Sweat and Rain on The Road to Hyannis 10K

 

Last week's theme for training runs on the road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K was signs. Coincidentally, on Tuesday evening, we were dining al fresco in our yard. We had finished our delicious BBQ and were savoring the summer evening, when my gaze was drawn upward. There had been no rain yet there it was:

It was such a spectacular sight that I asked Tom to please capture it with his iPhone. I thought to myself, "Well that makes sign number 4 for the week." I feel the gifts from the Divine's presence as I train for my next event.

This week's theme is cleansing. It was hot and humid on Saturday and Monday; for Thursday's run we had pouring rain. As George Sheehan said, "Sweat cleanses from the inside. It comes from places a shower will never reach." I was sweating so much after Saturday's 4 miler that I could not even reapply sunblock. It was wonderful to sit on the beach and enjoy a bit of a sea breeze while Tom and I refueled with peanut butter sandwiches, pretzels and sparkling water. My soul always settles by the sea. We expressed gratitude for the blessings in our lives; that we have been gifted with the sport of running for the past 17 years. Tom had been a runner in his younger days but stopped once we had twins. At first he didn't really believe me when I said that I was going to run the 2009 Boston Marathon despite never having run a day in my life and still wearing a toe-up leg brace but he humored me. Once he realized I was serious and determined, he was totally on board to support my mission.

Tom was tired on Monday morning and had a full week of work ahead. There was also a heat advisory but I got up when our alarm went off at 6:00 to get in my miles. I am delighted that I bought new singlets this year in honor of my new training cycle. Brooks had a sale. 
             

The "Run Happy" singlet was the perfect choice for Monday's run. In retrospect, it would have been smarter to adjust my pace. I ended up with a negative split on my last mile. Sweat poured from every pore and continued to pour once I got home. Although I felt a bit nauseous, I felt stress had melted away. I was refreshed and ready to start a new day and a new week. Thank goodness for air conditioning!

 

I lay in bed during the early hours of Thursday morning having awakened to bolts of lightning and thunder claps. "Oh no," I thought to myself. It's our early morning run day and I am in a serious training cycle. I meditated and must have fallen back to sleep since I was awakened by the alarm at 6:00am. No signs of lightning or thunder. Check the weather app. Only rain forecast for the entire day. It's a go!

 

As a child who contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5, wore a full metal leg brace until I was 7, was in physical therapy until 13 and just to intensify the challenge, experienced trauma in my home life, I never knew the unbridled joy of being able to run free in the rain, splashing in puddles getting muddy and messy. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I went back into a toe-up leg brace, used a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility. 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. In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance only to receive the answer to my prayer as discovering the gift of poetry in my soul. My pen became my Divining rod for healing. Early on in this wild and wonderful healing journey I had a dream about coming out of my leg brace and dancing in the rain barefoot and free like Gene Kelly did in Singing in the Rain (only he wasn't barefoot). The next morning I wrote the poem, "Come Out and Play" that is on one of the photo's from today's run at the beginning of the post. Whenever I run in the rain, I reflect on that magical moment in my journey. As Carl Jung said, "The unconscious prepares the way for the future."

 

Tom and I had a joyful run as rain soaked us to the skin. We sidestepped puddles when we could; when we had to go straight through them we laughed. I once read a quote that said, "Running in the rain makes me feel as though I can handle the whole world." Another great running in the rain quote is "Running in the rain. Exercise...Therapy... and a Shower all at the same time."

 

There was majesty and beauty that surrounded us with lush green trees, tall grass and the smell that is unique to a rainy day in Boston in summer.  When we got home dripping wet, we peeled off our jackets and hung them in the shower. It was a bit challenging to get out of my sports bra as I was literally soaked to the skin but channeled my inner Houdini. Tom and I smiled as we refueled with breakfast that always tastes so delicious after a run. We marveled at how I am celebrating 18 and a half years of healing and how, in our 70's we are training for a 10K, living life to the full, feeling joy and gratitude fill our hearts and souls.

