For the past 3 summers I have trained for the Bermuda Half Marathon. While it was a wonderful and rather sensational journey, it did limit my ability to thoroughly enjoy and savor summertime. Before I trained for the Half Marathons, I was still healing the effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma. I had not yet reached the point in my healing journey where I was able to experience joy and freedom living in my own skin.
Saturday marked the beginning of Tom's training for Bermuda Half Marathon 2019. We will do our 5K's at my pace and then he will slowly build his mileage at his pace.
As we set out to run in South Boston by the beach, I had a sense of exhilaration and joy. I only have to run 5K's this summer. At this very time each year we had kept a base of 5 miles and began building miles.
There was a festive atmosphere along the beaches as the City prepares to usher in summer in style and to prepare for the celebration of July 4th. We passed teams of Beach Soccer players and a group setting up for a wedding in a gazebo along the water.
On our way back we passed several older people walking.
"Hey you should get a speeding ticket," one of the people walking with a cane said to us.
We stopped and turned around and smiled.
"We're from the Top of the Hill gang. You should come walk with us sometime."
"Do I look that old?" I asked Tom.
"No they want to feel youthful by having us join them," he replied.
We finished our 5K and Tom was feeling beat by the heat. He decided to get out early Sunday morning to get in the miles for Bermuda. He has run several races including a 10K during these past few months so we know he will do just fine.
We sat on the beach refueling with fresh summer fruit and going for a dip in the ocean.
I love to run and experience the world while out on a run. The summer of 2018 is going to be a very special one for me as I celebrate ten years of running and celebrate and savor summer in the City.
From my heart to yours,
To your health and wellness,
Mary
At the starting line of the 2016 Hyannis Marathon Weekend, I asked Bill Rodgers, how is it that with baseball or football fans can't get anywhere near the big names in the sport but here we are standing together. At the traditional pre-race pasta dinner for Hyannis, runners are able to receive expert advice and support from the best of the best. "Why is that?" I pondered with Bill who has been a great supporter of mine in my running career. "That's why we are the greatest sport," Bill replied.
I came to the sport of running late in my life. How did I ever live without running being a part of my life?
Before I wrote the poem, "Running the Race" after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would ever run or be an athlete of any kind. I was a stranger to athletics as a survivor of paralytic polio and severe childhood trauma. My mind, body and soul were shattered by disease and violence BUT certainly not beyond repair.
Running became my medicine, my therapy, and I became a part of a community that was a marked contrast to the life I knew as a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma at the hands of family members. Rather than being taunted, teased and jeered, I was cheered on as I trained for the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond.
This weekend is a great weekend for racing. I have friends competing in 5K's, 10K's, marathons, triathlons and Ironman. The World Triathlon Series is happening in Bermuda and The Royal Gazette streamed the race live. What a thrill to watch the race going through neighborhoods familiar to me having run 3 consecutive Bermuda Half Marathons and then to see hometown favorite and elite athlete Flora Duffy execute a flawless race. Three Norwegians who were not favored to win swept the medals in the Men's Elite competition.
My Bermudian friend, Jamie-Lee Wright who was my earth angel at mile 12 in 2017 and I chatted via Facebook and the excitement intensified as she told me she was a course marshall. She sent a photo of Flora going by her on the bike.
Tomorrow I will spectate Tom running the James Joyce Rambler.
Today, Tom and I went out for a 5K.
We had outstanding weather conditions. I was able to wear short sleeves and capris for the first time in a very long time. It was my best time in weeks with negative splits between miles 2 and 3. I felt well as my hip and groin continue to recover from having pushed myself to the edge running 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in as many years.
I don't know what I did before running was a part of my life. It's more than a sport and it is the greatest sport. It is community, it is health and wellness, it is competition, trials and triumphs, tribulations and comebacks and it is a way of life as Joan Benoit Samuelson eloquently stated:
Today was a day to celebrate my ten years of running and the gift of being part of the greatest sport.
