Celebrating My Race-iversary!

 

 

 

Wait! What?? "Easy out Alper," the last pick in gym class, the one who was bullied, taunted and teased after contracting paralytic polio in 1959 found herself at the starting line of her first 5K race on June 1, 2008? 

You better believe it. Or maybe it's kind of hard to believe. In December of 2006, I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome. I'd been told to expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged and to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair! In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. I knew I was at a crossroads in my life. I'd been told that, in order to try to stabilize the symptoms where they were,  I needed to quit my award-winning career as a VA social worker. I was in a toe-up leg brace using a cane and at times, a wheelchair for mobility. The prognosis was dire. It was the dark night of mind, body and soul BUT as I sat at my dining room table looking over the papers of "new age" teachers who in truth were touting ancient wisdom, I felt this urge to create overtake me. But create what? My career was coming to an end and my twins were grown. The poem, "Running the Race" flowed out of me.

 

I was curious. Why was I imagining myself winning a 10K race given the diagnosis and prognosis I received a few short months before writing that poem. Poetry flowed out of me as though a spigot was turned on in my soul. I was blessed to have a physical therapist and then a personal trainer who believed in the body's tremendous capacity to heal. My personal trainer, Janine believed in what Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right!" At first, Janine held the belief for both of us that I could get stronger, but as we worked together, with writing poetry and working as hard as I did after contracting paralytic polio to regain functioning, I experienced a connection to my body I'd not known before in my life.

 

In February of 2008, Janine asked me for my next goals. Without any thought, after listing the desire to feel free in my body, take a dance class, come out of my leg brace, diversify my workouts, I said, "Wait! I have one more goal!" With her hand on the door knob and her bag of equipment packed, she asked, "What's that?" "I want to run the Boston Marathon next year for Spaulding Rehab. I hear they have a Race for Rehab Team." She was totally non-plussed. She put down her things and out of all the things she could have said, she said, "Well. You are going to need a pair of running shoes!"

 

She recommended that we put races on our training schedule. The first race was the Corrib Pub 5K. You can see from the look on my face in the above photo that I was wondering what am I doing here and feeling a combination of nerves and excitement. I loved how I felt in my body when I ran. Janine took me from a walk/run teaching me that running is just like walking only faster. The first time I ran, my heart rate went up over 160! Janine helped me to train mind and body.

 

I had no idea of what to expect at the Corrib Pub 5K. It was my first exposure to what the running community is all about. Runners were incredibly friendly and talkative. I was shocked by their reaction to my story having only known jeers and taunts when it came to any athletic endeavors. Tom shared my story as we ran through the streets of West Roxbury. Spectators lined the course with hoses to cool down the runners.  I was running through sprinklers! I experienced a sense of joy, exhilaration and freedom that, up until those moments, existed only in my imagination when I wrote poetry. I may not have had the right gear or "looked like a runner" but the running community embraced me as one of their own!

 

The runners who we spoke with at the start of the race were at the finish line to cheer me on. It didn't matter that I ran slowly and had to walk part of the race, especially the hills. What mattered was that I had the courage to ditch a diagnosis and take on a monumental challenge despite never having run a day in my life. What a great first race experience and an introduction to a community that has become like family to me during these 17 years. 

 

This is what I looked like after doing something I'd never done before in my life; something I never dreamed I could or would do except in my imagination:

I will be forever grateful to Corrib Pub for having an all inclusive race culture as I celebrate my 17th Race-iversary. It got me off on the right foot on the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon.

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. 

 

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.

 

The Magic of 2024 Los Angeles Marathon Weekend - Part 1

 Jet Blue flight #687 from Boston to LAX was on time to begin our LA Marathon Weekend adventure. We went to Davio's for breakfast. Ruth Anne really wanted oatmeal but it wasn't on the menu. Our waitress said that there are so many runners who pass through especially around the Boston Marathon that it should be on the menu. Ruth Anne had packets of oatmeal and a bowl that she was going to use for race day. The waitress brought her hot water. After we finished our breakfast, she cleaned out the bowl! Fortunately we packed extra oatmeal packets.

When the Jet Blue representative arrived to the gate, Ruth Anne said she was going to see about getting us an upgrade to Even More Room seats (that typically cost $180-$198 per seat). "Excuse me," she said. "I am running the LA Marathon on Sunday and I was wondering what the cost would be if any to upgrade to Even More Room seats. "Just give me a minute," Laura with curly red hair and freckles said. When she returned, her beautiful blue fingernails (matching the blue of Jet Blue) moved quickly across her keyboard. "May I see your boarding passes please?" She ripped them up! "Are you giving us an upgrade?" Ruth Anne asked in a stage whisper.  

"Shhh," she said. Just like that we were moved from row 14 to row 7 right near the bathroom with even more leg space. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we boarded, Ruth Anne noticed that the woman in the row in front of us was wearing a St. Elizabeth's Medical Center jacket. 

 When we got up to stretch, Ruth Anne asked her if she worked at St. E's. She retired several years ago after working as a nurse in Cardiology for 45 years. We talked a bit about our sadness over what happened with the Steward Medical Group. After Ruth Anne returned to her seat I said, "By any chance did you know Joe Stetz?" "Well I knew of him and saw him walking around the hospital." I shared with her how Joe was my camp counselor and instilled in me the heart of a champion shortly after I contracted polio as a child at the end of summer Olympics. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio, his love and encouragement to have confidence in my ability and strength inspired me in my journey as a most unlikely runner. I told her about the coincidence at the Bermuda 10K start in 2019, when I stood next to Lynn Landry who worked closely with Joe. She said she worked with Lynn for years!

It was a smooth flight with just a bit of turbulence as we landed in LA. From an email communication with the concierge, I knew we had to take a shuttle to get a cab or an uber. We collected our one checked bag clinging tightly to our carry on luggage that held everything Ruth Anne needed for race weekend. We boarded the shuttle. Ruth Anne and I had the same thought, "How in God's name are we going to ever get transportation to the hotel with all these people?"

The doors opened and a woman in a yellow vest greeted us. She magically took our luggage off of the shuttle which had a big step and said, "Come on. I'll take you to a taxi!" There were no other shuttle greeters and she seemed to disappear after she helped us. I was so glad Ruth Anne had the same experience as I had. We both felt she had a spiritual aura to her. {We passed by the shuttles on our way back to the airport departures and saw no shuttle greeters!) 

When we arrived at Fairmont Century Plaza, we were warmly greeted by everyone we encountered. As is often true of race-cations, we became instant friends with the staff who went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable time. 

Although our dinner reservation for Capri at Eataly was not until 5:30pm LA time, we were hungry and tired yet exhilarated and excited. Fortunately, they were able to seat us at 4:45. The hospitality reminded us of Bermuda. 

Let the carbo loading begin:

 

 

 We bought provisions of bananas and tangerines and enjoyed the glorious Los Angeles sunshine on our short walk back to the hotel:

 

 

 Rather than unpack, we went to the rooftop pool to watch the sunset:

 In room dining is a race-cation tradition:

 

After breakfast, Ruth Anne went to Santa Monica to get in a pre-race yoga practice:

I became fast friends with the concierge who guided me through the map to do a reconnaissance mission to find bus stops to the start at Dodger Stadium and the finish line. When Ruth Anne returned it was off to Dodger Stadium for the Expo and bib pick up. The weather forecast called for wall to wall sunshine. I noticed a few dark clouds here and there but trusted the forecast as we excitedly took a cab to Dodger Stadium.

It was quite the adventure since the cab driver spoke little English and was visibly stressed with the bumper to bumper traffic. When we arrived at the Stadium, he said that he had to drop us off in the upper parking lot. Using our inner GPS and stopping a few people along the way, we made it to bib pick up and the Expo. We felt a few rain drops but they didn't dampen Ruth Anne's spirit:

 The skies opened and we got soaked. We went into the volunteer tent. They welcomed us as we expressed gratitude for the shelter. Fortunately the shower passed and we ordered an Uber. It was scheduled to be there in 7 minutes. Whew! Ruth Anne got a notification that the Uber driver cancelled. Oh no! Someone else took our Uber. We didn't know how or where since no one else was waiting for an Uber where we were waiting. It was getting late. Fortunately we had a late lunch. Pre-race jitters were kicking in knowing Ruth Anne needed to get off her feet AND her marathon running shoes were soaked. 

We got a notification that we had to walk to meet the Uber. What?? Ruth Anne called him. He explained that Ubers were not allowed to go to Lot G. There was a huge hill leading to the general parking area. Jose was an angel who told us to wait once we got to the general parking area and he'd come to us. The return ride was so much more pleasant than our ride to the Expo. When everything seems to be going wrong, it is being perfectly orchestrated by the Divine! We had the most divine in room dining experience for dinner with chicken and salmon which we wouldn't have had if we would not have been delayed by the rain.

 

We slept in on Saturday and were treated to a beautiful sunny day which we spent relaxing by the pool. We started the day with carbo loading on the balcony with a view:

Ruth Anne and I did a shake out walk to the finish line and to the bus stop for the shuttles to the start:

 

As marathon manager, I got everything ready for Ruth Anne's 26.2 mile run from Dodger Stadium to Century City and Ruth Anne put out her flat Ruth Anne for race day:

 

While relaxing by the pool, we met our new fast fitness friends, Erica and Brendan who were running their first LA marathons. We talked about how quickly runners strike up conversations with each other and become fast friends. "Yes fast fitness friends," Erica offered. Erica was running her first marathon. Her pre-race jitters were palpable and we shared in her excitement as she kept repeating with hand gestures for emphasis, "It's gonna be fine. It's all gonna be fine." We took a picture of them and they offered to take a picture of us:

 We were going to have an early dinner but Friday evening, Ruth Anne said she wanted to eat a little later. I quickly changed the reservation at Eataly's La Pizza and La Pasta. Fortunately we were able to get a 5:45 reservation where we had more carbo loading (since spectators need carbo loading too):

The electric energy of the running community the evening before the marathon swept me away. There was hustle and bustle at Eataly as people waited to get a table and the Mall reverberated with pre-race excitement. I realized how blessed we are to have found our way to the sport of running. We felt that energy from the Mall to the lobby and elevators at the hotel.

 

 

 I said to Ruth Anne that I wanted to stop by the concierge desk to make sure about the location for the shuttles to the start and to also ask if we had to take a shuttle at the airport for departures. Alyssa was delightful and patient as she could sense my pre-race day nervous energy channeled into these questions. There was a woman standing to the side of the concierge desk wearing a sweatshirt with an LA Marathon logo on the side. She jumped into the conversation asking us where we were from, was this Ruth Anne's first marathon and suggestions for race day logistics. She gave us her cell phone number and said that if we had any problems in the morning with Ruth Anne's hospitality tent or my finding a seat at the bleachers, to please text her! She let me know that she would be there for Ruth Anne at the start which of course put this mother's heart at ease. If there were any issues with Ruth Anne's hospitality tent, she would take her into the VIP tent!  Ruth Anne had reserved a shuttle for 5:00 but she said we should get out there at 4:00 or 4:15 at the latest to give Ruth Anne plenty of time at the start to have breakfast. We thanked her profusely for her help and hospitality! Had we had an earlier dinner, we probably would not have bumped into Jen.

As the sun set, we set the alarms for 3:45am.

We felt God's blessing and presence in the magnificent beauty created by the Master Artist. We said our prayers and expressed our gratitude for the amazing gifts and synchronicity we experienced since Thursday. 

One more sleep until race day!

To be continued....

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.