Another week of training in the books on the road to Hyannis. I am enjoying reflecting on the week's training as much as I am doing the training runs and strength training workouts. Tom and I do our strength training on Tuesday mornings before breakfast. We were doing them during his lunch hour but really enjoy doing workouts and runs before breakfast. What a great way to kick start the day. 

 

I am cleansed, refreshed and renewed after the sweat and rain on this week's training runs, looking forward to a well-deserved rest day tomorrow.

 

"Anyone who thinks that sunshine is pure happiness has never run in the rain." ~Unknown

 

 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.

 

When Turbulence Hits -- Throttle Up Gratitude...

 and stay tuned to your DGS (Divine Guidance System)

We did not expect turbulence in our first miles of 2025 but we fastened our seat belts, locked in a lot of gratitude and held each other close. Ruth Anne was recovering from an infected cyst on her back. The last Sunday of 2024, we spent the morning in Urgent Care to have a procedure done but we still got out in the afternoon to get in our miles. With the fog, puddles, and patches of ice around the Reservoir, we opted for an out and back route on Beacon Street. On the way back, I stopped as I saw an angel on the sidewalk. It was the exact same angel Ruth Anne had spotted a few months ago in almost the same spot! It was a sign that we are Divinely protected. A message that would hold us in good stead as we navigated the last week of 2024 and the first week of 2025.

 

 

Ruth Anne and I had a wonderful run on New Year's Eve. Tom had been ill for several days with a hacking cough and he needed to stay home and rest. The cough worsened as the week wore on but he went back to work on the 2nd. He took Friday afternoon off from work. I hadn't slept in a few nights because of his cough. I felt depleted despite my best efforts with meditation and self-care so I opted to try to get some sleep downstairs on the couch. I put on a series of visualization meditations to boost my immune system. I heard grunts and a thump and ran upstairs to find Tom on the floor with an altered mental status and a temp of 102.9. My heart raced and I called 911. Ruth Anne and I went into crisis mode getting information for the first responders and praying that Tom would be okay.

Once we learned that they had ruled out a stroke and would continue tests throughout the early morning hours, we came home to pray and get some rest.

Fortunately I had access to Tom's on line medical record and learned that he had Influenza A. The altered mental status was due to encephalopathy due to the virus. We all breathed a sigh of relief that he would need lots of rest and hydration, but would make a full recovery!

On Saturday, Ruth Anne wasn't feeling well She was running a low grade temp with ear pain. She had to change providers because her insurance would no longer cover her previous pcp. Ordinarily we would have gone to Urgent Care close to our home. I stayed close to my DGS to figure out what the next best steps would be. I wasn't feeling well but knew that I was feeling the best out of the 3 of us. Ruth Anne started feeling better by the afternoon  but when she woke up Sunday morning, she suspected she needed antibiotics.

There was one appointment at 8:45 at urgent care, but I needed to have breakfast remembering how important it is to put on my own oxygen mask. At first Ruth Anne said she wouldn't take the appointment but I told her to call back and she could use an Uber. It was definitely a communication from my DGS. Fortunately the appointment was still available.

Ruth Anne had an amazing physician who suspected she had a sinus and ear infection but had to rule out COVID and the flu. They were able to fill her prescription at the clinic pharmacy. We spent the rest of the day resting and feeling gratitude deep in our hearts for good health care, insurance, Uber, antibiotics, caring professionals, a warm home, good food and being together as a family despite feeling under the weather. We were so grateful for the outpouring of prayers from our fellow passengers.

On Monday, my body experienced congestion and a nagging cough but no fever and no signs of any bacterial infections. I did, however, need to reschedule the recording of my podcast interview for The Optimism Institute. My only choice was to surrender to the circumstances and know that everything happens in Divine Timing. Bill Burke's Virtual Assistant is a delight and made the process of rescheduling the interview so easy. With meditation, visualization and rest, I am getting ready for my talk next Wednesday at Cohasset Elder Affairs. I've experienced spasms which has affected my speech; it has happened before when I get a rare upper respiratory virus and is a result of Post-Polio Syndrome. I am bringing compassion and kindness to my body realizing that the turbulence has set into motion this cascade of symptoms. I use my mantras and affirmations trusting once again in my body's tremendous capacity to heal. I focus on feeling grateful for all my body has given me through the years and continues to give me. I remind myself of how I have witnessed my body's process of transformation and healing and most recently, watching the transformation of the once infected cyst on Ruth Anne's back be reduced to a small scar! I feel Divine Love course through my cells riding the waves of emotions and physical symptoms as I eagerly anticipate seeing the seat belt sign turn off.

I look forward to getting back on the roads but know that I need to create time and space for healing in the wake of these recent stressors and upper respiratory infection. 

I appreciate that the turbulence we experienced is relatively minor compared to what the people of LA are going through. My gratitude is intensified as I focus on all the blessings in our lives. The other night, Tom and I shared how what we went through could have been so much worse if... We took it to the theater of the absurd and laughed so hard we went into coughing fits.

2025 may not have begun as we hoped and visualized. We certainly did not anticipate trips to the ER, Urgent Care and an upper respiratory virus wreaking temporary havoc with speech and spasms but with the throttle up on gratitude, a close connection to my DGS and being surrounded by the love and warmth of our fellow passengers, we are once again at cruising altitude feeling blessed and grateful.

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.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing details on my website.

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 Finding MoMo

 

On December 15, 2022, our beloved cat Jamie made her transition after a brief illness. As anyone who has ever shared their lives with an animal knows, we were devastated. But she sent us so many signs from across the Rainbow Bridge to ease the ache in our hearts. I have a journal filled with all the things she did to let us know her Spirit and love lived on. I am so glad we documented her time with us in photos. Here are a few fond memories.

Last fall, we debated about whether or not to get a dog. We couldn't get a cat because we'd always be comparing them to Jamie!

We visited the Animal Rescue League and the MSPCA Angell Memorial Animal Shelter several times. There were no dogs with whom we felt a connection. We had trips planned and knew that we had to wait until we were going to be home to bond with each other. 

This summer the urge to open our home to another animal grew stronger and stronger. We went back and forth about whether or not to adopt a dog or a cat. My friend Ang Wills posts about her amazing cat Winston. I missed Jamie even more when I saw her posts but also felt that deep stirring in my soul that we were ready to adopt again.

Last Saturday, 6/29, Ruth Anne asked if she and her dad could 'just look' to see what animals were available for adoption. At the Animal Rescue League, they decided that we are definitely a cat family - 'no dog' Ruth Anne said in a phone call to me on their way home. She said that they were only going to look today, but I heard something in her voice. "Did you see a cat you'd like to adopt today?" I asked. She told me about Bella. When I went to the website to see Bella, the strangest thing happened.  A photo and video of MoMo came up as soon as I clicked on Adopt on the Animal Rescue League website.

"Did you see MoMo?" I asked.

"I think we did," Ruth Anne answered.

Ruth Anne and her dad decided to turn around. Ruth Anne called and asked about MoMo. They said they should hurry back because a lot of people were interested in MoMo.

When they got to the Animal Rescue League, MoMo was in a Level 3 section for shyness and behavioral issues. The person who answered the phone had MoMo confused with another cat who had a lot of humans interested in adopting them. They took Tom and Ruth Anne back to see MoMo. Ruth Anne and MoMo 'knew' as soon as they laid eyes on each other. Because of MoMo's shyness and 'behavioral problems' he required another visit and a consultation with a behaviorist. It would be a few days before he could come home with us.

