High Fives and Positive Vibes - Panda Posse 5K!

 

And the On the Runs podcast has brought many many amazing people into my life, like Maurice Lowman aka Marathon Panda. 

Before and after I was a guest on the On the Runs podcast, Ep 56, I became a huge fan of the pod tuning in every week. Episode 63 featured Maurice Lowman aka Marathon Panda. It was co-host Erika Hamel's birthday.  Maurice's birthday wish to Erika was filled with genuine, positive, infectious energy. I was riveted by his story that he shared with vulnerability, truth, honesty and integrity. Running and the running community saved his life. Maurice - Moe - Panda lives and breathes life with an attitude of gratitude. He had a vision for an all inclusive community run to bring runners together, to spread his message of hope, high fives, positivity and gratitude and to celebrate his outside run streak since 1/1/2016. You can do a google search and listen to his episode on the On the Runs podcast to learn more about who he is and how he is now a positivity and hope dealer.

I had emailed Marathon Sports Providence, the sponsor of the Panda Posse 5K to see if there was a time limit. While all paces would be warmly welcomed and there would be volunteers out on the course, I decided to do my virtual 5K and see what pace I could do as if I were racing. Moe's videos always fire me up to challenge myself to see what I can do. If you are on Instagram and don't already follow him, go to @marathonpandamaurice and you'll see what I'm talking about!

Saturday was a hot and humid day and while it's usually recommended to dial back the pace in the heat, something was fired up inside of me to see if I could break that elusive 1 hour mark  that I hadn't been able to break since I did the Virtual 5K First Run in 2023. Rather than look at my Garmin, I ran from the inside out remembering the words of my personal trainer when I trained for the 2009 Boston Marathon, "Let's see what this body can do." I was soaked with sweat and felt that delicious nausea that comes with an all out effort. Tom worked on Saturday and Ruth Anne was in the hospital. It was a solo run that gave me time and space to cleanse from the inside out! My time? 59:36 -- Age graded at 41:41.  Remember, for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I run pretty fast! I spent the afternoon resting and preparing for what I knew was going to be a spectacular Sunday event. I had no idea just how spectacular it was going to be!

We woke up at 6:00am to make sure we had plenty of time to find parking, find our way through the mall (we had a history of getting lost in Providence when Tom and Ruth Anne ran the Providence Half in 2022). There was no traffic and we found parking in the garage. But which way to go  to get to Marathon Sports? Fortunately we saw two runners with bibs who were kind enough to double back around and show us the way. Runners are like that...yeah they are.

What a joy to reunite with Maurice who I had met in person for the first time at the Boston Run Show in January. His Panda hug, his positivity and genuine gratitude for all who were there for the Panda Posse 5K warmed my heart and soul. His kindness and compassion pours from his every pore. Just look at that smile!

 

We went to the registration table where I got to meet Avery in person! She does the social media for Marathon Sports. We 'met' on line when she reached out to me to ask if they could use the photo and story for `A Full Circle Moment.'  I debated whether or not I should take our bibs since we weren't going to run. I decided to take them as souvenirs. After collecting our bibs and really amazing swag t-shirts, we headed to the start/finish line where the energy was all high fives and positive vibes.

We cheered on the runners and chatted with other members of the Marathon Sports marketing team who knew my story. We talked about the incredible turnout for this event and how Marathon Sports is dedicated to bringing community together. Their service to runners of all abilities and all ages extends far beyond the walls of their brick and mortar stores. We 'ran' into runner friends whom we have known through the years, made new friends finding out we had connections in common and enjoyed the camaraderie of the day. Maurice is a magnet who brings like-hearted people together.

I've known Charlie Breagy, Run Rhody race director extraordinaire through the years through Geoff Smith. Tom was wearing his Bermuda Half Marathon t-shirt that caught Charlie's eye as he finished the race. I'd know Charlie anywhere with his 6'+ stature. We chatted about his friendship with Geoff, (his record for the Bermuda 10K still stands), Run Rhody races and my running story. He thoroughly embraced my journey and said he'd like to share it with his network!

The Marathon Sports team really knows how to put on a premier event. At the finish line they had a jug filled with ice water with electrolytes and Gu Stroop Waffles. Back at the store there were refreshments with bagels, donuts and coffee, Burke Sports Rehab providing post-race massage and an opportunity to mix, mingle and shop. The staff provided outstanding customer service as I was looking for a birthday gift for Ruth Anne. My shopping was pleasantly interrupted when Melody Gamba arrived. She is the daughter of Marlene Gamba who I shared miles with at the Bermuda 10K at the back of the pack. We networked with store manager, Sean Duncan and the marketing team to build a relationship between Marathon Sports and Providence Fit Body Boot Camp! We talked about community, collaboration, health, wellness and senior wellness along with Sean's passion, purpose and mission in his role as Marathon Sports manager.

Our conversation was interrupted by Jess (Director of Marketing) and Avery's announcement that it was time for the raffle. I was thinking, "Oh I missed out. I didn't get a raffle ticket" when they said that it was based on bib numbers. 

"The first prize is for a pair of Oofos. It's bib #64!"

"That's me. I left the bibs in the car. Do you want me to go get it?"

"No. You're fine. Congratulations!"

I turned to Melody and Sean and shared with them how Ruth Anne loves Oofos and we were debating about whether or not to get her a pair for her birthday. We decided to pass for now since we'd already bought other gifts and they are pricey (but of course well worth it!) Avery, Sean and Melody helped me choose just the right pair and size as Melody took a photo:

 

As the after party wound down, we exchanged hugs, high fives and gratitude for a sensational Sunday morning celebrating hope, recovery, the power of community and positivity as the Panda Posse will continue to grow!

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.

Rest & Remember

 

It's especially in times of stress that we need to rest and remember. During these past few weeks, Ruth Anne had a lot of medical appointments. In hindsight, I realized that I was focused on helping to boost Ruth Anne's spirits through the appointments and procedures and not balancing it with my own self-care. Without going into details and staying focused on health and well being, there were some concerning moments during the past few weeks. Thank God everything is okay; more than okay with a better diagnosis, and treatment plan, and a plan for prevention of UTI's. Everything that happened during the 7 weeks of hospitalization can now be healed and her body is recovering from the toxic meds. Despite all of my knowledge about self-care and the need for mindfulness, I must admit, I got caught up in the whirlwind of stress. 

 

I experienced anxiety and depression and had great difficulty reaching for thoughts that would help me to better manage the stressful situations. After all, it is never the stress itself but the lens through which we view the stress. I found myself feeling triggered from both childhood trauma and the more recent trauma of Ruth Anne's health crises. It is vital that I greet all of my feelings and behaviors with kindness and compassion including when I wanted to ditch the Bermuda trip and forego taking on the 10K. In all fairness to me, this came from not knowing if the results of one of Ruth Anne's scans would require immediate attention and we'd be unable to go. 

On Monday, as Tom and I were about to get out the door and get our miles in over his lunch hour, the skies opened with wind swept rain. Even though the temperatures were warm, we opted to do a rigorous strength training session and planned to get in our miles on Tuesday.

We got up at 6:15am on Tuesday to get Ruth Anne to her liver ultrasound. She couldn't have anything to eat or drink. In sympatico, we didn't either. The waiting room was crowded. The air was stale. We took deep breaths to calm our anxiety and focused on prayer that all would be well. We let out a collective sigh when the procedure was over. Tom and I got in our miles over his lunch hour. Despite feeling exhausted, I knew that the fresh air and beauty of the Reservoir would serve as a wonderful antidote to the stress of the morning.

