There is a quote that says every storm runs out of rain. It was hard to believe that to be true in the Northeast during the past few weeks. It was cold, raw and rainy but one must brave the elements when one is training. You never know what the weather might be on race day. I was never afforded the luxury of being out in the rain as a child splashing in puddles and feeling that unbridled joy and freedom of being out in the elements. Still, even I, with my attitudes of optimism and gratitude was getting tired of the unrelenting gray skies and rain. I was reminded of Helen Keller's quote about pessimism and knew I needed to get a new perspective.
I baptized my new Altra running shoes during these runs and was very impressed with how well they held up keeping my feet relatively dry. As the dreary days dragged on, I knew I needed a mood shifter on my runs. I thought about building an ark as a distraction but I wanted to find a way to be present. In Winter, it might have been a bit more challenging to find a shift, but we are having a most glorious Spring here in New England. Big thanks to these periods of rain followed by abundant sunshine.
I found the most glorious purple bush and stopped to take a photo:
In December of 2006, when I was diagnosed with the progressive neuromuscular disease of Post-Polio Syndrome, I felt as though I was being drawn into the vortex of darkness; of a doom and gloom prognosis. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged, possibly need a feeding tube and a sleep apnea machine at night. It wasn't until February of 2007, when I got still and asked for Divine Guidance, that the light pierced the darkness that enveloped me.
I had no idea how or when the answer to my prayer would come. It came very quickly in the form of the poem, "Running the Race." The portal to healing opened wide as I fired up my imagination shifting perspective and perception of my current situation. It was quite a miraculous process. I wrote that first poem, "Running the Race" while wearing a toe-up leg brace, using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility. I felt no pain when I wrote poetry. I kept a yellow legal pad and pen with me at all times. I was even so bold as to start "New World Greeting Cards Customized Poetry for Every Occasion" as I began planning my Second Act and taking a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career.
Amidst the doom and gloom of news; attempts to instill spine chilling fear in our hearts and minds, I consciously shift perspective focusing on beauty, optimism, kindness, gratitude in both my own behavior in real life, the behaviors of others and in my news feed. Is this serving my mental health and well-being is a question I frequently ask myself. Do I want to focus on the fog, the lackluster gray of the Reservoir and muddy brown puddles or the spectacular splashes of purples, pinks, whites and lush green that can just as easily draw my attention if I allow it to. Even if I do focus on the muddy brown puddles, I can feel the joy and gratitude that I am now physically able to splash in puddles.
The great thing about perspective is we get to choose where and what we focus on. If I would have focused on the experience of a progressive neuromuscular disease, I'm not sure I would still be here and I certainly would not be sharing the wisdom I garnered through these past 18 years of healing. If I choose to focus on doom and gloom scrolling rather than fanning the flames of hope, gratitude and optimism, I will sap myself of life's joys while also placing my health at risk.
Here's to directing our perspective to life's beauty, joys and goodness. As Helen Keller so eloquently said, "No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit."
From my heart to yours--
In health and wellness - Mary
Visit my website
to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection
helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006
that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I
went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have
many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently
updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking
engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.
My books 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. Be sure to visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews.
18 years ago at this time, I was bringing home my personal belongings from my office at the VA getting ready to take a leap of faith on 5/25/2007. In December of 2006, I was given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. I felt much older than my 53 years. Wow! What a grim prognosis. So in February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The answer to my prayer came in the form of a poem, 'Running the Race" that foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run! Poetry flowed out of me as if a spigot was turned on in my soul. At the age of 71, I am still setting new goals on and off of the roads, and continue my journey of healing and transformation with joy; every day is a celebration of life. Ellen Langer's "Counter Clockwise" is a phenomenal book that shares how our thoughts, beliefs, and environment affect how we 'age' as we get older.
In Dr. Langer's book, she presents a fascinating research study of taking a cohort of men in their 70's and having them go on a retreat where they lived for a week as though it was 1959 and showed dramatic improvements in their hearing, memory, dexterity, appetite, and general well-being, Langer shows that the magic of rejuvenation and ongoing good health lies in being aware of the ways we mindlessly react to social and cultural cues. They were also away from their well-meaning children who reinforced their behaviors as 'old men.'
Reading books about healing, the mind/body connection, running, inspirational memoirs and listening to podcasts that fuel hope, optimism and inspiration during these challenging times are vital to my health and well-being; as is setting goals.
My initial goal for 2025 was to train up to the half marathon distance again. I got an email from The Fun Road Race Company about early bird pricing for the Hyannis Marathon Weekend that includes a 10K. There is no time limit because the finish line stays open for the 10K, the Half and the 10K. The last time I ran the Hyannis 10K was in 2016. It was after a serious knee injury in 2014 when I was told that I shouldn't run or cap my distance at a 5K and prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years. I ran it after running the Bermuda Half Marathon in January and went on to run two more Bermuda Half Marathons.
As I write about in my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior," I had a major setback in 2021/2022 after an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine (despite my best efforts harnessing the power of the mind/ibody connection). I was a DNF at the Bermuda 10K in 2024 (after contracting COVID in December) but on May the Fourth of last year (as in May the Fourth be with you) finished my unfinished business. Now that Ruth Anne crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon, and I am no longer support crew/marathon manager, it's time for me to focus on my goals.
The Hyannis Marathon Weekend doesn't conflict with Tom's Birthday/our anniversary on March 2nd and even though it does conflict with the weekend of The Boston Run Show, I just know I am meant to do this again.
My new training cycle began yesterday on a glorious day in South Boston. Since Tom and Ruth Anne are in between training cycles, they could go with me for a 5K and helped me to push my pace.
Off the roads, I applied to be the Massachusetts Poet Laureate. Hey why not right? I have a very impressive resume and unique story as a poet. I am also reaching out to the Newburyport Literary Festival to suggest myself as a presenter next year. It would be a wonderful full circle moment from April of 2007. I am open to the Universe to explore what other opportunities may arise for speaking opportunities and podcast interviews.
There is no need to wait for the New Year to set new goals. Remember always you are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream!
From my heart to yours--
In health and wellness - Mary
Visit my website
to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection
helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006
that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I
went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have
many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently
updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking
engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.
Be sure to
visit my Author Page on Amazon. My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities;
what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary.
My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a
Warrior" is receiving rave reviews. It's a selection of the WBZ News
Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner.
As a poet, I love metaphors! The current political climate is reminiscent of the White Witch in the Chronicles of Narnia. As I watch the thawing of the Reservoir during our runs, I was inspired to remember "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." I even heard the ice crack the other day.
On Saturday, there was a stiff headwind coming off the Reservoir. Tom and I opted to do an out and back on Beacon Street. Despite the felt like 13 degree temperatures and the strong headwind, seeing flowing water on parts of the Reservoir, filled my heart with hope and gratitude. Aslan is on the move; Spring is coming!
The felt like single digit temperatures, navigating around snow and ice have made getting outside to do our miles challenging. During the pandemic, we had no choice and so we harnessed our strength, donned layers and honed in on mental toughness feeling particularly bada**. Tom and I talked about "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" recalling how good prevailed and Spring returned to Narnia.
Eighteen years ago, I was literally and figuratively in the winter of my life. I'd been diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disease and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. I should expect an accelerated decline as I aged and might very well need a feeding tube and a sleep apnea machine at night. Based on how other polio survivors aged, Western Medicine believed that the damage from the initial polio virus was permanent and irreversible. The power of the mind/body connection and neuroplasticity were not factored into the prognosis equation.
When I say that every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing, whatever the weather may be, I know how fortunate I am to have asked for Divine Guidance in February of 2007. I discovered the gift of poetry in my soul that unleashed my imagination using visualization to create a future very different than the one Western Medicine predicted for me.
Before the awakening that happened after the diagnosis, I did not have this deep sense of appreciation and gratitude for the miracle of my life nor the world around me. While there is much happening in Washington and as such the world that is so distressing, I believe that this Winter will turn into Spring; that there are mighty forces at work both great and small, seen and unseen. Justice, truth and light will ultimately prevail. My optimism was born within me after I contracted paralytic polio. Although my mother was addicted to prescription drugs and unable to care for me and I had to wait for my dad and grandfather to attend to my basic needs, I felt and saw a spiritual presence. Although there was no hand and I lay paralyzed from the neck down, I was invited to step into a well bucket. I left my body and met this Being. I chose to return to my body knowing that somehow some way I would make it through. Through all of my challenges throughout my life, and all the challenging circumstances I have lived through such as the 2020 pandemic, I have carried that belief deep within me in my heart and soul.
The Universe speaks to me through various channels to continue to fuel optimism and hope. This morning, The Optimism Institute posted this quote:
You can fuel your optimism by subscribing to The Optimism Institute's Blue Sky podcast.
And what better way to fuel optimism than with signs of Spring knowing that Aslan is on the move!
The Rezzie on Monday morning's run:
From my heart to yours
In health and wellness - Mary
Visit my website
to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection
helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006
that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I
went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have
many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently
updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking
engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.
My books are available on Bookshop
that share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities;
what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. Be sure to
visit my Author Page on Amazon
My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a
Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News
Radio Book Club.
The fear of ice and snow and slush embedded in my soul a training run in winter - the path to Being whole. A winter scene - Jamaica Pond - a feast for eyes' delight to witness nature's splendor and behold this glorious sight.
A leaf - a tiny dancer - skating free without a sound God's breath directs her movements as She guides her twirling 'round. Families of ducks decide to walk or take a dip a comedy of errors into icy water slip.
Branches now bejeweled though bare bend with loving Grace sparkling diamonds' anchor water's surface hold in place. God's hand a glove of glistening snow hugs rocks along the wall their heads peek out reminding me I'm answering God's call.
A scene I'd never witness if I let my fear take hold courage triumphed, steppin' out with footsteps sure and bold. Knowing that the pain subsides and Spirit can prevail the Marathon is beckoning - through those miles I shall sail.
It's time once again for winter running in Boston. Eighteen years ago, I experienced cold intolerance. The nerve damage from the initial polio virus tampered with my body's thermostat. At the Spaulding Rehab Post-Polio Clinic, the physical therapist recommended silk long johns and gloves. She, along with the rest of the team said I should use a cane with an ice gripper. I was at high risk for a fracture given that the bone density test indicated osteoporosis. They were basing their recommendations on the data for polio survivors. I am so deeply grateful for their advice that helped me take those first steps on my healing journey.
In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance and discovered the gift of poetry in my soul. The runner within me was born in my imagination! In February of 2008, I declared that I would run the 2009 Boston Marathon for Spaulding. I discovered the joy of being outdoors in winter that I experience to this day.
It took a great deal of courage to over ride the fear I experienced as I felt unsteady on my feet especially in winter. But oh what a glorious world opened wide as I embraced the elements and felt amazingly alive as I did during these past few weeks of magnificent miles.
Here are a few photos capturing the joy of winter running:
It felt like 17 degrees but we still had smiles for miles.
What a joy to celebrate 18 years of healing and my 71st birthday on Christmas Day!
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.
"My morning run is the in-between space between yesterday's problems and today's beautiful possibilities" ~Anonymous
This past week has had many challenges for Team McManus but with our strength, grit, resilience and determination we made it through! When I heard that the temps were going to be 100 degrees with the heat index, I set my alarm for 6:30am to get in my Monday morning miles. I knew I needed solo miles this morning to clear out the cobwebs of worry and to get into a head space of positivity and gratitude. It was a gorgeous summer morning although the heat and humidity of the day was beginning to creep in. I let the sweat wash away my worries and tap into the infinite possibilities of a new day and a new week!
During my run, I decided that when I begin my day, I want to start with setting the intention of how I am going to take care of myself today, what am I going to create and what steps am I going to take to move in the direction of my dreams. Yes at 70 and a half years old, I still have dreams!
I paused to soak up the beauty of a summer morning.
As I experienced the glory of the scene before me, I tapped into the miracle of my journey of transformation. The title of my first book in my Trilogy of Transformation is, 'Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibilities.' When I first set out to heal my life in the wake of the devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I did not know what was possible. I didn't know that it was possible for me to run the 2009 Boston Marathon despite never having run a day in my life. I didn't know it was possible to have a come back after a major setback in my journey in 2021/2022. I did not know I could have incredible adventures after leaving behind my award-winning social work career at the VA. So the challenges of the past week melted away as I poured sweat and set the intention for the day and week ahead.
Rise.run.repeat. With sweltering temps and high humidity predicted for Thursday, I set my alarm for 6:00am. Despite it being a grey day, I focused on summer's splendor knowing how quickly summertime's verdant greens yield to Autumn splendor.
As I turned the page on the Gone or a Run calendar, it said "Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations." Boy do I know how true that is. I've known challenges since I was 5 years old and each of those challenges through the years were stepping stones for me to become the woman I am today. Were it not for those challenges, I am not sure that I would live with this incredible sense of awe and gratitude; that every step I take is a gift nor would I have a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities to share with the world.
While I am not a big fan of the high heat and humidity, it does motivate me to get up early and experience the blessings of my morning run.
From "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior"
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.
2024 got off to a shaky start with Team McManus contracting COVID, and Ruth Anne experiencing health challenges. Fortunately her test results would require follow up but would not prevent us from our travel plans to Bermuda and Nashville. While I did not finish the 10K in Bermuda, the Universe set in motion fabulous friendships that are going to blossom and bear fruit in the second half of 2024. I did finish the 10K distance on May the Fourth and have been overjoyed with how my most unlikely runner journey is shaping up in 2024. I have more confidence, strength and endurance than I did before my setback in 2021/2022.