We returned on Sunday and put out the intention that we would be able to take MoMo home with us although the staff initially were skeptical that we could rush the process. As soon as I saw MoMo, I knew. When the behaviorists came to talk with us, they were shocked (their words) that MoMo was standing at the front of his cage, out of his box and looking at us. They made recommendations to ensure a safe transition for MoMo. We had set up the basement for him after Tom and Ruth Anne stopped at Petco on their way home on Saturday. There was a penny waiting for them on the sidewalk as they walked out of Petco.

We stayed with him in the basement as he began to get acclimated to his furever home.

They suggested we keep MoMo in his own space for as long as he needed to be there and to only have brief visits. But he'd meow when we left him alone. We spent a good amount of time with him while we all bonded with each other. On Sunday, we heard him at the top of the stairs meowing, meowing, meowing. We closed off the rest of house while he explored and continued to bond with us enjoying his new furever home and with us feeling the incredible joy of having MoMo in our home. 

Here he is:

We trusted our gut and opened the entire house. He LOVES sitting on the window sills, jumping on and off the beds and couches and loves being with us. He was born shortly after Jamie made his transition. The last thing Ruth Anne said to Jamie when we were saying goodbye to her was, "If you ever come back, let us know."Is this Jamie reincarnated? Who knows? That's the mystery and the magic of it all but we DO know that Jamie orchestrated this magnificent magical meet up with a little help from my friend Ang and her boy Winston. We are feeling all the feline feels with the magic of finding MoMo.

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.

 

Never Tell Me The Odds - Magnificent Miles on the Road to Bermuda

It was an unseasonably warm summer-like day for our Saturday miles. As we went around the Cleveland Circle Reservoir, we passed a little boy wearing a Star Wars shirt. On the front was a photo of the original Star Wars movie poster and on the back, "Never tell me the odds." We passed the father/son/dog trio twice as we got in our miles. It was definitely a sign.

The first chapter in my book, "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" has the title, "Never Tell Me the Odds." I wrote how, in many ways, my life has been like an adventure movie. I battled evil, and fought for my life. Every time somebody told me I shouldn't or couldn't do something, I turned around and said, "Watch me now." Excerpt from "The Adventures..."

The odds of becoming high school valedictorian after contracting paralytic polio and fighting for my life every night were quite slim. The odds of being selected for Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honor Society at Boston College were quite slim. It took me 4 years to complete my Masters degree in Social Work. I nearly lost the use of my right arm due to a misdiagnosed staph infection and had a 6 week hospital stay.

 I was told I shouldn't run again after a serious knee injury in December of 2014. What were the odds I would go on to run 3 consecutive Bermuda Half Marathons? It takes dedication, hard work, perseverance, fierce determination, strength and courage to beat the odds. At times, it was a messy and uncertain journey that required trusting The Force with all of my heart and soul.
 
The deck was stacked against me. Without warning, on June 3, 1959, I dropped to the ground in Kindergarten class. Three years after contracting paralytic polio, shortly after coming out of my leg brace, my father became alcoholic. Nine years of emotional, physical and sexual assaults followed until he died by suicide when I was 17 years old. In December of 2006 I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. 

What a treat to be able to run in a t-shirt and shorts on October 28th in Boston with my sights set on the starting line of the 2024 Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. The warm sunshine, dry ground, crowds of runners and walkers and thongs of individuals heading to the Boston College football game provided quite the contrast from last Saturday's training run around Jamaica Pond. After once around the Cleveland Circle Reservoir, we decided to head to the Route 9 Reservoir for a more serene setting.

My mileage goal for the day was 4.5 miles. Switching up the route in the middle of the run meant that I might not exactly hit the planned miles. That was fine with me. Saturday was one of those days when I felt as though I could run forever. I welcomed a gentle warm headwind that whisked away the sweat dripping from my brow and my back. In short order, I will experience that headwind as a challenge that might not be so welcome as it was today. After one time around my Garmin indicated 4.6 miles. 

