Mental Health Awareness Month: Caring for the Caregiver

In yesterday's blog I talked about the mental health benefits of running. I shared how living with our adult daughter who suffers from severe psychiatric challenges affected me and how getting back to running, specifically racing is helping me to cope with the stress.

I am a retired licensed independent social worker. When it came to giving advice to the caregivers of my veterans, I was the expert! While I never glibly gave advice to my caregivers since I knew I wasn't in their shoes, it is always a lot easier to give advice than take one's own advice.

There is a big difference between knowing and doing!

To my own credit, I did continue to exercise, meditate and go for regular chiropractic treatments BUT often times the scale of stress would tip to offset the benefits of my self care habits.

When I was in the midst of crisis after crisis hoping that maybe this time the right combination of meds, or something within Ruth Anne would shift to improve her functioning, I became increasingly depressed and anxious. While there were times I would let go and let God, I'd come back to trying to control a situation over which I had no control!

While I know the Serenity Prayer, living the Serenity Prayer can be quite the challenge:


The depression and anxiety were insidious but once I became aware of what was happening through meditation, the extended hand of loving friends and journaling, I decided it was time to make a shift.

It was time for me to care for THIS caregiver.

One of the first steps I took after awareness of what was happening to me was to recognize that in fact I am a caregiver. While I have found creative ways to diminish the stress of being in this role, the truth is, there is a person living in my home who is unable to contribute to the household and who places demands on the resources and energy of our household.

UPDATE 10/2 One of the most stressful parts was not having a correct diagnosis and there was a feeling that everyone was just throwing darts at a dart board in terms of diagnosis and medications. This past August, with the help of the Divine and synchronicity, I realized that our daughter's condition is a neuropsychiatric condition known as PANS, the result of an autoimmune response to chronic infections she endured as a child and adolescent and infections that continue into adulthood. Most recently, I had to advocate to get her UTI fully treated and get an evaluation for urinary symptoms she was having that was diagnosed as chronic interstitial cystitis; more inflammation in her body that affects her mental status. Having a diagnosis and a good combination of medications helps but now that we realize the limitations that come with this condition, there has been an increase in what I need to do in my role as caregiver.



I am discovering ways to ease the stress and burden of being in the caregiver role - and it's amazing how God is in the details and how seemingly small things can make a really big difference in terms of stress - while paying more attention to how I can improve on and maximize my self care habits. My goal is for self care to not only mitigate against my stressful situation but to allow me to experience an improvement in my health and wellness and quality of life! I want to add life to my years not just years to my life.

I have increased my running to 2-3 times a week from one time a week.

I realized that the commute to my health club and looking for parking was creating stress. We are using our home gym more and investing in a bike to mix up the cardio when the inclement weather returns to Boston. I plan to run outdoors as much as possible.

I did research and discovered that the BU Fit/Rec Center has a pool that's just a ten minute drive from our house. We'll be able to go there one early morning a week when Tom works from home. When the weather gets warmer, we will take to the great outdoors for swimming either in the ocean or Walden Pond.

My meditation time is sacred time. I'm going to get a lounge chair for our lawn and the beach so I will be able to meditate outside.

I have scheduled appointments for chiropractic care through August making sure that I can get in to see Dr. Lizzie before and after her vacation time.

And speaking of vacation...Tom and I are making sure that we take time together for staycations and to get away together. Two weeks from Thursday we head back to Bermuda. We are going to Falmouth for the Falmouth Road Race (more on that in a later blog post and how giving to others and kindness is good for one's mental health). We are blessed with abundance to be able to travel.

It's hard to believe that one can keep a sense of humor in the midst of stress yet that is PRECISELY when humor is needed the most.



We are able to transform the stress with humor.

Just as there is always something you can find to laugh about, there is always something to be grateful for. I keep a gratitude journal and throughout the day take notice of what there is to be grateful for.



One of the things I am most grateful for is my village! I realize how much I isolated myself from people who love and support me. Well no more because connecting with like hearted people is vital for my mental health. I have coffee dates scheduled and will be attending more events that bring me joy.

Hydrate ... hydrate ... hydrate ...



While I may not have initially realized that I was getting pulled in the undertow of Ruth Anne's neuropsychiatric condition, the important thing is I became aware of it and am taking corrective action.

It's time I take care of this caregiver and I hope this inspires you with ideas you can use take to take care of you!

From my heart to yours
In Health and Wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

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 at Paper Fiesta in Natick on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon route.

Run for Your (Mental) Health

“Running allows me to set my mind free. Nothing seems impossible, nothing unattainable.” — Kara Goucher

After Sunday's Becca Pizzi 5K Run and 1 Mile Kids Run, I was canvassing how I felt mind, body and soul during my afternoon meditation. I felt deliciously spent and satisfied with a heart overflowing with gratitude.

After the meditation, I had a link to this article in my inbox: "For Depression and Anxiety, Running Is a Unique Therapy."

It's a powerful read that explains the science behind the mental health benefits of running that goes beyond endorphins. Running helps to create lasting change in thoughts that drive depression and anxiety.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Shortly after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I was led to the sport of running through a poem I wrote and a personal trainer I worked with after being discharged from Spaulding Rehab Outpatient care. Not only did it bring healing to the late effects of paralytic polio, but helped to transform the symptoms of PTSD which was a result of severe childhood trauma.

Running and having goal races helped me to triumph over paralytic polio and trauma.

However, living with someone with serious mental health issues can be contagious. Our daughter has lived with us since 2017 and has struggled with serious mental health issues since 2014. After the Bermuda Half Marathon in January 2018, I lost my passion for being a part of races. As I look back on it, I was being drained in my role as caregiver and Ruth Anne's depression was having an adverse effect on me.

I continued with a 5 day a week training cycle which helped me maintain my fitness level but something was missing. I signed up for the Finish at the 50 5K on July 3rd.

When Scott Middlemiss extended the invitation on Facebook to sign up for Becca Pizzi's 5K and 1 Mile Kids Race, I did something I'd never done before. I impulsively signed up for a race.

Last Monday I had done speed work and ran the fastest 3.11 miles I'd run in a long time. Having the goal of the Finish at the 50 5K and doing a lot of internal work during meditation to extricate myself from Ruth Anne's energy helped me to have a great time both on and off the clock even though it was a solo run for me.

I asked Becca if there were any time limits for the race and when she said no I just went for the race registration. Becca was incredibly supportive and welcoming.

When we arrived in Belmont at the race festivities, I was overcome with emotions. I shared with Becca that the emotions took me by surprise and I told her the challenges we experienced with Ruth Anne. I realized the toll her illness had taken on me and was overwhelmed with gratitude to be back at a race. Becca gave me a huge hug and said, "That's what runners do we support each other." I let more tears flow as we picked up our bib and got ready for the race.

Dave McGillivray and his son Luke were chatting with Scott and Kate. Dave looked to see if I was wearing a race bib. I told him I sure was and shared with him what kept me from racing this past year and a half. "In addition to recovering from 3 half marathons in as many years," I said, "We've been dealing with our daughter's mental health issues." Dave compassionately replied, "That could really weigh you down."

I did not realize the shame and isolation I experienced, especially as the cycles of dysfunction wore on and wore me down. We had the opportunity to run the Joseph Middlemiss Superhero 5K last September and were registered but the Friday before the race, I did not have the energy to get to the starting line. We did do a virtual 5K that day but it wasn't the same as being a part of the running and racing community.

Out on the run Kate, Tom and I were in the present moment while also talking about the Foundation, Falmouth Road Race, the challenges of being a mother with a child with serious challenges and how running and kindness are wonderful antidotes to the stress and its concomitant toxicity that builds in the body. We experienced the love and gratitude flowing like the sweat and hydration after the race.

We took photos and basked in the glow of sharing a wonderful 5K race with so many kind hearted and like hearted people, several of whom were part of Team Big Heart!

Although Kate and I have only known each other a short while, we feel as though we've known each other all of our lives. Sunday's run was like a soldering iron cementing the bonds of friendship that grow stronger while out on a run.

All of the stresses and challenges with Ruth Anne seemed to melt away with every foot strike and although we didn't spend a lot of time focusing on the stress in our lives, they were transformed through those 3.11 miles winding through a beautiful Belmont neighborhood.

Tom and I are taking more aggressive steps to protect our mental health. I am running at least 2 days a week and some days 3 days a week now up from only 1 day a week. I allow the running community to embrace and support us on this journey of living with someone with severe challenges and will consider adding in more 5K races to my calendar.

It's time for me to run for my (mental) health!

From my heart to yours
In Health and Wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

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 at Paper Fiesta in Natick on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon route.

The Becca Pizzi 5K and 1 Mile Kids Fun Run: Race Report

The alarm went off at 6:30 am. We meditated, did core work, had breakfast, asked Siri for directions to Belmont High School, and Tom and I were on our way to my first road race since January of 2018.

Siri took us through back roads from Brookline to Belmont. After we passed Belmont High School's main building, we saw tents and heard music playing in the distance. We parked our car and walked a short distance to where the action was. We picked up our bibs and awesome swag and walked around soaking up the pre-race atmosphere for the Fourth Annual Becca Pizzi 5K and 1 Mile Kids Fun Run.



The Becca Pizzi 5K road race celebrates Becca as a Two Time World Marathon Challenge Champion. In 2018, Becca conquered the World Marathon Challenge again…7 Marathons, 7 Continents, 7 Days. Repeating her 2016 victory, Becca impressively crossed the finish line setting another World Record, putting her in the Guinness Book of World Records!

Becca is a Belmont native and proudly remembers her early running days at Belmont High School. As a result, Becca is dedicated to giving back to the community that supported and influenced her. All race proceeds benefit Belmont High student/athlete scholarships and the BHS athletic programs.

When I saw Becca, I was overcome with emotion (more on why in a later blog). She thanked Tom and me for supporting her race and for all the kind messages and blog posts I wrote prior to the race.

She said, "That's what we runners do. We support one another."

She went on to share how moved she is when she selects recipients of the athletic scholarships and how it makes such a difference in their lives. A group of adoring fans approached her and Tom and I went on our way.

We bumped into David Brown who we had not seen in a very long time. Those in the Boston area know him as a former meteorologist. He is now the Chief Advancement Officer for Mass Association for the Blind. When I worked at the VA, I had a close affiliation with the agency once known as VISION Foundation.

Scott and Kate Middlemiss arrived along with Jack who received a heart transplant in February of 2018 and his sister Gracie.

They were talking with Dave McGillivray and his son Luke.

We met up with other members of Team Big Heart including Kelly Allen McLay who I met in person for the first time at Cleveland Circle when Dave ran his 47th Boston Marathon just a few months out from open heart surgery. She was running the 5K and the 1 mile kids race with her daughter.



Dave, Becca and Kelly are all finishers of the 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days.

We watched the start of the kids race:


cheered them on as they ran and enjoyed seeing them with their medals:


Becca gave an emotional pre-race speech and people listened with rapt attention:


We decided that Kate, Jack, Grace, Tom and I would be walking partners for the 5K. Here are Jack and Gracie at the start:


and a candid photo of Scott:


Scott tagged me in a Facebook post inquiring what members of Team Big Heart would be supporting Becca's event because she had supported the Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation. To learn more about Kate and Scott's foundation follow this link. I debated whether or not I was ready to toe another starting line ... I am absolutely thrilled with my decision to say yes!

It was a thrill to once again take a pre-race selfie with Tom:


After the National Anthem, we were off.

I was in awe of Kate's stride and ability to push the double stroller with such strength. She confessed that she was concerned she'd slow us down so pushed her pace. We reassured her that it wasn't a problem at all.

Tom showed me our pace on his Nike+. We were going at a 16 minute/mile pace. Kate offered that she could speed up or slow down as we needed.

I told her how wonderful it felt to be out on a race course again pushing my pace and what a gift it was to share the day with her and her beautiful children!

Mile 1 mile marker happened really fast and Tom made sure we stopped to take water. Jack and Gracie were wonderful in their stroller pointing out different things they noticed along the course and joining in the conversation at times.

We stopped at the water stop at mile 1.5 and again at mile marker 2 before heading to the finish.

The conversation flowed with ease and there were plenty of volunteers out on the course to guide our direction so all we had to do was enjoy making our way through 3.11 miles through a beautiful Belmont neighborhood. I noted to Kate how the weather was perfect. No wind and no rain as predicted. We both acknowledged that Joseph was our weather angel!

The kids spotted a park that turned out to be "Joey's Park":


Kate explained that they are always on the look out for new playgrounds. Jack and Grace patiently waited until we finished the 5K to return to the playground!

As we were getting close to the finish Scott came running toward us to shrieks of delight "Daddy! Daddy!" from Jack and Grace.

I love it when a runner loops back to get us to the finish line. Scott noticed the same park that Kate, Jack and Grace noticed and they agreed they had to return there after the 5K!

"Hey come on Scott," Kate teased. "Mary and I are keeping a great pace." Scott was walking at a slower pace than we had been walking.

Scott took over the stroller and walked with Tom while Kate and I went ahead for a bit. It was wonderful to have "girl talk" time. Even though Kate and I met only recently, we feel as though we have known each other all of our lives. We can ask each other anything and talk about subjects that are near and dear to our hearts and souls.

As we entered the track toward the finish line, we were greeted by a woman who I 'met' on line who is friends with Kelly! Heather inspired a blog post, "The Sweet View From the Pack of the Pack." . She had finished her 5K but waited to see if she could find me. She ran ahead to meet us at the finish line!

Jack and Grace got out of the stroller to run to the finish.

I was in awe of how heart warrior Jack runs so fast. His coat was practically falling off and we took it so he would be free to run!

David Brown was kind enough to videotape our finish which also included Jack Middlemiss charging to the finish line. You can view the video by following this link.

After crossing the finish line we took photos and celebrated Jack's longest run, Dave McGillivray's strong running comeback after open heart surgery, his son's Luke's amazing running accomplishments, Scott's first race in a long time, my comeback race and friendship and love:


The circle of love of runners and Team Big Heart keeps growing as Heather was brought into the fold with her kind heartedness and connection to Kelly.

After photos were posted and videos shared with commentaries flowing back and forth, Heather posted this on Facebook:
Mary, the running community is the most inclusive and friendly group of people. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow someone is, how many 5ks or ultras a person has completed, their economic level or profession, we all toe the line and work our way to the finish.

A perfect quote to end a best day ever (as Joseph Middlemiss would say) and this race report.

From my heart to yours
In Health and Wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

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 at Paper Fiesta in Natick on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon route.

Reflections on Race Directors

I set out on a mission to do the impossible. In December of 2006, I was told I "had" a progressive neuromuscular disease and I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. I refused to take the diagnosis sitting down after I had endured a bout of depression and anxiety. I got still, asked for Divine Guidance and poetry poured out of me visualizing myself as healthy, whole, healed and free in my body and yes, even Running the Race!

After 6 months of intensive outpatient rehab followed by 6 months of working with a personal trainer, I declared that I was going to run the 2009 Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab as part of their Race for Rehab Team!

The first Race Director I encountered was Paul Collyer. We were getting ready to run the Hyannis Half Marathon in February of 2009. I emailed him, told him about my challenges and asked him if it would be okay for me to participate in his race. He welcomed me as part of the field of participants letting me know that as long as I finished before the last marathoner, I'd be fine. The Hyannis Half was one loop of the full marathon and used the same starting and finish line.

I met Alain (that's Alain with an 'i') Ferry when I volunteered at the Runners World Classic Weekend. He was also the Race Director for the OneRun where runners and anyone affected by the events of 4/15/13 could reclaim the last mile of the 2013 Boston Marathon. He willed me to a PR and gathered a crowd to cheer me on to the finish at the Bill Rodgers 5K to Benefit Prostate Cancer.



He told me he would always have my back at a race when pre-race jitters took hold before the Spectacle Island 5K and 5 mile race; a challenging trail run on Boston Harbor's Spectacle Island. "If it were easy everyone would do it," he told me in an email. He went on to say that he knew I would crush it!

I first saw Dave McGillivray at the starting line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. In April 2014, he spoke at L Street Running Club. I stood next to him with a copy of his book "Last Pick" briefly told him my story and asked if he would sign my book. He signed it, "Set goals. Not limits". We became friends through the years and he has always been accessible if I have a question about a race he directs. We've exchanged some wonderful quips in our emails. I was a little anxious about signing up for this year's Finish at the 50 5K but he reassured me there is no time limit for the 5K and told me many people walk it to experience the finish on the 50 at the field at Gillette Stadium.

Dave wrote a book review for "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953":
“A most unlikely runner stood to my right as I gave the oral command for the mobility impaired start of the 113th Boston Marathon on April 20, 2009. That most unlikely runner was Mary McManus. She overcame the childhood challenges of paralytic polio and years of childhood trauma to become a runner at the age of 53 years old and take on the challenge of the Boston Marathon at 55 years old. In “The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” you’ll be inspired as I have been by her courage, resilience and determination to overcome whatever obstacles life put in her path. Mary’s life story set against the backdrop of running in “The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” will leave you asking the question, “If Mary was able to accomplish all that in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds, what’s stopping me from being the best I can be?” Dave McGillivray Race Director – B.A.A. Boston Marathon

Anthony Raynor, Race Director of the Bermuda Marathon Weekend had me at hello at my comeback race in July 2015 after a serious knee injury. I decided once again to do the impossible and heal my knee injury without surgery and to set goals not limits! 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."

After I ran Bermuda in 2017 and had a difficult time out on the course, Anthony sought me out at the Boston Marathon Expo in April to offer me an invitational entry to his race! How could I possibly refuse?

The Dedication and Acknowledgements from "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953":

This book is lovingly dedicated to:

My husband Tom who has been by my side stride for stride for over 40 years. Here’s to many many more adventures to come….

The earth angels who brought a touch of grace to my life and helped me to overcome my challenges.

My village who embrace me and surround me with unconditional love cheering me on to go the distance on the roads and in my life.

To anyone who was given a diagnosis and told what their limits would be….Remember you are not your diagnosis…You have the power within you to heal!

With deepest gratitude to Anthony Raynor for giving me an invitational entry to the Bermuda Half Marathon 2018. It gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to know that I am healthy, whole and healed.

Thank you to Race Directors Dave McGillivray, Paulie Collyer and Alain Ferry for giving me the opportunity to run my race at my pace.

Thank you to all the mind/body luminaries who lit the spark that led me out of the dark night of my mind, body and soul and led me into the light of how life is meant to be lived.

I know there are races where there are time limits and I respect those limits for myself, other runners and the Race Directors.

But when a Race Director says that all paces are welcome and embraces my journey, encouraging me to be a part of a race where I can challenge myself, it's a gift that I treasure. Recently, I reached out to Becca Pizzi, Race Director for the Becca Pizzi 5K and 1 Mile Kids Race happening tomorrow. She has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of me being a part of the field.

And while I receive a wonderful gift being part of a road race, a far cry from the days of "Easy Out Alper", I also bring a gift to the races I participate in. I am doing the impossible, having defied the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and, at the age of 65 years old, showing up at a starting line and being my personal best.



From my heart to yours
In Health and Wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

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 at Paper Fiesta in Natick on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon route.

The Sweet View From the Back of the Pack

On Sunday, I am toeing the starting line of the Becca Pizzi 5K and 1 Mile Run For Kids.

The last time I toed a starting line was in Bermuda January 2018. While I was most content to train 5 days a week, feeling quite proud of my consistentcy and commitment to my health and wellness journey, I knew it was time to experience the energy of a race and once again be off of the sidelines.

In my world as a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma, there is no such thing as just a 5K. Toeing the starting line of any race takes courage for me. I've had to let go of the taunts and teasing from my peers who chanted "Easy Out Alper" (my maiden name) whenever I was up in gym class. I've had to had to heal the feeling of what it was like to lug a full metal leg brace using crutches while my peers ran away. I am truly blessed that Race Directors know my journey and are totally accessible for me to ask questions about their race and to decide if it's a race that would be enjoyable and appropriate for me.

Becca quickly responded to my queries about Sunday's race. Walkers welcome. All paces welcome. No time limit.

One woman responded on a Facebook post about the race, "I registered last night! Still turtle slow but someone has to make sure the back-of-the-pack is ok!" I responded with, "yes I love it! And turtle 🐢 slow is a great pace. We get our money’s worth out of our registration! Look forward to meeting you!" And she responded, "Mary, that is a great way of thinking. I like it!! Looking forward to meeting you as well."

There is a wonderful article, "If you run slow, who cares?" with a subtitle "and what is slow anyway?"

What’s Wrong With Being ‘Slow?’

OK, so I can’t convince you that being “slow” is all a frame of reference. So I’ll ask you, why does being slow even matter?

Runners are perhaps the most welcoming and friendly group of athletes I’ve ever met. No runner I know has a problem slowing down to run with a friend. Think about it. Would you enjoy a run with a friend, even if you had to slow down considerably for them to keep up? I bet you would, and your running group feels the same.

Second, regardless of your pace, you’re doing better than almost 80 percent of Americans. In a study conducted by the CDC, researchers found that less than 20 percent of Americans get the recommended levels of exercise, and more than a quarter of U.S. adults do not devote any time to physical activity.

I finally stopped apologizing to Tom for my pace when he told me, "For someone who is supposed to be in a wheelchair, you run pretty fast."

In "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" I share my sweet view from the back of the pack during different races. Everyone has a story and the runners at the back of the pack have inspiring stories to share.

I also share how I supported a friend of mine as she trained for her first 10K!

This Sunday I mark the beginning of a new era in the adventures of runnergirl 1953 as I toe the starting line of Becca Pizzi's 5K and 1 Mile Kids Run to benefit the youth of Belmont with Belmont Athletic Scholarships. This is an era where I get to be unapologetically me as a runner. I get to enjoy the thrill of challenging and pushing myself and enjoying the journey. This is an era where I get to truly enjoy the sport of running, participating in races I choose and enjoying being support crew for Tom.

I've decided that for now, the 5K distance is just right for me. I feel content and satisfied with having run 3 Half Marathons in as many years and triumphed over Post Polio Syndrome and trauma, and a major knee injury in December of 2014.

I am feeling the stirring in my soul of the excitement of toeing a starting line and that thrill of hitting a finisher's mat.

I am especially blessed to have my life and running partner by my side for the 3.11 mile course on Sunday.

I plan to thoroughly enjoy the sweet view from the back of the pack and get my money's worth out of my race registration fee. It feels wonderful to anticipate being a part of a race for a great cause and being with my village seeing old friends and making new friends. As Becca said in her race email, "May the course be with us!"

From my heart to yours
In Health and Wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

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 at Paper Fiesta in Natick on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon route.

The Becca Pizzi 5K and 1 Mile Kids Run

I have not toed a starting line for a race since the Bermuda Half Marathon in 2018. I needed time to heal after training for and running 3 Half Marathons. In December of 2014, I blew out my left knee and was told to prepare for a total knee replacement. I should stop running or at the very least cap my distance. Instead I sought out paths for healing and healed my left knee without surgery through chiropractic care, visualization and a new cross training program. I went on to run Bermuda three times over.

I was content to work out "just for the health of it" and allow my body time to recover, continuing to heal the effects from paralytic polio and trauma.

I was proud and extremely satisfied with my consistent record of working out 5 days a week since Bermuda 2018. We ran two Virtual 5K's; one in our own neighborhood and one on a treadmill.

But then I got the itch to be a part of a race again. I signed up for the Finish at the 50 5K.

This week I incorporated 3 runs into my training schedule. On Monday, I pushed my pace taking on two imaginary competitors running at a slow pace in front of me. I was very mindful, however, to not risk an injury and reined in my pace when they were out of reach.

It was ironic that I was simulating a race day with Monday's run. We'd been doing a lot of hill training getting ready for the ramps at Gillette. Running on a flat surface around the Reservoir after the hill training ignited that competitive edge within me ...



Imagine my surprise at the synchronicity in my life when Scott Middlemiss {Run With Your Heart-All You Need is Love} tagged me in a post Tuesday evening:
Kate Daigle Middlemiss and I are all signed up for the The Becca Pizzi 5k and kids 1 mile Run this Sunday! Becca Pizzi has been very supportive of our family and The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation for many years. I am hoping that a contingent from JMBHF's Team BIG HEART can help us show the same support for her! Who is in?



The Becca Pizzi 5K
Belmont, MA
Race Day – Sunday May 5th, 2019
The Becca Pizzi 5K road race celebrates Becca as a Two Time World Marathon Challenge Champion. In 2018, Becca conquered the World Marathon Challenge again…7 Marathons, 7 Continents, 7 Days. Repeating her 2016 victory, Becca impressively crossed the finish line setting another World Record!

Becca is a Belmont native and proudly remembers her early running days at Belmont High School. As a result, Becca is dedicated to giving back to the community that supported and influenced her. All race proceeds benefit Belmont High student/athlete scholarships and the BHS athletic programs.

Once Becca confirmed that there is no time limit, walkers are welcome and it is an all pace friendly race, Tom and I signed up.

I have followed Becca's illustrious career and heard her speak on different occasions. I know how vital it is for youth to have athletics in their lives especially competitive sports. I love how the sport of running gives back and pays it forward through races, and through running as a charity runner.

We just had to say yes to Becca, Scott and Team Big Heart.

The weather is not looking ideal for race day but that doesn't matter. {Besides trying to forecast weather in New England is not an exact science by any stretch of the imagination!} Tom and I will be surrounded by our village that always brings sunshine and joy into our lives. You can't help but feel warmth and love watching kids run.

There is still time to register by following this link.

It's going to be a fun, fast, flat course supporting a great cause with a fabulous running community.

Join Team Big Heart and a community of big hearted runners on Sunday, and then you'll be able to say, "Um I don't exactly know what happened but I just signed up for another race!"

From my heart to yours
In Health and Wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

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 at Paper Fiesta in Natick on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon route.

Book Review: Let Your Mind Run

Being a firm believer in the mind/body connection, I knew that I would love Deena Kastor's book, 'Let Your Mind Run.'



Deena takes us on a most remarkable journey from the height of success as a star youth runner to a crash and burn in college to rising like a phoenix from the ashes harnessing the power of her mind to train her body.

I was fortunate to hear Deena speak at the Runners Seminar Series at this year's Boston Marathon Expo. {Photo credit by my friend Kathleen Horgan who was in the front row}


Her warmth, her wit, her genuineness and self-effacing humor done with compassion came to life in 3-D for me.

"Let Your Mind Run" takes us inside the mind, heart and soul of an elite athlete. She is very clear to say that positive thinking is not just about your thoughts but a way of being. She learns that gratitude, compassion, the power of belief and self-talk are key components for a winning life and a winning race.

It became a game to hunt down the struggle to get to the point where negativity bubbled and I had to be more resilient more creative more optimistic and more grateful to emerge stronger from it.

Her imagery and positive mind games inspired me as a runner and a woman who believes it is vital for us to live our best lives.

There is no one moment she transforms from having felt burned out as a runner and in her life but rather ongoing transformation as she challenged herself to move beyond herself.

Every time I reach the crux of the work out or tough moment in a race and cover deeper layers of struggle and optimism and reinforce what was already there. Growth was constant self mastery was never ending.

You don't have to be a runner to be enthralled with Deena's journey although your enjoyment and experience of her journey will be intensified if you are a runner.

There were many moments when I rode emotions along with Deena but her experience in New York City after 9/11 was especially moving.

Moving through the trees in the park the beauty of nature, friendship and love reminded me running offers us the physical strength and mental clarity for human compassion. It allows us to improve ourselves and in doing so bring more love to those around us. I carried that up with me the rest of the day sending it out into the world and hoping it was enough.

Her story is seasoned with quotes and studies that support the benefits of letting your mind run.

A few of my favorites:
Happiness is the joy we feel striving after our potential. ~Sean Achor
From Deena:
Repetition is the mother of learning.
Find a thought that serves you better!
Find the right tool for the moment.
When my mind talked my body listened.
You are your own creation.
We must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our life. ~Henry David Thoreau
As he thinks so he is; as he continues to think so he remains. ~James Allen

If you mix fear with courage you blow past it and enter into the possibility that lay beyond. ~Deena Kastor

Reading Deena's book reinforced my beliefs about what happens when you let your mind run and inspired me to toe the starting line at races again...but that's a blog post for another day!

From my heart to yours
In Health and Wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

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 at Paper Fiesta in Natick on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon route.