Unicorn Magic - Boston Marathon 2025 - Part 2

 

I woke up at 4:30am without the alarm which was set for 5:30. I had butterflies as I often have on Boston Marathon Monday ever since we ran it in 2009 only these were butterflies on steroids. I meditated and kept clearing thoughts of catastrophic "what ifs" to what if I imagine a perfect day. Ruth Anne and Tom got up with the 5:30am alarm. It was go time after Ruth Anne's 17 week training cycle for the 129th Boston Marathon.

We had our plan and were ready to execute it. When we arrived at the Beaconsfield Stop on the "D" line, we took photos to document the day:

  

We asked a group of runners who were waiting for the T that you can see in the photo with Ruth Anne, who is running? The group separated and said she is. Ruth Anne asked if she BQ’ed. “Yes I did but I’m nervous because I have an Achilles issue.” I had watched a Patreon teaser from the On The Runs podcast. I was a guest on Episode 56.  They are a unique running podcast that I follow and support as a Patreon.  I asked her “What is your name?” pretty sure I already knew the answer. “Allie.” To which I said, "As in the Allie G show?" She has her own podcast under the umbrella of Monday Night Media which includes On the Runs. We all hugged and took a photo:

The train came. Allie's pit crew wished her well and told her they loved her. Team McManus smiled reflecting on the amazing Unicorn magic aka synchronicity that happened at the train station. You could feel the excitement of the runners and spectators vibrating on the train. The only other time I'd been up that early on Boston Marathon Monday was when we drove to Spaulding Rehab to get the bus to Hopkinton. The BAA no longer allows separate buses for charity teams.

The sun was shining when we arrived to Boylston Street where  Ruth Anne and her bus buddy Fadi would meet up.

 

Ruth Anne used the bathroom at Tatte while we waited for Fadi and she grabbed a croissant since she didn't make her smoothie before we left the house. They walked to where the buses would be loading to take them to Hopkinton. Fadi was hoping that they would be able to get on a bus earlier than the scheduled time given their start times as he had last year. Unfortunately, they waited an hour to get on a bus. Nothing was going to dampen their spirits for the day:

 

Tom and I walked to the T at Arlington Street passing throngs of lines of runners waiting to board their buses on the Common.

After Fadi and Ruth Anne left, Tom and I stopped in Tatte to fuel ourselves knowing we had a very long day ahead of us. There was a woman seated next to us who was scrolling furiously on her phone. We asked her if she needed help with anything. A look of relief came over her face. Her boyfriend is a qualifier and she was trying to figure out how and where she was going to see him during the day but being from Seattle and this being her first time in Boston, she had no idea what to do. We gave her the information she'd need along with which apps to download. We exchanged information in case she needed further help during the day. When we got on the train to head back to our usual spectating spot at Dean Road and Beacon Street, there she was sitting on the T. We laughed at the synchronicity. Tom started a conversation with a couple standing next to him who were from Virginia. There daughter is a student at Virginia Tech where Tom works. The Unicorn Magic was everywhere!

Ruth Anne texted me photos from Athletes Village. Just as Ruth Anne trained for the Marathon, I trained as a spectator training myself to trust and stay as calm as possible in between texts and tracking information but those pesky butterflies kept flitting around inside of me.

While Fadi and Ruth Anne were getting ready to toe the starting line, Tom and I made our way back to the spot where we have watched the Boston Marathon for years, at the corner of Dean Road and Beacon Street. Neighbors came up to us to ask how Ruth Anne felt. 

We left to go back to the Mandarin at around noon knowing that Ruth Anne was beginning her journey back to Boston. We had to wait for several subway cars to pass because they were full. We debated about whether or not to change trains and go to the Prudential stop or walk from Arlington Street since it was such a gorgeous day. We thought it would be good practice for walking Ruth Anne back to the Mandarin after she crossed the finish line since there was tightened security and she would have to walk behind Boylston Street to get there. What would ordinarily be a 10 minute walk took about an hour and a half. We were so hungry but fortunately Spaulding Rehab had an amazing spread at the party. 

I tried to not focus on the tracker and Find My Phone but it was as challenging as Ruth Anne running the Boston Marathon. Ruth Anne told me afterwards that at mile 2 she was tired given how she was on her feet for an hour waiting for the bus and then she had almost a mile walk from Athletes Village to the Corrals. But she knew there was no turning back and knew there was a lot of love, orange slices and pretzels waiting for her once she got to mile 10. She got a boost when Marathon Panda Maurice called out to her at the start of the race and took time to take a selfie with her:

 He's part of the On the Runs pod fam!

We've been friends with Paula Romero Dunbar since 2013. Her husband Walter was a first responder on 4/15/13. She always had a dream to have  her own celebration boutique and is the womanpreneur at Paper Fiesta (see previous blog post). She was delighted to bring oranges and pretzels for Ruth Anne as Tom and I had done when we were support crew during her training cycle. She took these amazing photos as Ruth Anne was coming into Mile 10 and Paper Fiesta and as she was heading back out on the course. She texted me and let me know how strong Ruth Anne looked at Mile 10! 

 

 

We met Shawn Whalen at Boston Logan Airport on our way to Bermuda in January of 2016. We've been friends ever since. We knew that he would be at Mile 12 where he has volunteered for years. We asked him if he could bring oranges and pretzels for Ruth Anne to mimic her fueling on long runs. Not only did he enthusiastically agree but said he would peel the oranges because one time during a race, the juice from the orange squirted in his eye and burned. He also asked what kind of pretzels she would like and what would be easiest for her to carry!

Ruth Anne took a selfie with him at Mile 12:

 

When Ruth Anne saw the Wellesley sign she knew she was approaching the halfway mark and Caroline, her advisor from Boston College Woods College of Advancing Studies. Ruth Anne had been registered for her last class to finish her Masters Certificate but it was an in person evening class. When Ruth Anne asked Caroline for advice about whether or not she could take it in the summer and focus on training, she said absolutely yes! She told us exactly where she would be in Wellesley and had hugs, oranges and a sign to greet her.

A bit farther into Wellesley, Ruth Anne heard someone call out her name. It was Michelle Bopp  from our L Street Running Club. Another boost of love as Ruth Anne made her way to Newton and the Hills.

 I was so grateful for the texts from Ruth Anne with updates, and our friends saying how strong and happy she looked!

She slowly and steadily made her way toward Boston keeping plenty in the tank for the Hills. Unlike many runners when they get to the Hills, Ruth Anne was ecstatic when she got to the Firehouse where the party atmosphere was in high gear. 

At mile 18 she saw Candace, another member of the On the Runs pod fam who gave her a big hug. At mile 19point2 she was welcomed by the On the Runs Cheer Zone, given a bag of oranges and sent on her way but oh wait -- There was a surprise guest from Ohio, Patrick Leber, whose book she read and who was incredibly generous during Ruth Anne's thank you to her donors gift giveaways. She turned around and went back taking a selfie with the group.

 One of our dear friends, Beth Singleton Craig, who made Boston Marathon History being the first daughter-mother duo greeted Ruth Anne at the top of Heartbreak Hill. Along the way she was greeted by Wendy Wheeler, a dear friend of many years from Church and Ilene Fabisch, a friend we met through the running community. I was so grateful for the texts and photos.

Fortunately, Ruth Anne's Occupational Therapist from Spaulding, Erin Foley arrived at the Mandarin. The tracker froze at 18.3 miles. We were tracking Ruth Anne with "Find My Phone" which eased the anxiety a bit and Erin agreed that tracking can be more stressful than running.

 

 

 

At Mile 21, Ruth Anne was greeted by Boston College students and the two women we met at the Mile 21 Spaghetti Dinner the Monday before the Marathon. She thanked them for all they did, high fived the BC students and was on her way to Cleveland Circle.

 

She was disappointed at first that the people who said they would be at Cleveland Circle weren't there but understood that it was getting late and they had children. BUT she did have a big surprise when Willa and Lily, the 13 year old twins who are our neighbors and who have known Ruth Anne their whole lives were there to greet her. A week or so before the Marathon, we bumped into them in CVS. Ruth Anne shared with them that she was running the Marathon. They said they would be out there to cheer her on. She said she probably wouldn't be there til 5 or 4:30 at the earliest and they said they didn't care. True to their word, they waited. Lily greeted her first with pom poms and then Willa chased her down Beacon Street to make sure she got a selfie with her (Willa may have gone to the bathroom).

 

It was just the boost she needed to get through those final miles! 

We kept refreshing the tracker even though we had Ruth Anne on "Find Your Phone", and got a notification that no one ever wants to receive. "Location Not Detected. This means that the runner has either left the course or data is not available." I hopped on Facebook to let people know she was fine and heading toward the Kenmore. I was so happy when Ruth Anne texted me this photo of the Citgo Sign:

We exchanged the following text: Dr. Carter is the Race for Rehab Team Psychologist and photographer.

The police officers were amazing. It was almost 6:00pm which is when they would open up Boylston Street but they were going to let her get to the finish line. "Who are we waiting for?" one of the officers asked. "Our daughter Ruth Anne." Tom ran up to Hereford Street and yelled out for her. He ran back as she ran toward the finish line for what she called the big finale.

 

 Erin took this photo:

 

And here she is at the finish line:

There is still time to donate to support Spaulding Rehab and the life saving work they do. You can read Ruth Anne's incredible journey on her fundraising page by following this link.

 To be continued...

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 .

 

Running the Race

18 years ago I was getting ready to take a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning career as a VA social worker. I had been diagnosed in December 2006 with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. I decided to follow my newfound bliss as a poet.

Had I studied poetry or literature? No. Did I know anything about "being a Poet or published author?" No. Did I know anything about starting a small and I do mean small business, "New World Greeting Cards: Original Poetry for Every Occasion?" NO But I knew I had to leave my career to heal my life although at the time I had no idea what that meant.

I discovered the healing power of writing poetry in February of 2007 after getting still and asking for Divine Guidance knowing I was at a crossroads in my life. Here is the full text of the first poem I wrote, "Running the Race":

Running the Race    

Early summer 1959 my kindergarten year
everyone around me filled with nervous fear.
Despite the Salk vaccine hope polio would disappear
the polio virus crept right up and knocked me in the rear.

Dancing all around the gym feeling free just like a bird
I dropped to the ground just like a stone and no one said a word.
The pain it was so searing-the diagnosis even worse
"It's polio" the doctor said...he was abrupt and terse.

Called one of the 'lucky ones' I had a 'mild case'
but with the other athletes I could never keep their pace.
Miss Holly physical therapist, curly hair and a warm, broad smile
it tempered the pain of being apart - to walk I'd take a while.

I always wore those 'special' shoes the kids they poked and teased                                                     
with no support and much abuse with childhood I wasn’t pleased.                                                       
But put nose to the grindstone and learned all that I could
I couldn't kick a ball but my grades were always good.

Years went by and no more thought to polio did I give
I accepted the limp, everything else and decided my life I would live.
But symptoms of weakness and muscle pain did grow
I kept a stoic face hoping no one else would know.

Life no longer was my own I struggled through each day
suffered in silence, alone and afraid tried to keep depression at bay.
And with the grace of glorious God my world it opened wide
I discovered there was a Post-Polio team and they were on my side.                                            

Sought out paths for healing and my spirit flew free
for the first time in life, I could truly be me.
The chains are gone and possibilities abound
I'm a tree with my roots planted firmly in ground.

Using wheelchair to travel, set limits on what I could do
resulted in joy to realize I could live life anew.
Celebrated my body-creaks, groans and need for a brace
while in my mind I focused on winning a 10K race.

I'm now off the sidelines, no need to sit and whine
so much gratitude fills my heart and love and beauty shine.
After all these years I can join the loving human race
I exceed all expectations and now I set the pace.

Poetry started flowing out of me as though a spigot was turned on in my soul. 

The runner within me was born in my imagination. I had never run a day in my life. When I wrote "Running the Race" I was wearing a toe-up leg brace, a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility.

 When I wrote poetry, I literally felt no pain. I had to have a yellow legal pad with me at all times. The Universe and I were in call and response mode. I received an email about the Newburyport Literary Festival after I made the decision to take the leap. It was held the month before 5/25, the last day of my work at the VA.  I wore a power suit I bought for the occasion as my "social work" clothes would not serve me in this next chapter in my life. I bought tickets for Tom and me to attend the opening night gala with a welcome reception for authors. I had my manuscript for "New World Greetings: Poetry and Musings for a New World." As I waited in line at the bar, I felt moved to let Elvis Mitchell know how much I enjoyed his interview of Peter Guralnick. I told him my story and he casually said to me, "Oh you've channeled a book." I asked Peter Guralnick for advice on how to get published.

I imagined myself becoming a NY Times Bestselling Author and appearing on Oprah with my incredible journey of transformation just a few months after I started writing poetry. Imagination IS everything though and while I have yet to be a guest on Oprah, I have had the joy of speaking engagements and appearing on many radio shows, podcasts and have my story shared in books and magazines. 

While I imagined myself running free and being healthy, whole and healed, I did not imagine myself running THE 2009 Boston Marathon. I did not imagine that I would actually discover the sport of running and how it would change my life forever!  

 I have self-published 7 books. Whenever a reader writes a review or sends me a message about how my words have touched their heart, I feel as though I am a NY Times Bestselling Author. At 71 years old I am still off the sidelines celebrating 18 years of healing. I run my race at my pace feeling the joy, gift and blessing in every footstep. Running helped me to transform the trauma that once dominated the very essence of my being with silence and denial of how it affected me mind, body and soul. Running helped me shed the shackles of once being held captive by the effects of paralytic polio and childhood trauma. Long before I ever took that first step learning how to run at the age of 53, I saw in my mind's eye a woman healed and transformed, grateful and emerging from the shadows my past exceeding all expectations and joining the human race.

 

 

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 .

 

 

April is My Favorite Month!

April is my favorite month. It's National Poetry Month the running of the Boston Marathon, and trees and earth are pregnant with possibilities poised to bloom.

In February of 2007, in the wake of a devastating diagnosis, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. I discovered the gift of poetry in my soul that was initially in the cadence of Dr. Seuss. Why Dr. Seuss you might ask? My physical therapist, Miss Holly, was a healer way beyond her time. She read Dr. Seuss to me before my physical therapy sessions after contracting paralytic polio and had me recite back to her in tandem during the painful treatments. I invariably chose The Cat in the Hat.

My first poem was called "Running the Race."  Little did I know it would foreshadow my 2009 Boston Marathon run! Ever since April 20, 2009, April has become my favorite month!

At first, it all seemed impossible. I'd never run a day in my life. I sat in a toe up leg brace, using a cane and at times, a wheelchair for mobility. 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. My first reaction was that of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. "It's no use trying," she said. "One can't believe impossible things." Yet my personal trainer did, in fact believe in impossible things when I told her, after 6 months of working together, in February of 2008, that my next health and fitness goals were to feel free in my body. Diversify my health and fitness workouts. Maybe take a dance class since I took ballet before contracting paralytic polio.

She picked up her things after writing down my goals, had her hand on the door knob and I said....WAIT I have one more goal. "What's that," she asked. "I want to run the 2009 Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab. I hear they have a Race for Rehab Team."

"Well you are going to need a pair of running shoes!"

April is the month of possibilities. Before we see the trees burst forth with colors of pink, green and white, we feel the certainty of possibilities in the air. What a feast for eyes' delight when that first warm sunny day coaxes the blooms to burst forth. The once frozen ground yields to warmth as perennials slowly rise to meet the new season bringing joy to children of all ages! April is a time of celebration. The dark, gray days of winter are behind us. Boots, winter hats and gloves, ice scrapers, ice melt and sand are stowed away for the next 8 months or so. More time is spent in outdoor activities. April is the pivotal time between Winter and Summer. I savor every moment!

When I crossed the finish of the Boston Marathon I was reborn into a new season of my life. Every day is a celebration of life for me. While Ruth Anne finished her last long run on the road to the Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab, Tom and I did our 5K on Heartbreak Hill. Signs of Spring and the 129th running of the Boston Marathon are everywhere! Everyone cheers everyone on. We were blessed to "run into" Rachel, one of the members of our running family. Even though we are still running in winter clothes, nothing can dampen the sense of joy and celebration along with the anticipation of all that is April in Boston.

 I love enjoying the harbingers of Spring, savoring every moment of what is here-now and experiencing the joy of anticipating when everything is in full bloom. April is my favorite month!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 .

 

Celebrating 18 Years of Healing!

 

Flashback to December of 2006. I was in a toe-up leg brace using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility. I'd been diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. I was told I may need a feeding tube, to adapt my Cape house or move to a ranch and to quit my award-winning career as a VA social worker to try to slow the progression of the disease. I was told to expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. At the time, in the treatment of polio survivors, neuroplasticity and the body's tremendous capacity to heal was not part of the prognosis.

I was blessed to first meet an earth angel of a physical therapist who knew about the body's tremendous capacity to heal. After I was discharged from her care in May of 2007, and taking a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning career, I prayed through writing poetry, harnessing the power of my imagination and the mind/body connection and, in October of 2007, was blessed to meet a personal trainer.

 When I asked her if she thought we could build on the outpatient home exercise program I received, she quoted Henry Ford. I could not even pass the initial fitness assessment but Janine held enough faith for the two of us. She told me I was too young, at age 53, to not be able to get off of the couch or toilet seat without assistance and to be as deconditioned as I was. We got to work!

 In February of 2007, she asked me what my next goals were. "I want to feel free in my body. I want to get rid of the leg brace. I want to be able to walk outside. I want to be able to diversify my health and fitness workouts - maybe take a dance class since I took ballet when I was 3 before contracting paralytic polio. She wrote down my goals and gathered up her trainer bag and equipment. She had her hand on the door knob. "Wait," I said. "I have one more goal." Without thinking about what I was about to say, I made a declaration. "And I want to run the 2009 Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab. I hear they have a Race for Rehab team." Without missing a beat, she replied totally non-plussed, "Well you are going to need a pair of running shoes."

At this time of year, I reflect on my journey on the road to the Boston Marathon and how running has transformed my life. Every time I get to lace up my running shoes and enjoy nature, watching the seasons change up close and personal, I remember how I prayed for the freedom I now feel.

I always take time to capture moments on my run; I find and feel beauty in every type of weather. Last week I did a solo run in the rain.

 

 

The 'average person' may have seen and felt the gloomy day. I experienced unbridled freedom and joy dancing around the puddles and listening to the raindrops on the Reservoir. 

The sun returned, as it always does as every storm runs out of rain. My senses, heart and soul were tickled with delight to experience the harbingers of the return of Spring. I feel the trees getting ready to burst forth with their leaves, the flowers poised to bloom in splendid colors and baby geese waiting in the wings getting ready to take center stage with their parents.

 

It's an absolutely glorious time of year, whatever the weather. Its magnificence is magnified by my appreciation and gratitude for being able to fully immerse in the change of seasons feeling free in my body's ability to move. 

May 25 marks 18 years of when I left my career as a VA social worker to "heal my life." I had no idea what that meant at the time. I had no idea I would go on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon, discover the transformational power of running and feel the phenomenal energy that happens whenever a community of runners gather together. I had no idea I would become an author, poet and motivational speaker spreading a powerful message of healing, hope and infinite possibilities. I do remember when I prayed for the things I now know in my life. I am blessed and so deeply grateful.

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 .

 

 

 

 

 

Portal to Possibilities

In December of 2006,  I sat in the waiting room listening to the soundtrack to Wicked on my  CD Player. Two songs, "Defying Gravity" and "Dancing through Life" spoke to my soul. I sat in a toe up leg brace and was using a cane for support. I waited to hear my fate from the team of physiatrist, speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy based on the recent evaluations I had since October of 2006.

I was ushered into the airless conference room where white coats seemed whiter by the glare of fluorescent lights. One by one the therapists shared their assessments. The decision was unanimous that my clinical presentation was consistent with Post-Polio Syndrome, a diagnosis of exclusion. My only "hope" was to quit my job and go on disability. My job was my career. I was at the height of my award-winning career as a VA social worker. 

We highly recommend a Sleep Apnea machine at night. Based on your swallowing assessment you may need a feeding tube in the future since you are at high risk for aspirating your food due to your weak swallow muscles. We recommend a semi-soft diet, drinking liquids through a straw and not talking while you eat to diminish the risk of choking. Given the progressive nature of the disease, you will need to either adapt your Cape house or move to a ranch. They handed me a thick binder with resources for housing, wheelchairs, applying for social security disability and patient education.

I know they meant well. They were sharing information based on what other polio survivors were experiencing but I often wonder what other polio survivors may have experienced had the message they received been one that my physiatrist who treated me after contracting polio in 1959, wrote in an Op-Ed piece in the NY Times:

Caution and Hope On Polio 'Signs'
Published: March 3, 1985
I read with interest the article entitled ''A Group for Polio Survivors Who Have New Symptoms'' (Feb. 10).

Having supervised the rehabilitation of poliomyelitis patients at Grasslands Hospital during the epidemics of the 50's and 60's, probably including the ''then'' infants mentioned in the article, I would like to add a word of caution and even hope as an afterthought.

Firstly, there is no reason to suspect deterioration in the nerve cells in the spinal cord. After 30 years, one must accept some loss of endurance, increased fatigue and even some discomfort induced by other unrelated medical problems. This is true in the athlete with repeated injuries, in the obese person with back problems and even in the jogger with foot ailments.

Any individual with paralytic disability in an extremity will experience the normal process of ''wear and tear'' except that it may be more difficult to adjust to it. Just as one learned to compensate for the initial impairment so must one adjust to the later, more subtle changes rather than develop an emotional hang up of being a ''polio victim.'' ~EUGENE MOSKOWITZ, M.D. Mount Vernon

I found this article after I set out on my healing quest.

For my Christmas/Birthday holiday, I went to Bermuda. I used a wheelchair to travel. I relied on my toe up leg brace and cane, hugging banisters if I had to navigate stairs. My travel agent with whom I had also become friends told me I had to watch "The Secret." She inundated me with very different resources: Wayne Dyer, Tony Robbins and “new age thinkers” that were really based on ancient wisdom that included Bernie Siegel. I had been intimately familiar with Bernie's work ever since 1984 but had gotten away from his wisdom and teachings that talk about the meaning of dis-eases that manifest in a person's body. 

After an MRI of my cervical spine indicated there was a nerve pressing on a disc, the physiatrist on the team referred me to Dr El Abd. There was a flicker of light in the dark night of my mind, body and soul. When Dr. El Abd looked at my MRI, he said, "This is a slam dunk." He focused on pain relief and wondered why I lived with the pain for 10 years before seeking help. So did I! After the 2nd trigger injection, he suggested I see his PT at the downtown Spaulding Rehab Outpatient Clinic. 

Shortly before my first appointment with Allison Lamarre-Poole in February of 2007,  I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The poem, 'Running the Race' flowed out of me. It opened the portal to possibilities as poetry flowed out of me. I imagined a future very different than the one the Team predicted for me. I was harnessing the power of the mind/body connection to inspire me to heal from the once devastating effects of paralytic polio and childhood trauma. Allison let me know through words, actions and her incredible professional care as a PT, that I was not destined to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. 

With her support and encouragement and the support of my family, I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career to heal my life. Little did I know that Running the Race foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run!!!

By all appearances crossing the Boston Marathon finish line was impossible; becoming a most unlikely runner and coming back after injuries and an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine to have many adventures as runnergirl 1953? Out of the realm of possibilities! Only it was and is all so possible.

I may not have another marathon to run. Once was enough to show to myself and others what is possible despite all appearances to the contrary. I did come back after a serious knee injury in December 2014 when, by all appearances on the MRI, I was destined to have a total knee replacement in a few years. I went on to run 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018, and the 2016 Hyannis 10K. After an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine in 2021/2022, I once again harnessed the power of my imagination through visualization and the mind/body connection and on 5/4/2024, went the distance of a 10K  again in a virtual run. I am training for the distance of a half marathon this year and my goal race is the 2026 Hyannis 10K.

Unbelievable? Perhaps. Impossible? Absolutely not! There is always a portal to possibilities; an open door to find the path forward. The path forward for me may have been to live my life in a wheelchair. If that would have been my destiny, I was sure going to do it "Dancing Through Life." But my destiny called me to one of "Defying Gravity."

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 .