Saturday's training run proved to be a wonderful simulation for race day. It was the first training run where I was out on the roads in a more expansive way than in previous training runs, going from point to point. I inadvertently incorporated a lot more uphills and those all important downhills by doing a two Reservoir run. Right after I finished my training run, my phone indicated it was 11:11. Seeing 11:11 is a sign of being connected to Divine power and spiritual guidance. I am able to defy the odds of a progressive neuromuscular disease through my connection to Source. Feeling Divine Presence within and around me is the fuel for this latest adventure on the road to the Bermuda 10K. So don't ever tell me the odds! The Force is strong in this one!

From my heart to yours

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.

 

Running on Gratitude

 

As a most unlikely runner, I am grateful for every step and every mile I am able to log. During these past two weeks, Tom and I have gotten up at 5:45 on Monday and Thursday to get in our miles. We have been treated to the most glorious sunrises and spectacular scenes with the way the light plays off of the Reservoir.  In the midst of challenges, it can be challenging to feel the blessings and experience grace. Running has been a constant in our lives. Early morning runs have brought spectacular sunrises and helped us stay connected to Source within and all around us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Thursday, one of my friend's commented on this photo, "If this is not a sign of healing miracles, I don’t know what is."

 

We were treated to these spectacular scenes on our way to the Reservoir this morning.

We could see the layer of fog in the distance. When we arrived, there was a layer of a veil of fog on top of the water:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's been an extremely stressful time for Team McManus with Ruth Anne's hospitalization. Yet through the entire experience, I have been running on gratitude finding blessings in my life. As we ran around the Reservoir, the veil of fog lifted. What a beautiful sign from God that even though it's a time of abiding with the unknown, the veil of fog will lift and Ruth Anne will be healed once more.

I've been keeping a journal of affirmations and gratitude, collecting messages from the Universe to uplift and support me. Starting the day with a run while Tom and I reflect on our blessings has been medicine for mind, body and soul. We are blessed with an amazing village. When I shared on Facebook that Ruth Anne's discharge was delayed, over 110 people sent love and prayers. Ruth Anne and I are members of Dr. David Hamilton's Personal Development Club. Here is what one of our dear friend's who lives in Liverpool posted: 

I rarely come on FB these days (long story!), but I just wanted to come here and share our little healing circle post for Ruth Ann and Mary and their entire family, who are going through such a difficult time right now. I know we are all sending prayers, healing energy, and positive vibes, and I know for sure we have so much power to make a difference.

 

Mary, you are so strong and resilient in the face of challenges - you've proven that over and over again. Your unwavering courage is an inspiration to all of us. Ruth Ann, your kindness and compassion have touched the lives of so many, all the work you do to support others is incredible and now it's our turn to send that love back to you. 

 

In times like these Dr David's beautiful community gathers so much love and collective positivity that it's impossible for it not to have an impact - I believe that with every ounce of my being.

Let's continue to send our love, thoughts, and healing intentions to Ruth Ann and Mary. May their spirits be lifted, and may they trust that all will return to perfect harmony really soon. This and so much more.

Stay strong dear friends, and stay focused on your incredible healing powers.

With so so much love!

GO TEAM MCMANUS!!!

Tom has job security working from home remotely at Virginia Tech. Two years ago we were in the midst of great uncertainty with his job at Boston College. He took a leap of faith and retired after the job took a toll on his physical and mental well-being. He did contract work for another company before landing a contract gig with Virginia Tech. They were so impressed with his talent and skills that they offered him a full time job -- at the age of 70! I am training for the 2024 Bermuda 10K. We haven't been to Bermuda since right before the pandemic hit. Our friends on the Island are so excited to welcome us "home." 

Our conversations on our morning runs do focus a lot on what's happening with Ruth Anne as we release our worries and fears to the Universe. My hope is renewed with the dawn of the new day, seeing the sunrise and the majesty of God/Divine/Source - whatever word you choose to name the loving Creator of all, so present in nature. When we focus on the blessings in our lives, we set a wonderful tone for the day running on gratitude.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary 

Visit my ***NEW*** 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 https://www.youtube.com/@OnTheRuns to enhance your podcast listening experience!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two Pennies and a Dime!

