This Week in Training: The Year of the Horse

We were told to pretend we were horses galloping around the indoor gym with its parquet floor lined with green benches around the perimeter. I loved feeling free in my lithe, strong body whether in gym class or in ballet class with my beloved teacher Miss Patricia. But on that day in early June, my body collapsed and my life was forever changed when I was 5 and a half years old.

 

During this week's training cycle, as we ushered in the year of the Horse, I remembered that day in gym class and how horse imagery has been an integral part of my healing journey after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. In addition to visualizing the "Run Forrest Run" scene as he breaks free of leg braces, I let the images of horses running wild and free fuel my mirror neurons.  I used the metaphor to ignite a sense of running free in my body; to heal a neuromuscular system that was once ravaged by the effects of childhood paralytic polio and enduring abuse at the hands of family members.

 

"The Thoroughbred" was one of my earliest poems harnessing this powerful imagery:

As we set out on Saturday's 4 mile training run, we quickly realized we were not going to be able to run three times around the Route 9 Reservoir as originally planned with the ice and snow covered sidewalk as we walked out our front door. We headed to the Cleveland Circle Reservoir. Bitter cold wind came off the frozen water of the Reservoir. When we faced a solid patch of snow and ice, we reversed direction realizing we would need to #dothemath and do an out and back on Beacon Street. As we got to our turnaround point at 2.4 miles, a very strange thing happened to me. I hit the wall! I wanted Tom to get the car and take me home. I didn't tell Tom about this until we'd finished the run and were on our way to lunch thawing in our warm car. As I observed myself hitting the wall, I thought of the image of the thoroughbred. I harnessed the power of my mind to remember my strength and the champion I was always meant to be despite how others would treat me differently. I was delighted when I got my second wind and took off at the last mile. "Whoa girl," I said to myself and reined in my pace as Tom also said, "Hey where you goin' there?" I felt totally badass running up the last hill to the 'finish line.' Tom and I figured out that there were several factors that resulted in my hitting the wall so early in our run. We were out of bagels. My usual pre-run breakfast routine was not as hearty as when I have a cinnamon raisin bagel with my oatmeal, juice and banana. Despite the sunshine, the bitter cold wind coming off the Reservoir was an energy drain. Extra energy was also used being mindful of snow and ice. Changing our route midway through our run threw a wrench in my ability to get into the zone and rhythm of the run. Getting a second win and surging through that last mile gave me a tremendous boost for race day.

Monday morning marked the start of a new week, new day and new year with the same habit of Monday morning strength training. Getting up at 6:30am in the dark to work out in our home gym is made easier with my partner on the roads and in life. Since we are going to see Hamilton the Musical in April with a trip to New York,  I've added more songs from the soundtrack to get us pumped when we work out. 

 

On Tuesday, Tom and I weren't sure if we would get in our early morning miles with Monday night's snowfall. We were so grateful to our Town for plowing and salting our streets to make it safe for today's training run. It was a very Robert Frost-like training run. As I watched the sky transform from night to dawn, I felt my heart open and a connection to all that is. Writing poetry, 19 years ago next month, is where this journey as a most unlikely runner began. I felt I was poetry in motion on this morning's run. We passed a few other runners and exchanged a heartfelt "Good morning!" These early morning runs unplugged, breathing in cold crisp fresh air and being out in nature is a sacred time for Tom and me as we age strong and live well.

On Thursday, Tom and I could have easily done another strength training session but opted to wait for the warm sun to make it safe for us to get out and get in our miles during his lunch hour. It was a runderful runchie that required mindfulness with every step. Before setting out, I reminded myself that it was still cold outside despite the warmer temperatures given the ice and snow covered ground. We did take a moment or two to luxuriate in feeling the warm sun on our faces. Our cross training that incorporates balance work held us in good stead when we hit a patch of ice on a sidewalk. Thank goodness for bike lanes! It's hard to believe that 19 years ago 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. I was warned that going out in winter could be perilous for me as a polio survivor with presumed osteoporosis. The sun and fresh air helped to clear our minds and open our hearts given the horrific events of the past 24 hours in Minneapolis and the chaos that is being wrought by this Administration. Our time together unplugged in Nature is a gift and we give thanks for the freedom and spaciousness we felt on today's run.

Another week of training is in the books! The weather made for challenging runs, but each mile takes us one step closer to the starting line of Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K.  Last year's Year of the Snake symbolized wisdom, intuition, elegance, and transformation, representing a time for deep thought, strategic planning, and shedding old habits for renewal. It was a year of inner work for me that was a year of letting go and making space for wondrous new connections and experiences that I carry forward with me into this New Year. The Year of the Horse signifies energy, freedom, independence, and perseverance. I'm off to a great start of 2026!

 

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.

  

 

This Week in Training: Challenge and Change

Happy New Year! Two months from today, Tom and I will toe the starting line of the 45th Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. We will also be getting ready to celebrate his 74th birthday on 3/2 which is also the 49th anniversary of when we met. On 3/4, we celebrate 48 years of marriage. After wrapping up last week's training, I was reflecting on the challenges I've known and overcome since I was only 5 1/2 years old beginning with contracting paralytic polio at age 5 and enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members until my father's death by suicide when I was 17 years old. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I realized that without those challenges, I would not be the woman I am today. When I discovered the gift of poetry in my soul in February of 2007, I became aware of the gifts wrapped up in the challenges. I often say that out of the rubble of my past, I dug deep to discover the treasure of who I was always meant to be. 

 

Tom and I weren't sure what route we were going to be able to run for last Saturday's 5K after a snow storm on Friday. The sun was shining and the roads were relatively well plowed with salt and sand. Filled with grit, determination and layers of running gear, we set out on our street to see where we could safely run. The temperature felt like 5 degrees at the start of our run and 10 degrees at the end. The Town was just in the process of digging out a path to the Reservoir/Beacon Street. We stayed on back roads that were clear but we had to do hills to find safe streets on which to run. I embraced the discomfort of the cold and the challenge of the hills celebrating how, with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome I was told to NOT go out in Winter or if I did, I should use a cane with an ice gripper. One fall could mean 'the end' for me since I was presumed to have osteoporosis as a survivor of polio. As an aside, I did have several falls on training runs. Despite landing flat on my pelvis one time, I remained perfectly in tact. 

 

Saturday's run was equal parts discomfort and challenging, and joy, exhilaration and celebration. We had brief exchanges with people shoveling. The storm brought 3 inches of light fluffy snow that seemed to bring out childlike joy and wonder that happens with the first snowfall in Boston when it can be easily cleared away and has kept its pristine white layer on branches and lawns. I reflected on how much of life I would have missed if I would have taken the diagnosis sitting down.

 

Mindfulness was front and center as we navigated partially cleared streets and when plows would pass. We got 'sprayed' with salt from the plows and rather than absorb the discomfort we laughed and expressed gratitude that the streets were being cleared. I was reminded of the poem "Courage" I wrote on the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon.

Courage   

The fear of ice and snow and slush embedded in my soul
a training run in winter - the path to Being whole.
A winter scene - Jamaica Pond - a feast for eyes' delight
to witness nature's splendor and behold this glorious sight.

A leaf - a tiny dancer - skating free without a sound
God's breath directs her movements as She guides her twirling 'round.
Families of ducks decide to walk or take a dip
a comedy of errors into icy water slip.

Branches now bejeweled though bare bend with loving Grace
sparkling diamonds' anchor water's surface hold in place.
God's hand a glove of glistening snow hugs rocks along the wall
their heads peek out reminding me I'm answering God's call.

A scene I'd never witness if I let my fear take hold
courage triumphed, steppin' out with footsteps sure and bold.
Knowing that the pain subsides and Spirit can prevail
the Marathon is beckoning - through those miles I shall sail.

Tom and I relished the warmth of our home as we reversed the process of peeling off layers and getting into warm, dry clothes. To continue my birthday celebration, we went to Legal Seafood for refueling. The holiday decorations made it a festive lunch while the music was from the 60's, 70's and 80's added to the ambiance of our celebration.

