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.

Let's see what this body can do...

 

“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.” ~Richard Bach

“Let’s see what this body can do,” is a phrase that has echoed throughout my healing journey after I was blessed to meet Janine Hightower in October of 2007. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what this body could do after the setback in 2021/2022. Throughout this training cycle, I have been in awe of how my body responded to the training and how I harnessed the power of my mind to work with my body to nourish it throughout the training. I went beyond what my eyes were telling me with knee pain, calf spasms and different sensations including nerve pain. I was mindful about how far I did push myself modifying my training plan when necessary. I developed a training plan that I knew would work well for me to have success when I toe the starting line on January 13th.

My plan for Saturday’s training run was for 4 miles. As we approached the Cleveland Circle Reservoir, I needed to go home to go to the bathroom not wanting to risk what happened with Ruth Anne during last Saturday’s training run. Tom and I were left once again to calculate miles given the change in route. We thought we had a fool proof calculation but somehow we ended up with over 4.3 miles. We laughed at how we can never seem to get it right and used the extra mileage as a cool down. The torrential rain stopped as the temperatures climbed. I changed out of my winter jacket to a windbreaker when we made our pit stop. Everything worked out as it was supposed to. 

I embrace the soreness and discomfort knowing that there is power being stored in my body and mind to be unleashed on race day. I feel stronger mentally and physically for taking on the challenge to see what this body can do. For the first time in 4 years, I am anticipating a winter vacation. This isn’t just any ordinary vacation. It’s the first time since 2018 that I am off the sidelines. 

I remember when people asked me why I didn’t take a ‘normal vacation’.  It’s hard to describe the exhilaration of anticipating a reunion with runner friends in Bermuda or checking off what I need to pack for me as a runner instead of a spectator! When I wheel my carry on off of the plane, I anticipate feeling the thrill of having a suitcase filled with my running gear.

My anchor memory of taking on the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K is the Boston Marathon. I recall all the mental training tips for race day. The coaches told us to feel as though we filled up a balloon during the training. We slowly let it all out along the course leaving plenty in the tank for a strong finish. There was only room for thoughts of success in the final weeks leading up to Marathon Monday.

 During today’s training run, I embraced the blast of cold air giving thanks that Bermuda will be much warmer than today’s high of 38 degrees.

 

 

I focused on all that I accomplished during this training cycle. While I see many posts from my friends’ races seeing paces far faster than mine knowing I will be in the back of the pack for the 10K, I straightened my spine and let a smile cross my lips. I felt the power of the miracle of healing I created during these past 17 years. I am proud to be off of the sidelines bringing a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities as I tackle the Bermuda hills.

On January 13, as I cross the starting line of the 2024 Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K, I am going to see what this body can do!

 

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.