Feel Free...Have Fun...Finish

 

As I toe the starting line of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K, I will be doing the best with what I've got. I've consistently trained to take on the 10K taking myself to the edge of pace and endurance. Taper time has served me well to heal up those 'niggles' in my right knee and leg, and continuing to heal the effects from a reaction to the COVID vaccine in 2022. As I take pause from training to let taper time work its magic, I realize how much I do love being outdoors getting in the miles and doing the best with what I've got. 

What are my goals for Saturday's 10K?

1) Feeling free to be me knowing that I'll be doing the best I can as one who overcame the challenges of paralytic polio and trauma. I've been clearing out the memories of lugging my leg brace trying to keep up with my peers and embodying feeling proud that I chose to take on this challenge. It's been eight years since I toed the starting line of an in person event. It's been eight years since I've gone a distance longer than a 5K. No apologies are needed for my back of the pack status regardless of who may be part of Saturday's field. After all, they did set the event up as a 10K walk! As I celebrate myself for taking on the challenge to celebrate 17 years of healing and being 70 years old, I know and trust my energy will be infectious. I allow joy to sweep away the fears about the 'time limit' as I envision myself going out there and showing what this body can do! I continuously thank my body for all it has given me. I feel a stirring in my soul remembering my why to spread a powerful message of healing, hope and infinite possibilities! 

2) Have fun! I've done 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018. I have cherished memories of having so much fun out on the course. Bermudians invited us in for omelettes and mimosas. The volunteers are incredibly supportive and encouraging. There's music and dancing in the streets. Trusting my training knowing that I will easily come in under 2.5 hours makes way for me to relax and have fun out on the course. When I allow fun to be in the forefront of my thoughts, the fears are whisked away. 

3) Finish! While I would LOVE to come in under 2 hours, my goal is to finish feeling fabulous with a huge smile on my face and gratitude in my heart. It does not matter if I am the last finisher to cross the finish line. In my mind's eye, I break the finisher's tape knowing I won my race.

I was told several times throughout my journey, that I should never have started running, that I should stop running and/or cap my distance. I understand that the medical profession is wary about giving 'false hope' and share information based on statistics and case studies. Those are powerful messages to overcome. This quote about optimism is a wonderful way to wash away those messages I received from Western Medicine:

I am infusing myself with motivational quotes as I prepare to take on Saturday's challenge:

It is three more sleeps before the limousine picks us up in the early morning hours to whisk us away to Terminal C. I focus on our flight being on time. As I mentioned, the anticipation and excitement of Race Weekend begins at the gate when Tom and I play our game, "runner or not." We ask fellow travelers, "You running this weekend?" For the first time in 8 years, my answer is 'Yes.' If someone asks me what are you hoping for, I will answer with a BIG smile, to feel free, to have fun and to finish!

From my heart to yours

In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

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

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

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

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

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

The First Half of the Year in Review

 

,
One of my Facebook friends suggested that instead of New Year's Resolutions, we write out Guidelines to Live by for the New Year. As this half of the new year comes to a close, it's a fitting time to take a look back at my intentions and see how the year is progressing.

Guidelines to Live By for 2023:
Open my heart to infinite possibilities.  By doing so, I somehow managed to manifest a return trip to Bermuda in January of 2024 and I registered and am training for the Bermuda 10K after a long hiatus from running events.

Gratitude for all my blessings. We have a gratitude jar overflowing with post its on which we have written what we are grateful for

Choose faith over fear.   During my meditations, when I notice fear and a clutch in my gut, I move my attention from the clutch to my heart. I've been using mantras such as all is well and in Divine Order or look to the skies or nature to feel the powerful connection to Source.

Expand and create - I am working on my next book and I have completely redesigned/reworked my website

Feel joy. Remembering that my natural state is joy, I allow joy to permeate my expressions of gratitude

Harness the power of mood shifters.  Music, reading, movement, enjoying nature help me to shift out of a low vibration and being conscious that I always have a choice to choose my thoughts wisely

Connect with like hearted souls. WOW - This one manifested and is manifesting BIG TIME with the On the Runs podcast squad and guests and with Mike Reilly's Stories From the Finish Line and podcast. Ruth Anne and I were featured in a Boston College news piece about our running and fundraising journeys. She is going back to finish her Masters Certificate and I've connected with many wonderful Boston College Eagles. We cherish our friendships through the years while building an ever expanding network of wonderful people to share this journey we call life! We have also met amazing people through Ruth Anne's fundraiser, A Trilogy of Half Marathons for Victory Programs.

Go on a trip. On January 1, I set the intention to go on a trip with absolutely no inkling of the how, where, why or when. One day in April, Ruth Anne decided to see if there were direct flights to Bermuda for race weekend.

Celebrate life’s moments big and small. Every day in every way! We will be celebrating the twins 36th birthday in person. Tom and I celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary with a decadent cake and Skype-ing with our son and daughter in law since there was a winter storm. My 70th birthday celebration will be Bermuda Race Weekend.

Carpe diem. When you find out there are direct flights available to Bermuda for race weekend and if you stay longer, the air fares are much lower, you just seize the day and book the flights then reach out to the Race weekend host hotel to find out that the rates are incredibly low! Deposit given! We've also done spontaneous day trips to Cape Cod.

Be grateful. For everything big and small. I've made a conscious effort to focus on being grateful for the challenges and difficult days knowing there is always a treasure to be found.

Make time for meditation and self care. Every.single.day!

Break the sound barrier of once perceived limitations - Yup - all registered for and training for the Bermuda 10K with sights on another half that doesn't have a time limit!

Let go of control and lean into whatever may be happening. Every day in every way I am working on this and being compassionate to myself while I work on this which brings me to my last guideline...

Replace judging thoughts with thoughts of tenderness and kindness--for myself and others while Tom, Ruth Anne and I remind each other of replacing judgment with compassion.

I am thrilled to look back at these intentions and see what has manifested in my life during the first half of the year. My heart overflows with gratitude for all that has come to pass and all that is yet to come. 

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 which has links to the latest articles and interviews.

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 Youtube Channel.

The next best thing to being there....

At this time last year, we thought for sure we would be planning our return trip to Bermuda for Race Weekend. Bermuda is currently a Level 4 destination according to the CDC and travel is not recommended. A month ago, Bermuda Race Weekend was cancelled. I saw posts from friends traveling to tropical destinations. Knowing I may not have choices about circumstances happening around me, I always have a choice to choose my thoughts and attitude.

Right before I was getting ready to publish my blog this morning, I opened up Lin Manuel Miranda's book, "G'morning, Gnight! Little pep talks for me & you" to read G'morning as we have done every day since we bought it a few months ago.

G'morning.
This feeling will pass.
These people will pass.
But look at you with the gift of memory.
You can time travel to the good stuff just by
closing your eyes and breathing.
Then come right back to now, eyes up for
the good stuff ahead.
You magic thing.

Synchronicity is beautiful and magical when we allow our hearts and eyes to see beyond what we can touch, see and feel and what is being told to us through the news.   

I went through my photos and changed my profile and cover photos on Facebook to photos from Bermuda. I have a photo from the beach as my wallpaper on my iPhone. I allow the joy to flow with my friends' posts allowing my imagination to feel as if I too am in a tropical destination. We've been blessed with the weather in New England for December. I savor every sight of green grass on lawns despite darkness descending earlier every afternoon until the winter solstice next week.

I am an eternal optimist and allow hope to fill my heart and soul despite the headlines. 

Fifteen years ago I was given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. As I sat in a leg brace using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility, I imagined myself dancing and running free. I harnessed the power of my imagination through writing poetry and even though my current circumstances looked quite grim at the time, in my mind's eye I was focused on winning a 10K race. I had never run a day in my life yet went on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon.

While part of me feels utterly exhausted from the pandemic; the need for Ruth Anne to be tested and boosted before she returns to grad school at BC and the impending regulations that in order to be considered fully vaccinated you need to have a booster shot, I imagine my world free from the pandemic and only needing to remember my bathing suit and running clothes when we travel again. The memories of traveling to Bermuda for many years in December, January, May and July warm my heart and soul. We look through photo albums and reminisce about our adventures in paradise. We remember with so much love the people who are no longer with us in the physical plane but feel their beautiful presence through our hearts and memories. Before I go to sleep at night, after my guided meditation ends, I ask myself where I want to go. I ignite the fire of my imagination and I can almost hear the tree frogs serenading me as I fall asleep. I see the ink from the headlines from the newspaper dripping down the front page while new good news headlines and news stories appear.

We are finding Christmas music old and new that brings us joy and focusing on all there is to be grateful for. Tom found a new 6 month contract job that is 100% remote starting in the New Year. We will be able to take a week's vacation together before he begins his new job and before Ruth Anne starts classes and a part-time job. I am looking forward to a much less frenzied pace of jobs that were not a good fit, and settling into a routine and rhythm of life.

And while I may not be getting on a plane to travel to our Bermudaful destination where we went for 5 consecutive years in January until the pandemic,

I will travel there in my mind's eye, filled with hope that one day we shall return. In the meantime, as I lull myself to sleep, look at my photos and my Facebook cover and profile photos, it's the next best thing to being there.

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

 

Shall we leave today?

 

 

There comes a moment when you just let go and allow joy to happen. After Friday morning's meditation, I felt a stirring in my soul. I asked Team McManus what they thought about seeing if we could get our hotel room a day early and head to NYC to thoroughly enjoy the experience and be rested for Saturday night when we had tickets to see Jagged Little Pill. Tom and Ruth Anne were ecstatic. Nine phone calls later, we were booked for Friday night. I kept getting bounced back between the place where I originally booked the reservation and the hotel. I wondered if it was a sign we weren't meant to leave on Friday but then I received an agent who helped me schedule the room for Friday.

While Ruth Anne was at work and Tom worked from home, I went into high gear getting everything ready and packed up for our New York City adventure. Tom finished his work from home day at 3:30. We hoped to be on the road by 4 with a stop in Providence for dinner.

We were on our way to our first vacation since Hyannis Marathon Weekend in February of 2020!

We didn't account for traffic on a Friday afternoon heading to New York City. Our plan for a stop in Providence was quickly changed as we literally went around in circles trying to access 95 South according to "Google girl" helping us find the fastest route.

 

We were treated to a spectacular sunset:

We changed the destination to our hotel and decided we'd stop at a place along the way.

 

We put our faith in "Google girl" to somehow redirect us and get us to NYC some time before midnight which was when our reservation would turn into a pumpkin according to reservations. I told reservations we planned to arrive some time around 9.

 

We found a service plaza on the Mass. Pike, donned our masks and explored our options. We decided on Cheesy Street Grill where two gentlemen worked hard to keep their area clean and serve up sandwiches to their customers. There was an intensity and dedication to their work. We decided that somehow we were meant to eat there, give these two servers a really good tip and tell them how awesome they were. The sandwiches were delicious and we were ready to go the distance to NYC.

Fortunately the traffic was light and we made it to NYC just before 10. We unpacked the car and Tom took the car to the parking garage where we would receive validated parking after check out. He arrived back at the room and we were so relieved we made it and would get a good night's sleep with a full day in New York on Saturday.

I asked Tom where our cooler was with our water bottles, sparkling water and fruit. "Oh shoot. I left it at the car," he said.

"No problem," I said. "We will get it tomorrow."

"Um no. We can't. They take your car and park it and you can't get to it until you're ready to leave." 

I watched him go through his pockets and asked him what he was looking for.

"Oh no. I must have dropped the receipt!"

He went back and fortunately there was a wonderful attendant who not only replaced the receipt but went to the car to get the cooler.

We all settled down despite the excitement for what Saturday's adventures would bring!

To be continued...

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

It's Been Awhile - Countdown to NYC - The Joy of Anticipation

 

When I received this email from Mama Mia, a classic New York City Italian Restaurant within walking distance of our hotel and the theater district, I felt an intense mix of emotions!

The last time I took out a suitcase to pack was in February of 2020 for the Hyannis Marathon Weekend. My suitcases would be rolled in and out of the closet at least several times a year. We did destination  race weekends and traveled to Cape Cod and Bermuda for vacations. 

There was quite a bit of dust around the wheels from its lack of use. I'm the type of person who starts packing about two weeks in advance checking things off of our to pack list. Our blue carry on suitcase that we will use for our overnight trip to New York is just standing in our bedroom. 

I'm almost at a loss for how to proceed because it's been so long since we've gone on an overnight trip. After we were fully vaxed, we began to make plans and anticipate with great joy events and travel. And then came the Delta Variant and a new set of guidelines. Do I allow myself to fully experience the anticipation of a road trip, experiencing the joy of the city that never sleeps and a Broadway show? Can I allow myself to think about the luxury of not having to cook or clean for 48 hours, being with wonderful, loving friends and savoring the sights, sounds and smells of New York right before the holidays?

I've made a conscious decision to say YES to experiencing the joy of anticipation.

The New York City Marathon was held yesterday. My friends posted photos of the Expo and taking in the sights of New York before race day. Times Square's energy was electric through cyberspace. Several of my friends posted that they burst their bubble with the New York City Marathon weekend. Many of my friends have already traveled, gone to the theater and movies and dined out. I may be a little late to the party but I am emerging from the pandemic in my own way and in my own time teasing out what risks we want to take.

Writing this, I realize that I have not been away from my house for any length of time since February of 2020. It continues to feel surreal. Travel used to be an integral part of our lives. We settled into a life without travel or running events. We focused on being present, navigating the uncharted course of circumstances way beyond our control and doing the best we could to experience life to the full despite the pandemic.

Boston Marathon Weekend was our first introduction back into a world beyond our family. My soul felt nourished by the adventure of meeting new people and cheering on friends on Marathon Monday. The world has changed and shifted but our resilience and strength shines through.

Broadway's lights were dimmed for many months. Starting lines were quiet. Hotels and airports were vacant. Many many businesses pivoted or sadly closed. Restaurants moved to take out windows. Loved ones were separated by oceans as international travel was halted.

Today international travel to the United States resumed, and the front page of the Boston Globe showed moving photos of loved ones being reunited. I can only imagine the joy they felt in anticipation of reunions. International travelers are being welcomed back to the theater. The Broadway League announced today that pandemic guidelines are being extended through February 28th.

On April 22nd, Sean Allan Krill was a guest on Voices of Hope Boston's podcast, The Cardinal Cafe. He spoke with hosts Greg Chastain and Ed Siegel about the anticipation of the re-opening of Broadway in the Fall. They were setting up vaccine sites to help get the theaters open again. They talked about what it was like during the first few weeks of the pandemic and how it looked like a post-apocalyptic movie. Sean went on to say, "It's not like that now. There are more people coming to New York just to visit. I'm not sure if that's good or bad but I do believe we are on the right track. Thank God for the vaccines and that  we're working towards getting to the point where we can all sit in a big room together and enjoy something." 

Ed chimed in, 'We just have to get past the Spring break surge." 

"Exactly, exactly," Sean said.

"Well you just better be ready Sean because when things open up you're gonna have, I bet we're gonna have at least 50-75 of our members (referencing Voices of Hope Boston) who are gonna be on the bus, on the train and the first show we are going to see is Jagged Little Pill," Ed replied.

"Wow I can't wait," Sean said with such warmth and love in his voice. "You're gonna let me know.  You're gonna let me know, right? They probably won't have a line for awhile and nobody will be able to come back but I can certainly come out."

Sean went on to say, "It sounds crazy to even talk about it. I know it's not impossible but at this point a year in it does feel like, Wow, is that ever really going to happen? But let's plan that. It sounds really nice."

It's time to unzip the suitcase and begin putting in items we are going to need for our first adventure since the pandemic began. I printed out driving directions. Ruth Anne, Tom and I plotted out where we want to go during our first trip back to New York with walking directions to get there. I went shopping in my closet to find clothes to wear to the theater. 

It's been awhile since I've packed a suitcase and planned a trip with my family. But here we are. Seven months after Greg and Ed talked about a group of Voices of Hope members (of which I am an honorary member) heading to New York to see Jagged Little Pill, I am counting down to our NYC return. I am savoring every moment of the joy of anticipation. I know it's going to be better than I could have ever imagined in my wildest dreams.

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

 

Countdown to the Boston Marathon: Packet Stuffing & Boston Strong

 

Why would I stand on my feet for 3 hours helping to stuff the packets that 20,000 runners will receive next weekend when they pick up their bibs, packets and shirts before running Monday's Boston Marathon? I know how I felt when we picked up our packets, bibs and shirts before the 2009 Boston Marathon. It's the final moments leading up to crossing the starting line in Hopkinton. There's the program book filled with history and anticipation along with coupons, spectators' guide and memorabilia to cherish. 

For everyone, training for a marathon is a journey of transformation. Mine was a journey of transformation on steroids after having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. Packet stuffing is a wonderful way to give back and celebrate the Boston Marathon.

As one of my friend’s posted Facebook on October 2nd, it’s been 901 days since the last Boston Marathon. We are now 9 days away from when Boston runs again. It is a surreal time as we try to find our bearings as we sort of emerge from the pandemic. Sharing Maureen’s story reminded me of the strength, courage and resilience our city shared in the wake of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. We are now in the wake of a pandemic that shook our City and the world to its core yet we continue to experience the turbulent currents in our lives. 

When we registered to volunteer, we were overjoyed that with vaccinations, we would experience life as we had before the pandemic. Hugs, no masks, being together side by side and anticipating one of the premier events in Boston. The emails from the BAA arrived in our inbox talking about safety and precautions along with the need to be vaccinated or have a negative COVID test in order to volunteer.

 

During this time of emerging (sort of) from the pandemic, everyone talks about risk tolerance. I knew everyone would be vaxxed or tested, masked and the packet stuffing takes place in an open air warehouse. I hadn't seen running family in what seemed like forever and knew that any minor risk I was taking with my husband and daughter paled in comparison to the rich rewards of volunteering and seeing friends I had not seen in a very long time.

 

During my meditation before bed on Saturday night, I remembered how I felt about being a spectator at the BAA 10K in June of 2013. I knew that I could not allow fear to keep me away from my beloved running community - then - or now.

 

It was quite a different scene at Gentle Giant Warehouse as we stood in line waiting to be checked in with masks up and vaccination cards in hand. The former 'madame President' of L Street Running Club greeted us with both her no-nonsense laser focus on the task at hand and such kindness and love in her voice as she checked us off with hands that had beautiful blue and yellow perfectly manicured nails.

 

Tom Licciardello who has been the leader of the pack for packet stuffing through the decades greeted me with a warm hug. "How were you able to recognize me with my mask?"

 

"Oh Mary, I'd recognize you from anywhere!"

 

His wife Lyn came up and warmly greeted Team McManus.

 

We reunited with friends from the Merrimack Valley Striders and L Street Running Club. One of our friends from L Street sported a t-shirt that had Resilience on the front with a definition of Resilience on the back. 

 

The scenes from 2013 and 2021 were quite different. There were many more volunteers to get packets ready for 36,000 runners versus 20,000 runners for 2021. We had more space between volunteers and of course we all had to wear masks throughout the entire shift.

 

But one thing that doesn't change is the love running family shares no matter how much time may have passed since we see one another and our deep desire to be a part of the Boston Marathon tradition.

 

From April of 2014:

to October 2021:

 

 

 

Conversations flow with ease among runners and I was blessed to share my table with a Strider who went to Bermuda one of the years we went for Bermuda Marathon Weekend. It was great to reminisce about a time before; when we could travel to destination races needing only our passports and running gear.

 

Music kept us pumped up while we did the tedious work. We tried our best to keep the conversation light although at times our conversation turned to sharing our experiences during the pandemic. I was blessed to have a few heart to heart moments with Tom with whom I have been friends for 12 years.

We were tired and happy at the end of our shift knowing that we achieved our goal to have the packets ready for the runners this weekend when they arrive at the Expo.

 

It was glorious to see people in person, sharing the Spirit of the Boston Marathon remembering that we ARE Boston Strong.

  

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

My books to uplift and inspire you are available on Amazon.

Visit my website to learn more about my journey of transformation in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond.

Be sure to visit my News and Events tab on my website to hear interviews that will open your heart and mind to a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities.

 

 

Joyful Tears and Goosebumps

 

As I scroll through my social media news feed and receive emails about upcoming in person events, I find myself overcome with emotion. Tears overflow from a grateful heart that life can resume with in-person celebrations and that the lights will be back on Broadway. My like-hearted friends have been sharing videos like this one  that mark the end of the pandemic and the start of moving forward in our lives. 

 

As tears overflow, goosebumps appear on my arms and I feel tingles all over. I allow the tears of joy and goosebumps to wash away the fears of the past 15 months and make space for wonderful new adventures.

In August, we are going to Western Massachusetts to visit my son and his girlfriend. The twins haven't seen each other in person in 4 years. We were hoping to go last summer for their 33rd birthday but the pandemic quickly squashed those plans. There is a sense of urgency to seizing the moment and savoring life to the fullest.

In October we are going to New York City to see Jagged Little Pill. We have not been to New York in years and are so excited to return. As one Broadway actor recently said, "Intermission is over!" I feel tears well up and goosebumps all over as we anticipate these two trips.

With every post about graduations, birthdays, reunions with grandparents and lights turning back on in stadiums, businesses and theaters, I feel the rush of emotion that is felt deep in my heart in the wake of these past 15 months.

Our air purifiers are put away. There's more space on the top shelf of the bookshelf by the door that once had an overflow of masks that needed to be worn every where we went and laundered on a regular basis. Every day there's always something that triggers joyful tears and goosebumps as we heal together and emerge from the pandemic into the glorious light of late Spring.

Space

A few masks for just in case
a welcome empty space on bookshelf by the door
air purifiers stored in basement
floored we need them no more
untie stomach’s knot
space to breathe freely
freedom from havoc pandemic wrought

Savoring summertime’s sacred moments
maskless
leisurely neighborhood after dinner stroll
basking in spectacular sunsets

Once seeing life through pandemic’s lens
gratitude floods heart and soul
senses delighted by simple pleasures
time to breathe
space to be
and live life anew.

Be sure to listen to my conversation with Greg Chastain and Ed Siegel on their Voices of Hope podcast, The Cardinal Cafe. From Greg Chastain: The latest episode of The Cardinal Cafe is up! On this episode we meet Mary McManus. Mary is a motivational speaker, author, poet, 2009 Boston Marathon Finisher, polio and trauma survivor. She has a remarkable story of resilence, healing, Hope and possibilities. Once you hear her tell her story you will want to rush out to purchase her newest book of poems “Hope is a Garden” which she wrote during the recent pandemic. So please join us for this incredible story.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
Mary

For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website.  

Be sure to check out my website's News and Events page for upcoming and past interviews where I share my remarkable and inspirational journey as a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma.

My books to inspire and uplift you are available on Amazon.