Hard is What Makes it Great - But Sometimes Easy Makes it Good!

Last week, the memory of my first trail race on Spectacle Island popped up on Facebook. I was so anxious about the race after Alain Ferry, the Race Director posted the elevation map on Facebook. When I sent him an email wondering if I should still take on the challenge he wrote back to me with the above quote from "A League of Their Own." I've known hard ever since I was 5 1/2 years old after contracting paralytic polio and endured years of abuse at the hands of family members until my father ended his life when I was 17, a month before I started my freshman year at Boston University. With the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 when life as I had known it came to a screeching halt, I had to "take it easy." I used a variety of adaptive equipment to support my debilitated state as I initially prepared to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. We used PeaPod for grocery delivery and I relied on my family to do all the chores. At my award-winning VA social work career, I had to scale back on taking my veterans to their other clinic stops. I once said that the day I was no longer able to do my job as I had always done it, would be the day I would leave. That day came on 5/25/2007.

I knew that an easy life wasn't the life I was meant to live. In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The poem, "Running the Race" flowed from my heart and soul. It opened the portal to healing and foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. Talk about doing hard things!

Beginning in June of 2025, Tom and I set out on a training cycle for the 2026 Hyannis Marathon 10K. It was a grueling New England Winter. The training cycle culminated with my  7.2 mile birthday run. Race weekend was cancelled. Because of the unsafe running conditions, we did a 5K on 'Race Weekend,' feeling satisfied and accomplished. A hard training cycle and going farther than I had since the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon made it great. Tom and I have been focusing on strength training and easy, shorter runs. It feels good right now!

I usually don't think about accepting accommodations to make my life easier. When we saw "Hamilton" in April, we didn't realize our seats in Orchestra Row R would require steps nor did I know there was a handicapped accessible bathroom on the first floor. This September, we bought tickets in Row B of the Center Orchestra. In April, because of all the walking we'd done before the show and needing to climb the steep stairs, I experienced muscle spasms and nerve pain although the incredible show that "Hamilton" is pierced through any discomfort I felt. When you read my blog recaps of our NYC Adventures beginning with Watch the Gap, you'll see how I am learning to walk a middle path with the challenges I still experience secondary to polio and trauma balanced with the joy of the miraculous healing I've been blessed to experience. I graciously and eagerly accepted an extended hand when there was a huge gap getting off the train at Penn Station. We "just happened" to meet Bobby Hentze, the Automation Operator at "Hamilton". What Are The Odds  that he would be coming up to the stage door just as we were taking photos.

 

After receiving a back stage tour and sharing a bit of my journey with Bobby, we embraced his kindness and generosity. While I could have easily stood in line waiting to get into the theater, I accepted his invitation to let security know that I had a 'condition' and should be at the front of the line. I was delighted when security let me into the theater lobby to sit on a folding chair until it was time to open the house.

Because we were among the first to enter the lobby, I was able to find my way to the bar (no not for a drink silly) but to find Mike Anthony, author of "Life At Hamilton." He signed my book and told me to return at intermission.

 

Rather than navigate my way through the throngs of women heading downstairs to use the bathroom, I asked for the HP bathroom on the first floor. I was able to have time to chat with Mike and get a photo.

 

One of my favorite lyrics from "Hamilton" is "Raise a Glass to Freedom", that I chose as the title for Part 3 of my Adventures in NYC blog. Musical theater has the power to transform and heal. While I've done many hard things throughout my life and especially since the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, during our recent NYC Adventures weekend, I came to the realization that sometimes easy makes it good. I am free to be unapologetically me asking for and accepting help that can bring me greater joy, grace and ease. Easy is even sweeter when someone intuitively knows what would bring me greater ease and joy. Sometimes taking the easier way leads to magical destinations. Sometimes, easy makes it oh so good!

