Celebrating the Journey! - Fabulous 5.5 Miles!

 

Last Thursday, I was blessed to share morning miles with Ruth Anne. Dense fog filled the air. I love how the Universe offers wonderful metaphors during our runs. While Ruth Anne was in the hospital, there was a dense fog enveloping Team McManus. While we always held onto hope and faith, we did not know the outcome. 

 

We had to trust that the sun and light would break through the fog; that some how and some way, despite all appearances to the contrary, Ruth Anne would find her way back to herself and to our home.

The forecast called for a dense fog advisory for most of the day, but during our morning miles, the sun miraculously broke through the fog:

We celebrated Ruth Anne's journey of healing and how far she's come. She has amazing goals ahead of finishing her Masters Certificate and o ththen degree at Boston College, running the LA Marathon and getting back to work part time. It's so vital that we celebrate every step we take toward our goals and not wait until we cross a finish line. Ruth Anne started Occupational Therapy last Tuesday. She is so excited to be partnering again with her therapist who supp on for next Sunday's Half Marathon while Tom and I get in our miles. I was a bit anxious about the distance although I reminded myself that it was only a half mile farther than September's 5 mile runs...that is unless Tom McManus is calculating the miles - smile please!

As the weather turns cooler, we prefer to sleep in on Saturdays but with rain in the forecast for late morning, we were up and out the door early. I had a bit of pre-run jitters realizing that there are 3 months left until race day. I know each training run takes me one step closer to the starting line. I know the body achieves what the mind believes and that new sensations signal strength and building fitness! Yet this is my first in person event since the pandemic. I am going the 10K distance for the first time since 2018. This is also the first time that I am not partnering with a massage therapist or chiropractor but relying on exquisite self-care and the mind/body connection. 

We started out at an easy pace. "Tom this is for distance, not pace right?" "That's right. The pace will come as you've seen with your previous training runs." But my nerves started to get the best of me thinking about the 2 and a half hour cutoff time. It's really quite silly since my pace has been way under what's needed to make the cutoff. We've been training on hills and I can feel how my fitness is building. Last Saturday I had a PR for a 5K with Ruth Anne.

 

Tom suggested I let go of my focus on the  pace, run from the inside out and enjoy the beautiful start to Autumn. There was a lovely formation of geese and swans in the Reservoir with golden leaves gracing the perimeter of the trail that goes around the Reservoir. 

After two laps around the Reservoir, Tom 'calculated' what we needed to do to get in the extra .5 miles. When we realized he didn't get the math quite right, I used the extra distance for a cool down. We had done close to 6 miles. For those of you who might not be runners, a 10K is 6.2 miles. At the end of the day, I had close to 15,000 steps for the day! I remember when I thought 6,500 steps was a big accomplishment for me.

We celebrated my farthest run since 2018 with a hearty lunch and a long hot shower. The rain held off until later in the afternoon. I took a nap with a heating pad and visualized recovery from the run with the mantra, "My body recovers with ease." I made sure to thank every part of my body for giving me a fabulous 5.5 (+) miler on Saturday. 

Look out Bermuda Triangle Challenge Weekend - I'm comin' for you! {This is the countdown clock as of 10/9 at 10:45am.} That's a lot of mystical and magical number 3's and my moniker as runnergirl1953. What a wonderful sign and affirmation as I move ever closer to the starting line celebrating the journey!

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary
 

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others. 

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma. 

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the Weather Outside is Frightful

Last Thursday the temperatures climbed into the 40's. We watched the piles of snow from the Blizzard of 2022 begin to dwindle. There was bare pavement and even though the day was grey and cloudy, I felt the stirrings of Spring in my heart as it tuned into a few birds singing their song. I found a spot of beauty in the sky:

 

When I saw the forecast for Friday I thought, "This can't be happening. They must be getting it wrong." 

There was a Winter Weather Watch that turned into a Winter Weather Advisory with flash freezing. Friday morning brought lots of rain and we thought, "Yup they missed the forecast." We went about our day. The social media feed filled with car accidents and a flash freeze happening across the region. The rain turned to sleet and covered sidewalks, bushes and cars.

I was in awe of how quickly it happened. 

Having yet another Friday storm begged the question of whether or not we would be able to get out for our Saturday morning run. Tom and Ruth Anne had a half marathon scheduled on their training plan. I am not one to experience cabin fever but as the sleet rained down (pun intended) I felt agitated. I knew I had no control over the weather and the ice that quickly gripped the region so I knew I had to get a grip on myself!

I meditated and surrendered to what was happening. Fortunately Tom was able to safely get our groceries. We hoped that our Town would do a good job at making our neighborhood safe for our Saturday run. 

I felt deep in my soul that we just had to get out for our Saturday run. Nine miles on the treadmill for Ruth Anne last Sunday followed by two days of running in the cold caused her knee to become injured. Fortunately she had an appointment with her sports acupuncturist on Wednesday. He is also a physical therapy assistant and personal trainer. He used a combination of sports acupuncture, manipulative therapy and KT tape to facilitate recovery. Tom had dug us out from the Blizzard of 2022 and done a 10K on the treadmill. His back and legs were very sore. We knew there was no way we would do another treadmill run. My knees were not happy with my 5K on the treadmill.

As the official Marathon Manager for Tom and Ruth Anne, I got everything ready for their Half Marathon; their longest run in this training cycle. They both thought I was crazy to go ahead as if we were going to be able to get out and get in a run but I know the power of intention.

We woke up to freezing temperatures but glorious sunshine streaming through our windows. It was hard to tell whether or not the streets were safe to run. We debated about whether or not we would get in our run and if the answer were yes, where we would go. As I looked out the window, a runner passed by. "It's a sign," I yelled upstairs to Tom and Ruth Anne who were getting dressed.

I filled up the water bottles and set up the 'aid station' on the dining room table. We donned our layers and did a "Gooo Team" before heading out the door.

The first few moments were testy as we all worked to find our footing. Ruth Anne wanted to abort the mission but I pointed out, "We have no choice. It's too late to head over to try to find another route. We can't do the treadmill especially for a Half Marathon for you and Tom. There's lots of bare ground. It's time for a mental toughness run."

When we crossed paths during our loops, I was going to suggest that they might think about a run/walk strategy given the conditions. I saw them walking and they shared that they decided on that strategy after their first few miles! 

The warmth of the sun despite the cold air was delicious. 

I could feel the Divine with us during every step.

I felt triumphant after my 5K and experienced the excitement and anticipation of Tom and Ruth Anne doing their longest run for this training cycle preparing for the Providence Marathon and raising money and awareness for Victory Programs and their ReVision Urban Farm. I rang my cowbell as they completed their 21 loops on Eliot Street for 13.1 miles!

As we celebrated with pizza and tuna subs we reminisced about our Boston Marathon training. 21 loops around the neighborhood was sure better than 117 laps around the BU track. We felt the sense of celebration of Hyannis Marathon Weekend even though we won't be going to Hyannis this year. I felt a deep sense of joy and exhilaration rise up within me.

There is so much we are yet unable to experience during COVID to feel good but doing good for others is a wonderful antidote to feeling the restrictions that came with the pandemic. Not having access to a gym is a blessing. We have no choice but to go outside, brave the elements and experience the sense of power that comes with braving and embracing the elements.

These past two weeks the weather has been frightful, challenging the mettle of even the heartiest New England residents. As runners, we are trained to be strong, resilient and harness the power of our mental toughness to not let frightful weather makes our lives miserable.

As often happens in February, we see temperatures slowly on the rise and the snow piles melt. What a treat to see 57 degrees with sunshine for Saturday in the forecast.

When the weather outside is frightful I always remember, no storms last forever. Spring always returns. Resilience and strength prevail when we call those qualities up from deep within our heart and soul.

After the Storms

Blizzard and ice storms
sub zero temperatures
seemingly never ending winter
housebound
grey and gloom
thoughts turn to doom
what if's swirl with bone chilling winds.
Does any storm last forever?
Sun returns
greets me with a warm hug
stepping outside door's threshold
having met my threshold
temporarily lost my way
even in the midst of winter storms
though invisible to the eye
Divine's presence shines brightly
always guiding us home
into the light. 

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

On Gratitude Runs & Perspective

After Saturday's run, I was so grateful to wake up to melting snow and dry ground on Monday morning. As I did my 5K through the neighborhood while Tom and Ruth Anne did their 3 mile tempo run, I felt inspired to pick up my pace while feeling blessed by the glorious sunshine. Sunday was a dreary grey day in Boston and Monday's sunshine provided a delicious contrast to the gloom that dominated Sunday's skies.

Despite all the doom and gloom in the headlines, I felt uplifted with the sunbeams feeling my connection to the Divine in all of her glory. I reflected on the miracle of my healing from the effects of paralytic polio and trauma and the miracle of my being having overcome the diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome which was due in large part to the unhealed trauma of my youth. We went out over Tom's lunch hour. We all devoured our lunch savoring not only the food but how great it feels to move our bodies outdoors in the winter. 

Wednesdays are rest days for Tom and Ruth Anne so it's up to me to get my motivation gears in motion and get out the door to do my 5K. Temperatures were still in the teens when we got up but the forecast called for moderating temperatures. By 11:30 the temperature went up to 36 degrees! Talk about perspective thinking temperatures were UP to 36 degrees Fahrenheit. I was ecstatic the the arctic blast of minus 10 degrees with wind chill had quickly moved through. We've had winters when we've been 'trapped' in the Polar Vortex.

Ruth Anne insisted on taking a photo of me since I am the one who has been documenting their Providence Marathon run:

Gratitude filled my heart that she wanted to acknowledge what I continue to accomplish in my own way at my own pace. After all, 15 years ago I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair as a survivor of paralytic polio having been diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease.

I let the sun's warmth bathe me mind, body and soul reflecting on the miracle of healing in my life. Since we are in the middle of winter here in New England, I looked to the skies for beauty. I captured the presence of the Divine and angels through my camera's lens.

 

 I often use the hastag every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing. I felt it with every foot step on Monday's and Wednesday's runs. I was running what could have been a boring and mundane run around the neighborhood. Instead the run was transformed by the attitude I chose to bring to the run. I feel inspired by Tom and Ruth Anne's dedication, consistency and persistence with their training on the road to the Providence Marathon for Victory Programs and ReVision Urban Farm. Despite the climate of fear and uncertainty that dominates the headlines these days, people are incredibly generous with donations and words of support and encouragement. They know the marathon of healing that Ruth Anne endured and they know the integrity and passion that fuels Team McManus' journey on and off of the roads. The work that Victory Programs does saves lives and transforms lives. Their staff is second to none.

It could be so easy to get swept away once more, as we did in 2020, by the tsunamai of divisiveness, terror, panic and hopelessness yearning for the pandemic to end. During these challenging times I find it is vital for our family and me to stay focused on goodness, doing good, feeling well, being well and, as I talked about in a previous post, being unrelenting with compassion and kindness.

An attitude of gratitude and keeping perspective in my corner of the Universe sends out ripples of positive energy, love and moves the world into the light.

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