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.

A Runner's High - The Boston Run Show - Day 1

 

Tom and Ruth Anne dropped me off at the Hynes Convention Center at 8:30 on Saturday morning. I was greeted by Chloe from Raccoon Media Group who greeted the Ambassadors with her delightful British accent. We handed out giveaways to the attendees whose excitement about this year's Boston Run Show was palpable.

There is an inexplicable energy that happens whenever runners gather together. Throughout the weekend I reunited with runner friends, many of whom I hadn't seen since the pandemic and made new friends with other Ambassadors and presenters.

My first stop was to see my friends Alan and Shari Frost of FlavaNaturals fame. 

We met them at the Hyannis Marathon Expo in 2020 and have a subscription to their products. Their tag line is "Chocolate was your weakness. Now it's your strength." Their products are chock filled with flavanols which have incredible health benefits as borne out my many research studies. New York City Marathon winner Rod Dixon and the Pittsburgh Steelers have endorsed FlavaNaturals. Rod has his products shipped to New Zealand!

After leaving Alan and Shari to work their mojo at the Show, I found myself standing next to Scott Jurek. I shared my journey with him. His mother lives with MS. I asked him about the possibility of being on the On the Runs podcast. He was incredibly gracious and kind. As we were getting ready to say goodbye, he said that while elite runners and breaking records are all fine and good, the sport of running really needs stories like mine to inspire!

I went to the Cafe to plan my day after being intrigued by unique products and brands. It was almost time for the Power of Community panel. I 'just happened' to find the Trail Animals Running Club Booth. Patrick Caron who we've known through the Boston Bulldogs Running Club and our mutual love of the On the Runs podcast (Patrick was also a guest), was moderating the panel. He led the way to the Trail and Ultra Stage.

Before the start of the panel, I was treated to a high five and positivity hug from Maurice Lowman aka Marathon Panda. I 'met' Maurice through the On the Runs podcast and love following his energetic posts on social media. He is as real and authentic in 3-D as he is in social media.

 

  The panelists shared their running journeys including how running is an integral part of substance use recovery. I was inspired by the panelists' vulnerability and authenticity, and passion for inclusion. The Trail Sisters of Boston have a philosophy of no drop meaning that they stay with the back of the pack runners regardless of the pace. The Boston Bulldogs Running Club prides themselves on the power of community bringing non-runners into the fold to support them on the road to recovery!

After a lunch break, it was time for a reunion with Paulie Collyer at the Events Village who was hosting Bill Rodgers at his The Fun Road Race Company table. I hadn't seen Bill since Hyannis 2020 when I shared the stage with him at the Pre-Race Pasta Dinner. I received the warmest hugs from both Bill and his partner Karen. I first met Bill in 2009 before my first Half Marathon on the road to Boston. I met Karen at the 2014 Bill Rodgers 5K for Prostate Cancer. We shared warm memories about that day. You can hear her in this video saying, "God bless her" after Phil Lipof gives a bit of my history.

Karen told me she read my book and was so moved by my journey.  We chatted like no time had passed since we last saw each other. We vowed to stay in touch. I told Bill about my first DNF in Bermuda. "Only one? You know I've had a lot more!" He asked me several times, "But are you doing okay?" "Oh yes," I replied and told him that God willing I'll be out there next year in Hyannis at  the 10K.

I must say that I feel and look better now after being off of the sidelines training again for in person events!

I went to the charging station to recharge my phone and myself after such an exciting day! I debated whether or not I was going to stay for the next speakers at the Trail and Ultra Stage or leave. I felt spirit nudge me to stay. On my way to the stage, I recognized a dear runner friend from behind by her beautiful blue fingernails and blonde hair from behind. "Rachel?"

"How did you recognize me?" she asked as we tightly hugged each other. We said almost in unison I recognized her beautiful nails and hair. We took a few moments together before I headed to the Trail and Ultra Stage for the next speaker, Hilary Topper.

When asked if anyone had questions in the audience, my hand shot up and I didn't know why. "Thank you so much for an amazing talk," I said. "Where can we get your book?" Hilary thanked me for my comment and question. "I'll be signing books in the back. They are $20." 

I knew that I needed to meet her and share my story. It was a goosebump moment as she shared with me that her mom had polio and was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome. She was enamored with my journey as I was enamored with hers; "From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete: A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete."

While waiting for Scott Jurek, the last speaker of the day, I reconnected with two more running friends. My heart overflowed with gratitude for the synchronicity that was waiting for me once I made the decision to stay at the Run Show.

The Fireside Chat with Scott Jurek was a phenomenal way to end the day.

Scott shared many nuggets of running wisdom as a wonderful metaphor for life as he shared stories from his stellar career. I felt a stirring in my soul as he said that there's really no experience comparable to being a part of an event. It is unparalleled to anything he has tried to recreate outside of an event. There's discomfort and a challenge that helps us to grow whatever that distance may be for each individual. It was thrilling to have my choice validated to be off the sidelines.

Stay tuned for more adventures at The Boston Run Show - Day 2.

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.

Victory in Newburyport

 

After Tom and Ruth Anne's 11 mile run, Tom knew that he needed more time to recover from the Providence Half Marathon he ran in May with Ruth Anne for Victory Programs. For the next several weeks, Ruth Anne did her training runs solo getting in the zone to run the Newburyport Half Marathon. She studied the course map, meditated, visualized crossing the finish line and worked closely with her Coach Brian Simons to set herself up for success on race day. She had weekly appointments with George Leung for sports acupuncture.

We arrived at Hampton Inn Amesbury at noon on Saturday. Our room was ready. It was a wonderful start to what would be a magical weekend beyond our wildest imaginings.

I planned our itinerary after studying the race website. After bib pick up we went to The Flatbread Company in Amesbury. A 70 degree sunny day in late October is a gift for those of us living in New England. We took photos of each other and our amazing meal of farm to table salad with a flatbread pizza:

We drove to see where the starting line was. The race website suggested people arrive at least 1 1/2 hours before gun time to avoid sitting in traffic. Gun time was at 9:15. Ruth Anne did a little shake out walk per her training plan but wanted to spend as much time resting as possible for her big day. Here she is in her race swag:

                                                               

We returned to the hotel to unpack, meditate and post "Flat Ruth Anne" on social media.

We had a delicious dinner at Starboard Galley. I must admit, I was a bit nervous with what Ruth Anne chose as her pre-race fueling dinner but knew she was listening to her body giving it what it needed. Before Providence, she had a salad with grilled chicken. She also ordered French Onion Soup gratinee and sampled what Tom and I ordered; lobster salad and baked and breaded char.

We were treated to a beautiful sunset by the water before heading back to our hotel. As I meditated before sleep, I imagined someone running with Ruth Anne. I reminded her when we talked about her running solo that she would never be alone; that angels would be with her and she was going to rock this race for Victory Programs.

RACE DAY:

We had our breakfast in the room (I wish I would have taken a photo so you could see what bring your own breakfast complete with coffee pot and a Bodum looks like in a hotel room) and headed to the starting line. We had all imagined getting a parking spot inside Cashman Park. We did not know we would get a parking spot in front of the bathrooms. There was a gentleman who told us that the bathrooms are usually closed after Columbus Day but for 'some reason', this year, they kept them open.

Ruth Anne was psyched and ready to run:

 

 

As we headed toward the start, we saw members of our running family Tom Licciardello and Al Pappalardo and his wife Cathy. We hadn't seen Tom since packet stuffing for the October 2021 Boston Marathon and hadn't seen Al and Cathy in years although we kept in touch on social media. Ruth Anne was feeling chilled; the temperature was 45 degrees and it was cloudy. Fortunately we brought a pair of gloves that had been warmed underneath the heater in the car. It was just what she needed to take the chill off.

Ruth Anne felt a bit anxious as she saw the last pace marker was 11:00-12:00 minute mile. She lined up at the back of the pack and I reminded her what her Coach told her; start at 14:10 and as you get warmed up, you can pick up the pace.

She saw pacers for the race. One woman had a 2:45 pace sign. "Oh that's too fast for me," Ruth Anne said out loud to her.

"Well start with the sweep group and then move up to our group. You'll probably pass me at the finish!"

Ruth Anne spotted the 3:00 pacer. "What pace is that" she asked.

"13:45"

"That's my pace," Ruth Anne said with great excitement.

"You stick with her," Tom said. "She's going to be your new BFF."

Little did we know how prophetic those words would be.

Tom was hoping to take a video at the start but had it on photo by mistake. I wish he would have captured Michael Bernier and his incredibly inspirational pre-race speech. He told the runners with great enthusiasm to kick your worries to the curb and reminded them that they will be able to achieve what their mind tells them. "So what are you gonna tell yourself?" he asked the runners. "You're going to go out there and have the best race of your life to-day!"

And then he gave the "runners take your mark, get set and go" command:

Despite hearing Spirit speak through Michael advising me to kick my worries to the curb, I was so anxious about Ruth Anne running with a pacer that she had never done before. She was going to start out at a 14:10 pace and here she was starting out at 13:45.  I knew I had to let go and trust. I realized I was having a flashback to all those times when Ruth Anne was critically ill and no one could figure out what was going on. I went to the bathroom, looked in the mirror and told myself to pull it together. She was going to have a great day and be just fine! Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, I focused on how wonderful it was that Ruth Anne had someone to pace her so she wouldn't get anxious about her time. She wanted to run a PR and was hoping for a sub-3:00 half but her main goals were to have fun and raise a lot of money and awareness for Victory Programs.

There was no way to track the runners. 

We walked to the finish line. We had to turn around and come back because there was no access to the finish line with the way we were walking. I stopped in my tracks as I saw a dime on the sidewalk. I said a prayer of thanksgiving for the sign.

"Wait Tom - there's a penny."

"Awesome - 11 cents!" I thought to myself. Now that's really a sign knowing that 11 is a spiritual number.

We took a few more steps - "Oh my God - there's another penny!" 

"Well you better find one more," Tom said.

"Yup, here it is!" I proudly proclaimed as another penny seemed to appear out of thin air.

"Okay," I told myself. "It's time for you to relax and enjoy this day!"

Al and Cathy were at the finish line. Talking with them helped to ease my momma jitters.

Tom and I settled into our beach chairs and I got a text from Ruth Anne:

5.34

Shortly after another text - 5.86 - almost half way.

"Are you with pacer? You've got this."

"Yep. She's incredible."

"Yay. Go finish strong."

Another text: 8.17

Ruth Anne's dear friend Jenn DeSimone from L Street Running Club arrived. I texted Ruth Anne "Jenn just arrived." She texted Jenn that she was at 8.21.

A runner with L Street gear on was wearing his finisher's medal. We introduced ourselves and I gave him Ruth Anne's fundraising business card. He said he would go right home and donate (which he did!) 

Our dear friend Marcie DiLorenzo crossed the finish line. We had been planning to get together but then you know, the pandemic. It was such a blessed reunion. We introduced Marcie and Jenn and took a photo with the sign Jenn made for Ruth Anne:

We received a text at 11:43 and then:

I was moved to go up to the race announcers, Danny and Solice, and share Ruth Anne's story with them giving them her fundraising business card. Little did I know what they were about to do. Solice's words came straight from his heart. "Beautiful thing done by a beautiful human."

Ruth Anne finished in 3 hours exactly scoring a 20 minute PR for her half but more than that, experienced the total grace with Pacer Angel Kristen Gohr.

I was sobbing as I shared a snippet of Ruth Anne's journey. She said that she knew there was a story there but didn't ask. She said she is a healer and a teacher. Is she ever! I told her how worried I was at first about Ruth Anne running with a pacer because we didn't know if she'd be able to stop for fueling and hydration or if she needed a bathroom stop. "Oh I made sure she was fine out there." Ruth Anne shared with me how she'd watch the pace and basically ran at Ruth Anne's pace figuring out what they needed to do to come in at 3:00 hours. It was truly a magical and miraculous experience for Ruth Anne and Kristen.

There were hugs and photos as Ruth Anne's Pacer Angel and I exchanged information. Jenn presented Ruth Anne with a trophy that she said was symbolic of the champion that she is:

 

 

Kristen said that Ruth Anne is her new BFF for life! She wants to pace Ruth Anne for the Bay State Marathon next year!

We said our goodbyes with more hugs and tears. Ruth Anne took a shower at the hotel and we had a celebratory lunch at Loretta's back in Newburyport. There was a live jazz band. The song they played as we sat down at our table was "When You Wish Upon a Star".

When we arrived home, I received a text from Kristen:

My heart is full of joy today for Ruth Anne!! My heart is also full because I had the amazing opportunity to be with her on her run! I am truly inspired by her commitment, positivity, determination and wonderful spirit!
 I would love to keep in touch! Please pass along my contact info if ok with you! I truly hope I have the opportunity to run with Ruth Anne again someday!! 🙏💕

She sent along these two photos:

 

We are still smiling and feeling the joy and love of the epic adventure of the Newburyport Half Marathon, Half Marathon #1 for Ruth Anne's Trilogy of Half Marathons. We have expanded our village to include people who exude love, joy, compassion, care and kindness; people who know the true meaning of service and what life is truly all about. There was an outpouring of love and donations from our Facebook village. Ruth Anne shared how Kristen was with her every step of the way helping her through a tough hill with coaching her on her breathing. She shared how much fun she made the race. She encouraged her to run ahead as they were coming near the end of the run suggesting she looked like she could have run faster. Ruth Anne let her know that she was not going to break the finisher's tape and it was runner's code that they stay together. She knew there was a finish line moment that she wanted to savor and relish with her Pacer Angel.

We went to sleep with hearts overflowing with gratitude for the blessings in our lives.

To donate to Ruth Anne's fundraiser, please follow this link. 

From my heart to yours,
In health and wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at https://marymcmanus.com to learn about my journey to health and wellness in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma

Visit the News and Events tab to listen to my inspiring and uplifting interviews

My books to motivate, uplift and inspire you are available on Amazon