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 Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

What if the key to overcoming life's greatest challenges lies in the melodies that resonate with our souls? Join us in this heartfelt episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast, where hosts Lynn Hoffman and Buzz Knight dive deep into the transformative power of music with our inaugural contest winner, Mary McManus. Mary’s journey is a testament to the healing power of music, as she shares her inspiring story of resilience after contracting paralytic polio at a young age and navigating a tumultuous family environment. Listen to the episode by following this link.

Through her narrative, Mary McManus reveals how music became her sanctuary. A pivotal moment in her life came when her cousin, a Broadway producer, introduced her to the world of musical theater—a vibrant escape that ignited her passion and brought her immense joy. This episode explores the profound connection between music and emotional healing, showcasing how Mary McManus found solace in melodies during her toughest times and how they helped her forge connections with others

Listeners will be moved by Mary’s reflections on the influence of her high school music teacher and the supportive community she discovered in orchestral music. These experiences highlight the essence of music as therapy, illustrating its role in fostering emotional well-being and resilience. Mary’s journey culminates in her remarkable achievement of running the Boston Marathon, a testament to her indomitable spirit and the impact of music in her life.

Throughout this episode, we delve into the broader themes of music and mental health, exploring how independent musicians can harness their art to inspire and uplift. Mary’s story is not just about personal struggles; it’s a celebration of the healing power of music and its ability to connect us all. From emotional healing through music to the stories of musicians who have shaped our lives, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone seeking inspiration.

 Join us as we uncover the magic of music and its role in personal stories of triumph. Whether you’re a fan of the music history podcast genre or simply looking for a dose of motivation, this episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast promises to resonate deeply. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of finding your voice and the transformative nature of music in navigating life's adversities. Don’t miss out on this heartfelt journey with Mary McManus, where we celebrate the stories that remind us all of the profound impact music has on our lives.

 Last year I was the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

     

 

 

This Week in Training: Dancing Through Life!

 
 

Tom and I had 4 fabulous miles last Saturday to start another week of training on the Road to Hyannis. What a joy to have dry ground and no ice or snow to navigate along with moderate temperatures and no wind. The geese flying in formation reminded us to stay connected to a Force greater than ourselves and feel the Creator in all things. We reflected on the events of the past week and opened our hearts with compassion to lives lost while talking about how we retain our optimism. The Optimism Institute founder, Bill Burke, was recently the guest on an episode of SideBar:Optimism in Action podcast. I listened to it on Friday and shared with Tom how I was uplifted and inspired by how Bill answered very difficult questions from the hosts about maintaining our optimism to meet these moments. 

 

 

As I wrote about in a previous blog, "From Atrophy to Astonishing, during one of my early morning meditations, early on in this training cycle, I embodied myself as the young, lithe ballerina in Miss Patricia's ballet class. I experienced the muscle memories from before I contracted polio.

Saturday night, I had a dream about Miss Patricia only we had aged in the dream. She was holding class for a small group of older women. In the dream, I called her Patricia when I asked a question of how many steps we should take before we made a certain dance move. I loved the joy of feeling free in my body and dancing again. When I woke up I felt amazing remembering how happy I was for two years in her ballet class before contracting paralytic polio. 

This week's theme for my training cycle is "Dancing Through Life." I listened to the song from Wicked when I was in the waiting room for my therapy appointments after the diagnosis and having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. I made the decision that even if I had to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I would do so dancing through life as happens in the song. Little did I know that in February of 2007, I would discover the healing power of poetry and become a most unlikely runner! 

 

For Monday's strength training session, I was drawn to this quote from Dr. Joe Dispenza. It's my why!

 I love starting a new day and a new week with a before breakfast rigorous strength training workout with Tom. I can't believe that we are in the final 7 weeks of training. There will be so much to celebrate in Hyannis. I'll be celebrating 20 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome when I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. Tom will be celebrating his 74th birthday on 3/2. We met on a blind date 49 years ago on his  25th birthday! And on 3/4, we celebrate 48 years of marriage.

 

 On Tuesday morning, we were treated to a cotton candy sky; a sweet reward for getting up at 6am to get in morning miles. The last few weeks have been hard runs with bitter temps, and having to navigate snow, ice and rock salt. Those hard runs help me to appreciate an easy run like this morning. I felt as though I were dancing through the miles as Tom and I breathed deeply savoring these moments unplugged in Nature. We kept expressing how grateful we are for this training cycle celebrating being in our 70's feeling healthy enjoying life.

I remember how 20 years ago I was NOT enjoying life and faced a grim prognosis after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome when I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. 

Cue the fog horn for Thursday morning's mystical miles as we wrapped up another week of training. We found a nickel on our way home that, aside from how finding money is always a sign, a nickel has special significance.

"The Five Pennies" was a 1959 film based on the true story of bandleader Loring "Red" Nichols who leaves his burgeoning musical career with his band, "The Five Pennies" to care for his daughter who contracted polio. If you decide to watch it, be sure to have a box of Kleenex handy. Spoiler alert: Red Nichols daughter recovers from polio and encourages her dad to return to his passion. In the final scenes, Nichols, nervous and terrified of playing in front of an audience again, is disappointed when he sees no other old friends in the audience. He opens the show, and after a few notes, “Won't you come home Bill Bailey?” echoes through the dark. The lights come up, and he is greeted by Louis Armstrong and his friends. Willa, his wife, comes up on stage and tells him she has a surprise for him. Dorothy, his daughter, steps onto the dance floor without her cane and asks her father to dance. Here is the link to watch the emotional ending to the story.

What a beautiful affirmation for this week's theme of "Dancing Through Life" as we wrapped up another week of training on the Road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K.  Come see me at the Expo! I'll be inspiring runners with my journey as a most unlikely runner and having my books for sale. Here is the link to register.  

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** 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 Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

 

 

 I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

 

"I want to feel free in my body!"

 

From "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrrior":

"Six months after meeting my initial goals of getting off of a low toilet seat and diversifying the program that Spaulding Rehab had given me, my trainer asked me for my next goals. 

“I want to dance. I want to feel free in my body. I want to take a walk outside…” 

She gathered up her belongings, had her hand on the door knob and I said, “Wait … I have one more goal … I want to run the 2009 Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab as a charity runner.” 

“Well you’re going to need a pair of running shoes!” 

She was totally non-plussed, and sent me off to buy my first pair of running shoes."

This morning wrapped another week in the training cycle on the Road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. Last Saturday, when the alarm went off at 6:30am, I contemplated taking a bye day and heading straight to brunch which is the hard-earned reward for our training run. 

I recalled the words of my shero, Wilma Rudolph:

The reward goes beyond our weekly celebratory brunch. There is an incredible sense of freedom I feel when I run. My pace may be slow and I may not look like a runner, but for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I go pretty fast. I've come to love and appreciate my body for all it gives me in the wake of all it had endured as a child and adolescent. To navigate the challenges of ontracting paralytic polio and enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members, I dissociated from my body. The diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome was an incredible gift. My personal trainer's willingness to take me from having been in a toe-up leg brace and using a cane to running the 2009 Boston Marathon is a treasure for which I am eternally grateful.

The day got hot fast but we rejoiced in summer's splendor and needing only tank top and shorts. I had the image of rummaging through the winter hats/gloves bag to match up hats when the page turns to the seasons of Autumn and Winter.

I fueled much better this week. I thought ahead of time to bring a handful of pretzels in my fuel belt. I remembered to take that all important Gu waffle at mile 4. 

At about 2 miles, Tom and I each needed a pit stop. Would we overshoot our mileage if we stopped at the bathroom on Castle Island? It didn't much matter. Fortunately we were at 2.47 so went the other .03 and turned around.

At the water fountain to refill our water bottles, another runner was using the cooling spray fountain which we didn't know was there! "Halfway there," she spontaneously said. "Us too." we replied. She is training for the Tree House Half Marathon. We wished each other a great rest of the run. "Stay cool" we said to each other. Other than the occasional runner and families out and about for picnics, Southie was quiet. It was a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of last week. It was as though the Universe knew what we needed after a hectic week.

During the last mile Tom and I toyed with maybe just training for the 10K distance. We were hot and tired, but over lunch,overlooking the Harbor in the Seaport area, we shared the mantra "our bodies recover with ease." We reflected on how important stretch goals are especially as we age.  

We have the freedom of making choices every step and every mile on and off the roads in the marathon of life. Just as we chose to go on our training run, we are choosing to see what our bodies can do believing in what we want to achieve. Choosing our training run also gave us the sweet reward of hearing birds' songs and ocean's waves and seeing the splendid scenery of summer that will fade all too soon.

 We spent the afternoon resting and recovering feeling accomplished that our second 5 miler was done and dusted. Sunday was a rest day. Our bodies had, in fact, recovered well as we relaxed and enjoyed time at home. We live in a peaceful neighborhood with a spacious yard. Perspective is everything. Every day is a celebration and we find contentment in life's simple pleasures. Whenever Tom is not at work, we declare it as a vacation day.

Let me pause for a moment and share with you that my right leg and knee have a lot of sensations with this training cycle. In Candace Pert's book, "Everything You Need to Know to Feel Go(o)d" she talks about how our bodies respond biochemically to our thoughts. She was a brilliant scientist who used the rigors of research to prove her hypotheses. She specifically made reference to a knee injury. If one believes that a sensation indicates a recurrence of an injury, the body will respond in kind. However, if one interprets the sensations as healing, the body will do what it needs to do to heal. I've coupled the belief with visualization to make space in the joint and rewire the nerve pain. Belief begets belief. I was able to heal my left knee after a serious knee injury in December of 2014. 

In Norman Doidge's book, "The Brain's Way of Healing," he shares the impact that conscious movement has on neuroplasticity and enabling the body to heal. I experienced trauma to my right leg with family violence and was in an ankle to hip cast at the age of 11 for 6 weeks. I notice how that pattern of movement exacerbated the knee symptoms and mindfully move out of that pattern whenever I notice it. There is also a history of overuse of my right leg since my left leg was more affected by polio. I make sure to be mindful of feeling the power equally in both legs.

Rise.Shine.Run on Monday at 6:00am. I love these before breakfast runs with Tom when we throw on shorts and a singlet or t-shirt. It was a pleasant 66 degrees. The clouds and fog made for still water that was a great canvas for the reflection of the trees and vegetation that surrounds the Rezzie. This scene will look quite different in the coming months. There is nowhere I'd rather live than in Boston. As Tom and I were heading up the hill to our house, he said, "Come on Mare. You've got this. Let me see what you can do." I took off in a sprint! When we got in the house I asked him why he gave me that push. Had I slowed down? He smiled and said, "Our neighbor Diane was out there and I wanted you to show her your stuff. You should have seen her stand there in awe!

Tuesday was a rigorous before breakfast 45 minute strength training workout in our home gym.

We had a glorious morning for the last day in this week's training cycle. I often wonder what my life would have been like had I not exercised my freedom after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and taken the diagnosis sitting down. Or if my personal trainer would have had a different response to my asserting my goal as wanting to feel free in my body and to run the 2009 Boston Marathon. But here I am training for another 10K with my stretch goal of a half marathon distance next year. 

There was a pleasant chill in the air juxtaposed with warm sunshine. What a blessing to see the dawn of a new day and feel free in my body to experience magical morning miles.

With each week of the training cycle, I feel stronger, accomplished, and loving and appreciating my body for all it gives me. I am so grateful that I can feel free in my body!

 In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

 

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Amazon.  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Amazon Author Page for book descriptions and rave reviews.

 

 

 

Let's See What This Body Can Do!

As Tom and I did last Saturday's 5 miler around Jamaica Pond, I reflected on a phrase my personal trainer used during my 2009 Boston Marathon training. Many of our training runs happened around Jamaica Pond. When pushing me with speed work or when it would be time tosl increase mileage, she'd say, "Let's see what this body can do." One of her favorite quotes was from Henry Ford. "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."

I could have easily stayed with the distance of a 5K. On 5/4/24, I did the distance of a 10K after a DNF at the Bermuda Marathon Weekend 10K. One of my running anchor memories though, is running 3 consecutive Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018 after a serious knee injury in December of 2014. The MRI indicated that I would need a total knee replacement in a few years. I was advised to stop running or cap my distance at a 5K. Oh well! 

Saturday's run was hotter than predicted. The week had been stressful at Tom's work and ongoing family stress. We had not slept well Friday night but when the alarm went off at 6:30am, we meditated and psyched ourselves up for the longest run of this training cycle. We were blessed to find a parking spot at the Pond. We always fill up our drinking water bottles with ice. The water fountain at the Pond was warm. How fortunate that we were able to fill up our fueling water bottles with ice water that we kept in the cooler. I always pack pretzels for post-run refueling and salt replacement. Given the higher heat and humidity, I used a handful to get me through the rest of the miles. We enjoyed the natural beauty surrounding us and drew energy from the 200+ runners doing the weekly Park Run.

 

After twice around, we opted for a mile out and back to get us to 5 miles only we reversed our direction. On the way back, Glenn Miller's "In The Mood" was blaring from a stereo system beyond the trees out on the Jamaicaway. It put me in the mood to have a strong finish celebrating that I am once again able to go the distance. I experienced nerve pain down my right leg as we were coming toward the end of our run. I harnessed the power of my mind to have a chat with my leg thanking it for all the miles it has, and continues to give me. It is so easy to doubt and wonder if, at almost 72 years old and all that the medical community has told me about my 'condition' that I'll be able to go not only the distance of a 10K again in Hyannis but go beyond that goal and go the distance of a half marathon again. 

 

Tom and I reviewed our run to both celebrate 5 miles and see what we could do differently next time as we slowly build mileage. The hand tremors  that can happen when I'm tired or after taxing my body were particularly intense at lunch. I was nauseous and it took longer than usual to recover despite the mantra, "My body recovers with ease." I did not have my 2nd Gu Waffle for fueling. We also were not mindful of our pace! And that is why they are called training runs! We took an hour and a half meditation/nap on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon. I've been listening to the newly released soundtrack of "Just in Time." It's a soundtrack from my youth. Watching videos of dancing scenes from the show fire up my mirror neurons from before contracting paralytic polio when I loved to dance ballet. By Monday morning, I was ready for morning miles.

We know that summer is fading fast. We appreciated the lush foliage knowing that soon the vibrant green fades into the oranges, yellow and reds of Autumn. 

 

We had a rigorous strength training session on Tuesday morning. What a gift to trade the air conditioning for breezes through an open window. Tom and I cranked up the playlist (that now includes the "Just In Time" soundtrack) and completely changed around the order of our workout. It was exhilarating and energizing!

 

Thursday morning was the pick of the week for weather, running and joy. Since summer will soon be over, I paused to take more photos than usual AND on the way home, found a 2007 dime! 2007 is the year I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career to heal my life. Dimes signify a 10K. They have special symbolism for polio with FDR's likeness on the dime and his March of Dimes campaign to fund research that ultimately led to the Salk vaccine to end polio in the US and in most countries around the world. 

 

Another week in the training cycle on the Road to the Hyannis 10K is in the books. Tomorrow is going to be another warm day. We will implement what we learned from last Saturday's run and continue to build a solid base for race day while enjoying every step and every mile along the way.

 

Let's see what this body can do!

 

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews.