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
For those of you not familiar with Becca Pizzi, she is a legend!
While her athletic endurance accomplishments certainly place her in the category of a legend, what I believe makes her a legend are her humility, her incredibly big heart, compassion and a passion to give back to her community. This year was to be the 5th Annual Becca Pizzi 5K and 1 Mile kids run. Tom and I participated in the event last year. Becca warmly welcomed me to participate letting me know it was an all pace race and overflowed with compassion as I shared with her the struggles our daughter was having. Becca's race was the first race I ran in a long time given the stress of being in the caregiver role. She gave me the warmest hug as her eyes filled with tears of compassion that sprang from a fellow mother's heart.
But what a difference a year makes -- in many ways! Becca was hopeful that moving the date from May to August, she would be able to have an in person race. She considered staggered starts and ways to make it happen but then shifted to a virtual race. Ruth Anne has experienced a year of healing and recovery and is now running strong on the roads and in her life!
Even though the forecast was for thunderstorms and rain, given my training plan and August goal to run over 50 miles, we knew we had to get in our run yesterday.
It was misting when we considered where we wanted to run. It's a Team McManus tradition that we run on Heartbreak Hill the weekend before the Boston Marathon. As 2020 is unlike any other year, this is the weekend before the Boston Marathon Virtual Experience!
I wasn't sure what the vibe would be on Heartbreak Hill. It's usually a time when the energy and excitement is palpable as spectator barriers are placed on the grass getting ready for race day set up. Runners are getting in their last shake out runs and the question, "You running?" is accompanied by high fives.
There were a few runners out when we arrived. We decided to experience the joy of a race day and took a pre-race selfie:
We set out at a good pace enjoying being together and participating in another virtual race. Becca invited us to post pictures on the race's Facebook page to be entered to win a prize. Tom was game to take photos of interesting sights on our run.
I spotted a lamp post in the distance. It reminded me of The Chronicles of Narnia. I suggested to Tom and Ruth Anne that Aslan aka Joe Biden is on the move and soon we will be rid of the White Witch!
A little further along we spotted this sign:
and then:
We made it to the famed Firehouse at the corner of Comm. Ave and Washington Street where the famed Newton Hills begin:
Coincidentally, that was our halfway mark for our 5K.
Ruth Anne suggested we take our mid run selfie:
We spotted a runner sporting an MR8 singlet and gave a shout out. "Good luck" we said instinctively knowing they would be running the Virtual Boston Marathon. "You too" he shouted back.
A runner passed us and Tom spotted him wearing a Virtual Falmouth Road Race bib. We shouted out "Go Falmouth." He waved in the air and said, 'Thank you.'
A runner with a BAA shirt passed us in the opposite direction.
"Great job Unicorn" Team McManus said in unison.
"Thanks! You too," he said.
While most of our run was spent without passing other runners on the quiet hills of Newton:
we experienced the magic that is always there on Heartbreak Hill. There was a magic to the mist without heavy down pours and no thunderstorms as was predicted. While the anticipation of Boston Marathon weekend was a shadow of its former self, there was a camaraderie and sense of anticipation and honor for not only the virtual Boston Marathon but other virtual races that have become part of the new norm.
I was thrilled with my time that was only 1 minute slower than last year's race. Becca's course is fast and flat. We ran on the Hills and I have increased my distance this month. As Ruth Anne was also quick to point out, "You are also a year older ma."
After a race, we ask the proverbial question, "What's to eat?" We each expressed our cravings and decided to head to Kupel's Bagels and make our own post race fueling sandwiches at home before heading to bib pick up.
Only in a virtual race do you run the race and then pick up your swag!
"Hey you guys," Becca yelled as we crossed the street to outdoor bib pick up.
Becca used the neck gaitor from the 5K swag as her mask and sported the race t-shirt shown in the above photo.
We are huggers by nature and it was incredibly hard to keep our distance but we stayed optimistic and shared in how virtual races fill a void for us as a running community. It felt wonderful to pick up a swag bag and t shirts and to see a dear friend from the running community.
She autographed our copy of Becca's Feat on Feet reminding us to follow our dreams.
Despite any circumstances happening around us, it is vital that we find ways to set goals, follow our dreams and remain hopeful experiencing the magic and wonder that's always there to be experienced when we open our hearts and believe.
To learn more about Becca and purchase her book, be sure to visit her website by following this link.
To be inspired by how I followed my dream to run the 2009 Boston Marathon after being told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com
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
“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.
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
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."
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.
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
We Bostonian runners call the Boston Marathon and the days leading up to the event Christmas in April. There was no Christmas in April this year and we don't know when and how it will happen again although as an eternal optimist I believe the comeback will be stronger than the setback!
This morning my dear friend and event planner, Rachel Glazer dropped off everything Team McManus needs to cheer on Team Emmett. Rachel's friend's son Emmett died last September at Boston Children's Hospital. Rachel raised over $7200 for Boston Children's Hospital. {Tom was part of the 2011 Miles for Miracles Team.} It was a socially distanced visit but the Spirit of the Boston Marathon danced in her eyes as we talked about preparations for her Virtual Race tomorrow.
I believe it's safe to say that runners and all associated with the Boston Marathon have gone through the stages of grieving for our beloved event and all that is happening with the pandemic. But even a pandemic can't snuff out the spirit of the Boston Marathon.
T.K. Skenderian and Conventures have created a 12 day Boston Mandarathon Virtual Expo Experience for runners and fans around the globe. You can experience the event which includes vendors and panels by following this link.
Although Boston and the events leading up to the Marathon were cancelled, we were able to convene our panel for Late Life Running and Whole Life Running via Zoom. It will air on 9/7 and 9/11 at 3 pm.
Late Life Running and Whole Life Running
Authors and running veterans Roger Robinson, Gail Waesche Kislevitz, Jonathan Beverly, and Mary McManus talk with Consecutive Boston Marathon Record Holder Bennett Beach about the benefits and joy that comes with even more miles. Moderated by historian and author Roger Robinson.
While the Boston Marathon usually means reunions with out of town friends or meeting up in person with Facebook friends for the first time, heading to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel to reunite with the 2009 Race for Rehab Team and cheer on this year's Race for Rehab Runners, enjoying the Expo and the unique ambiance on Boylston Street, this year's Virtual experience has given me the opportunity to reconnect with runner friends on Facebook and make new connections through friends of friends.
Instead of going to the panels at the Hynes Convention Center, we will tune into them on the website.
Jacqueline Hansen posted a screen shot of her Zoom panel with the Women's Running Pioneers Panel:
The Women’s Running Pioneers
A can’t-miss panel of running’s leading ladies who pushed through one barrier after another to put women’s running on the map. Julia Chase-Brand, who ran the Manchester Road Race in 1961, is joined by 1972 Boston Marathon Champion Nina Kuscsik, 1973 Champion Jacqueline Hansen, former marathon world record holder Cheryl Treworgy, Brazilian barrier-breaker Eleonora Mendonca, four-time Honolulu Marathon winner Patti Dillon, and three-time Boston Marathon winners Bobbi Gibb and Sara Mae Berman in a hilarious and inspiring retrospective. Moderated by journalist Barbara Huebner.
I was blessed to meet Jacqueline Hansen at the 2016 Hyannis Marathon Weekend and we became fast friends. She wrote the Foreword to my book, "Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance." I'm excited to hear what these pioneers have to say. I never tire of hearing their epic stories.
I am excited for her presentation and reading from her book, "Feat on Feet" which we purchased last week at bib pick up.
Setting Big Goals with Becca Pizzi (Plus Children’s Book Reading)
The first woman to complete the World Marathon Challenge talks about her fearless pursuit of big goals, and reads her new children’s book, Becca’s Feat on Feet at 10:27.
There will be Meb, Bill Rodgers, Dave McGillivray, many other running greats and tips from nutritionists, coaches and injury prevention specialists.
Tomorrow morning, Team McManus will head out to Heartbreak Hill with #morecowbell, and gatorade, water, swedish fish and Rachel's sign to cheer her on to her 26.2 finish.
We will stay connected via Facebook with our runner friends, shop on line at the Expo and savor the 12 days of the Virtual Boston Marathon Experience. We are Boston Strong!
To be inspired by my journey from a wheelchair to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com
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.