 

Monday's strength training was inspired by this quote from Tommy Lasorda:  

Even though Tom was on vacation, we still got up at 7am to get in a before breakfast workout. We took extra time to stretch and challenge ourselves to complement our running. What a treat to have a leisurely breakfast. 

 

On Tuesday, we set the alarm for 8 since Tom was on vacation and we wanted the day to "warm up a bit," but still wanted to get in morning miles. We had breakfast before our run which helped to prepare us to embrace the frigid air.  It was a felt like 6 degrees with wind chill morning. We felt particularly badass getting up and out the door to get in our morning miles. One of my cold weather running tricks is to put vaseline on my face and on the bottom of my feet before getting my socks on. Saturday's miles held us in good stead for taking on Tuesday's relatively flat run. We were able to do our miles with an out and back around the Reservoir run. Miraculously, the wind had once again swept away the torrential downpours after the temperatures rose on Monday and then plummeted over night.

Tom and I were psyched to do a New Year's Day run on Thursday, but Mother Nature had other plans. A dusting of snow was what had been in the forecast, but we woke up to a little over an inch of snow. The streets had not been treated. I'd seen a post from Meb Keflezhigi about training in the winter. He said it is always better to be safe than risking a fall. Heading to the gym for an extra strength training session is the wisest choice. A front moved in that brought a snow squall and a wintry mix while we were doing our workout in our home gym and knew we had made the right choice!

 
We cranked up our playlist, sweat a lot and welcomed in the New Year with a rigorous 45 minute workout followed by a delicious nutritious leisurely breakfast. Tom and I carry our passion, persistence, purpose, commitment and dedication to training and our health and aging strong from 2025 into the New Year. 

Garmin even gave me this badge:

 When training for Boston aside from marathon aches and pains, I would experience phantom pains from polio and trauma. When brought to the surface, the wounds can be tended to and healed. After the epic 7.2 miles on 12/20 to celebrate 72 years, in addition to the incredible strength I felt, experiencing muscle soreness I hadn't felt in years (since the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon) I noticed trauma memories coming to the surface in different parts of my body.  I cherished the parts of me that were expressing these wounds sending love and compassion to nurse myself to healing these wounds and the beliefs that accompanied them. It is only by repeatedly challenging myself that I have the opportunity to change leaving behind all that went before. 

This training cycle is giving me the opportunity to heal more deeply than ever before. 

 

Were I just maintaining with 5K's or training only for the 10K rather than challenging myself with repeated 6 milers and that epic 7.2 miles, I would not be experiencing this glorious journey of transformation. Last year was the year of the snake when I shed a lot of old beliefs and relationships. I discovered how to love, value and honor myself in deeper and more meaningful ways. There's much I leave in 2025 and much that I carry forth with me from the lessons and blessings of the year. Out of the challenges of 2025, I've been blessed to grow, look for the weekly wins and feel overwhelming gratitude for the changes I've made. In letting go of people and things that no longer served me, I've been blessed with wonderful new connections and experiences. I leave 2025 much stronger physically, emotionally and spiritually than when it began.

 

Here's to 2026 and the year of the Horse!

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

This Week in Training: This is 7-2!

When I looked at the long-range forecast for Christmas Day and compared it to last Saturday's forecast, I knew that I would celebrate turning 72 a bit early with 7.2 miles. It was a glorious day with wall to wall sunshine. Friday was in the 50's with wind and rain. We were concerned that as the temperatures fell along with a forecast for sleet falling overnight, that we would be unable to do our two Reservoir run. I had my mental game prepared for the two Reservoir run and had to make a shift Friday night with an out and back on Beacon Street while also putting out a powerful intention that, for my longest run since the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon, we would be able to do the run we originally planned.

 

When we got up Saturday morning, the streets were miraculously down to bare pavement. Except for doing a brief weather check, I was off all devices before our run. I mindfully ate my breakfast. I had packed our fuel belt and running backpack the night before and filled our water bottles. With a fiery determination in my heart and soul, we headed out the door to the Route 9 Reservoir for 3 times around. Fortunately, the path was dry and clear. I had the run chunked into 4 miles - a stop at our home for an aid station - and the final 3.2 miles with once around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. The run went exactly as I had visualized it including the celebration photo that Tom took as we were heading into the final stretch.

 

I 'just happened' to capture 6 geese a laying in a photo and smiled when I realized what I'd done. I felt strong and confident throughout the 7.2 miles. At a bit over the 6 mile mark, I felt a little dizzy realizing that I had not taken my Gu Waffle at mile 6. Once I had a half of the waffle, I was ready to finish strong. We refueled at Johnny's Luncheonette in Newton Center. I was craving, of all things, their lox, egg and onion scramble with a toasted bagel. Tom enjoyed their eggs benedict hold the hollandaise sauce.  

 

This quote from Kristin Armstrong captures the essence of how we were feeling as we relished our post-race meal! After peeling off our sweaty clothes and getting changed into sweats, we took a 2 hour nap. As I drifted off to sleep, I meditated on how my body recovers with ease and feeling overwhelming gratitude for how well my body served me to go the longest distance I'd gone in years!

 

 

 

 Sunday was a rest and light chore day. Tom's vacation would begin after he finished work on Tuesday and we were already in vacation mode feeling satisfied and accomplished with our long run. We were grateful that Monday was a strength training day since arctic temperatures returned to Boston.

Even though Western Medicine told me, after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, that if I used it I would lose it, based on their limited understanding of what happens in the wake of paralytic polio, I knew I needed to get moving. My subconscious lit the way when I started writing poetry in February of 2007 after getting still and asking for Divine Guidance. The first poem I wrote foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. I am, as we all are, born to run or at the very least move! During our joyful and playful strength training workout, I could feel strength building on the strength from Saturday's long run. 

                                                                                              I woke up at 4am on Tuesday. I meditated and fell into a deep sleep. When the alarm went off at 6am, as I shook my head to clear the fog from a dream I was having, I thought about how wonderful the cold air would feel on my face as Tom and I got in our morning miles especially after Saturday's triumphant run.  Neighbors' Christmas lights brought smiles to our faces and hearts. We were treated to a sky layered with pink, blue and gray hues at the Reservoir. Compared to recent early morning miles, when the temperatures were in the teens, it felt relatively mild. There was no wind or precipitation although it did feel like snow was in the air which was forecast for later in the day.     

What a treat to be able to sleep in, have breakfast and go on a mid-morning run on my birthday on Thursday. I felt overwhelming gratitude for the gift of the year past and excitement for what the next year will bring. I reflected on how grateful I am for Tom being the best training and life partner anybody could possibly hope for.  I am forever grateful to him for telling me it was a no-brainer in 2007 to leave behind my award-winning social work career to heal my life from the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma. It's been an amazing 19 years of healing filled with adventures, trials, tribulations and triumphs. I am so excited to celebrate Tom's 74th birthday and our 48th wedding anniversary (49 of being together) in Hyannis. 

 

On our run, I shared my memory of sitting at a round table in a cramped conference room with the physiatrist, OT, PT and Speech Therapist letting me know the results of their findings that were consistent with Post-Polio Syndrome and what the future held for me. It was grim to say the least. One of the therapists slid a thick binder across the table to me that held information about adapting my Cape home or finding a ranch, durable medical equipment, support groups and resources to manage life as a polio survivor with Post-Polio Syndrome. Tom chimed in with how I used to use weighted utensils to eat and had a tub chair, cane and toe-up leg brace. We used PeaPod or Tom would do the groceries. But then we remembered the day we put all of the adaptive equipment on the curb in front of our house with a "FREE" sign!

 

What a wonderful way to wrap up an incredibly successful week of training. Training for the Hyannis 10K was not on my bingo card a year ago nor was training with this kind of passion, purpose, consistency and joy on the horizon for me. I am so grateful for this training cycle that began around the time of my half birthday in June! This is 72!

 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.