Connecting the Dots: Hyannis Marathon Weekend

                                                

As I train for the 2026 Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K, I've been reflecting on Hyannis Marathon Weekend through the years and how Hyannis Marathon Weekend has had such an incredibly special place in my running career and heart. There's no way I could connect the dots from February 2009 going forward. It's only by looking back that I see how my decision to reach out to the Race Director at Hyannis to share my story and ask if it would be okay for me to participate in the Half Marathon given my back of the pack status, was one that has changed my life in many ways.

As a newbie runner, I relied on the guidance of my personal trainer and the goodwill of the running community to guide me through this uncharted territory for me. I joined the "Just Finish" Forum. Their motto was "Run.Walk.Crawl" Just Finish. I wore their shirt to the pre-race pasta dinner in 2009 where I met Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers. I smile to myself amused at how little I knew about the sport of running as I walked into the ballroom of the pre-race pasta dinner the evening before my first half marathon race.

 

While I'd gone 17 miles in my training plan and had run the Corrib Road Race 5K, the Marathon Sports 5 Miler, and the Tufts 10K, this was my first big road race. Our Coach for the Spaulding Race for Rehab team suggested that this would be a great warm up to the 2009 Boston Marathon. I met up with one of the members of the Just Finish Forum and met members of the L Street Running Club and the Merrimack Valley Striders running club. We have become running family. Was it my nerves or a deep knowing, that it was my destiny to share my story with members of the running clubs, Bill Rodgers and Frank Shorter. 

 

The sleet started during coming down during the second half of the race. I lost track of hydration, fueling and pacing and just wanted to get to the finish line. Frank Shorter could tell that the run had taken a lot of out of me. I was shivering from the sleet that had started falling during the last several miles of the race. He put both of his hands on either side of my arms, looked at me straight in the eye and told me how much courage and strength I had to do what I had just done. He told me he had no doubt that I was going to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. 

 

Although I wasn’t feeling well, and should have gone upstairs to take a hot shower, there was a reporter interviewing runners. I told him my story and I was in the next day’s Cape Cod Times: 

Mary McManus, 55, of Brookline completed her first half marathon after making a remarkable recovery from a life-long battle against post-polio syndrome.

She spent time at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and began running just last February. She competed in her first race in June 2008, finishing a 5K.

“It’s like having a new lease on life,” said McManus, who ran yesterday’s half marathon with husband Tom. “I was limping my way through life, but then decided to do something about it.”

It was a phenomenal weekend. I earned my first of many medals for finishing a race but the greatest prize was the friendships forged at the pre-race pasta dinner. 

 

As Frank said I would, I indeed finished the 2009 Boston Marathon. While I was on a running hiatus in February of 2010, we returned for Race Weekend where the Race Director gave me a table at the Expo.

 

 

Frank and Bill were once again the speakers at the pre-race pasta dinner. They signed my bib.

 

Hyannis Marathon Weekend became an annual tradition. In 2011, I coined the phrase, "Camp Hyannis" when I ran the 10K again. Throughout the years, there have been special memories made. 

In 2014, Tom ran the Half Marathon. He was on pace to run a PR. He happened upon two of the Spaulding Race for Rehab runners training for the 2014 Boston Marathon on the side of the road crying at the 5K mark. It was their first half marathon race. They went out too fast and were feeling overwhelmed. Tom adhered to the runner's code and paced them to the finish line. He was regaled as a hero (although he was humble and honored to help them).  We had a mini-reunion of the 2009 Race for Rehab Team and all celebrated at a restaurant in town.

 

In December of 2014, I sustained a serious knee injury. I was told to prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years and cap my distance at a 5K. By 2015 I was back on the roads having used the mind/body connection and chiropractic care to heal the injury. In January 2016, I ran the Bermuda Half Marathon. We returned to Camp Hyannis in February of 2016 where Tom and I had an amazing 10K. I was also surprised with a table at the Expo where I met runners from the Mystic Valley Running Club. When they saw my Bermuda Half Marathon medal, a group of runners proclaimed, "It's a sign." They had just been talking about having Bermuda Race Weekend on their bucket list!

Camp Hyannis 2020 was a highlight of my journey as a most unlikely runner and motivational speaker. I was invited to speak as a special guest at the pre-race pasta dinner along with Bill Rodgers. I wrote about the experience in my blog, "Embrace the Possibilities". You can also read Parts 1 and 2 that capture the magic of Camp Hyannis; the last event before the pandemic shut everything down.

 

 

 

Hyannis Marathon Weekend came back strong after the pandemic. We are so excited for Camp Hyannis 2026 when I will run the 10K after a 10 year Hyannis Marathon Weekend hiatus. I wonder what other adventures the weekend will bring. One thing I know for sure, I continue to connect the dots in the future from that first Hyannis Marathon Weekend in February 2009.

 

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.

 

 

 

  

Sweat and Rain on The Road to Hyannis 10K

 

Last week's theme for training runs on the road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K was signs. Coincidentally, on Tuesday evening, we were dining al fresco in our yard. We had finished our delicious BBQ and were savoring the summer evening, when my gaze was drawn upward. There had been no rain yet there it was:

It was such a spectacular sight that I asked Tom to please capture it with his iPhone. I thought to myself, "Well that makes sign number 4 for the week." I feel the gifts from the Divine's presence as I train for my next event.

This week's theme is cleansing. It was hot and humid on Saturday and Monday; for Thursday's run we had pouring rain. As George Sheehan said, "Sweat cleanses from the inside. It comes from places a shower will never reach." I was sweating so much after Saturday's 4 miler that I could not even reapply sunblock. It was wonderful to sit on the beach and enjoy a bit of a sea breeze while Tom and I refueled with peanut butter sandwiches, pretzels and sparkling water. My soul always settles by the sea. We expressed gratitude for the blessings in our lives; that we have been gifted with the sport of running for the past 17 years. Tom had been a runner in his younger days but stopped once we had twins. At first he didn't really believe me when I said that I was going to run the 2009 Boston Marathon despite never having run a day in my life and still wearing a toe-up leg brace but he humored me. Once he realized I was serious and determined, he was totally on board to support my mission.

Tom was tired on Monday morning and had a full week of work ahead. There was also a heat advisory but I got up when our alarm went off at 6:00 to get in my miles. I am delighted that I bought new singlets this year in honor of my new training cycle. Brooks had a sale. 
             

The "Run Happy" singlet was the perfect choice for Monday's run. In retrospect, it would have been smarter to adjust my pace. I ended up with a negative split on my last mile. Sweat poured from every pore and continued to pour once I got home. Although I felt a bit nauseous, I felt stress had melted away. I was refreshed and ready to start a new day and a new week. Thank goodness for air conditioning!

 

I lay in bed during the early hours of Thursday morning having awakened to bolts of lightning and thunder claps. "Oh no," I thought to myself. It's our early morning run day and I am in a serious training cycle. I meditated and must have fallen back to sleep since I was awakened by the alarm at 6:00am. No signs of lightning or thunder. Check the weather app. Only rain forecast for the entire day. It's a go!

 

As a child who contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5, wore a full metal leg brace until I was 7, was in physical therapy until 13 and just to intensify the challenge, experienced trauma in my home life, I never knew the unbridled joy of being able to run free in the rain, splashing in puddles getting muddy and messy. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I went back into a toe-up leg brace, used 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. In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance only to receive the answer to my prayer as discovering the gift of poetry in my soul. My pen became my Divining rod for healing. Early on in this wild and wonderful healing journey I had a dream about coming out of my leg brace and dancing in the rain barefoot and free like Gene Kelly did in Singing in the Rain (only he wasn't barefoot). The next morning I wrote the poem, "Come Out and Play" that is on one of the photo's from today's run at the beginning of the post. Whenever I run in the rain, I reflect on that magical moment in my journey. As Carl Jung said, "The unconscious prepares the way for the future."

 

Tom and I had a joyful run as rain soaked us to the skin. We sidestepped puddles when we could; when we had to go straight through them we laughed. I once read a quote that said, "Running in the rain makes me feel as though I can handle the whole world." Another great running in the rain quote is "Running in the rain. Exercise...Therapy... and a Shower all at the same time."

 

There was majesty and beauty that surrounded us with lush green trees, tall grass and the smell that is unique to a rainy day in Boston in summer.  When we got home dripping wet, we peeled off our jackets and hung them in the shower. It was a bit challenging to get out of my sports bra as I was literally soaked to the skin but channeled my inner Houdini. Tom and I smiled as we refueled with breakfast that always tastes so delicious after a run. We marveled at how I am celebrating 18 and a half years of healing and how, in our 70's we are training for a 10K, living life to the full, feeling joy and gratitude fill our hearts and souls.

Another week of training in the books on the road to Hyannis. I am enjoying reflecting on the week's training as much as I am doing the training runs and strength training workouts. Tom and I do our strength training on Tuesday mornings before breakfast. We were doing them during his lunch hour but really enjoy doing workouts and runs before breakfast. What a great way to kick start the day. 

 

I am cleansed, refreshed and renewed after the sweat and rain on this week's training runs, looking forward to a well-deserved rest day tomorrow.

 

"Anyone who thinks that sunshine is pure happiness has never run in the rain." ~Unknown

 

 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.

 

It's a Sign - or 3 on the Road to Hyannis 10K

                             

Last Thursday, Tom and I found a penny on our run. While picking up bagels at Rosenfeld's in Newton Center on Friday, I found a quarter. The mother lode of signs happened on Saturday's 4 mile run on the road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. A couple paused ahead of us looking at these bushes. One of them said, "I wonder if it's a Monarch." We didn't immediately see the butterfly. After they walked by, it reappeared. Rather than just continue on our run, I wanted to pause and savor the moment. I tried to capture the butterfly in a photo when it lit on the leaves. It wanted to just keep on flying. Tom took my phone, pointed at the butterfly and took a series of photos. 

I felt energized by seeing the butterfly fueled by having found a penny and a quarter within just a few days' time. It's reassuring to receive signs knowing I am on the right path training for Hyannis.

As Maya Angelou said, "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." Have you ever looked up the stages of transformation of the caterpillar? It gets pretty messy along the way. As it emerges from the cocoon, it has what is called ''wet wings" and has to flap its wings hanging upside down to dry them. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I was a mess. I experienced the dark night of mind, body and soul. I thought my life was over!  I began my journey to becoming a most unlikely runner, flying free and feeling free in February of 2007 tapping into Source finding the healing power of poetry. 

Seeing the butterfly reminded me of when I competed in the end of summer Olympics at Badger Day Camp. I was 11 years old and still recovering from paralytic polio. My counselor, Joe Stetz asked me to compete in the butterfly. He was on his way to becoming an Olympian but chose to go to med school instead. You can read the full story in a previous blog post, "A Penny From Heaven."  Long story short, he worked with me one on one to overcome my fears and not be concerned about finishing last. There were only two other campers willing to compete in that race. I was guaranteed a place on the podium. Years later I drew from that experience to take on the 2009 Boston Marathon. It was also that experience that inspired me to name Hyannis Marathon Weekend, "Camp Hyannis."

I'm comparing this training cycle to my training cycle for the 2024 Bermuda 10K. While there are still stressors in my life (as there always will be), I am finding much better ways to manage them. I am making my self-care and my training a top priority. I meditate for an hour every afternoon and start the day with a 10 minute meditation. I take rest days very seriously. I am nourishing myself mind, body and soul with a  dogged determination to train well and run happy.

I know in every fiber of my being I am meant to train for the 45th Hyannis Marathon 10K.  2026 is the year I will be celebrating 20 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome which was given to me in December of 2006.

The stars are aligned and the signs are happening along the way. My heart overflows with gratitude for another 4 fabulous miles on the road to Hyannis blessed by the butterfly sighting.

 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.

 

 

The Possibilities Are Endless!

 

Last Saturday we sloshed through 3.5 soggy miles. If I weren't training for the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K, I might have traded the day for strength training. I know how important it is to be consistent as I once again build miles and endurance. Flexibility is also important with any training plan but I know that training in any and all weather conditions builds not only physical endurance but mental toughness that I can call upon as I go the distance once more.

When I first partnered with a personal trainer after having been discharged from outpatient care at Spaulding Rehab Hospital, I had no idea what my body's abilities were. My initial fitness goals were to get off of a low toilet seat, be able to complete the initial health and fitness assessment and to get a little stronger building on the outpatient rehab home exercise plan. Six months later, I set the ambitious and most would say unattainable goal of running the 2009 Boston Marathon despite never having run a day in my life and still being in a toe-up leg brace.

I've had so many runderful adventures since crossing the 2009 Boston Marathon finish line. One of my favorite weekends is the Hyannis Marathon Weekend which I affectionately call Camp Hyannis. The last time I ran the Hyannis 10K was in 2016. Every training run and strength training workout is fueled by my joy. At 71.5 years old, it's easy to doubt and wonder about going the distance again. But then I reflect on all this body has given me during these past 17 years of running and know that my belief lights the way for success.

Tom and I decided to do a Reservoir run last Saturday. 

I always take a few minutes to stop and savor the beauty of nature around me, whatever the weather and whatever the season. Spring and Summer running are my favorite seasons for running although I will embrace the challenges that training in Winter will bring during this training cycle. I nailed my hydration and fueling plan and felt fabulous albeit soggy after our run.

 

 

On Monday morning, we got up at 6am to beat the heat of the day. It was 71 degrees when we set out for our Monday miles. What a blessing and gift to see the beauty of the Reservoir as a new day dawns.

We are so fortunate to live so close to Nature's beauty. During these challenging times, it is a perfect way to start a new day and a new week as we bid farewell to June.

 

 

 

 

 

We wrapped up our week of training with another early morning run on Thursday. Temperature was 70 degrees. We set our alarm for 6am, did our morning meditation, grabbed our water belts and gave thanks for the gift of a new day!

The stillness of the water invited me to be still and be present in the moment. I reflected on, and gave thanks for how well I feel in my body during this training cycle. It's pretty amazing to realize that 18 years ago I was wearing a toe-up leg brace and using a cane for mobility. Since leaving behind my award-winning social work career, I no longer needed a wheelchair but I was still somewhat sedentary. Once I tapped into my internal fire by declaring and running the 2009 Boston Marathon, it's been a miracle to see all that I can do.

A new training week begins tomorrow with 4 miles on tap. I continue to marvel at what this body can do despite all it has endured. The possibilities are endless!

 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.

 

The Bannister Effect: Why I Share My Journey

 

   

After Faith Kipyegon attempted to break the 4 minute mile for women, people have been discussing the Bannister Effect. The Bannister Effect describes the phenomenon where the breaking of a previously perceived insurmountable barrier inspires others to achieve the same feat, often leading to a rapid increase in similar accomplishments. It's named after Roger Bannister, who, in 1954, was the first to run a mile in under four minutes, a feat many had deemed impossible. Once the psychological barrier is broken, it opens the portal to possibilities despite all appearances to the contrary.

I was first introduced to the power of the mind/body connection by a nurse who introduced me to the work of Bernie Siegel or Bernie as he likes to be called. She brought in a cassette tape of his talk, "Love, Medicine and Miracles." I am blessed to call him my Bonus Dad. The first time I experienced the power of what he was teaching was when I was undergoing surgery. He talked to his patients while they were under anesthesia and gave suggestions like you will wake up feeling comfortable and hungry.

I had an awesome anesthesiologist who knew about Bernie's work. I always got sick after anesthesia so he told me he would give me a suggestion while I was under anesthesia. In the recovery room I recall feeling nauseous and that I was going to get sick when all of a sudden the wave not only passed BUT I said out loud, "Does anyone have a BBQ hamburger?" The recovery room broke into laughter. The anesthesiologist had given me a suggestion that I would wake up feeling comfortable and hungry wanting a BBQ hamburger. 

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 as I aged due to the late effects of childhood paralytic polio. In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. I tapped into the mind/body connection through what I came to call my pen, my divining rod for healing. I wrote poetry visualizing a very different future than the one Western Medicine predicted for me. I revisited Bernie's books and joined his on line Forum. The story of Evy McDonald often shared by Bernie was my Bannister Effect. She healed from ALS and had polio and trauma as a child. I highly recommend that you read the article about her journey.

My first poem, 'Running the Race' foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. 

In April of 2007, I had an abnormal mammogram. I knew the Universe was nudging me to wake up. I made the commitment to leave my career to heal my life. During the week before I returned for the repeat mammogram,  I visualized the tumor dissolving sending healing energy to my left breast. When I returned, the tumor was gone. I set the date for me to leave the VA as 5/25/2007.

In December of 2014, I sustained a very serious left knee injury after pushing myself a bit too far with racing every month and setting out to achieve PR's. I returned to Western Medicine to see what I needed to heal. The MRI indicated that the knee had torn cartilage, a fatty lipoma, bone spurs, degenerative changes from arthritis, scar tissue from reconstructive leg surgery, an atrophied gastroc muscle and the knee was basically bone on bone. It was "too far gone" for arthroscopic repair. I needed to stop running or cap my distance at a 5K and prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years.

July of 2015 I was back on the roads:

I went on to run Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018. I partnered with a chiropractor healer who was also a personal trainer. I used meditation/visualization to dissolve bone spurs, grow new cartilage and gastroc muscle. We used chiropractic care to release the body's natural capacity to heal, KT tape and gastroc strengthening exercises and a revamped strength training program to get me running again and avoid a total knee replacement.  

I continue to believe in my body's tremendous capacity to heal, fueled by both what I have seen happen in my life and hearing of so many others' healing stories. As different issues or aches and pains arise, I continue to practice meditation, visualization, self-love, gratitude and exquisite self-care. 

Perhaps my healing journey will be your Bannister Effect giving you hope, healing and possibility for what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. 

 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.