In December of 2006, I was diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and, if I used it I would lose it. Yes you read that right. I was given the advice to conserve my energy and not overuse my already rapidly declining muscles.
I did a review of the literature before writing this blog hoping that, given proven research about neuroplasticity and the power of the mind/body connection along with countless documented case studies of healing and transformation, that perhaps the medical community might have taken a new perspective on Post Polio Syndrome. As recently as 2019, the information and cautionary tales along with a profound lack of research or understanding of the mechanisms of Post Polio Syndrome still exists.
I am sometimes self conscious about photos of me running. My two feet don't fly off the ground and I am not the personification of what one would think of when one thinks of a runner.
But with that photo, my breath caught. I was swept away by how strong my legs looked; especially my left leg.
After a serious knee injury in December of 2014, I briefly returned to Western Medicine to find out what I needed to heal. The MRI indicated shredded cartilage, degenerative osteoarthritis, and an atrophied gastroc (calf) muscle. When the results were reviewed with the physiatrist who specialized in Post Polio Syndrome, he off-handedly said that I'd probably need a total knee replacement in a few years, should stop running or cap my distance at a 5K and that there was nothing we could do about an atrophied gastroc muscle.
After a horrific appointment with a physical therapist, I turned to chiropractic care. My chiropractor revamped my strength training and cross training regimen, used chiropractic care with KT taping and I intensified my mind/body interventions through visualization and meditation. I went on to run 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Clearly there WAS something I could do to grow and strengthen a new gastroc muscle. One picture is worth a thousand words!
We got up at 6:30 this morning with only 3 miles to go to reach my goal.
We did 3.3 miles bringing my monthly total to 50.52 miles!
My goal for September is to run consistently for 40 miles at the 5K distance and to work on pace, and continuing to up my game with my strength training/cross training workout. While gyms remain closed and opportunities for in person races are on hold, I am using this as an opportunity to continue to do what I was once told was impossible.
After all, as Walt Disney said, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible!"
To learn more and be inspired of how I did "the impossible" going from a wheelchair to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com.
It's fair to say that the recent events in the world can weigh heavy on one's heart. Since I discovered the sport of running in my life, it has been a way to pave the road to mental and physical health regardless of the circumstances happening around me. Bill Rodgers once said to me, "Life is hard...yeah...that's why we run. When we can conquer the roads we can conquer whatever challenges happen to us in life."
When the calendar turned to August 1st I contemplated my running goals for the month. I have been increasing my miles per month since last year. It's one of the benefits of not having access to a gym or pool right now. Since August 1st fell on a Saturday and there are 31 days in August, it seemed like a good month to set a goal of 50 miles. Initially, I waffled with my decision. It's so easy to talk one's self out of a new goal especially during these times. My chiropractor is out on maternity leave. She took an early maternity leave in March and plans to return in January 2021. How will my body respond to the increased mileage? The days tend to be hot and humid...maybe I should wait. What difference does it make how many miles I run anyway as long as I am outside exercising on a regular basis.
And then I smiled to myself....
I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and to expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I age as a survivor of paralytic polio. Once I harnessed the power of my mind/body connection, infinite possibilities revealed themselves to me.
I went on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon:
After a serious knee injury in December of 2014, I was told to prepare for a total knee replacement and to stop running...or cap my distance if I did. I partnered with a chiropractor who used KT tape, a new prescription for workouts, the Graston Technique and immersion in mind/body luminaries such as Dr. Joe Dispenza and eventually discovering Heal Documentary.
I went on to run the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Bermuda Half Marathons:
This morning, after my strength training workout, I sat down and made a plan for how to achieve my goal of 50 miles for August.
We have the Falmouth Walk on Saturday which is 3.2 miles but I am going to do 4 miles and Tom and Ruth Anne will go on to add 3 miles to complete their Falmouth Road Race At Home Edition. We are also registered for the Becca Pizzi 5K which is now virtual. We will do the 5K on 8/29 and I will concentrate on a tempo run instead of distance.
I am focused on my confidence and my ability to set and achieve goals. It is sometimes a challenge to maintain a perspective of optimism and remembering that when I connect to the Divine all things are possible. My power of belief and the intention I set before each run are what will guide me toward my goal.
Last night this poem flowed out of me in answer to my waffling about setting a new goal to uplift and inspire me. May it do the same for you and may you find the courage to move confidently in the direction of your dreams: The Switch from the soon to be released "Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life Volume 2
Flip the switch from darkness
from unwell to well being
dwell with Source.
Generate positive thoughts
current of gratitude
dispels doom and gloom.
Electrify imagination
in mind’s eye
ignite possibilities!
Shockwaves from past
flashbacks
back to the future!
Dampen fears
shift gears
be light hearted.
What ifs
glitter and sparkle
light up hope!
Rewire recharge
turn on tune in
vibrant optimism.
Flip the switch
switch perspective
let the magic begin!
To learn more about my journey after the diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com
It was a cold dark day in February of 2007. It was the dark night of my mind, body and soul. In December of 2006, I was given the diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair possibly needing a feeding tube and a sleep apnea machine. "If you use it, you will lose it," was the philosophy 13 years ago of how to "treat" and and try to "stall" the symptoms of a neuromuscular condition.
As I sat in a toe up leg brace
I got still and asked for Divine Guidance...The answer as I wrote about in "Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibility":
And then I felt a stirring in my second chakra (only then I didn’t know it was my second chakra – I thought it might have been something I ate). I went over to my laptop in the corner of the living room and I wrote this poem:
Running the Race
Early summer 1959 my kindergarten year
Everyone around me filled with nervous fear
Despite the Salk vaccine hope polio would disappear
The polio virus crept right up and knocked me in the rear.
Dancing all around the gym feeling free just like a bird
I dropped to the ground just like a stone
and no one said a word.
The pain it was so searing-the diagnosis even worse
"It's polio" the doctor said...he was abrupt and terse.
Called one of the 'lucky ones' I had a 'mild case'
But with the other athletes I could never keep their pace.
Miss Holly physical therapist,
curly hair and a warm, broad smile
It tempered the pain of being apart - to walk I'd take awhile.
I always wore those 'special' shoes
the kids they poked and teased
With no support and much abuse
with childhood I wasn't pleased.
But put nose to the grindstone and learned all that I could
I couldn't kick a ball but my grades were always good.
Years went by and no more thought to polio did I give
I accepted the limp and everything else
and decided my life I would live.
But symptoms of weakness and muscle pain did grow
I kept a stoic face hoping no one else would know.
Life no longer was my own I struggled through each day
Suffered in silence, isolated from friends-
trying to keep depression at bay.
And with the grace of glorious God my world it opened wide
I discovered there was a Post Polio team
and they were on my side.
Using wheelchair to travel, set limits on what I could do,
Resulted in joy to realize I could live life anew.
Celebrated my body- creaks, groans and need for a brace
While in my mind I focused on winning a 10K race.
Sought out paths for healing and my spirit flew free
For the first time in life, I could truly be me.
The chains are gone and possibilities abound
I'm a tree with my roots planted firmly in ground.
I'm now off the sidelines, no need to sit and whine
So much gratitude fills my heart and love and beauty shine.
After all these years I can join the loving human race
I exceed all expectations and now I set the pace.
I sobbed to write those words. I had never spoken about polio or the abuse I endured. I became curious. Why am I writing about winning a 10K race?
May 25th marked the 13th anniversary of when I took a leap of faith to leave my award winning career as a VA social worker to heal my life. And heal my life I did!
I ran the 2009 Boston Marathon
and fell in love with the sport of running.
After a serious knee injury in December of 2014, I once again harnessed the power of the mind/body connection defying all appearances and prognosis that I needed a total knee replacement and ran the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Bermuda Half Marathons.
I took a break from endurance running and even from running races. I returned to the roads last May with a series of 5K runs. I wasn't running that many miles and went out for runs 2 days a week going to the pool once/week and strength training twice/week.
My goal for this year was to work my way back up to a 10K but then "the thing which shall not be named" happened and life came to a screeching halt. My chiropractor is pregnant and closed down her practice early for maternity leave. During the initial stay at home order, it was difficult to find places to run and maintain distance from other runners. Everyone was in a state of shock and anxiety.
Yet we managed to maintain a regular running schedule and I worked on speed rather than increasing distance.
I did notice on my Nike+ that the mileage for March, April and May was 10-15 miles more than for last year. In March, the gyms closed.
One by one races were cancelled. Some were rescheduled as virtual races. We cancelled our hotel reservations that coincided with race weekends although we are holding out hope for Cape Cod Marathon Weekend which would be Tom and Ruth Anne's first half since Bermuda 2018.
I was very close to hitting 40 miles for the month of May but would need to add on a little extra mileage to get there.
Tom and Ruth Anne were going to do a long run in preparation for the virtual Falmouth Road Race and Cape Cod Marathon Weekend but wanted to stay with me to celebrate the third consecutive over 40 miles month.
It was a gorgeous morning for a run with geese, swans, turkeys and a beautiful blue sky:
Instinctively everyone ran in one direction at the Reservoir.
There was so much joy and freedom!
Tom suggested we add onto the mileage by running down Beacon Street to the fountain in front of the Waterworks Museum and then do our loop around the Reservoir.
When we got home we had run 3.41 miles:
and I saw my Nike+ total for May as 40.18 miles!
While 40+ miles in one month might not seem like a lot for many runners, for me it is quite the accomplishment.
After all, I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and a whole host of other predictions were made based on my history of having contracted paralytic polio at age 5.
I am proud to be a part of this amazing sport where, if you run, you're a runner and for me... I exceed all expectations and now I set the pace!
Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com to learn more about my incredible journey from the diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond.
After the diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease in December of 2006, I experienced angst and fear. I moved into feeling really pissed before settling into getting still and asking for Divine Guidance.
Through writing poetry, I imagined a life for me in which I was running free, feeling healthy, whole and free from the shackles of my past.
In February of 2008, I declared to my personal trainer that I was going to run the 2009 Boston Marathon.
From "Adventures of Runnergirl 1953": At my six-month evaluation in February, I made dramatic improvements in every area of the assessment. I had come out of my leg brace. I knew I was on a healing path.
“Let’s write down your goals for the next six months,” Janine said feeling proud and satisfied with my progress.
“Well I want to feel free in my body. I want to dance. I want to be able to walk outside and feel unencumbered when I take a walk.”
Janine feverishly wrote down my goals, and we worked out a plan. She gathered up her belongings and had her hand on the door knob.
“Wait. I have one more goal.”
Janine stopped and turned around.
“I want to run the Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab Hospital. I know they have a Race for Rehab team and I want to do it next year.”
Did you ever have one of those moments when words fell out of your mouth after rising up from the depths of your soul without going through any thought process?
Janine was non-plussed. I don’t know what kept her from turning tail and getting as far away from me as she could. She came back into my house, set down her things and without missing a beat said, “Well the first thing you are going to need is a pair of running shoes.”
She laid out a cursory training plan and said that we would begin indoors to build up my cardio endurance. As soon as the weather got a little warmer, we’d go outdoors and I would learn how to run.
What had I just done?
I had just set out to conquer fears and old beliefs about myself as a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma and conquer the hills of Newton.
Last December, Bill Rodgers signed this photo for me when we were at bib pick up for the Jingle Bell 5K:
"Mary...You conquered the Boston Marathon Newton Hills for Spaulding."
He embraced my journey with his heart and me with his arms and together, we rocked the stage at the Hyannis Marathon Weekend Pre-Race Pasta Dinner:
I am so blessed to ignite the hearts and souls of others as I continue to share my journey from being told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond!
It's quite remarkable and miraculous when we conquer our fears and move out of self limiting beliefs to achieve goals we once thought impossible; such as conquering the Newton Hills and running 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston.
To learn more about this incredible journey, be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com
Like many people these days, there are some nights where sleep comes slowly and can be interrupted by weird dreams. We are so blessed and fortunate to have had minimal disruption to our lives compared to so many but still the stress is there. I've done a lot of healing from the effects of enduring childhood trauma, but there have been triggers during the limitations and rules for the pandemic. I use this time as an opportunity to heal the wounds that get reopened and feel deeply grateful for the gift of running in my life.
Friday night was an intense night for me. I had trouble falling asleep and the trauma dreams were particularly intense. When I woke up yesterday morning, the thought of going on a run drew me out of bed after my morning meditation. I knew it was exactly what mind, body and soul needed although my body might have said otherwise if I would have listened to its grumblings.
It was a gorgeous warm late Spring day with puffy clouds set against a brilliant blue sky. We had frozen water bottles at the ready that sweat on the table while we got ready for our run.
We stretched and took deep breaths while we strapped on our water belts.
I set the mileage on my Nike+ to ensure I would go over 40 miles for the month of May.
Tom and Ruth Anne were going to do their 6 mile run in preparation for the Virtual Falmouth Road Race and Cape Cod Half Marathon but wanted to run with me to celebrate my going over 40 miles for the third consecutive month.
I welcomed the company!
We chatted about the gift of running in our lives. We dearly miss running with our friends and activities with L Street Running Club as well as the joy of gathering for races. I just finished John Bingham's book, "The Courage to Start." He talked about the camaraderie and socialization that happens when runners get together. He talks about old friends we've yet to meet. But he also talks about the power of running to transform one's life as does George Sheehan in his book, "The Essential George Sheehan."
Running has taken me to Bermuda, Boston, Cape Cod, and Maine to many starting lines. These days running takes me out of my head and into my heart and soul. My two feet take me out into the beauty of Springtime and into the magnificence of water, swans, turkeys, geese and their babies and the mystery and awe of leaves returning to once barren trees.
Running takes me to feeling fully alive as my heart beats faster and sweat pours from every pore. Running cleanses me of the past.
My heart overflows with gratitude as I run fully aware of the miracle that happened healing the effects of paralytic polio and trauma that once ravaged my mind, body and soul.
Running is a wonderful time to unplug and be with Tom and Ruth Anne savoring the sights, sounds and scents of a beautiful day. We appreciate how far Ruth Anne has come on her healing journey from the effects of PANDAS.
Running took me out of the residue of a poor night's sleep and past trauma into the gift of the present moment on a sensational late Spring day. There may be no races to travel to these days yet running takes me wherever I need to go on any given day to feel uplifted and to be in a state of well being after the miles are run.
To learn more about my health and wellness journey, please visit my website atwww.marymcmanus
The Art of Being Present From 'Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life':
Each moment is a blank canvas
smudges and splotches only in mind's eye
raindrops from the heart
wash away the past.
Each moment is an opportunity
overflowing with possibility.
How shall I paint this moment?
My portrait once a still life
now
in stillness
life force leaps
dancer
lover of life
a geyser of joy
a river of happiness
gratitude flows
fragrant flowers sweetness
strong roots
lit with softness of sun's tender embrace
back from the edge
the ledge between life and death
creating the masterpiece of my life
one breath at a time.
With only two weeks until Ruth Anne and Tom toe the starting line of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K, we knew they needed to simulate race day and have time to taper in order to have fresh legs on race day.
What better way to usher in a New Year and a new Decade than with a run to train for a new goal?
Tom and Ruth Anne inspired me to add to my word, Simplicity for 2020. I looked at my mileage from 2019 and although I brought much compassion to the lower mileage, I knew I needed to make a change for 2020. By taking charge to simplify my life, I have more energy for new goals!
Tom and Ruth Anne had the Bermuda 10K course map to guide them:
They planned a route to simulate the elevation on Heartbreak Hill and run for 6.2 miles. I opted for a 2 mile out and back route for 4 miles. I had been keeping my distance at a 5K but it's a new year and a new decade which is an awesome time to shift gears and reach out for something new.
They warmed up with me and took off with fuel and hydration that they will use on race day using the map to nail down race day strategy.
As I got close to the Johnny Kelley statue, Tom texted me to let me know I should turnaround at the statue. My Nike+ already said 2 miles so I decided to go with Ruth Anne's Garmin for distance.
I remembered when we reached this spot on Marathon Monday 2009:
There were many many runners out on Heartbreak Hill. As we passed each other we smiled and wished each other Happy New Year.
I saw one runner in a Striders shirt. We have become friends with many Merrimack Valley Striders through the years and our running friendships grow thanks to Facebook. I called out to him and said "Go Striders." I asked his name and told him mine. We'd been Facebook friends connected through other Striders but had never met in person. We recognized each other and wished each other Happy New Year. He told me after the run on Facebook that he'd done the entire Boston Marathon course!
I loved the sunshine streaming through the bare trees to offset the wind chill.
As I neared mile 3, I saw the steep, long incline loom before me that would take me to the top of Heartbreak Hill near Boston College.
"Oh this will be so awesome to simulate the Bermuda 10K for Tom and Ruth Anne but why am I doing this?" I laughed to myself.
I chose to go the longest distance I'd done since the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon on the Newton Hills!
Slowly and steadily I kept an even pace needing to stop only once before the downhill that would take me back to our car.
My Nike+ read 4.28 miles. I stretched, hydrated and within a short period of time, Ruth Anne and Tom were running towards me arms triumphantly in the air.
I cheered them on as I will when I see them come into the Stadium after they conquer the Bermuda 10K.
What a fantastic way to start a new year and a new decade! What a contrast to last year when Ruth Anne was critically ill without a clear diagnosis or treatment plan. What a contrast to January of 2007 when I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease.
How will you paint the masterpiece of your life?
It was indeed a Happy New Year on Heartbreak Hill.
From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
Mary
Be inspired by my interview with Kendra Petrone on the award winning Exceptional Women Show by following this link
To experience an epic race weekend and hear me share my journey from a wheelchair to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond come to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend February 21-23 2020.
In 2014, I had an epic running and racing comeback. My nephew died by suicide in March of 2011. It was a blow to my life that I did not think I could recover from after having lived through so much trauma in my earlier years. It took the events of 4/15/13 to be a wake up call for me to return to the roads and my life.
I ran 9 races in 9 months crushing PR after PR at the 5K and 10K distance.
The pain had been coming on slowly to my left knee but like so many runners, I ignored it thinking that with a little more rest it would be fine. At the Miss Santa Holiday 5K, my left knee said "Enough! If you aren't going to pay attention to me, I am going to get your attention!" I could no longer put any weight on me knee by the time we went to the after party on Beacon Hill.
Tom and I debated about whether or not to go to the Emergency Room. We were just down the street from Mass. General but I drew from all the healing I had done through the power of the mind/body connection through the years and decided to go home. With a lot of Advil, ice, meditation and a cane from CVS, I was able to get around.
I decided that I needed to find out what needed healing and so I saw the physiatrist associated with the International Rehab Center for Polio and Post Polio at the Spaulding Rehab Outpatient Clinic in Framingham. He was kind and gentle yet continued to warn me about the risks of running as a survivor of paralytic polio. He knew that I would return to the sport that gives me so much but I agreed to take a break until we could get the MRI results and I could have a course of physical therapy to rehab the knee.
He also highly suggested that I return to the Post Polio Clinic for a complete re-evaluation because it was only a matter of time before the symptoms progressed.
I watched myself make the appointment for the re-evaluation but first I had to see what was going on with my knee.
We went for the MRI and I looked up the results on line before my next appointment. The prognosis was grim but so was my prognosis in December of 2006 when I was told 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 heal my life mind, body and soul.
Dr. Rosenberg told me that the knee was beyond repair and I should prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years. He gave me a prescription for physical therapy and warned me to not run but if I did, I should cap my distance at a 5K.
I cancelled the appointments with the Post Polio Clinic and went for physical therapy. The Universe clearly had another plan for me because I had the physical therapist from hell at the Spaulding Rehab Outpatient Clinic in Brighton. She came highly recommended but not for me.
I was led to Ryan J. Means,DC a chiropractor, who was enthralled with my healing journey and believed, as I do, in the body's tremendous capacity for healing through the power of the mind/body connection and creating an optimal environment for healing.
We set out to heal my knee, balance out and strengthen my body and grow a new gastroc muscle. Yes...you read that right.
The MRI showed that my gastroc muscle had atrophied from the initial polio virus. As Dr. Rosenberg went through the MRI results he said, "Well we knew your gastroc muscle had atrophied from the polio virus when you were 5 and there's nothing we can do about that." Part of the stress on the knee joint was because I did not have adequate support from my calf muscle.
In addition to being a chiropractor, Dr. Ryan was a personal trainer so he prescribed a new strength training workout routine that I do to this day increasing the challenge as the exercises become easier for me to do.
"You have GOT to read this book," Dr. Ryan said to me. "It's called 'You Are the Placebo' by Dr. Joe Dispenza."
He went on to give me recommendations for healing resources many of which are on my website. I discovered many more resources on my own from the foundation that Dr. Ryan gave me. He left in the summer after I met him to practice chiropractic in China and now in Vietnam but we have remained in touch through the years and the imprint he left to heal remains to this day.
By March, I was out on the roads armed with meditations, affirmations, KT tape - a lot of KT tape and my fiery determination with a renewed dedication and commitment to heal the effects of paralytic polio and trauma.
I trained for the Harvard Pilgrim Finish at the 50 2016. Standing at the outdoor race expo were representative for the Bermuda Marathon Weekend. We had seen them at many Expos but I would quickly walk by. In 2010 I planned to run Bermuda as a bucket list race but abandoned the idea (and so much of life) after my nephew's death.
As I heard the Bermudian accents while Tom chatted with Race Director Anthony Raynor and his assistant Clarence Smith, I inched closer and closer to their display.
From "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953":
Anthony Raynor and Clarence Smith had me at hello at the Bermuda Marathon Weekend Booth at the Finish at the 50 Expo. Tom started chatting with Clarence "Stoker" Smith. I hung back but cocked an ear to the conversation. I gingerly eyed the pink Bermuda wrist bands, the bling from Bermuda Marathon Weekend races and the samples of pink sand. I glanced at Tom and felt we each had a tug at our souls. The tug got stronger with each moment we talked with Clarence and Anthony. We reminisced about when we went to Bermuda. I felt goosebumps and a warm feeling come over me, while a part of me was wondering why was I even having this conversation about running in Bermuda. Several months ago I was told to cap my distance and prepare for a total knee replacement.
“If you can get up to the Half Marathon distance, you’ll be better off than running the 10K with all of its steep hills,” Anthony said in his delicious Bermudian accent.
“The last time I was in Bermuda I was in a leg brace using a cane and a wheelchair.”
Clarence's wife said, "Look at you now girl."
There was no stopping me now. We exchanged information. Clarence told us he'd pick us up at the airport. I chatted with Anthony about the weather in January.
"Look," he said with a deep warm laugh, "I was told you people still have piles of snow near the Seaport Hotel from this past winter. I can guarantee you this. You will have no snow in Bermuda in January."
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.” ~Mark Twain
It was time to sail away from safe harbor and go the distance again. This time on the magical Island of Bermuda.
We went on to run the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Bermuda Half Marathons.
Five years later and my left knee is doing just fine thank you very much.
I've decided to keep my distance at 5K's for now but not because someone else has told me to set limits.
I'm blessed and grateful that 13 years after the diagnosis of what doctors believe to be a progressive neuromuscular disease, and, at the soon to be age of 66 years old (on Christmas) I still run and workout 5 days a week. I challenge myself with my strength training workouts and am working on my pace at the 5K distance.
Five years ago my left knee blew out after not minding my body. By harnessing the power of the mind/body connection, having a new strength training regimen, a healer who believed in me and realizing I had not come that far to have only come that far, I once again sent a message of healing, hope and possibilities.
Our body's capacity to heal is far greater than anyone has led us to believe although we are so fortunate to live in an age where all of the old beliefs are being replaced with new science.
To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary
To learn more about my journey from a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma to the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com
Looking for great gift ideas? Give the gift of inspiration with my books available on Amazon....
and/or the gift of healing choosing from suggestions on my website's "Healing Resources" page.
Be sure to listen to my interview with Kendra Petrone on the Award Winning Exceptional Women Show by following this link
What happens when a teacher, a 65 year old runner/philanthropist who has done epic stuff and a "Kindness" Foundation come together with a community of like hearted people? You have an event that kicks off what is sure to create ripples of change and kindness for generations to come.
On August 26th, almost 41 years to the day when Dave McGillivray finished his run across America at Fenway Park to benefit the Jimmy Fund, over 250 people gathered at the State Street Pavillion at Fenway Park to celebrate the release of his latest book, "Running Across America."
Last year, writer and teacher Nancy Wendland Feehrer, and Dave launched the book, "Dream Big".
They are planning a series of children's books based on Dave's epic adventures to teach children the importance of setting goals not limits, perseverance and despite the challenges you face, there are always ways to dream big and reach your goals.
Dave didn't want children to just read the book and say, "Oh that's nice" and put it down. He created a call to action, "The Dream Big Marathon" to read 26 books, run 26 miles and practice 26 acts of kindness.
Dave was inspired by The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation and Nancy, Dave and The Foundation have developed a partnership to bring "Dream Big" and now "Running Across America" to schools across America.
Dave's wife Katie was the Room Parent for Foundation co-founder Kate Middlemiss' kindergarten class. Katie shared with Dave how much Scott was suffering after the loss of their son Joseph and Dave gave him a bib for the Boston Marathon knowing the therapeutic power of running. And they were off and running supporting the Mission and Goals of the Foundation with powerful friendships forged especially between heart warriors Jack and Dave.
On our walk from our parking space to the event, we took photos of iconic Fenway Park:
When we arrived, we took in the scene of The State Street Pavilion:
Diana Colby's husband Chris Colby came all the way from Texas to represent Bluebonnet Elementary School at the event.
We instantly spotted each other across the room from our Facebook photos! Becca Pizzi came over and it was like old home week for Becca and Chris. This is one of the million things I LOVE about the running community.
After greetings, hugs and photos with Nancy and her family
I was stopped in my tracks to see my books and the 65th birthday poem I wrote to Dave on a table along with several other authors' books:
"Um Nancy...this is your book launch. What did you do?"
"Well," she said with so much love in her voice, "I saw the names on our guest list and knew that they had written books so I decided to put out a display of the authors in attendance. Those are my copies of the books."
We hugged and went on our way to see the stunning view of the field and the Fenway Park 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon in progress. Several attendees in the crowd were proudly wearing their bling from the races they had just run.
One of my friends said, "Hey I found you. You're in the program. Do you sign this?" He was referring to the Scavenger Hunt for Authors:
There were hors d'oeuvres being passed around and a make your own Fenway Hot Dog and Fenway Sausage buffet along with a dessert table.
"How do you know Team Big Heart?" I asked someone standing next to the Authors' Table wearing a Team Big Heart shirt.
"Scott was kind enough to give this to me. I run the Boston Marathon with Dave every year in the evening."
We remembered the thrill of Dave running Boston just 6 months after open heart surgery and raising over $200,000 for The Foundation. I shared with Brent Richardson how Tom and I cheered Dave on at Cleveland Circle.
"Well then you saw me," he said.
He introduced us to his wife and son. We discovered that we had a lot in common. Brent had an epic comeback after having suffered Guillain Barre Syndrome. It's a rare disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your extremities are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. He writes poetry for every occasion and his wife creates greeting cards. I am so glad he was wearing his Team Big Heart shirt and that we were able to connect.
We met Kelly Allen McLay at Cleveland Circle on Marathon Monday. She was part of Dave's entourage during this year's evening Boston Marathon run. We became Facebook friends and met again at Becca Pizzi's 5K. Kelly ran 7 Marathons in 7 Days on 7 Continents and has an inspirational story of her own finding her way to running after being diagnosed with early menopause at the age of 21. She was recently featured in Womens Health Magazine and she told us that they used the photo Tom had taken of her running with her daughter:
More inspiration came into the room as Kate and Scott, founders of The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation, Jack and Grace arrived. We were able to get this photo before Jack and Gracie took off:
{Scott was wearing a LaCoste Strong t-shirt to support his Principal and dear friend, Kevin LaCoste who suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury this summer. You can make a donation to his GoFundMe page if you are so inspired.}
After schmoozing and eating, it was time for Dave, Nancy and Scott to express their gratitude for the amazing turnout of friends to support the launch and to talk about "Running Across America", "Dream Big" and the Dream Big Marathon.
The crowd listened with rapt attention including Boston Marathon Champion Jack Fultz:
Unbeknownst to me, Brian Baker, who has run 41 consecutive Falmouth Road Races and who we recently met in Falmouth and his wife Carolyn, were standing next to us but we never connected at the event. Brian shared these photos on Facebook:
When we arrived home, we read "Running Across America"
I may have cried and felt goosebumps all over especially as Dave and Nancy wrote about Dave's grueling challenges and lessons learned at different locales and -- spoiler alert -- when he rounds the bases at Fenway.
"Running Across America" is available on Amazon: A full-color, inspiring picture book about Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray’s 3,452-mile run across America in 80 days!
As a teenager, Dave McGillivray heard a news story about a person biking across the United States. “What a great idea!” he thought. “But instead of a bike, I’ll use my sneakers!”
This is the funny, touching, true story of McGillivray’s 80-day, 3,452-mile run from Medford, Oregon, to his hometown of Medford, Massachusetts. In Running Across America: A True Story of Dreams, Determination, and Heading for Home, McGillivray tells the tale of how he braved the Sierra and Rocky Mountains, millions of grasshoppers in Nebraska, days of pouring rain in Ohio, the occasional rattlesnake, and intensely sore knees. On top of it all, homesickness and doubt are constant companions as he tries to achieve his dream of running from coast-to-coast.
And that’s not his only dream―the cross-country run is part of his goal to help kids in need. By making the run a fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund, McGillivray joins his favorite baseball team, the Red Sox, in making lives better for children battling cancer. Through 13 states, blistering heat, and being “pulled over” by a State Trooper, McGillivray relies on good friends, family, a sense of humor, and sheer determination to fulfill a dream―and to help kids who can’t run.
• A true story with lots of humor and heart, this picture book is a follow-up to Dave McGillivray’s book about the first time he ran the Boston Marathon, Dream Big: A True Story of Courage and Determination.
• Running Across America serves as the basis for McGillivray’s Dream Big "Marathon," a challenge explained at the end of the book for kids to run 26 miles, read 26 books, and do 26 acts of kindness in 26 weeks, sponsored by the Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation.
I can't wait for their next book which will be about Dave's epic achievement of running 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 Days!
Dave is going to be speaking at Whiraway Sports Center in Methuen on September 11th. Follow this link to register.
To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary
Hear my interview with Kendra Petrone on Magic 106.7's Exceptional Women Show by following this link
My books are available on Amazon and "Feel the Heal" and "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" are available in Natick Center Cultural District at Paula Romero Dunbar's Celebration Boutique Paper Fiesta coincidentally located on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon Route.