In late January, I experienced the joy of being an Ambassador for The Boston Run Show. I made new friends and had astounding moments of synchronicity meeting up with old friends. In February, Tom and I were support crew for Ruth Anne as she did her final long runs for the LA Marathon in March. There was magic and synchronicity as new friendships were forged on the West Coast. Boston Marathon Weekend was another epic weekend with meet ups and Unicorn Magic! In late April, I returned to my Ambassador role at the Boston Outdoor Expo with more moments filled with magic and synchronicity. BU Alumni Association featured me in Bostonia, a class note and the Proud to BU podcast. All of my interviews and press can be found on my News and Events page.
I finished my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior". The book release party had a small, intimate group in attendance, but people have been reaching out to me for author copies. Others have purchased the book on Amazon. It is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. I released my book on May 25th, the 17th anniversary of when I took a leap of faith, leaving behind my award-winning social work career to heal my life in the wake of the devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome.
We celebrated Global Running Day as part of the Raccoon Media Group family:
On Juneteenth we took a trip to the BU Bookstore to see if my book was available since I am a BU alum. Troy was amazing and found the book right away in the Biography section. He said that after construction this summer, they will have a display for BU Alum books. After it is purchased, they restock the book. Such a thrill to see my book at Barnes & Noble at Boston University:
We've reconnected with our L Street Running Club and shared races with them for great causes. I am definitely off the sidelines now and what a thrill to be a part of the pack again.
As we turn the calendar's page to July, it's time to get excited for the second half of 2024. I have podcast interviews lined up and reached out to local bookstores to pitch events. In September, there is going to be an epic event at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp in Rhode Island. So how did this event come about you may ask?
In Bermuda, I shared the back of the pack with Marlene Gamba. You will have to grab a copy of my book to get the full story. I invited Marlene and her daughter Melody to my book release party. They were unable to attend but as serendipity would have it, Melody is the events director for her boyfriend's gym. She asked if I would like to do an event there!
I am open to infinite possibilities for how, when and where I am meant to be to share my message of healing, hope and infinite possibilities and where I am meant to shine to celebrate 17 years of healing! My goal race for 2024 is the Bill Rodgers Jingle Bell 5K on 12/15. The race director assured me that he would love to have me and to not be concerned with when I finish although after Saturday's 2 miler, I am planning on having the best time!
Of course there were challenges that presented themselves during the first half of 2024. Since my intention is to manifest a wonderful second half of 2024, I am focusing on the highlights of the first half of the year and setting my sights on continued blessings with an attitude of gratitude for all that was and all that is yet to be!
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.
I had been working on my "Inspiration From Bill Rodgers" blog for several days. I had other things that drew my attention away from finishing the blog. To be honest, I started feeling frustrated, but on Thursday evening, I hit publish. Just as I posted the blog on social media, I received an email and saw social media posts about the 45th Bill Rodgers Somerville Jingle Bell Run and Walk. What are the chances, right? The race isn't until December 15th! I posted on the Fun Road Race Company's post, "This is such incredible timing, I did a blog post about Bill today" and shared the link. Much to my incredible surprise, Bill's significant other, Karen Gillespie, whom I first met at the Bill Rodgers 5K Run/Walk for Prostate Cancer in August of 2014 posted, "Mary McManus, YOU, my friend, are like Bill Rodgers and some of the other icons in our sport -- you inspire everyone you meet! Ever since we met, you've become one of my running sheros! Your newest book is a gem--and so are YOU!"
I was so surprised! I sent off an email to Paul Collyer, aka Paulie Race Director for the Jingle Bell. I first met Paulie via email prior to the Hyannis 2009 Marathon Race Weekend. I sent him an email asking if it would be okay for me to do the Hyannis Half given my slow pace. He embraced my journey and said that the finish line stays open for the full marathon and said I'd be welcome. That weekend marked the beginning of so many amazing runner friends who have become like family; Paulie and Bill Rodgers among them!
It was a full circle moment when I checked last year's results of the Jingle Bell to see when the last runner crossed the finish line and then sent an email to Paulie. I let him know what my expected pace would be and if it would be okay to be a participant. Paulie replied, "all welcome Mary, especially you." Team McManus is signed up to be a part of the festivities.
Tom and Ruth Anne ran it in 2019 and it was a miraculous day!