To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours,
Mary
This morning on Facebook, Jamie-Lee, my earth angel at mile 12 of Bermuda Marathon Weekend 2017 posted this photo along with the caption: "How did you start your day? #oneofmyfavouriteplaces"
We chatted about the photo and she said that when we come over we should visit John Smith's Bay if we hadn't already visited there. It is in fact along the Bermuda Half Marathon course. I remember saying "Oh my God - this is breathtaking" when we ran Bermuda in 2016. Jamie-Lee nailed down the exact location for me along the course for me and added, "Cue the omg's."
Last year I was so focused on my time that I didn't take time to take in the magnificent vistas that are Bermuda. I had a whole different vibe last year going into race weekend. I was tired from the way I was handling or should I say not handling stress in my life. I had an attitude of I have something to prove by running a second CONSECUTIVE Bermuda Half Marathon. I went out way too fast and by mile 10 suffered cramping that got worse as time went on. However the grace in that experience was that I got to meet Jamie-Lee and healed a memory from when I was a polio survivor.
After I got excited seeing Jamie-Lee's photo and chatting with her on Facebook, I reflected on Bermuda Marathon Weekend 2018. We amped up our miles early on in the training so that we could make adjustments to accommodate the weather. I can train through any weather once I set my mind to do it but I wanted and needed to hit our 12 mile run outdoors before snow and ice hit Boston. We have been very blessed to be able to get outdoors for every training run except one on the treadmill last Wednesday. Saturday we may need to go indoors for a 5 mile run since it looks like the weather is going to be raining and cold. I feel better prepared mentally having run outdoors. We braved the bitter cold and pouring rain for double digit long runs. We ran in heat and humidity, rain and last week snow showers. We have our fueling and hydration plan set. I have our list of things to pack and to do list on the fridge. I open my heart knowing that the Divine is with us every step of the journey.
The hay is in the barn and I am going to savor the moments of taper time. I know in every fiber of my body and Being that Team McManus is trained and ready for 13.1 miles on the beautiful Island of Bermuda. As Ruth Anne said while we were training for 7 miles on Heartbreak Hill last week, "You know what ma? If we do the half in 5 hours who is going to care? All that matters is we have a good time and we finish." Interestingly enough, my pace on all hills was one of my fastest times during our training!
This year's trip to Bermuda is a vacation with a half marathon on Sunday. Team McManus has been through A LOT during these past 3 years and we are looking forward to time together on the beach, by the pool and in the sun eating delicious food and being with dear friends.
Rather than stressing over getting in that last long run around Christmas, we only have 5 miles on tap for this weekend, I can enjoy the holiday and celebrating my birthday as my body recovers from these months of intense training. It's our first Christmas celebration together in 4 years! Presents are wrapped and under the tree, the menu is planned, the house is cleaned and we have a beautiful day planned with a delicious breakfast, Christmas music playing in the background, playing cards, checkers, puzzle time and perhaps renting a movie. It will be a day to celebrate the miracle of healing in our lives and how we have gone the distance in overcoming physical and emotional challenges.
Tom is on vacation next week. It's an ideal time for us to get our clothes organized and check off items on our Bermuda to do list while spending quality time together. We get to pause and take a breath giving thanks for our abundant and beautiful life.
While I'm excited to have received invitational entries for Team McManus to run the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon Weekend and to enjoy 13.1 miles with a full complement of Team McManus, my focus is on slowing down and savoring the moments.
To going the distance with strength and courage
From my heart to yours,
Mary
Be sure to visit my website by following this link.
After Saturday's sweet sensational 7 miles on Heartbreak Hill, I had this stunning realization. It's time to celebrate that I am trained for a third half marathon in as many years.
I celebrate the miracle of healing in my life. Three years ago at this time I was sidelined by a very serious knee injury. I was told to prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years and that running was not going to be a part of my future. It was suggested that I return to the Post-Polio Clinic for a reevaluation and to see what "they" could do to help me manage Post-Polio Syndrome which was going to eventually progress. I had an atrophied gastroc muscle; there was nothing I could do about that - it was like that since I was 5 years old as a result of paralytic polio. I could give PT a try. Everyone around me shrugged - physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, a physiatrist and a massage therapist-and told me I needed to give up running.
But deep within my soul I knew there was another way based on what I had already accomplished in my healing journey healing the effects of paralytic polio and trauma. I'd written poetry asking the question how would I ever reclaim my life, which coincidentally is the first chapter of my book, 'Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance,' and yearning to run unencumbered and free. The first poem I wrote, "Running the Race" foreshadowed my running of the 2009 Boston Marathon even though I'd never run a day in my life. I wrote it as I sat in a leg brace using a cane and a wheelchair at times for mobility; I'd been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair.
The Universe delivered Dr. Ryan J. Means to me; a chiropractor who in turn introduced me to the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza.
With Dr. Ryan's healing touch, chiropractic care and his power of belief in the body's natural ability to heal we got to work to heal the knee injury, grow a new gastroc muscle and get me back to the sport of running that has been my therapy and my joy since 2008. I devoured Dr. Joe's "You Are the Placebo" and have now moved on to reading "Becoming Supernatural: How Common People Are Doing the Uncommon" and practice his meditations. Tom and Ruth Anne have blessed me with a trip to Toronto for a day long workshop with Dr. Joe in May and I'm looking forward to doing an Advanced Workshop with him.
As I'm reflecting on my upcoming Christmas birthday I have so much to celebrate this year. It's great having an end of year birthday where I can reflect not only on the end of another year of my life but another year.
2017 was a year filled with intense challenges and incredible triumphs!
I was able to break free from a relationship pattern that plagued me for years! I crossed the river of change, a phrase that Dr. Joe uses, walking away from someone and a situation that was toxic for me. What glorious things happened and what wonderful people flowed into my life.
I've reclaimed my voice, my message, my passion and my purpose sharing my journey and letting others know what is possible.
Poetry has begun flowing out of my soul again and I've reclaimed this beautiful gift.
From a recent morning meditation:
Leave The Old Self Behind
From worrier to warrior to one who is a beast
Transformed from meek and mild who felt she was the least.
At 5 years old you took my hand although no hand to hold
If you decide to choose this life there will be treasures to behold.
The dark night of the soul I’ve known and choices came from pain
The old self behaviors from those I now refrain.
A new song stirs within my heart joy and love now fill my soul
They tried to beat and break me now I’m free and healed and whole.
The old self tried to fix and mend and tend to others strife
The new me binds my own wounds others journeys are their life.
Compassion kindness gratitude inspiration light my way
Fellow travelers like hearted come along and join my play.
The future is my present the past now cleansed with light
Leaving my old self behind all hope and healing now in sight.
Affirming my Divinity my birthright now I name
Never to be robbed again my life I now reclaim!
Ruth Anne our daughter has made a miraculous recovery after suffering with severe depression and post traumatic stress for 3 years. The first half of the year was intense as she wrestled with whether or not she wanted to live. We then had to work together to get resources in place that would support her recovery. We are so blessed to be where we are today with supports in place for her to now heal and recover. I remember those first training runs that were such a challenge. Team McManus hadn't run together since the 2009 Boston Marathon and Ruth Anne was finding her footing in running and in her life. We celebrate having gone out together every single Saturday since mid-May to get in our runs building mileage along the way. We are Bermuda Marathon Weekend ready!
That dear friends and readers is something to celebrate!
I released "Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance" and as a year end gift to myself, I edited the book to more accurately reflect MY journey and added in an Epilogue to bring the readers up to date. I've begun work on my next book, "The Adventures of Runnergirl1953".
Next Monday I celebrate my 64th birthday. On 3/4/18, Tom and I celebrate 40 years of marriage.
Now that's really something to celebrate!
When 2017 began I was experiencing a lot of stress that I now realize I had a part in creating and perpetuated my suffering because we don't know what we don't know at the time. By July 4th, I declared my independence from that person and situation. The stress of Ruth Anne's journey was heart breaking yet I knew we were all surrounded by love and prayers. As Ruth Anne now says, "I always knew that the Universe had my back."
We are ending 2017 on a very high note with so much to be grateful for inside and out. Tom received a promotion at work with a significant raise. Ruth Anne is healing and looking forward to getting back to work next year. I'm back on track with my journey mind, body and soul free from those behaviors driven by the past that created so much pain and suffering in my life. We have the gift of friends and a wonderful village. My heart overflows with Love and gratitude for the gifts, the blessings and challenges of 2017.
It's a time to celebrate!
To going the distance with strength and courage
From my heart to yours,
Mary
Be sure to visit my website by following this link.
As I looked back over where we were this time in last year's training for Bermuda Half Marathon II, we were at 9.5 miles. We capped our training at 12 miles and did not allow for much taper time. We had to go indoors for two training runs by this time last year due to inclement weather. I decided to load up on miles during what we hoped would be good weather this year ... and we have been truly blessed... and built in a solid 3 weeks of taper time leading up to race week. We are also going to go 12.5 miles this year for our last long run which is what we did when we trained for Bermuda Marathon I where I had the best time ever in a race.
Last year I pushed my pace, did not stop to enjoy the water stops or the magnificent vistas along the route, dressed too warmly for the day and I cramped up at mile 10. It took everything I had to finish the race thanks in large part to our angel at mile 12, Jamie-Lee Wright.
Yesterday's weather was another gift from the weather gods. The sun was shining and even though it was cold when we began our run, the day warmed up quickly. Even though we did a race with hills last Saturday, we decided that we wanted to do an out and back course along Beacon Street which meant a lot of hills incorporating two loops of the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. We had everything perfectly measured and planned out...Out the front door, down Chestnut Hill Avenue to Beacon Street to St. Mary's Street and back to the house for a pit stop. From the house to twice around the Reservoir and home. 11 miles ...
Even before we got to mile 1, we had a little "incident." Crossing the street in the crosswalk, Tom turned to make sure it was safe for us to cross and he smashed into the Yield to Pedestrians walk sign.
We were ahead of him and when we turned around we saw what looked like the sign was having a meet up with the family jewels. He told us it looked a lot worse than it was and he was fine.
I couldn't stop my nervous laughter and tears streamed down my face.
We settled down and got into our rhythm heading down Beacon Street along the Boston Marathon course where we had our last long run together in 2009 - 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston.
Conversation came easy and was a great distraction from the hills! We stayed on the sunny side of the street.
As we approached Marathon Sports Brookline, we decided to opt for a taking off of the layers, filling up the water bottles and doing a pit stop rather than waiting until we got home. We were all feeling the hills and knowing we had 11 miles on tap today, we decided that we would forego that huge hill at Chestnut Hill Avenue and instead go straight down Beacon Street to the Reservoir. Ruth Anne came up with the idea to do our loops at the Reservoir plus add a little more and then go the .7 miles to home.
The revised plan came together so easily.
We talked about Bermuda. We reminisced about our time together in Bermuda and imagined what it was going to be like returning together as Team McManus running together as Team McManus.
As we came up the last hill of our run, and saw that we had .11 miles left we imagined coming into the finish line. I was right there in that moment and as we raised our hands in triumph I said in a Bermudian accent, "And here comes Team McManus and this year Mary is vertical. Welcome to Bermuda." I cried. Of course the race announcer won't say and this year I'm vertical ... But just as I imagined while training for 2016, I am setting myself up for total success at Bermuda Half Marathon III through the power of my imagination and feeling as though the moment has already happened. I even craved the Pickled Onion's Avocado Eggrolls which I had after we crossed the finish line in 2016.
This morning, this came up in my FB news feed memory (see Team McManus at the 2:43 mark)
While I was able to finish the race after cramping up at mile 10, I realize that I hadn't put my heart, mind and soul into our training for Bermuda Half Marathon II; and the conditions on race day with warm temperatures and traffic on the roads contributed to my body's response to race day.
But this year I'm going back to my strategy for Bermuda Half Marathon I in training, in mindset and feeling it in my soul, and anticipating the celebration of healing; my 11 years of healing the effects of paralytic polio and trauma and Ruth Anne's miraculous recovery from severe depression and PTSD that will happen when we cross the finish line of the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon.
We have 5 more long runs until taper time.
And even though race weekend is 67 days away according to the website, Team McManus is Bermuda Ready!
To going the distance with strength and courage
From my heart to yours,
Mary
Be sure to listen to my interview with Keith Cartwright, "From Polio Survivor to Boston Marathon Finisher" by following this link.
Be sure to visit my website by following this link.
Team McManus had so much to celebrate once we finally crossed the finish line of the Bermuda Half Marathon on Sunday.
Tom ran a 7:59 mile in the Front Street Mile. It was a joy to be a part of the crowd experiencing the excitement of the kickoff race of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge.
Here's Tom before the race:
With his bling:
The video of him finishing strong:
On Saturday, it was time for Tom to make on the mighty hills of Bermuda. Here's Tom getting himself psyched up to take on the challenge:
This was my view while I waited for our returning runners:
I used to lament the fact that I couldn't keep pace with the pack and have to carefully choose what races I participate in. During one of my meditations in Bermuda I had the epiphany that I was not trailing behind -- I was a trailblazer having the courage to defy what the medical establishment was telling me about Post-Polio Syndrome, "If you use it you will lose it."
Tom's race photo with the eye of the tiger:
I know he takes me out on every run with him!
All hail the conquering hero:
What made the 10K incredibly special was that Tom helped to get our friend Shawn Whalen to the finish line. He is undergoing total knee replacement surgery today. You can see from these photos that he was struggling but there's nothing like the strength of another runner to help get us to the finish line:
As the above quote says, "The celebration of success overshadows the challenges that were encountered along the way!"
One of the staff from The Rosedon Hotel took these photos that underscore the challenge I experienced coming into the final miles along with the beauty and grace of Jamie-Lee Wright, islandgirl and the angel at mile 12. For the full race report, follow this link:
After crossing that finish line and emerging triumphant from the medical tent
it was time to get our party on.
We had brunch at the Pickled Onion where Jamie-Lee and The Weekenders (the Bermudian running club she is a part of) were celebrating. Jamie-Lee posted her celebration drink on Facebook with this celebratory post "3 events, 3 days, 3 PBs and a cheeky drink or 3 post race.... to celebrate the completion of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge (International Race weekend) 🍾
Didn't make 6,6,6 - I made 6,6,10 (referencing how many minutes she PR'ed by) and broke the two hour mark - BOOM!! 🍾
Taking off 17 mins for these 20 miles, not too shabby":
After Tom and I refueled with eggs, toast, sparkling water and OJ, we walked .... slowly ... back to the hotel. We were going to go for a recovery swim but opted for a nap. I took a long hot shower and then I finished with an ice cold flush. We had a hand held shower in our room which made it easy for me to focus on my back and legs.
Time to head over to the Southampton Princess or South P as the locals call it for the post race weekend celebration!
There was music and dancing...
hanging with running legends, Geoff Smith, Bart Yasso, Joan Benoit Samuelson and Steve Jones, bumping into old friends and making new friends, celebrating with a couple we met from Sweden who were staying at The Rosedon and celebrating everyone's successful races:
When we got back to the Hotel, I curled up with a great book, Brotherhood by Deepak and Sanjiv Chopra and had the best sleep.
We had one more day of our Bermuda Marathon Weekend Adventure .... to be continued ...
