This Week in Training: It's a Celebration!

Next month marks 19 years since I received the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome 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 reflected on this milestone last Saturday as Tom and I kicked off another week of training on the Road to Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. The weather was gray and rainy but fortunately temperatures were relatively mild for late November here in Boston. I asked Tom if there was some place new we could run for our 4 mile run. He said he had just the place. As we made our way to the Charles River, Tom was turned around at first thinking there was parking just off the main road that would lead to the running path. After the 2nd time of not finding the spot, I suggested we go back to the Reservoir. But, he wanted to try one more turn. He found it!

 

We stretched,  fueled and hydrated and set off on a wonderful adventure along the Charles River. Tom used to run along that path but it was unfamiliar territory for me. Tom pointed out it was great training for race day since I'll be running along a course I have not run in 10 years. Tom was able to capture a photo of geese taking off from the water.

I was curious to see if geese can be considered an animal spirit since I see them so frequently. When I think of the geese around the Reservoirs, I am usually only focused on avoiding stepping in goose poop. I googled the meaning of geese as an animal spirit. As an animal totem, the goose symbolizes community, kindness, communication, loyalty, bravery and guidance. It represents the ability to synchronize with others, balance leadership and teamwork, and the importance of family and protecting loved ones. The goose signifies endurance, vigilance, freedom, and the ability to know when to lead and when to follow. When the trees are mostly bare and it's a seemingly gray and dreary day, Tom and I consciously sought out finding the beauty despite the weather.

 

As I've mentioned in previous blogs, at this time of year, our conversations often turn to how far I've traveled on my healing path since I was first diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome. One of my favorite sayings is, "I still remember the days I prayed for the things I have now." 

I had to hug the staircase when I walked from the first to the 2nd floor of our Cape home. Forget going into the basement and doing laundry. I depended on my family to get the laundry done. We either used PeaPod delivery service for groceries or I would use a scooter in the grocery store. I used weighted utensils to eat, drank water through a straw and could not talk while I ate because of the risk of aspirating food into my lungs. I used a tub chair because I did not have the endurance to stand for a shower. Going for a walk outside even with a toe-up leg brace and cane was not even a possibility. I felt as though my nose was pressed up against the pane on the window of life and I was watching the world pass me by. 

This is why I have such a profound appreciation for every step and every mile, regardless of the weather or season. This is why I say that every day is a celebration. The joyous feelings of celebration enable me to surf the waves of discomfort and pain. As I said when I set out on this quest to heal my life, I knew there was going to be pain and discomfort so why not experience it on the side of health and well-being rather than atrophy and decline.

Gratitude and celebration go hand in hand. Monday's strength training session was a celebration of all our bodies can do especially being in our 70's. 

It was a wonderful way to start a new day, new week and the week of Thanksgiving. Tom had worked on Sunday. We were a bit tired when the alarm went off but by the end of the workout we were energized and exhilarated that it was Tom's Friday since Tuesday would be comp time. It always feels so good to push through and get to the other side of the workout.

Since Tom didn't have to work on Tuesday, we got a later start to our morning miles but still got our miles in before breakfast. The still water made for a beautiful canvas of the trees and the Boston skyline in the distance. My perception of the geese shifted and I appreciated their special place in the Universe. After breakfast, Tom and I worked on getting things ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. What a treat to have unscheduled time together. Since every day is a day of celebration and gratitude, I don't experience a build up to the holiday as many people do. I focused on the gift of being present and enjoying the moments with Tom.

 

 

 

What a treat to finally see the sun on our before breakfast, before putting the turkey in the oven miles! There were many runners getting in their miles before the feast. Tom and I joked that they were probably also getting their ya-ya's out before getting together with the family. It seemed as though celebration was the theme of everybody's morning run as we exchanged smiles and Happy Thanksgiving when we passed each other.

What a glorious day to wrap up another week of the training cycle focusing on all there is to c elebrate and be grateful for.

