate Marathon & Half Marathon, her third half marathon in her Trilogy of Half Marathons for Victory Programs.

In rereading this article that was in the Boston College news about her journey,  I am buoyed by hope knowing that she is so strong and resilient and with proper treatment, she is healing!

We left messages with the head of Risk Management and patient advocate after filing a formal complaint. They are yet to return our calls. Right now we are focusing on Ruth Anne's healing and based on what the attending said at the meeting on Monday that he was restarting antibiotic and taking my other med change suggestions and that the chief medical officer and all the team and the supervisors have my well documented concerns, that Ruth Anne's treatment is moving in the right direction.

And so it is! 

Your continued love and prayers mean the world to Team McManus. Time for a run dedicating our miles to Ruth Anne's healing."

I was grateful for the cloud cover. It was a steamy sultry end of summer day. The clouds did give way to sunshine and a brilliant blue sky characteristic of an August sky in Boston.

 

We always take time on our runs to soak in the healing power of nature and to connect with Source's expansiveness and grandeur. While 4.5 miles was on the training plan for me on the road to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K and 9 miles for Tom on the road to the Bay State Half Marathon, I was inspired to suggest to Tom that we do two times around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir together and then meet him for his additional miles at the Route 9 Reservoir as we had done last week. 

We continued to debrief from Monday's meeting and all that has happened since Ruth Anne first went to the ER a month ago tomorrow. Facebook memories pop up about her healthiversary four years ago, the day we thought she would never ever go back to an inpatient psychiatric unit now that we realized the root cause of the psychiatric symptoms. And truth be told, Ruth Anne should have been admitted to a medical unit with a psychiatric consultation since she had a UTI in the ER and I clearly spelled out her history and what treatment has worked during these past 4 years given her history of PANS/PANDAS.

One thing I know is that we cannot go back and change any of what happened. I know that now, more than ever, I have to focus on hope and Ruth Anne's healing. When she first went into the hospital, and I had no communication with her or confirmed communication with her treatment team for 8 days, I tightly held onto hope and the fervent prayers from the hearts of so many who adore Ruth Anne. After 5 days of no contact with Ruth Anne or her treatment team since Monday, I hope and trust that all is well and everything is moving in the right direction. 

After a 4.7 mile run, dripping with sweat, I wrung out the fears, doubts and worries replacing them with hope and faith. It is because of Ruth Anne that I am training for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. She was so bummed that we hadn't been running together or training for an event together since the Bermuda Half Marathon in 2018. I honor her by giving every training run my all to ensure that Team McManus has a stellar performance on race day. 

Hope fills my  heart. Faith fills my soul. I know that miracles are on their way. 

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon 

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

Be sure to subscribe to the On the Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.  Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnTheRuns to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Monday Miles Musings

  

During Monday's miles,  I was mesmerized by the Reservoir's flow of water with part of the Rezzie being frozen. 

What a joy to be celebrating 16 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards. How amazing that 16 years ago in February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance knowing I was at a crossroads in my life. How miraculous that I opened the portal to healing with my pen that became my divining rod for healing harnessing the power of the mind/body connection through writing poetry.

On Monday's run, I reflected on the fact that when my mother was the same age as I am (turning 70 in December) she was in an Assisted Living Facility. Yet here I am vibrant and feeling fantastic. The diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease was one of the greatest gifts I received. I became 'old' at the age of 53 and was told to expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged.

 

I was fascinated by the flow of water. It was a beautiful metaphor for when part of me was frozen and trapped inside of my body from the residual effects of childhood paralytic polio and abuse at the hands of family members. Once I got still and connected to Source, the life force within me was able to flow again! The past was no match for the power of the Divine. Tethered to that power through poetry, meditation and taking action to support transformation, I went on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon having many adventures as a runnergirl.

Four years ago today I published "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953."

Two of my favorite moments from "Adventures" were Bermuda Marathon Weekend and Hyannis Marathon Weekend in 2016. 

 

 

 In December of 2014, my left knee sustained a serious knee injury. I was told, as a survivor of paralytic polio, that I should never have started running and I needed to stop or cap my distance at a 5K. I was also told to prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years. I ran the Bermuda Half Marathon in January of 2016 and the Hyannis 10K in February. I went on to run the Bermuda Half Marathon in 2017 and 2018. 

 

 

 

 The body has a tremendous capacity to heal and transform when we harness the power of Divine Intelligence that resides within every cell in our Being.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I feel more vibrant and healthy today than I did when I was 53 years old. One of my favorite books is "Counter Clockwise" by Ellen Langer. In it she talks about what happens when we open our minds to what’s possible, instead of presuming impossibility, and how that can lead to better health—at any age. She presents research to demonstrate how our mind set and body set around aging affects the aging process.

During my Monday miles musings, I reflected on my miracle of healing. I have forged a path out of my past healing the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio and  trauma running into my later years with joy, passion and purpose.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website to be inspired by my journey of transformation.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon