Celebrating Ten Years of Running: On Zest, Gratitude and Joy

In Lisa Berman's recent newsletter, she talked about how, 6 months ago, she named the year. I was inspired to join her suggestion at that time and chose 3 words to name my year. When she mentioned the naming of the year in her newsletter and on Facebook, I realized how I'd let my commitment to zest, gratitude and joy get away from me. While I begin and end each day with gratitude, it was a challenge for me to feel zest and joy in my life with the stress of our daughter's mental illness bearing down on me. I decided that while I can't change what is happening around me, I can certainly change what is happening within me. Lisa's post was most timely. Monday was my half birthday. On December 25th I turn 65. There is no time to waste in this life. Every day is a precious gift.

On this morning's run, I rededicated myself to experiencing zest, gratitude and joy on the roads and in my life! As Tom and I did our core work warm up I thanked each and every part of my body for working so well. I felt joy breathing in the sweet summer air that floated into our house on a warm breeze and I savored the banana and water we had before heading out the door on our run. Although it was warm outside, there was a cooling breeze that allowed me to push my pace.

It's been a long and slow road back after completing 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in as many years. But that's okay! I am so proud of having been able to achieve 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in consecutive years given that I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair 11 years ago after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. And just recently I have been able to feel the fun in my runs again.

Prior to heading out on our run, I "just happened" to see this post from Randy Pierce:

Major Milestone and some sweet celebration! Late yesterday afternoon I sent Tracy the final draft chapter of the book I've been writing passionately for the last six months, intermittently for a couple of years and ultimately all of my life. There is considerably more work ahead for certain as Tracy and I work an edit cycle together before we send it off to Gene for his first pass edit. Many chapters are past his first review already but there's a few chapters in backlog with Tracy and I as some of you may have noted her incredible schedule recently. Still this is a tremendous achievement for me despite knowing how many of my talented writer friends reach this milestone regularly, the impact it has had on my life has been significant. We have a working title we all like and are eager to finish the edit cycle to reach our publishing goals but this morning, I'm sipping a coffee with a feeling of satisfied, proud relief.

I responded with, "I am so so happy you were able to savor the milestone FOR YOU! It is so easy to often minimize our own accomplishments as we look around and see what others may do with ease but it is vital for us to celebrate accomplishments that are milestones for us whereas for someone else it may come easy. There will definitely be more to come on this topic in an upcoming blog. Thank you for inspiring my run this morning, helping me to embrace my accomplishments for me and for being who you are."

In addition to having fun on our run and savoring the sweetness of all that is summer, I was able to consistently run a sub 18:00 minute/mile pace. I remember when Tom and I were training for the 2015 Finish at the 50 race around the very Reservoir we were running around this morning and I was running sub 15 minute miles. I was coming back from a very serious knee injury in December 2014 and was told I shouldn't run anymore. After the Finish at the 50, I set my sights on an endurance goal again. I fired up that muscle memory of when I pushed myself training for that 5K while also making sure we took time to savor the sights, smells and sounds of summer.

These are photos that include a blue heron that Tom spotted yesterday on his morning run and then on his walk home from work. There were gaggles of geese with their babies and ducks leading their little ones through the water. The trees and flowers were in full bloom and even with cloud cover, the Reservoir glistened.



While running a sub 18:00 minute mile and running with negative splits may not seem like a major accomplishment for most runners, for me it was cause for celebration.



After testing my body with training for and running 3 Half Marathons, I am able to continue to push and challenge myself and see the progress in my recovery. This week I also increased the reps in my strength training on land and in the pool. It's great to feel sore and feel the joy of training in the wake of the effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma. It's an indescribable feeling to throw off the shackles of the past, the admonitions of the medical establishment and the stress of living with someone who is profoundly struggling with their mental health to reclaim the zest and joy in my life with a heart overflowing with gratitude.



From my heart to yours,
To your health and wellness,
Mary

Proud to be a part of Friends of Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, Inc.

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.

Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):


Coming soon *** The Adventures of Runnergirl1953 ****

Celebrating Ten Years of Running: In Tune and In Step

The weather forecast called for rain and thunderstorms on Sunday. The pool at our gym closes with the threat of thunderstorms even though it is an indoor pool. We weren't concerned about the possibility of running in the rain on Sunday so we decided to swap our run day for a pool day. Tom and I had an amazing one hour workout on Saturday as I continue to enjoy being in my body after years of struggle due to the effects of paralytic polio and trauma.

When we woke up on Sunday morning, I felt this incredible pull to go to Jamaica Pond for our run. Ordinarily, if there are no parking spaces, we choose another venue but I suggested to Tom that we park at a little parking lot down the hill from Jamaica Pond. A little extra mileage would be fine.

Our run began with a steep uphill. The good news about having a steep uphill at the beginning of a run when you are doing a loop is that it means a downhill at the end of the run!

As we got on Jamaica Pond's path, I said to Tom, "Can you believe the last time we were here was in January shortly after Bermuda? We had to abort the run because the ice was too thick and there were not enough clear patches to get in a safe run. The temperatures were also in the teens without the wind chill."

I went on to marvel at the lush green trees that were once bare and how, as runners, we get to be in tune and in step with the seasons.

As runners, we are also in tune and in step with the Universe.

As we made our way around the Pond to the Boathouse we saw a gathering of people. Last year we saw a wedding and thought it might be another wedding.

We debated whether or not to stop and ask what was going on but we were swept up in the gathering and felt compelled to ask. The sister of the brother who started the organization, Boston for All explained to us that Boston for All holds different events and donates the proceeds to different organizations. Today's Run for All2 was supporting MIRA, Massachusetts Immigration and Coalition Agency. The woman who greeted us had a powerful elevator speech about the organization and reassured us that if we signed up for their mailing list, they do not sell it to anyone else. There was no pressure to do anything.

We decided to pause our run and sign up for their email list and when we got home went to their website:

Boston For All is comprised entirely of friends and neighbors concerned about the direction that the current politics of our time has taken our country. We came together after digesting the shocking results of the 2016 presidential election seeking to find some way to answer the question, "What can I do to help my nation be what I believe it should be?"

With our fundamental question in mind, we decided that we would work for inclusion of all people in our community and our nation through raising money for worthy causes. It is our mission to make giving fun and simple - just show up, enjoy some great times with others in your community, and open yourself up to possibility and inspiration. Check out our listings below to see what we've done so far and what's coming up.

We do not keep any money at all that is raised during our events. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors, we have very minimal expenses to cover. After that, it's all profits directly to the good people preserving the dignity of our nation through their hard work!

The gentleman wearing a Run for All tshirt with a gold Staff sticker on the shirt


asked us if we were from Jamaica Plain.

"No, we're from Brookline," I commented.

"Well most of us are teachers in Brookline," he said.

"Our kids went to the Brookline schools," Tom said, and I added, "A very long time ago!"

"Well I've been there awhile," he said. "What's your last name?"

He immediately remembered our son Tom (who now calls himself Autumn) who was in one of his first classes at the high school in Honors Geometry as a freshman in 2002 and that he came to our house for the twins' high school graduation party in 2006. He shared with us how our son always marched to the beat of a different drummer. He recalled with fondness how our son visited him at the High School after he came back from volunteering in the Lower Ninth District in New Orleans now ten years ago!

"How is he doing now?" he asked cautiously knowing how many millenials are struggling these days.

His only concern was that whatever path Tom decided to take that he is happy now.

We told him that yes indeed he is happy although he is working 80 hours a week. He has a passion for farming and to supplement his farming income, he works in IT.

"Interesting combination," Craig replied.

We talked about Boston for All and went on our run.

We passed members of Boston for All, including Matt O'Malley, City Councillor for the City of Boston and kept saying, "What are the chances that we would 'run' into this today and see one of our son's former teachers."

It gave us a boost of hope for the world and reminded me that through the sport of running I am in tune and in step with the flow of the Universe.





From my heart to yours,
To your health and wellness,
Mary

Proud to be a part of Friends of Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, Inc.

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.

Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):


Coming soon *** The Adventures of Runnergirl1953 ****

Blogger Spotlight: The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation

Losing a child is the greatest loss a parent can ever endure. It's something you never get over yet a loss that can be transformed allowing Love to prevail. Joseph Scott Middlemiss would have turned 11 years old on 5/31. Shortly after he grew his angel wings on 9/23/13, Scott and Kate Middlemiss decided to create the Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation. The link will take you to Joey's story on their website.

During my meditation on June 20th, I was moved to write a poem to honor how Scott and Kate have transformed their grief into love:
To Kate and Scott on the 5th Anniversary of the Joseph Middlemisss Big Heart Foundation’s Celebrity Scoop Fest
In a world that often seems cruel and unfair you make sure that kindness lights the way
as we gather together to celebrate on this glorious summer’s day.
The 5th Annual Celebrity Scoop Fest brings a big hearted community together full of hope
out of heartbreak once unbearable grieving the Foundation blossomed a new way to cope.
Love heals all and all you need is love as Beatles music will fill the air
celebrity scoopers dishing ice cream, hamburgers hot dogs for all to share.
One little boy born 11 years ago now an angel a spirit so bright
inspires us all to make each day our best, peace and compassion always in sight.
Kindness awards and scholarships as Joey’s legacy you keep alive
he was such an incredible role model to be like him we should all work to strive.
The ripples of kindness and big hearted acts make this world a better place
thank you for having the courage to transform loss into wonder and grace.
Wishing you all of God’s blessings may your mission continue to prosper and grow
as Joseph Scott Middlemiss’ loving kindness in this world continues to flow.

They have created two community events to celebrate Joseph and to keep the legacy of who he was alive. Tom and I were blessed to attend the 5th Annual Celebrity Scoopfest. As Kate explained, they like to think of the Scoop Fest as a way to celebrate Joey's birthday. It's a time to bring together community, families, great food, fun and ice cream! It's also the time when The Foundation gives back with Kindness Awards and Scholarships:





When Tom and I arrived at the venue just shortly after the start time of 4pm, the party was in full swing. A Beatles tribute band was playing, celebrities were scooping ice cream, the smell of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs filled the air. Families and friends were gathered underneath a tent to savor fellowship and food.

My eyes went to the Dream Big table hosted by authors and my good friends Nancy Feehrer and Dave McGillivray:


After getting our food, we sat down and chatted with Team Big Heart member Amanda Muldoon. We 'met' her during her fund raising campaign for the 2018 Boston Marathon. We talked about Kate and Scott and the Foundation and what remarkable work they do. Team Big Heart running the Boston Maraathon raised over $100,000. Here are photos of Amanda's children and their cousins enjoying Scoop Fest:


We introduced ourselves to Michael Burns who will be running the Falmouth Road Race for Team Big Heart:


and had a meet up with Team Big Heart Boston 2018 member Jennifer Sprague and her adorable son Robbie:



Ellie Blumberg will be making her Bat Mitzvah this year. As part of her mitzvah project, she decided to make cookies and donate all of the proceeds to the Foundation. Tom and I bought a package of the cookies. When we met Robbie he was at first very shy so Tom gave him our pack of cookies which quickly made him feel very happy. She was the recipient of a Kindness Award:


Such a special evening meeting people in real life who we met through Facebook through Joseph.

We had our ice cream served up by Chris Lambert of Boston Channel 10 News who said it was his privilege to be a part of this event every year:


He incorporated the event into his Wednesday evening weather forecast!

We could all feel how Joseph blessed us with wonderful weather.

I reconnected with Andrea Walsh, board member, running on Team Big Heart for Falmouth who I met during the Boston Marathon Expo at the Dream Big booth. I am in awe of how quickly everyone becomes friends through Joseph.

Lyndie Shaw Board Director whose father owns Shaw Farm talked with us about what an honor and a privilege it is to be able to host the Scoop Fest each year.

After the Awards Ceremony, a local youth dance troupe took center stage wearing costumes that said no bullying zone on them. You can briefly see their performance in this video and feel the love pulsating through everyone who attended the event:



As we were leaving the event at 6:30 there were more waves of people stopping by to feel the Love and honor Joseph's memory.

The 2nd community annual event for the Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation happens around the time Joseph grew his wings. The 5th Annual Middlemiss Big Heart 5K is happening on September 22nd. Dress in your favorite Superhero outfit and run, walk or roll the course. Follow this link to register. Team McManus is registered and I'm so excited for another event where you know that all you need is love to get through the miles on the road and in life!



From my heart to yours,
To your health and wellness,
Mary

Proud to be a part of Friends of Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, Inc.

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.

Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):


Coming soon *** The Adventures of Runnergirl1953 ****

Celebrating Ten Years of Running: That Was Fun!

I am at a point in my recovery from the effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma where runs and workouts are fun! It still boggles my mind that I can say fitness is fun for me considering how I struggled for years going through life with a body that had been so battered and bruised. Taking a break from an endurance event after 3 consecutive Bermuda Half Marathons is a God send and a smart move to give me time to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Yesterday morning was warm but running early in the day gave Tom and me the chance to beat the heat that was predicted for later in the day. I'm running now for my physical, spiritual and emotional health and wellness but also for FUN!

It was a beautiful morning and other runners and walkers shared the path with us. I did a nice and easy first mile and then opened it up for the 2nd mile. It turned out that I had a negative 50" split between mile 1 and 2. Tom checks in with me to make sure I am being mindful with my pace and I reassured him that I was running from the inside out. We made sure to hydrate and pause between miles 2 and 3 drinking in the morning view of the Reservoir with the skyline of the City of Boston in the background.

We sweat and we felt joy together relishing how, despite what I was told 11 years ago, that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, that here I was having fun on an early morning run. I always appreciate and am grateful for the miracle of healing in my life.

It was a blessed and glorious way to begin a new day and a new week.


I was working out using the bike and the Arc Trainer as part of my weekly training schedule. It became drudgery especially with the warmer weather returning to New England. I'm doing two pool workouts a week and I am having so much fun in the water while challenging myself during a one hour workout. It is comprised of exercises I learned in Aquatics Therapy at Spaulding Rehab and good old swimming using different strokes and a kick board.

We received an email today from the Race Director of the Bermuda Marathon Weekend in response to an email query I sent him about hotels for the weekend. He sent me a lovely reply (as Bermudians do) and said that he would send a discount code for registration. I told him that I would not be running this year; that I am taking that well earned hiatus from endurance running but said who knows...maybe I'll be back for 2020! It would be epic to celebrate my 65th birthday by running in Bermuda again.

For right now,I want to continue to heal and recover, build strength and feel wonderful in my body. Weekly chiropractic treatments with Dr. Lizzie help me to put everything back where it belongs and release the past. I take healing intervals using daily afternoon meditations for 45 minutes to an hour with Dr. Joe Dispenza or Dr. Bernie Siegel And at the end of a run or a workout I want to be able to say - that was fun!

From my heart to yours,
To your health and wellness,
Mary

Proud to be a part of Friends of Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, Inc.

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.

Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):


Coming soon *** The Adventures of Runnergirl1953 ****