We turn the page on the calendar on Monday to the last month of the year and the beginning of my birthday month. I'm gearing up for 7.2 miles on my 72nd birthday on December 25th. It will be the farthest I've gone since the Bermuda Half Marathon in 2018. Celebrating my journey of healing and having a heart overflowing with gratitude lights and fuels the miles on and off the roads!

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.

 

March is National Optimism Month

 A 53 year old woman diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome shouldn't be able to run and should have prepared to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair, but she didn't know any better and went on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon having many wonderful adventures as runnergirl 1953.

These are very challenging times to feel optimism yet these are the very times when we need to fuel optimism and hope combined with intentional action to help create change. 

Let me begin by saying that optimism is not denial of reality. I love what Simon Sinek said about optimism during the 2020 pandemic. Optimism isn't blind positivity. It's about an undying belief that the future is bright and we can all get there by working together and putting in the work to make it real.

It is a challenge to look for the good these days; negativity is drawn to us like a magnet seemingly at every turn. Yet when we look for the good, we are able to find the good that is happening around us.

 

During the many many challenges I have faced in my life, I have discovered that worry and focusing on the negative outcomes, drained me of my energy. It did not change the outcome although one could argue that the focus on negativity made negative outcomes more likely and robbed me of the strength I needed to face the challenges should they arise. 

And what if -- just what if the tide turns and despite all appearances to the contrary, situations we once thought were impossible suddenly become infinite possibilities. That's what happened to me time and again in my healing journey.

 

 

 

 

 

Research has repeatedly shown there are health benefits to optimism. 

Here are a few detailed by the Mayo Clinic:
    increased life span
    decreased depression
    better cardiovascular health and decreased risk of cardiac disease
    reduced risk of death from cancer, respiratory conditions and infections
    greater resistance to illness
    better psychological and physical well-being.

Today marks the two year anniversary of when Bill Burke started The Optimism Institute and Blue Sky Podcast.  It's amazing how I discovered the Blue Sky Podcast right when I needed a boost to fuel my optimism last November. I had seen a post from Lee Woodruff about her being a guest on the Blue Sky podcast.  Her journey after her husband, Bob Woodruff, suffered life threatening injuries while covering the war in Iraq as an ABC News correspondent, is sure to boost your optimism. Recently, Bill hosted Sal Khan, and Leslie and Richard Strauss who are education innovators. 

There are so many inspiring conversations in previous episodes. I encourage you to scroll through and see which ones resonate with you. The episode with Marko Cheseto gave me goosebumps and brought me to tears as he shares his journey from tragedy to triumph after a double amputation. I am so excited to cheer him on in Boston this year for the marathon.

In his A Bit of Blue Sky podcast out today, Bill shares that this is probably the most difficult time to be optimistic yet by being a part of this community, hearing inspiring stories and stories of people who are the change makers fueled by a sense of optimism and hope, we can stay steady and remain optimistic.

My favorite piece of advice that Bill offers time and again, "Don't let the news cycle control you!"

I have a list of healing resources on my website that continue to fuel my journey in the wake of the once devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. I do hope you will join me in celebrating National Optimism Month and make it a year round celebration.

Please enjoy my poem, "Optimism Is a Way of Being" that I wrote shortly after the results of the 2024 election. I was feeling devastated and shocked by the results after having poured our time, talent and treasure into Kamala Harris' campaign. As I had after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I turned to writing poetry to help uplift me:

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 are available on Bookshop that share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. Be sure to visit my Author Page 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.

 

Only Those Who Risk Going Too Far...

 

 

 

 

 

This May 25th marks 18 years since I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career to heal my life after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline as I aged. I refused to take the diagnosis sitting down. In February of 2007, I got still, asked for Divine Guidance and discovered the gift of poetry in my soul. Writing poetry opened the portal to heal, harnessing my imagination and firing up the power of the mind/body connection.

My life transformed through the sport of running despite all appearances to the contrary. Here I am celebrating 18 years of healing and aging strong.

Throughout my journey, I have risked going too far. I write about it in my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior." I continue to risk going too far as I get ready to go the distance of a half marathon again this year.

A week ago Sunday, Ruth Anne had a 3 mile recovery run for her training for the Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab Hospital. 

Because of the recent snow and ice, we took to the Newton Hills. We had to turn around at one point because the carriage road was covered with ice and snow. There is a HUGE hill just past where we park our car. We could have done repeated out and backs but instead, I risked going too far and took charge by charging up the hill! Might I also add that we miscalculated the mileage and ended up doing 3.2 miles. 

What a thrill and sense of accomplishment pushing myself out on the hills in the cold, snow and ice. Whenever I am out on the Hills, I recall the anchor memory of training for and then running the 2009 Boston Marathon!

Another snowstorm was in the forecast for last Sunday. We were all set to go around the BU indoor track but I had this deep yearning to be outside in the elements. I remembered one particular training run on the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon when it was snowing hard. There was no ice so it was safe to run albeit it was quite the challenge. BUT there was a sense of unbridled joy and freedom. I felt as though I was dancing with the snowflakes.

Our street had been plowed so we had a stretch of dry ground to get in what I thought was going to be 3 miles. Ruth Anne suggested that, since we were already outside, and she had 4 miles on her training plan, why not do 4 miles?

Rather than going up and down our street, Ruth Anne suggested we run on the hills that were clear. Sure, why not add in a bit more adventure and see just what this body would give me. It gave me 4 fabulous miles in the snow with hills!

 

The smiles and the rosy cheeks express the joy and exhilaration of pushing myself to see just how far I could go. I am celebrating 18 years of healing in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and seeing what this body can do at 71 years young! 

Isn't it a miracle that at 71, I am still testing myself and risking going too far especially after a setback in 2021/2022 when I thought I would have to return to the sidelines. But, as one of my favorite quotes says:

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

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.

As Long As We Keep Moving...Book Signing with Bill Rodgers

 

 "Our stories are proof that passion and purpose in life can lay dormant for years. But then one day, you find your desire, your dreams, your strength. It was in you the whole time. And once you find it, you will never be the same. From that day forward you will everything on the line, make every day count, test the limits of your heart and embrace the challenge of your Spirit." ~Bill Rodgers

It is always a treat to spend time with Bill Rodgers; to hear his worldly wisdom, running conversation about running history and to bask in his warmth and wit. At the 45th Annual Bill Rodgers Somerville 5K Jingle Bell Run and Walk bib pick up, I was blessed to do a book signing of my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrrior" next to Bill's Meet and Greet. 

Bill will turn 77 on 12/23 and I will turn 71 on Christmas Day. We teased each other about being Capricorns - "the GOAT right?" but then had a serious conversation about aging. I told Bill that I'm a lot slower now but love challenging myself to be the best I can be. Bill replied with, As long as we keep moving."

As runners came up to chat with Bill, get a book or poster signed, he was quick to share my journey, letting the runners know that I had quite a story and encouraged them to buy my book! Bill wrote this review as I was getting ready to publish it this past May:
"I enjoyed reading your new book, which is so appropriately titled, A Most Unlikely Runner....I especially like the way you understand Running as more than just the physical movement, and how you linked the great American Poet, Robert Frost to Running...  I know you will always be a Runner!" ~Bill Rodgers, Olympian, former record holder in the marathon and 4 time Boston and NYC Marathon Champion

Bill and I reminisced about our friendship through the years. We each acknowledged that what makes running the greatest sport is that every day runners and champions get to interact with each other and forge friendships through the years.

Bill was incredibly loving and supportive to Ruth Anne who is running the 129th Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab. {Here is the link to her fundraising page with her incredibly inspiring story.} He had known about her journey through his partner Karen and repeatedly told her that she was doing great things. He even wanted to know what kind of Asics she was wearing and did a shoe critique as to why those were good marathon shoes for her.

He gifted her a signed copy of his book to use in her Thank You to donors gift giveaway!

We chatted with a new runner, Keith, who lives with Cerebral Palsy. Race director Paulie gave him the bib with #1. Bill insisted that I too sign Keith's bib.

That's Ruth Anne and Bill's brother Charlie in the photo. One can only smile whenever Bill Rodgers is around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I first met Bill at the 2009 Hyannis Marathon Weekend. It was my first half marathon. I was in awe meeting Bill and Frank Shorter who embraced my journey and were inspired by what I'd overcome to take on the Boston Marathon. Bill and I would meet at future Hyannis Marathon Weekends and we forged a friendship through the years.

We share a similar philosophy on aging; that age is just a number. As long as we keep moving, whatever the pace and whatever the distance, we can live to be 100!

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

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.

 

Sore. The Most Satisfying Pain!

18 years ago I received the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I was told it is a progressive neuromuscular disease and to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. There was a possibility of needing a feeding tube because the left side of my esophagus was sluggish and I was aspirating food into my lungs. My breathing was compromised. I declined the recommendation for a sleep apnea machine. After intensive outpatient rehab with physical therapist Allison, who did not believe I was destined to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I hired a personal trainer who subscribed to Henry Ford's philosophy of "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right!"

After my first training session with my personal trainer, I had muscles that I did not know existed in my body. I made a conscious decision that if I were going to be in pain, I would rather hurt on the side of healing and wellness than the pain of atrophy. In truth, they both cause pain!

After 6 months of working with Janine, she asked me what my next goals were. "I want to feel free in my body. I want to diversify my workouts. I want to come out of my leg brace...maybe take a dance class since I took ballet before I contracted polio..." She wrote down my new health and fitness goals. She had her hand on the door knob and had already gathered up her things when I said...

 

Talk about sore!!! Learning how to run and train for a marathon at 53 years old is no easy feat but what moments of satisfaction I experienced as I built endurance and mental toughness on the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon.

 

 

 

 

 

I continue to experience soreness as I continue to challenge myself on the roads and in my strength training workouts. At 71 years old, and as one who had been diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, I know how vital it is to keep moving forward in my health and wellness journey. I listen closely to my body to ensure I do not cross that delicate line from soreness to pain that could lead to an injury. I do, however, relish the most satisfying pain of being sore.  

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

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.

Stopping On A Dime!

   

Saturday was the first big change in weather day in weeks with cooler temps and rain. Before Saturday it was a no brainer to just put on either a singlet or t shirt and shorts. Ruth Anne and I went through a deciding what to wear conversation that went something like Hat? No, headband. Could you get out my volunteer jacket? Do I need to put on extra layer? Then the conversation turned to where should we go? Ordinarily when it's raining, we go out the door or no farther than Jamaica Plain. In our infinite wisdom, we decided to go to Castle Island. The rain and wind picked up on our drive there. We mentally dialed in. 

As we were preparing to leave the car I said, "Here let me put my hood up." As I tried to reach for the hood there was none. I started laughing nervously. Ruth Anne grabbed my Boston Marathon jacket which is the same colors as  the volunteer jacket. She felt awful and I told her it was an honest mistake.  "Should we only do 2 miles instead of a 5K?" Ruth Anne asked.

"No," I said with great confidence. "We'll be fine!" We'd done many longer runs in wind and rain so a 5K was totally manageable.

We tuned out the weather and tuned into breathing in the sea air, feeling the awe of Mother Nature especially as she churned the ocean's waters.

As we went over the bridges to run the Sugar Bowl (IYKYK) the rain pelted our faces as the wind picked up. We started to sing because well what else are you gonna do? We shared an indescribable joy in our strength and resilience braving the elements. I felt strong and determined to keep a steady pace while pausing to take photos and document this adventure.

At mile 1, I paused to hydrate knowing how important it is to stay well hydrated despite cooler temps and rain. "Hmm, this has a funny taste to it." We both started laughing so hard! Ruth Anne had prepared the water bottles and remembered it wasn't completely rinsed out after she had a Nunn tablet during her last long run.

Note that Ruth Anne's headband is inside out! We didn't realize it until we looked at the photos after our run! For some reason, my Garmin has been tracking pace and not the mileage. "We're at 1.55," Ruth Anne said. We wondered if perhaps we shouldn't go back over the bridges since the wind wouldn't be as strong on lower ground but Ruth Anne was determined to go the same route.

All of a sudden I stopped and paused my Garmin. "Mom are you okay? ... What are you doing?" 

 

"Is that a dime?" I asked Ruth Anne. I wasn't wearing my glasses because of the rain.

"Yes. Come on. We gotta keep going!"

I bent down and picked up the dime. I was a bit unsteady between going at a fast pace and being buffeted by wind and rain but I was drawn to the dime. Finding dimes when I am on a run holds special significance for me. FDR is on the dime because during his presidency he vowed to eradicate  polio. Eddie Cantor, a radio personality, suggested that people send in their change to the President. There was an influx of dimes and the money was used to support research into the polio vaccine. He also founded the March of Dimes to support those who contracted polio. I was one of those who was able to benefit from the support of the March of Dimes. I could never go out and play in the rain or mud puddles given my physical limitations due to polio coupled with severe trauma. But, as Tony Robbins likes to say, it's never too late to have a happy childhood. The poem, "Come Out and Play" was written after I had a dream shortly after the diagnosis. I dreamed that I came out of my leg brace and was splashing in the puddles a la Gene Kelly in Dancing in the Rain!

 Ruth Anne and I laughed a hearty belly laugh at how I looked stopping my run and staring at the ground without communicating what I was doing. I told her "Wait a sec. I gotta see the date." "No put that dime away, we've gotta finish this thing."

And so I did and so we did.

We cranked up the heat in the car putting our jackets and headbands in the back seat. We had an amazing feeling of accomplishment for having the courage to start and then finishing our 5K. Ruth Anne checked the date on the dime. It was 2022. That was the year that the mother of Ruth Anne's best friend with whom I was very good friends made her transition. We've been experiencing a lot of signs from her.

"Yup that was Carol," Ruth Anne said.

On the drive home we reminisced about Carol and the special times Ruth Anne shared when she'd spend time at her best friend's house. We were both very happy that I decided to stop on a dime in the midst of wind and rain to remember an old friend and to experience a hearty laugh!

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.

On 9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp for a book signing and inspirational conversation, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong." Details are on the News and Events  Page.

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 Fabulous Four Miler & An Early Morning Run

After a major setback in my health and wellness journey in 2021/2022, I realized that I could have hung up my running shoes and focused on trying to maintain my fitness routine as best I could. But I realized, with the help of my husband and daughter, that I had not come that far to only go that far. I remembered all I had done to heal my life up until that point, after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, and after a serious knee injury in December of 2014. I knew that the comeback is always greater than the setback. I also knew I had nothing to prove. Running the 2009 Boston Marathon and 3 Half Marathons in Bermuda was a great feat and I certainly could have rested on my laurels sharing my incredible journey as a most unlikely runner. But something stirred deep within my soul. My comeback is shared in my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior." After mastering the distance of the 10K again, I experienced a wonderful momentum enjoying everything I fell in love with when I first started my running journey.

On 9/7, I was inspired to go beyond my usual 5K with a 4 miler. It was a glorious end of summer day.

 

I am delighted to feel the joy of running again feeling strength and freedom in my body.

 

 

 

The Gone for a Run Calendar on 9/9 had this quote:

It was a glorious morning and I was delighted that we set the alarm to be treated to the dawn of a new day:

I write in my bio how every day is a celebration of life for me at the age of 70. While life will always have its challenges, running always helps to clear away the cobwebs of worry and brings refreshment mind, body and soul.

We have been so blessed with end of summer weather of abundant sunshine, warm temperatures and low humidity. There's rain in the forecast and the Fall Equinox is on the horizon. Stay tuned for the next season of running!

 

 

 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.

On 9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp for a book signing and inspirational conversation, "Running With Health Challenges as Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong." Details are on the News and Events  Page.

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.