I have always been a push through, do what needs to be done kind of gal. I keep it together during the crisis and then fall apart once it's safe to do so. Only this time, I have a race on the horizon and need to be exquisitely diligent about taking care of myself. As often happens, my body cried out and said whoa girl. You've got to start taking better care of yourself! The stress manifested in my body as a cold. Ruth Anne's body also experienced the same symptoms. I had not had a cold in four years! That cold was a gift. It was a reminder that it's time to release the trauma; that worry and fear only rob us of today's pleasures and joys. Somehow the colds became a symbol for our incredible resilience and 'gave us permission' to take a lot of time for rest, reflection and meditation.  It gave Ruth Anne confidence in her body's ability to experience and overcome an infection without a tail spin into a crisis. It's amazing how having competent and caring professionals to partner with has helped to transform Ruth Anne's relationship with her body. The cold was a reminder that I need to ask for support and help releasing all the pressure I put on myself.

 

I was able to talk with Tom about my feelings and need for support, expressing my fears and worries, while putting together a plan to ensure that I didn't wallow in that dark place. I revisited my notes from Deena Kastor's book in which she talks about repetition is the mother of learning; how vital it is to have an array of tools available to pull from a tool box to emerge from negativity.  Rather than get up with Tom at 7am, after we did our meta meditation, I stayed in bed for extended meditation harnessing the power of the mind/body connection from Dr. David Hamilton's website and Personal Development Club. I repeated the meditations in the afternoon and before bed to help my body reset from the prolonged stress response I was experiencing. If I woke up in the middle of the night or while being present in the shower, I'd sift through what was underneath all the panic and fear; what could I do to release it? What do I need to let go of and not take with me into 2024. What do I want to take with me into 2024? I was amazed at how quickly old habits came to the fore in the face of crisis yet how blessed I am to have the awareness and tools to emerge from those patterns. Transformation is never a once and done kind of experience. Tom pointed out that part of the problem was my sheer exhaustion and feeling shell shocked from Ruth Anne's health crises. 

Before fully emerging from the anxiety and depression, to make an energy shirt, I pulled out the suitcases and started to pack. It was my declaration to myself and the Universe that it's full steam ahead on the road to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K and a celebration of 17 years of healing and my 70th birthday. I remind myself that I am a conscious creator, a mighty manifester and able to meet any challenge that may come my way. I also know that the more positive energy I generate, the more fortified I am to create positive outcomes and meet challenges with greater ease and flexibility.

Tom and I decided that I would take a few days off from workouts until we celebrate 70 minutes of miles on my 70th birthday. He lovingly reminded me that the hay is in the barn. I've had a great training cycle and the best thing I can do for myself in preparation for race day is to rest with a couple of easy miles the week of New Year's. Race week is for getting ready to travel and focus on mental preparation. 

 

This weekend is for resting, feasting,  relaxing, reading, playing a game of Scrabble or two, listening to music, connecting with family and friends, being present and experiencing the joys of giving and receiving gifts. It's a time to heal and say goodbye to a year that was fraught with the most unimaginable challenges and incredible triumphs. Most important of all, this weekend is a time to rest and remember; to feel the light, to be the light and to celebrate my light as I get ready to embrace the sensational seventies!

 

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.

 

Countdown to Boston Marathon: Let Spirit Shine

 

As I drove down Beacon Street in Brookline yesterday, I saw that the Boston Marathon mile markers were painted. What is usually a rite of Spring and the harbinger of the days leading up to the Boston Marathon is now happening in October. 

Last evening, the statue of Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon was unveiled with the Executive Director of the BAA, Tom Grilk, Sara Mae Berman, the first woman to win the Boston Marathon, Bobbi Gibb, Jack Fultz who won the "Run for the Hoses" Boston Marathon in searing heat and Bill Rodgers, Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon champion and Olympian.

