The Icing on the Cake

 

As the page on the calendar turns over to November 1st this weekend, we are 5 months away from the 2026 Hyannis Marathon Weekend. As Bill Rodgers said, "The proverbial icing on the cake - has always been racing." My first race was on June 1, 2008. It was the Corrib Pub 5K; a friendly race that welcomed all paces and supported the West Roxbury Community. What a wonderful introduction to the running and racing community. In July of 2008, we ran the Marathon Sports 5 Miler. It was a highly competitive field; an evening race with hot and humid weather. I knew that if I quit, I would never be able to run the 2009 Boston Marathon. Because the staff at Marathon Sports knew my story, they celebrated me crossing the finish line as if I had broken the finisher's tape. 

Fast forward to Hyannis Marathon Weekend 2009 when I ran my first race at the half marathon distance. Because it was a race for the 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon distances, my being a back of the pack runner didn't matter; I was a mid-packer for the marathon distance. I'm using visualization again to both draw from anchor race memories and to create a magical day on 3/1/2026. 

Tom and I wrapped up another week in the training cycle with a 4 mile run on Saturday, an invigorating strength training session on Monday and two wonderful early morning pre-breakfast training runs.

Saturday's run took us twice around the Cleveland Circle Reservoir. It was a quiet run in contrast to the previous week's run when it seemed as though everybody was outside soaking up the sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Tom and I took notice of the still water and Fall foliage with hearts overflowing with gratitude for being together, unplugged and out in nature. I appreciate every step and every mile and never take my movement for granted. There was a crew cutting down the growth of bushes that line the Reservoir and we had to take a detour. We weren't sure how that would affect our mileage. We were just a tenth of a mile over 4 miles when we got back to the car.

 

While I am looking ahead to Hyannis Marathon Weekend and reflecting back on amazing race experiences, I am also looking ahead to my 72nd birthday on Christmas Day. Birthdays bring a time of reflection along with celebration. On Monday's strength training workout, I reflected on this quote:

I've known struggles since contracting paralytic polio at the age of 5 1/2 followed by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members until my father ended his life by suicide when I was 17. There was no time for me to say "I can't do this" as I headed off to Boston University the month after he died. Throughout my life, whenever faced with struggles and challenges, my resounding mantra has been I must do this. I am incredibly fortunate that I found my soul mate in my mid-20's who also believes in an "I must do this" mantra for navigating life's struggles. We had an invigorating 45 minute strength training workout that complements our miles on the road.

Another one of my favorite Bill Rodgers quote is how running as a sport unifies us. "That's why we're the greatest sport," he is quick to say whenever the opportunity presents itself. Tuesday was a shining example of how running unifies us. Despite gray skies and a chill in the air, we exchanged smiles and said good morning to many runners like us, enjoying early morning miles.

 

A warm bowl of oatmeal, a cold glass of juice, toast and a banana made for perfect post-run fueling. By 8am our hearts and bellies were full.

The forecast did NOT predict rain for early Thursday morning. When the alarm went off at 6am, the weather app showed light drizzle ending in 21 minutes - NOT! Fortunately we decided to wear our ponchos and set out to feel the unbridled joy of the gift of running in the rain. There was no wind and the temperature was in the upper 40's. I love how these early morning runs help our bodies to adapt to the change in seasons. With fog and mist, the morning miles had a mystical quality to them. 

 

Despite all the chaos happening in the world right now; all the pain and tragedies, these morning runs fortify us to figure out how we can best use our time, talent and treasure to make a difference in the world. Taking care of ourselves by taking time in nature, unplugged and being fully present gives us the ability to be present in the world without becoming overwhelmed by circumstances.

 

We are looking forward to a sunny run on Saturday for 5 miles. The theme for the next week of this training cycle is shaping up to be It's More Than the Miles. 

 

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.

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.

 

 

That's why we're the greatest sport!

 

"How is it that I am so fortunate to call you a friend when you are one of the greatest American runners of all time? I mean in any other sport you'd probably be surrounded by security and I'd be lucky if I got to get an autograph from you."

"That's why we're the greatest sport!" Bill Rodgers said to me at the start of the 2016 Hyannis 10K.

Training for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K catapults me smack dab in the middle of the running community again. What a joy to be here! This past weekend was an epic weekend for running. Three of my friends ran their 47th consecutive Boston 10K for Women! It was a glorious weekend for the Cape Cod Marathon. One of my runner friends came from out of town to run it. I loved seeing Cape Cod through the lens of a tourist. Several of my friends ran the Chicago Marathon. Three of them received another star in their quest for the Abbott World Majors.

The big stories out of Chicago were a new world record for the men's marathon by Kelvin Kiptum:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sifan Hassan won Chicago, only her 2nd marathon, with a new course record:

 

 

 

 

 

 

and Boston Marathon's champion Des Linden set a new Masters Record for the marathon breaking Deena Kastor's record by 12 seconds. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two runners in the 75-79 age group racked up numerous accolades. Jeannie Rice, 75, broke the women’s masters world record in the marathon with a time of 3:34:32, and also racked up American records over the course of the race, including the 10K (49:14) and half marathon (1:43:09). Gene Dykes, 75, also set an American marathon masters record of 3:17:01.

 

Training for my own event again has reignited my passion for the sport that is the greatest sport. I've been listening to the On the Runs, AdaptX and Mike Reilly's podcasts discovering inspiring stories that give me goosebumps all over. One such story is that of Ashley Grace Norton.

She is getting ready to make history by being the first person with multiple sclerosis and multiple heart surgeries to become an Ironwoman! 

I had goosebumps all weekend long seeing pre-race posts, race day posts and then race day recaps. Another reason why we are the greatest sport is the friendships that are forged through the sport. I have yet to meet in person several of my friends who were racing. New connections were made among my friends in social media who were running in Chicago. The unconditional love and support, the camaraderie and celebrations filled the news feeds. 

This time seventeen years ago I experienced alarming and debilitating symptoms. I was undergoing extensive testing in an attempt to get a diagnosis. I suspected I was experiencing symptoms of Post-Polio Syndrome, a diagnosis confirmed in December. In February of 2008, I traded in my toe up leg brace

for a pair of running shoes with a goal of running the 2009 Boston Marathon! I'd never run a day in my life but somewhere deep in my heart and soul I knew that the advice I received from Western Medicine of "if you use it you will lose it" was not ringing true for me. 

I was astounded by the outpouring of love and support I received from the running community. The friendships I have made lasted through the years while the village continues to grow and grow. I've been blessed to share expo tables next to Bill Rodgers  

and the stage with him at the 2020 Hyannis Marathon Pre-Race Pasta dinner!                   

He read my books and incorporated my journey into his speech! 

This weekend Tom and Ruth Anne will be toeing the line at the Bay State Half Marathon. It's the third half marathon in Ruth Anne's Trilogy of Half Marathons for Victory Programs. Race week excitement is building! Ruth Anne exceeded her $10,000 fundraising goal by $500!! The running community opened their hearts and pockets to support Ruth Anne's fundraiser to help those in need in Boston from as far away as Scotland and England. 

It is an epic comeback for Ruth Anne whose determination, strength, resilience and courage is unparalleled. We feel the support in social media and in real life as we ask the question "You running Bay State?"  It doesn't matter how fast or slow anyone runs, we are all so thrilled to be a part of this incredible village. "I'll be at the finish line with #morecowbell."

That my friends is why running is the greatest sport! 

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.

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. 

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel