In 2024, I.....A Different Kind of Year in Review

Here is my year in review highlighting what I've learned, done and what I am grateful for:

Loved more deeply
Had faith more fiercely
Practiced gratitude more intently
Learned to be more patient and kind
Self-love isn’t selfish
Let go of people and habits that did not serve my well being
Learned failure is not fatal and there are always opportunities to succeed
Success doesn’t always look the way we think it should
Grew my village of like-hearted souls
Published my 7th book
Amazon reviews are great but getting messages from readers make my book a NY Times bestseller
Embraced lovely synchronistic events
Became more unapologetically me and learned to value who I Am
Made it through challenges and extremely difficult times learning once more how strong and resilient I am
Learned the power of forgiveness of myself and others
Everything passes
Being graceful and grateful is better than grumbling
Life is better with a cat
It’s better to be kind than right
Rekindled my joy of running and movement
Learned the power of accepting everything as it is
Learned it’s vital to keep a sense of humor
Whenever I complain, replace it with 5 positive things
There may be less years to live than I’ve already lived and I plan to live those moments to the fullest
Rekindled my love of cooking
Was reminded of our bodies’ tremendous capacity to heal after illness or injury
There are more generous and kind people in the world when we look for them
Rushing slows you down
Love is always the answer
Saying no to someone or something is saying yes to myself 

I’m wrapping up the gifts of all that I learned and lived in 2024 and bringing them with me into 2025!

 

Happy New Year!

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing details on my website.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

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

My Word For 2025 - Believe

 

 

 

As I reflected on what word to choose for 2025, the phrase clearing a path to joy came to me. A poem started percolating and then flowed out of me. Thank you to Nita Sweeney's books, "Make Every Move a Meditation" and "A Daily Dose of Now" for inspiring this poem.

 

Clearing the Path to Joy

 

Believe
Just be
Whisking away fear and doubt
leave behind dead end thoughts
robbing us of life’s joy
In mind’s eye see the way
Clarify
a path paved with problems or possibilities
burdens or blossoms of hope
Weeding with compassion
tender understanding for roots of despair
path once strewn with lies
belied my being joyful
Consumed with worries
robbing me of today’s joys
blocking out landscape?
Shift perception
unlock the fullness of life
What if…?
Ease lights the way
erasing nagging negativity
a knowing smile
gifting myself presence
unwrapping treasure troves of truth
trusting
Simplest of pleasures tickles soul with delight
Believing is seeing the way made clear
clearing the path to joy!

I realized that my word for 2025 is Believe! 

From the Polar Express: "Seeing is believing but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we cannot see."

Ever since I was a little girl, I had a powerful imagination. I would imagine a life very different from the pain I endured in the wake of paralytic polio and abuse at the hands of family members. I believed that I would make it through that horror and one day have a wonderful life.

For years, I allowed busy-ness to quell my imagination and creativity. In the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, my imagination and creativity were fired up and I believed that one day, in my mind's eye, I would win a 10K race. Well I may not have won that 10K race but I did go on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon despite all appearances to the contrary.  I was in a toe-up leg brace at the time 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.

For many of us, the results of the 2024 Election were devastating. I am blessed to be surrounded by like-hearted friends who, like me, can share the emotions while also believing that ultimately love and light win the day. The arc of justice may bend slowly but it always bends toward the light. One of the things my friends and I agree on is that we can not and will not allow ourselves to be as shaken as we were for the 4 years after the 2016 election. We all see beyond the appearances of what may be and tune out the doom and gloomers figuring out what we can do to be the change, to be the light workers and believe that something beyond what our eyes can see can happen at any moment to turn the tide.

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

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

Race Report: My 2024 Goal Race

 

Team McManus was trained, poised and ready to toe the starting line of the 45th Annual Bill Rodgers Somerville 5K Run and Walk. We had a wonderful time at bib pick up. On Wednesday, Ruth Anne went to Urgent Care and was diagnosed with an infected cyst on her back. She was on antibiotics and we thought we would be fine to run the live event. Tom had recovered enough from his wrist fracture and received the all clear from his surgeon. As we sat around the dinner table on Thursday evening, basking in the glow of time spent with Bill Rodgers and engaging with other runners, we realized that given the intensity of these past two months with Tom's healing and Ruth Anne's recovery from Functional Neurological Disorder combined with frigid temperatures, we would shift to doing our own Virtual 5K.

The temperature was 14 degrees but there was bright sunshine. I had trained really well for my goal race of the year. I had tapered for a week and my body really needed to get out and run. One of the cold running tips that I love is to put Vaseline on my face and feet. 

 I hummed "Let It Go" to myself and thought of the phrase:

Oh wait a minute. It sure did as I wrote about in "Courage & The Joy of Winter Running."

 Besides -- it's true that it's only cold if you're  standing still. As the temperatures began to drop here in Boston, I have a habit of opening the door first thing in the morning and allowing my body to embrace the elements. Race morning on Saturday was no different. I felt invigorated by the frigid air.

 

 

To simulate the hills of Somerville, we opted to go to the Newton Hills. I knew that Boston Marathon training was getting underway and that the energy of other runners would be inspiring and invigorating.

Everything was going smoothly. Just as we were about to head out, I realized something was 'off'. Lo and behold, I had on my slippers and forgot to put on my running shoes. Ruth Anne and I had a good hearty laugh about that.

As we were heading out to do the first half of the race, we spotted Jack Fultz, 1976 Boston Marathon Champion with the Dana Farber Marathon Team table. He told us they have 500 runners on the Team. He was thrilled that Ruth Anne is running Boston this year for Spaulding Rehab.

 My legs felt fresh and well trained. I reflected on how, during taper time, I felt sluggish; quite a contrast to how exhilarated and energized I felt pushing my pace, being in the moment, feeling the unbridled joy of the sport I came to know and love after the diagnosis of a progressive neurological disease 18 years ago.

My goal pace for my goal race was 1 hour. Mile 1 was 19:49; a good warm up pace but I knew I was going to need to push the pace in order to hit my goal time.

Runners passed us in the opposite direction, cheering us on and sharing smiles through the miles. They asked us what race we were running and many commented on our festive attire.

We took the obligatory selfie at the halfway point:

My pace for Mile 2 was 19:19. The sun warmed the day through the barren trees, as it always does in Winter on the Newton Hills.

 

 

 

 

 

We paused at the Johnny Kelly statue to take another selfie and paused to document ourselves along the course.

My pace for mile 3 was fairly consistent at a 19:22 pace. Very impressive going up the famous Heartbreak Hill.

As we approached the 'finish line' at the car, I pushed to finish strong for a 17:02 pace for the final .11 of our 5K. 

Total time: 1:00:26 with average pace of 19:25. I was thrilled. I've come to embrace my pace as a soon to be 71 year old. As someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair. I run pretty fast!

I had the runner's cough and felt exhilarated with what I had just done. 

 

I came within 26 seconds of my goal pace on a frigid Winter's day on the Newton Hills.

My 2024 goal race was done and dusted!

On my Christmas Birthday, I will see how many miles I can do in 71 minutes to celebrate turning 71 years young.

During the early part of 2025, I will continue to work on pace and look for an all pace friendly 5K. My stretch goal for 2025 is to build up to the Half Marathon distance again. As I like to say, "It always seems impossible until it's done!"

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

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

 

 

 

As Long As We Keep Moving...Book Signing with Bill Rodgers

 

 "Our stories are proof that passion and purpose in life can lay dormant for years. But then one day, you find your desire, your dreams, your strength. It was in you the whole time. And once you find it, you will never be the same. From that day forward you will everything on the line, make every day count, test the limits of your heart and embrace the challenge of your Spirit." ~Bill Rodgers

It is always a treat to spend time with Bill Rodgers; to hear his worldly wisdom, running conversation about running history and to bask in his warmth and wit. At the 45th Annual Bill Rodgers Somerville 5K Jingle Bell Run and Walk bib pick up, I was blessed to do a book signing of my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrrior" next to Bill's Meet and Greet. 

Bill will turn 77 on 12/23 and I will turn 71 on Christmas Day. We teased each other about being Capricorns - "the GOAT right?" but then had a serious conversation about aging. I told Bill that I'm a lot slower now but love challenging myself to be the best I can be. Bill replied with, As long as we keep moving."

As runners came up to chat with Bill, get a book or poster signed, he was quick to share my journey, letting the runners know that I had quite a story and encouraged them to buy my book! Bill wrote this review as I was getting ready to publish it this past May:
"I enjoyed reading your new book, which is so appropriately titled, A Most Unlikely Runner....I especially like the way you understand Running as more than just the physical movement, and how you linked the great American Poet, Robert Frost to Running...  I know you will always be a Runner!" ~Bill Rodgers, Olympian, former record holder in the marathon and 4 time Boston and NYC Marathon Champion

Bill and I reminisced about our friendship through the years. We each acknowledged that what makes running the greatest sport is that every day runners and champions get to interact with each other and forge friendships through the years.

Bill was incredibly loving and supportive to Ruth Anne who is running the 129th Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab. {Here is the link to her fundraising page with her incredibly inspiring story.} He had known about her journey through his partner Karen and repeatedly told her that she was doing great things. He even wanted to know what kind of Asics she was wearing and did a shoe critique as to why those were good marathon shoes for her.

He gifted her a signed copy of his book to use in her Thank You to donors gift giveaway!

We chatted with a new runner, Keith, who lives with Cerebral Palsy. Race director Paulie gave him the bib with #1. Bill insisted that I too sign Keith's bib.

That's Ruth Anne and Bill's brother Charlie in the photo. One can only smile whenever Bill Rodgers is around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I first met Bill at the 2009 Hyannis Marathon Weekend. It was my first half marathon. I was in awe meeting Bill and Frank Shorter who embraced my journey and were inspired by what I'd overcome to take on the Boston Marathon. Bill and I would meet at future Hyannis Marathon Weekends and we forged a friendship through the years.

We share a similar philosophy on aging; that age is just a number. As long as we keep moving, whatever the pace and whatever the distance, we can live to be 100!

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

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

 

Courage & The Joy of Winter Running

 

Courage  -- December 2008

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.

It's time once again for winter running in Boston. Eighteen years ago, I experienced cold intolerance. The  nerve damage from the initial polio virus tampered with my body's thermostat. At the Spaulding Rehab Post-Polio Clinic, the physical therapist recommended silk long johns and gloves. She, along with the rest of the team said I should use a cane with an ice gripper. I was at high risk for a fracture given that the bone density test indicated osteoporosis. They were basing their recommendations on the data for polio survivors. I am so deeply grateful for their advice that helped me take those first steps on my healing journey.  

In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance and discovered the gift of poetry in my soul. The runner within me was born in my imagination! In February of 2008, I declared that I would run the 2009 Boston Marathon for Spaulding. I discovered the joy of being outdoors in winter that I experience to this day.

It took a great deal of courage to over ride the fear I experienced as I felt unsteady on my feet especially in winter. But oh what a glorious world opened wide as I embraced the elements and felt amazingly alive as I did during these past few weeks of magnificent miles.

Here are a few photos capturing the joy of winter running:

 

It felt like 17 degrees but we still had smiles for miles.

What a joy to celebrate 18 years of healing and my 71st birthday on Christmas Day!

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

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

What Gives Me Hope!

 

In the wake of last week's election, what gives me hope? I have trust that we can meet any moment when we harness all the power within us as individuals and collectively. 

I saw this post on Reasons to be Cheerful Instagram page: We believe the collective impact of practical problem-solving is greater than any one person’s power. That why our election coverage hits a little different, and why, a few weeks ago, we asked you to answer an open-ended question:

No matter who wins, ___________________. Visit their Instagram page to read a beautiful poem that is the compilation of responses. 

After the election they posted,  Yes, it matters who wins.
But maybe what matters even more is how millions of people, on any given day, choose to live, work, fight and advocate for positive change. Maybe the cumulative effect of countless individuals, striving to improve the world around them, is larger than any decision made from behind a big wooden desk.

What gives me hope is what my friend Eliza posted on Facebook:

Although the outcome of the election was clearly not as many of us hoped for, Kamala Harris started a powerful movement in a very short time that I believe will gain momentum in the coming weeks, months and years to come. I have hope not based on how many seats are red or blue in Congress but by the outpouring of amazing energy at her rallies and rallies on her behalf all across the Nation. I have hope because of the people around me who are hopeful and optimistic despite all appearances right now; people who refuse to relinquish dreams and a vision for what's possible.

Science has proven time and again that we are powerful creators. I know this from my own journey. Just because something has not manifested in the now does not mean that it will not happen or that something even greater may emerge as a result of what got set in motion during the few months leading up to election day.

What gives me hope is this quote from Margaret Mead:

 Back in September, I saw a post from Lee Woodruff. She was a guest on the Optimism Institute's Blue Sky podcast. I was drawn to it like a magnet although I didn't seem to have the time to get to listening to it and reaching out to the podcast about being a guest until two weeks ago. Everything in Divine Timing. I listened to Lee's interview. I followed Blue Sky on Instagram and it was just what I needed to get through pre and post-election stress. 

I listened to Bill's latest episode and heard his guest share her definition of optimism. Yesterday morning I woke up at 5:30am with a knot in my stomach. A rather common occurrence since last Wednesday. I began my meditation as I do every morning in the quiet hours usually before anyone else gets up to clear my energy and set my intention for the day. I was so surprised when a poem flowed through me:

Optimism is a Way of Being

Optimism a way of being
buoyed by hope
beam from the lighthouse
quells fears
piercing darkness of current appearances
life raft keeping us afloat in troubled waters
Worrying makes us weary
sapping strength
din drowns out possibilities
What ifs what ifs
swirling thoughts in a riptide of doom
What if the tide turns
Tethered together
joining hands and hearts
like minded travelers
Inner compass to guide
Journey together
weathering storms
anchored in truth
drawing strength
Right is might
riding waves of uncertainty
Unwavering in love
swells of kindness and care
holding on to each other
navigating our way until the rainbow appears 

It was inspired by Simon Sinek’s quote  “Optimism is different than positive - and it's definitely not naive. Optimism is the belief that the future is positive, that there's a light at the end of the tunnel and we're heading there, together.”

 

In the coming days, weeks months and if need be years, you will find me harping on hope as I wrote about in this poem from Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the Pandemic:

Harping on Hope

Symphony of positivity
playful joyful
Harping on hope
harbingers of hope
seek and you will find

Darkness and despair disperse
divisions derisions cease
Tuning to Universe’s harmony
vibrations of Love
Lovely images dancing
seeing with Third Eye
Foretelling vibrant scenes
a world healed

Rejoicing
uplifting voices
Joining as One
We rise!

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

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

When Worry Seems to Take Hold....

 

 

In the wake of Tuesday's elections results, the what if's are taking center stage on many social media posts and in the news that feeds the worries in many people's thoughts and hearts. I am a worrier by nature that stems from childhood trauma. This election cycle has been a trigger so I really have to double down on using what's in my toolbox.

Worrying puts us into survival mode. Worried thoughts can feed upon themselves and release stress hormones that can then produce more worried thoughts. It drains our energy and leaves us less prepared to handle adverse situations. Did you know that there is a 90-second rule? I HIGHLY recommend this article from April 26, 2020, that explains that a circuit of reaction lasts for only 90 seconds. After that, it is our paying attention to that thought that keeps the reaction going. It's not always easy to break the cycle but what a wonderful feeling of freedom lies in being able to do so. 

"Life’s curve balls will slam you at lightning speed from all angles, from time to time, throwing you off your path. The question is, “What are you going to do about it?” This is a question many of us never stop to think about. If you want to thrive in this world, the 90-second rule offers a mindful way to override your hardwired survival reflex of reaction and cope with life's unexpected events—no matter how dire the circumstances—in a calmer, healthier, more mature way." In truth, no good ever comes from imagining worst case scenarios. It only adds energy to a negative outcome.

There is also a reference to Victor Frankl who was a Holocaust survivor. I came to know his work when I worked as a social worker and was working to heal my own PTSD. “When we can no longer change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves... Everything can be taken from a human but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”  

Mark Twain was a genius when it came to quotes about worries:

And speaking of imagination:

By the same token, we can use our imagination to create something we DO want. Even if the outcome we want is not apparent, while we are imagining a positive outcome we are producing feel good chemicals. The mind cannot distinguish real from imaginary and react whether the situation is in our thoughts or happening in 'real time.'

I have unsubscribed from all news sources. I am unfollowing (but not unfriending)  friends who are posting about their concerns sharing the latest hair raising news and have blocked or pulled back from people who are not like-minded or like-hearted individuals. I meditate 3 times a day - sometimes more, exercise, am mindful about my nutrition, listen to podcasts that are uplifting and inspiring and think to myself, "What's the best that can happen?"

I know many might 'fight' me and say that I'm being naive. Look at what happened before. I look to how I can live in the present moment. If things that happened before happen again 'or worse' as many people predict, then I will not have spent all this time drained and in a state of dread. And, as Simon Sinek said, "Optimism is different than positive and it's definitely not naive. Optimism is a belief that the future is positive, that there's a light at the end of the tunnel and we're heading there together."

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

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