 Despite getting up and out of the door early for Saturday's four mile run, the heat and humidity was intense as we ran around the Route 9 Reservoir. We slowed our pace, made sure we hydrated and fueled but by mile 3, I hit a wall. A big wall! My thoughts were "How will I ever be able to do another 3.2 miles in Bermuda. I am running on relatively flat ground. Bermuda has hills on the 10K Course." I quickly reeled in those thoughts along with all the fears that reared up about not finishing before the finish line closed and told myself to be in the mile I was in. When we finished the four miles, I thought "See it's only another 2.2 miles. You've got this and look at your pace. Even in the heat and humidity, you were well under the pace you need to finish before the finish line closes." 

While Tom and Ruth Anne finished their training run on the road to Half Marathon #3 for Ruth Anne's fundraiser for Victory Programs, I reflected on the Virtual First Run 5K on January 1st. During my training, I focused on maintaining regular running and strength training workouts, rekindling my joy of running and preparing for a 5K. I took the week off before I did the Virtual 5K focusing on strength training and on 'race day', I nailed a pace I had not seen in a very long time. I loved challenging myself as the only competitor and was thrilled to see the results on the race's website. I finished several places ahead of the last runner. 

Saturday's date was July 15th. It was the birthday of our dear friend, Herb Simmons who introduced us to Bermuda and the 7 month anniversary of when our cat Jamie had crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. On our way to lunch at Joe Pace and Sons, we found a 2023 penny. Tom, Ruth Anne and I all agreed that it was a sign that 2023 is the year of Team McManus. As we got closer to the restaurant, there was another penny dated 2006, the year Ruth Anne graduated from High School. Commencement - new beginnings - and celebrating where we are today!

Our friend Joe who we knew from when we went to Joe Pace and Sons in the North End when I worked at the VA,  took time to lovingly prepare our sandwiches. We sat outside, seeing the water of Boston Harbor and savoring every bite of our well earned sandwiches. We took recovery naps when we got home as I continued to transform any fear or doubts into imagining the magic of race weekend giving thanks for the signs from Herb and Jamie reminding me to tap into Source and all I have been able to create in my life.

Set alarm - Rise early - run - repeat! 

High humidity and warm temperatures were once again on tap for Monday. After a meditation, we grabbed our water bottles from the fridge that we freeze and defrost in the fridge overnight, and headed out the door for magical morning miles at the Cleveland Circle Reservoir.

We make sure to express our gratitude for the blessing of a new day and the gift of running in our lives. I always feel light with a before breakfast run as I feel the light blessing a new day and a new week.

As we headed home, I saw what looked like a dime in the street. Making sure there were no cars, I went over and sure enough, there was a dime!

I felt goosebumps to reflect on the significance of a dime beyond it validating my new goal of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K in January. FDR, a polio survivor, and champion of the March of Dimes campaign to fund research for polio is on the dime. Citizens sent dimes to the White House to support his campaign to end polio. Jonas Salk became a March of Dimes grantee and his vaccine ultimately led to the eradication of polio in the US. 

This is the 2nd time we have found a dime and two cents since I made the commitment to train for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K:

We found the first dime and two pennies in Falmouth in May. Herb also introduced us to the beauty and joy of Falmouth and Martha's Vineyard shortly after I had reconstructive leg surgery in 1992. Herb made his transition on July 10, 2010 (more 10's) and although he left the physical realm, he continues to let me know he is with me blessing every step of my journey on the road to the Bermuda 10K along with other angels who have woven together my beautiful tapestry of life. 

I look forward to relatively cooler runs with a renewed sense of optimism and faith on the road to the Bermuda 10K!

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** 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 https://www.youtube.com/@OnTheRuns to enhance your podcast listening experience!