It would be so easy to focus on all that is 'wrong' with this year's Marathon. There is a smaller field. Masks must be worn at the Expo and there is no Runner's Speaker's Series this year. It feels strange. Even though I am not setting up dates and places to meet up with my friends coming in from out of town or those in the area coming in for the Expo I can still experience the excitement of my friends who are getting ready to run the 125th Boston Marathon. I ask when people are coming in to town and for bib numbers. 

This afternoon Tom and Ruth Anne wanted to do their run by the beach in South Boston. We passed workers spray painting "medical tent mile..." along Beacon Street. 

On the way into town, I suggested we drive down Boylston Street. It's incredible to think that so much time has passed since Boston ran on Marathon Monday.

I got goosebumps and very emotional when I saw the sign at the Hynes Convention Center:

I was poised to be a member of a Speaker's Panel at the Runner Speaker's Series in April of 2020 before life as we all knew it came to a screeching halt.

The barricades are lining the streets near the finish line which will be closed this weekend so athletes and spectators can enjoy the ambiance of Copley Square as excitement builds for the big day. The finishing touches were being put on the viewing stands at the finish line. The finish line has been painted waiting for the runners to celebrate their triumphant journey from Hopkinton to Boston.

The medical tents at the finish line sprawled out in the square in front Trinity Church.  My breath caught when I saw signs that indicated we were still in the midst of the pandemic; "COVID-19 Testing" and "Vaccination Certification." 

I posted the photo of the sign at the Expo in social media and it was goosebumps all over again. As Thich Nhat Hahn suggested, let's touch those things that are positive and make them bloom! I can feel the thrill and excitement as the vibe of the Boston Marathon returns to the City. I must admit that I am experiencing a case of FOMO about not going to the Expo this year but I am going to stay focused on allowing all the wondrous and beautiful connections and energy that comes with the Boston Marathon to flourish and bloom.

Even though so much is different and surreal about Boston Marathon Weekend this year, one thing is for certain. The Spirit of the Boston Marathon shines brightly.

Here's my inspirational Boston Marathon run from 2009:

We'll be lending our hearts and Spirits to the runners as they come down Beacon Street to celebrate the day that Boston runs again!

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

My books to uplift and inspire you are available on Amazon.

Visit my website to learn more about my journey of transformation in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond.

Be sure to visit my News and Events tab on my website to hear interviews that will open your heart and mind to a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities.

Harping on Hope

 

April in Boston is my favorite month of the year. It’s a time overflowing with hope and possibilities as the once barren forsythia branches sprout their tiny green leaves before bursting into a glorious glow of yellow. We watch the transformation of once frozen ground into a display of hope as green sprouts poke up while we eagerly await the splendor of color that follows. Birds are singing as if to invite us to join them in a symphony of hopeful songs as we leave the dark cold winter behind us and embrace the warm days of more and more daylight.

 

There were times during this past year when it was a challenge to harp on hope. My writing essays and poems helped me to keep my eyes focused on the future and my heart open to gratitude, hope and infinite possibilities.

 

I wrote this poem in November as we waited for the results of the election to be verified. It helped me to drown out the din of lies and negativity that filled the airwaves and social media feeds. As we welcome Springtime in Boston, I encourage all of us to harp on hope as rates of vaccination accelerate, policies are working to improve the economy, and we have leadership that is working on solutions to issues of violence, racial inequity and to rebuild a crumbling infrastructure.

 

Harping on Hope from "Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic:":

 

Symphony of positivity

playful joyful

Harping on hope

harbingers of hope

seek and you will find

 

Darkness and despair disperse

divisions derisions cease

Tuning to Universe’s harmony

vibrations of Love

Lovely images dancing

seeing with Third Eye

Foretelling vibrant scenes

a world healed

 

Rejoicing

uplifting voices

Joining as One

We rise!

 

Just like the flowers in our garden rising toward the warm sun, let us all rise up in hope toward the light and love of Source and infinite possibilities!

 

  

From my heart to yours

In health and wellness 

Mary

For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website.

 

"Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" along with all of my books to inspire and uplift you is available on Amazon.