The Healing Power of Running!

Seventeen years ago, I sat in a toe up leg brace, using a wheelchair at times for mobility facing a devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. I had just started writing poetry that lit a spark of hope within me as I harnessed the power of the mind/body connection to heal my past and create a future very different than the ones the doctors predicted for me of spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expecting an accelerated decline as I aged.

I was led to the sport of running although I had never run a day in my life when I declared to my personal trainer in February of 2008 that I wanted to run the 2009 Boston Marathon.

Last year, I began a comeback from a major setback in 2021/2022. Although I was unable to finish the Bermuda 10K, I experienced the healing power of running during my training cycle. It feels absolutely glorious to be off of the sidelines again and feel the ongoing transformation of continued training. I am going to do either a virtual or in person 10K that doesn't have a strict time limit and am so excited for the AdaptX Unified 5K.

Last Thursday, Ruth Anne asked if we could go to Cape Cod to get in our miles and have a ladies lunch. It had been several years since I had the confidence to drive to the Cape but since training for the 10K and my ongoing training runs and strength training sessions, I had total confidence in being able to 'go the distance.'

The weather was windy and cold with periods of rain showers. But Falmouth Heights Beach is our happy place whatever the weather.

 

 

We let the waves be the soundtrack for our two miles and laughed in the face of the wind. There was unbridled joy and a sense of freedom as we were out in the elements. The wind howled and we felt the presence of God's protection in the mystical miles.

We went to Shipwrecked and savored delicious clam chowder and French Onion Soup in a crock with fresh salads.We were tempted to stop for an ice cream to top off our delightful day on Olde Cape Cod but chose to drive by the ice cream shops on Main Street. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I made radical changes in my diet. I cut out coffee, ginger ale and other sodas and refined sugar. I also stopped eating red meat. I know that sugar can wreak havoc with inflammation. Ruth Anne and I agreed that the momentary pleasure is not worth the unpleasant after effects.

  

 

Ruth Anne had her last run of 8 miles on Saturday before we head to Los Angeles. Ruth Anne started her training cycle with Heartbreak Running Club for her first 8 miler. It was only fitting for her to end the training cycle with an 8 miler with the Hearbreakers. We got up at 6am to meet up with the group by 7:45 allowing for meditation, bathroom time and a hearty breakfast. Ruth Anne went on her way to meet up with the group and Tom and I set out for our 5K on Heartbreak Hill.

The hills were alive with the sounds of runners training for the Boston Marathon and other Spring Marathons. There was even a flock of turkeys that were running or flying over the hills. It's an incredible time of year to be out on the Newton Hills. Runners pass each other and say "lookin' good" or "you got this!" I shared with Tom that I am still in awe of where my healing journey has taken me 17 years after taking a leap of faith and leaving behind my award-winning career as a VA social worker to "heal my life."

Since training for the Bermuda 10K, I can feel the healing power of running again in my life. I often use the hashtag every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing. For someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair according to Western Medicine, I know how blessed I am to be able to do a 5K and feel the delicious soreness that comes with consistent training and living a full and vibrant life at the age of 70.

There were several times I could have succumbed to conditions happening in my body. The first time was receiving the diagnosis. The second time was after running the 2009 Boston Marathon. The third time was after a very serious knee injury in December of 2014 and the fourth and most recent time was after an adverse reaction to the 2nd COVID vaccine which resulted in a major setback in 2021/2022. But every time I chose to find a way to come back to the sport that saved me and to continuously tap into the healing power of running!

In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.

Feels Like -- There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather!

Last Thursday, Team McManus went out for a runchie (a run over Tom's lunch hour.) I had to psych myself up to get out the door knowing that the temps were in the 30's and there was a wind advisory. It felt like 17 degrees. The wind chill was fierce but we endured. It was one of those boy these miles sure hurt. I have a goal of another 10K this year either virtual or in person and know how mental training is an integral part of physical training. If we waited for perfect weather or if we waited for perfect circumstances in life, we would never get anything done. I love how running is a metaphor for life.

One of the biggest benefits of the pandemic was that we had to go outside and run. As you all recall, there was no access to gyms. We embraced the great outdoors and loved the sense of adventure that came with finding new running routes. That sense of adventure has stayed with us although I must confess, it is tempting to go indoors when the wind chill stings.

You can see how the wind pulled the water. We debated whether or not we should go down Beacon Street where the buildings may have blocked the wind. With the effort it would have taken for us to change our route and to probably need to endure the head wind anyway, we could finish our run. That's exactly what we did. Tom commented that he didn't know many 70+ year olds who would be outside braving the elements on a day like last Thursday. It's especially amazing for me to be out on a cold day. One of the hallmark symptoms of Post-Polio Syndrome is cold intolerance. The 'thermostat' to regulate body temperature was damaged as a result of the initial polio virus. I harnessed the power of the mind/body connection to rewire the circuitry. Training for the Boston Marathon during the bitter New England cold winter of 2008/2009, helped to heal the breach in my nervous system.

I am over the moon excited to be an Ambassador for The Boston Outdoor Expo. One of the speakers on the Inspiration Stage is Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Ranulph Fiennes is a British adventurer and novelist that is best known today for his various exploits around the world. He is especially hailed for being the first man to cross the Antarctica from one side to the other [via the pole] on foot.

 

I learned about The Boston Outdoor Expo from the organizers of The Boston Run Show after having been an Ambassador. My daughter Ruth Anne teased me about the Outdoor Expo pointing out that we are not great outdoors people. I was quick to point out that in fact, as runners, we are great outdoors people. The Expo is going to present us with an incredible opportunity to expand our experiences by learning about new activities and exploring new challenges.

It would have been so easy to head indoors to a track when the wind chill felt like .. last Thursday. Instead we layered up and got in our miles feeling vibrant and invigorated after the run was done. There is a lot of research about how going out in cold weather slows down the aging process and has health benefits far beyond the exercise itself. There really is no such thing as bad weather; only a bad attitude and inappropriate clothing.

In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.

The Magic in the Miles

We had the day all planned for Ruth Anne to get in her last 20 mile long run on the road to the LA Marathon and for me to do a solo 4 mile run --- or so we thought!

Tom's back was still bothering him a bit and he didn't want to risk Ruth Anne's dress rehearsal getting disrupted with her worrying about him. The original plan was for me to drive them out to Paper Fiesta in Natick and they would run back to our house for 10 miles. Ruth Anne would continue on her way to finish her 10 miles. She had the eye of the tiger and with her runner's back pack all ready to go, she said she would do an out and back route.

 

Tom and I went out the door for our 4 miler planning to go around the Reservoir and finish up in the neighborhood. As we felt the cold headwind, we changed our plan to do an out and back route along Beacon Street. The anticipation of Spring with opening day at Fenway Park and the Boston Marathon is always a magical time in Boston. Yesterday's magic gave me goosebumps as I experienced how blessed I am to be a part of the running community for the past 16 years.

We passed a car that had just pulled into a parking space with runners getting out their gear. What makes the sport of running the greatest sport, as Bill Rodgers loves to say, is the camaraderie and community among runners. It doesn't matter how fast you go, or what distance you run. The elite runners embrace runners of all abilities and love hearing inspirational stories. In what other sport can you greet a total stranger on the street and ask "You training for Boston?" "Did you qualify or are you a charity runner?" and then go on to share your own inspirational story wishing the runners a wonderful training cycle. We experienced that magic with several other runners we 'met' along the route. One of my favorite moments was when a runner said, "Looking good" as he passed by. "You too," we said.

The Colonial Road Runners from the South Shore  had a water stop for their runners training for the Boston Marathon. I knew two of their members and we laughed at what a small world it is when it comes to the running community.

Tom and I reminisced about our 2009 Boston Marathon and how, 15 years later, we still experience the magic of the count down to Marathon Monday. Our excitement this year is amplified by Ruth Anne finishing up her training cycle for the 2024 LA Marathon!

We took pictures at the iconic Cleveland Circle clock and finished strong despite the cold air and head wind.

While enjoying the humming of muscles after a great workout and post run bananas and a cup of coffee for Tom, Ruth Anne called to say that she needed to do a point to point run to simulate Marathon day. Without missing a beat, we gathered up water, Gu waffles and a thermos for Tom's coffee and headed out to meet Ruth Anne along the Boston Marathon course. It was the Superhero long run for the Charity Runners. The sense of community was powerful and palpable. If only we could bottle the magic of unity that happens among the running community, our world would be a much more peaceful place.

Ruth Anne stayed in touch with us giving us updates on where she was and we caught up with her as she steadily, with great strength and determination made her way. We refilled her water bottles and gave high fives. As we drove by the Framingham Train Station, Tom and I remembered when Ruth Anne's Environmental Science Teacher, Mr. Mitchell cheered us on. He was tall and we could see him and feel his presence cheering for us. Shortly after we passed the train station, Ruth Anne texted us that she was at the train station where Mr. Mitchell met us on Marathon Monday. Talk about magic!

When we got to Ashland, right before a big hill, there were no sidewalks. Rulth Anne agreed that it was the perfect turn around point for both safety reasons and because there is a turnaround in the LA Marathon. We told her we'd be like the lead truck following her as she finished her last long run before March 17th!

 What a phenomenal run! Ruth Anne practiced her fueling and hydration, was mindful of her pace especially as she started out and finished strong with negative splits. Although she ran alone, she felt the energy of those training for Boston and other Spring marathons. She had dedicated her miles to those running their marathons of healing and recovery at Victory Programs as she winds down her recent fundraising campaign which includes a phenomenal gift giveaway. There's still time to donate.

We celebrated with lunch and relished seeing Ruth Anne glowing with a sense of accomplishment. It was the longest run she had done since 4/20/2009. Although my marathon days may be behind me, I feel the vicarious thrill of seeing others go the distance. And I still experience the thrill, now that I am off the sidelines of the magic in the miles.

In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.

This Pain is Good Pain!

From the soon to be released, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From the Heart of a Warrior":

"As my personal trainer Janine and I walked back to the Mandarin Oriental Boston Hotel after crossing the 2009 Boston Marathon finish line, she asked me how I was feeling. Every marathoner experiences pain but my pain had an extra layer given my history of paralytic polio and trauma, I told Janine that if I were to focus on the pain I experienced  during training, I would not have made it to the starting line." "I knew there was a lot you weren't telling me," Janine said."

In 2021 into 2022, I experienced a lot of pain after the 2nd COVID booster shot. It was nerve pain, muscle spasms and pins and needles down my legs. The pain interrupted my sleep many nights despite my best efforts harnessing the power of the mind/body connection. I curtailed my training regimen and decided that my participation in event days was behind me. I was deeply grateful for all my body had given me and how mind and soul were nourished and healed through the transformational sport of running. 

At the end of 2022, I realized that I had not come that far to stop being a part of the sport I came to love shortly after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. I know that even when runners are sidelined, we are still a part of the sport but it doesn't feel the same when I am not a part of events challenging myself.

I picked myself up, dusted myself off and set a shiny new goal for myself with the Bermuda Triangle Challenge Weekend 10K. Even though I cramped up at mile 3.06 and could not cross the finish line as I had visualized so many times in my mental preparation for race day and was in quite a bit of pain, it was a really good pain. I loved pushing my body to its absolute limit and a little beyond before I 'called it.' It was my first and I hope my only DNF. It's a blessing because now I have unfinished business to finish this year.

Early on in my journey, after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I made a conscious decision that since I was going to experience pain, I'd choose the pain of healing, health and fitness rather than the pain of atrophy and decline. Did you know that atrophy causes pain?  But thanks to neuroplasticity and the body's tremendous capacity to heal, muscles and nerves can be regenerated.

When I am out on my training runs, I transcend pain and discomfort by savoring the sensations around me. We are so blessed to live near two Reservoirs, and Jamaica Pond. South Boston is only a 20 minute drive away. I LOVE this time of year as the trees are pregnant with possibilities and anticipation of Spring fills the air.

On Tuesday, Ruth Anne and I basked in the almost warm sunshine while doing a brisk tempo run letting the gentle waves lapping against the shore be the soundtrack for our run.

After Ruth Anne pushed me with the pace, we stretched at the car. We watched the swooping seagulls while hydrating and refueling with a banana. I let myself enjoy the humming of my body giving thanks for all it gives me.

Whenever those niggles of pain come up either during or in the wake of a good run, I smile and remind myself, "Oh yeah this pain is good pain!"

 

In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.

A Runner's High Continued - The Boston Run Show - Day 2

Michael Seaman had a vision, a dream for an event where runners could come together whatever their pace or distance. One day his wife encouraged him to stop talking about it and do something about it. You can hear the back story of The Boston Run Show on Episode 89 of the On the Runs Podcast. 

Tom and Ruth Anne joined me for the start of Day 2. They were treated as VIP's! The excitement of the crowd waiting to enter to hear Michael Johnson's fireside chat filled the air. The Raccoon Media Group team were feverishly handing out swag to the queue. I asked if they needed help. With a big sigh of relief, Chloe said, "Yes please!" I filled up a box with non-alcoholic Sam Adams Beer, t-shirts, hats and cooling towels and worked the line. Prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony, David Hellard asked trivia questions for the gift giveaway.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, much of the crowd made their way to the Marathon and Road Stage to hear Kelly Roberts moderate a fireside chat with 4 time Gold Medalist Michael Johnson. It was standing room only. Tom, Ruth Anne and I enjoyed seeing our friends at the FlavaNaturals booth:

 

Alan was ecstatic with being a part of the Show and plans to return next year. "The audience is exactly who we want to reach for our product," Alan said. They asked questions and were engaged with the information he provided about his proprietary product.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruth Anne and I took photos with the Boston Marathon trophy:

We reminisced about our 2009 Boston Marathon run. While we may not have brought home 'the' trophy, Team McManus felt like champions for taking on the challenge and raising $10,535 for Spaulding Rehab Hospital.

Ruth Anne had course work to finish. We were about to say goodbye but she decided to stay a little longer. Seemingly out of nowhere, we saw our dear friend Suzanne Showstack Adams.

"I knew I was going to see you," Suzanne said. 

"I felt the same way." We knew that we were each Ambassadors. Suzanne was with her dad Bruce. We tightly hugged and expressed our deepest condolences on the loss of Bonnie, Suzanne's mom and Bruce's beloved wife. We were blessed to know Bonnie when we were part of the Spaulding Race for Rehab Team. Our eyes filled with tears as Suzanne shared Bruce's why for running the Boston Marathon this year for Spaulding. Here's a link to his fundraising page. We posed for a 'team reunion' photo:

After more conversation overflowing with love and support, we hugged so long. Tom and Ruth Anne went on their way and I made my way to the cafe to recharge after an exciting start to the day!

Eric and Erika, co-hosts of the 'pod' made their way to the cafe. What a thrill to finally meet in 3-D and enjoy the Show with them. We met up with another member of the pod fam known as Mr. 305NoMore whose incredible journey of transformation can be heard on Episode 45. We met with the Team from Racoon Media who arranged to have Mike on the pod exploring possibilities for next year's show!

I connected with David Whelan on LinkedIn when I saw he would be taking the stage Sunday afternoon to present on "Feed What You Want to Grow." What an incredible inspiration! I took notes feeling in awe of his miraculous journey.

Prior to David taking the stage, I had a delightful encounter with Kelly Roberts and Laura Green. 

"You know," I said to Laura Green. "You and I have something in common. We were each guests on the On the Runs podcast." Kelly took a photo of us:

As you can see from the smiles on the faces in the crowd, Laura's talk on "My lifelong quest to be friends with Des Linden" was a perfect way to end the Boston Run Show weekend.

Congratulations to Mike and the outstanding crew of Raccoon Media Group for an exceptional experience. 

I experienced a post-event let down after all the magic from the weekend. Fortunately, I received a post-event survey that included a link to get tickets to the Boston Outdoor Expo happening in Boston on 4/27 and 4/28. See you there!

From my heart to yours

In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.

A Runner's High - The Boston Run Show - Day 1

 

Tom and Ruth Anne dropped me off at the Hynes Convention Center at 8:30 on Saturday morning. I was greeted by Chloe from Raccoon Media Group who greeted the Ambassadors with her delightful British accent. We handed out giveaways to the attendees whose excitement about this year's Boston Run Show was palpable.

There is an inexplicable energy that happens whenever runners gather together. Throughout the weekend I reunited with runner friends, many of whom I hadn't seen since the pandemic and made new friends with other Ambassadors and presenters.

My first stop was to see my friends Alan and Shari Frost of FlavaNaturals fame. 

We met them at the Hyannis Marathon Expo in 2020 and have a subscription to their products. Their tag line is "Chocolate was your weakness. Now it's your strength." Their products are chock filled with flavanols which have incredible health benefits as borne out my many research studies. New York City Marathon winner Rod Dixon and the Pittsburgh Steelers have endorsed FlavaNaturals. Rod has his products shipped to New Zealand!

After leaving Alan and Shari to work their mojo at the Show, I found myself standing next to Scott Jurek. I shared my journey with him. His mother lives with MS. I asked him about the possibility of being on the On the Runs podcast. He was incredibly gracious and kind. As we were getting ready to say goodbye, he said that while elite runners and breaking records are all fine and good, the sport of running really needs stories like mine to inspire!

I went to the Cafe to plan my day after being intrigued by unique products and brands. It was almost time for the Power of Community panel. I 'just happened' to find the Trail Animals Running Club Booth. Patrick Caron who we've known through the Boston Bulldogs Running Club and our mutual love of the On the Runs podcast (Patrick was also a guest), was moderating the panel. He led the way to the Trail and Ultra Stage.

Before the start of the panel, I was treated to a high five and positivity hug from Maurice Lowman aka Marathon Panda. I 'met' Maurice through the On the Runs podcast and love following his energetic posts on social media. He is as real and authentic in 3-D as he is in social media.

 

  The panelists shared their running journeys including how running is an integral part of substance use recovery. I was inspired by the panelists' vulnerability and authenticity, and passion for inclusion. The Trail Sisters of Boston have a philosophy of no drop meaning that they stay with the back of the pack runners regardless of the pace. The Boston Bulldogs Running Club prides themselves on the power of community bringing non-runners into the fold to support them on the road to recovery!

After a lunch break, it was time for a reunion with Paulie Collyer at the Events Village who was hosting Bill Rodgers at his The Fun Road Race Company table. I hadn't seen Bill since Hyannis 2020 when I shared the stage with him at the Pre-Race Pasta Dinner. I received the warmest hugs from both Bill and his partner Karen. I first met Bill in 2009 before my first Half Marathon on the road to Boston. I met Karen at the 2014 Bill Rodgers 5K for Prostate Cancer. We shared warm memories about that day. You can hear her in this video saying, "God bless her" after Phil Lipof gives a bit of my history.

Karen told me she read my book and was so moved by my journey.  We chatted like no time had passed since we last saw each other. We vowed to stay in touch. I told Bill about my first DNF in Bermuda. "Only one? You know I've had a lot more!" He asked me several times, "But are you doing okay?" "Oh yes," I replied and told him that God willing I'll be out there next year in Hyannis at  the 10K.

I must say that I feel and look better now after being off of the sidelines training again for in person events!

I went to the charging station to recharge my phone and myself after such an exciting day! I debated whether or not I was going to stay for the next speakers at the Trail and Ultra Stage or leave. I felt spirit nudge me to stay. On my way to the stage, I recognized a dear runner friend from behind by her beautiful blue fingernails and blonde hair from behind. "Rachel?"

"How did you recognize me?" she asked as we tightly hugged each other. We said almost in unison I recognized her beautiful nails and hair. We took a few moments together before I headed to the Trail and Ultra Stage for the next speaker, Hilary Topper.

When asked if anyone had questions in the audience, my hand shot up and I didn't know why. "Thank you so much for an amazing talk," I said. "Where can we get your book?" Hilary thanked me for my comment and question. "I'll be signing books in the back. They are $20." 

I knew that I needed to meet her and share my story. It was a goosebump moment as she shared with me that her mom had polio and was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome. She was enamored with my journey as I was enamored with hers; "From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete: A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete."

While waiting for Scott Jurek, the last speaker of the day, I reconnected with two more running friends. My heart overflowed with gratitude for the synchronicity that was waiting for me once I made the decision to stay at the Run Show.

The Fireside Chat with Scott Jurek was a phenomenal way to end the day.

Scott shared many nuggets of running wisdom as a wonderful metaphor for life as he shared stories from his stellar career. I felt a stirring in my soul as he said that there's really no experience comparable to being a part of an event. It is unparalleled to anything he has tried to recreate outside of an event. There's discomfort and a challenge that helps us to grow whatever that distance may be for each individual. It was thrilling to have my choice validated to be off the sidelines.

Stay tuned for more adventures at The Boston Run Show - Day 2.

From my heart to yours

In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.