I printed out the course map and we are going to drive it and run it ahead of time so I will know exactly what to expect come race day. I know that the Universe lined up everything to have me be off the sidelines and for Team McManus to once again do an in person road race together. It will be a challenging course especially in December but the joy of running with Tom and Ruth Anne at a Paulie race will far exceed the discomfort I'll experience. As I have said since I set out on this journey 17 years ago, I knew there would be pain and discomfort either from atrophy and lack of movement or the pain and discomfort that comes with challenging the body and becoming more fit. At 70+ years old, no one would 'blame' me for choosing to be on the sidelines but I know having goals to challenge myself keeps me young and healthy mind, body and soul. And when Synchronicity is at its finest, you just have to say yes to the Universe!
See you at the starting line!
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
***COMING
MAY 25, 2024*** "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of
a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3 7-8pm at Livite Brookline in
Washington Square Brookline
Seventeen years ago, I sat in a toe up leg brace, using a wheelchair at times for mobility facing a devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. I had just started writing poetry that lit a spark of hope within me as I harnessed the power of the mind/body connection to heal my past and create a future very different than the ones the doctors predicted for me of spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expecting an accelerated decline as I aged.
I was led to the sport of running although I had never run a day in my life when I declared to my personal trainer in February of 2008 that I wanted to run the 2009 Boston Marathon.
Last year, I began a comeback from a major setback in 2021/2022. Although I was unable to finish the Bermuda 10K, I experienced the healing power of running during my training cycle. It feels absolutely glorious to be off of the sidelines again and feel the ongoing transformation of continued training. I am going to do either a virtual or in person 10K that doesn't have a strict time limit and am so excited for the AdaptX Unified 5K.
Last Thursday, Ruth Anne asked if we could go to Cape Cod to get in our miles and have a ladies lunch. It had been several years since I had the confidence to drive to the Cape but since training for the 10K and my ongoing training runs and strength training sessions, I had total confidence in being able to 'go the distance.'
The weather was windy and cold with periods of rain showers. But Falmouth Heights Beach is our happy place whatever the weather.
We let the waves be the soundtrack for our two miles and laughed in the face of the wind. There was unbridled joy and a sense of freedom as we were out in the elements. The wind howled and we felt the presence of God's protection in the mystical miles.
We went to Shipwrecked and savored delicious clam chowder and French Onion Soup in a crock with fresh salads.We were tempted to stop for an ice cream to top off our delightful day on Olde Cape Cod but chose to drive by the ice cream shops on Main Street. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I made radical changes in my diet. I cut out coffee, ginger ale and other sodas and refined sugar. I also stopped eating red meat. I know that sugar can wreak havoc with inflammation. Ruth Anne and I agreed that the momentary pleasure is not worth the unpleasant after effects.
Ruth Anne had her last run of 8 miles on Saturday before we head to Los Angeles. Ruth Anne started her training cycle with Heartbreak Running Club for her first 8 miler. It was only fitting for her to end the training cycle with an 8 miler with the Hearbreakers. We got up at 6am to meet up with the group by 7:45 allowing for meditation, bathroom time and a hearty breakfast. Ruth Anne went on her way to meet up with the group and Tom and I set out for our 5K on Heartbreak Hill.
The hills were alive with the sounds of runners training for the Boston Marathon and other Spring Marathons. There was even a flock of turkeys that were running or flying over the hills. It's an incredible time of year to be out on the Newton Hills. Runners pass each other and say "lookin' good" or "you got this!" I shared with Tom that I am still in awe of where my healing journey has taken me 17 years after taking a leap of faith and leaving behind my award-winning career as a VA social worker to "heal my life."
Since training for the Bermuda 10K, I can feel the healing power of running again in my life. I often use the hashtag every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing. For someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair according to Western Medicine, I know how blessed I am to be able to do a 5K and feel the delicious soreness that comes with consistent training and living a full and vibrant life at the age of 70.
There were several times I could have succumbed to conditions happening in my body. The first time was receiving the diagnosis. The second time was after running the 2009 Boston Marathon. The third time was after a very serious knee injury in December of 2014 and the fourth and most recent time was after an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine which resulted in a major setback in 2021/2022. But every time I chose to find a way to come back to the sport that saved me and to continuously tap into the healing power of running!
In health and wellness, Mary
Visit my website
to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go
farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and
Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and
where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.
My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon
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.
I baptized my new Altra running shoes during these runs and was very impressed with how well they held up keeping my feet relatively dry. As the dreary days dragged on, I knew I needed a mood shifter on my runs. I thought about building an ark as a distraction but I wanted to find a way to be present. In Winter, it might have been a bit more challenging to find a shift, but we are having a most glorious Spring here in New England. Big thanks to these periods of rain followed by abundant sunshine.
