Going the Distance: Light Dawns - Serundipity

Our training for Bermuda Marathon Weekend is winding down. 3 weeks from today we will be at the Fairmount Southampton Princess enjoying all that is Bermuda and enjoying a celebration of miracles and healing. Ruth Anne did hill repeats on Tuesday afternoon and went to the gym yesterday for cross training. Tom and I set out for an early morning run.

It was cold and we had to be careful of black ice but what an opportunity to experience the dawn of a new day!

As the grey skies became blue and the sun rose between the trees, I felt this powerful connection with the Divine. I knew it was going to be a very special run for Tom and me.

I could feel my heart open and gratitude overwhelmed me that spilled from my heart to tears streaming down my face. So much emotion flowed as I thought about these last 3 years and embracing all the beautiful and wondrous possibilities that our future now holds. Yes it may seem odd to be talking about the future for a couple who are 64 (on Monday my birthday) and 66 (on 3/2) and who will be married 40 years on 3/4/18. There was a time after being diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome 11 years ago that I didn't think I had a future. Through writing inspirational poetry I created a future other than the ones that the doctors predicted for me.

Three years ago I was blessed to meet Ryan J Means, DC - a chiropractor healer who reminded me of what I had set out to do when I quit my award winning career as a VA social worker just 3 years shy of retirement age to "heal my life". I had a very serious knee injury in December of 2014 and could not seem to get traction on my healing journey. In addition to his skill and heart, he led me to the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza.

Tom and I talked about the power of forgiveness.



I felt my heart open and compassion flow for a person who had betrayed and exploited me who, up until yesterday's run, I couldn't find in my heart to forgive. I know that holding onto a grudge is like keeping a hot coal in my hand. The other person goes on living their life and I cause myself pain and suffering. The cold fresh air of winter, seeing the day go from dark to light and grey to blue connected me to the Source of all that is. Light dawned and my energetic connection to that person and all they symbolized in my life broke free.

Even though it was cold outside, I was sweating from the effort I put into our 5K. I love experiencing the contrast of sweat meeting cold air. Here is our apres run selfie:


We enjoyed a delicious breakfast together...Breakfast always tastes so incredible after an early morning run.

Tom went off to work and I had an appointment with my chiropractor.

The magic that began during that early morning run continued during my treatment. I felt a powerful connection to the Divine Intelligence within and around me as Dr. Lizzie practiced the art and science of chiropractic care. I had this image of a river of energy flowing through me; a beautiful crystal clear river that I could only best compare to a flexisnake that plumbers use to clear out clogs.

I am so excited for what my future holds. I know I am going the distance in my health and wellness journey healing the effects from paralytic polio and trauma and embracing an abundant life!


What a wonderful way to ring out the old with an early morning se-run-dipity. What a blessing to be touched by grace as light dawned in the early hours the day before the winter solstice.

To going the distance with strength and courage
From my heart to yours,
Mary

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:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):

Countdown to Bermuda: Slowing Down and Savoring the Moments

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.

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:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):

Going the Distance: A Look Back & Looking Ahead

Before I take a look ahead to what's next for me on my health and fitness journey, I'd like to take a moment and pause and look back to where I was 10 years ago at Christmas.


Yep - that's a photo of me a year after having been diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome earlier in the year. In May of 2007 I left my award winning career as a VA social worker to heal my life from the effects of paralytic polio and trauma. I had no idea what that meant at the time. I just knew that something had to shift in my life. I was NOT going to take the diagnosis sitting down. In October I hired a personal trainer to see if perhaps I could get a little stronger. I couldn't even pass the initial assessment but by February not only did I pass the assessment but met my initial health and fitness goals. When asked about my goals for the next 6 months of training I told Janine, "I want to walk outside unencumbered. I want to feel free in my body. I want to dance (I was a ballerina prior to contracting paralytic polio at age 5). I want to diversify my workouts. Janine wrote down the goals and gathered up her belongings. And then Spirit spoke.... "Wait. I have one more goal. I want to run the 2009 Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab Hospital. I can do it as a charity runner."

Janine put down her belongings and was totally non-plussed about what I had just said. "Okay but you're going to need a pair of running shoes." Until then I was wearing these:


My journey of a lifetime began training for the Boston Marathon raising $10,535 for Spaulding along the way!

Here I am today poised and ready to run my 3rd half marathon in as many years after a serious knee injury in December of 2014 almost sidelined me:



As 2017 and my 63rd year of life draws to a close, (on Monday I turn 64) it's natural to think about my next goals in life and in running. I'll be writing "The Adventures of Runnergirl1953". One of my favorite moments during my running adventures was running the BA Event Promotions Jingle Bell 5K in December of 2010 as I wrote about in this blog. I'm feeling the itch to ditch distance for shorter fun races and see what this body can do again.

I've been having dreams about running 12 minute miles. Last night I had a dream I ran my 2nd marathon. All things are possible. I've certainly proven that to be true during these past 10 years of healing.

I want to work with a personal trainer after we run the Hyannis 10K in February. I "just happened" to bump into Richard Mendez on my way into Boston Sports Club at Fenway. He is a personal trainer with years of experience and is certified in:
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
NASM Golf Fitness Specialist
NASM Womans Fitness Specialist

I got a wonderful vibe from him during our brief encounter. I told him that I didn't want to change anything before running Bermuda in January but then want to focus on building strength, balance and trying out new things on my health and wellness journey. I know I can improve my speed and agility working from the inside out and getting a boost from the outside in.

For 3 years I've been training to go the distance with a half marathon and it's been a wondrous and blessed journey. I have had a wonderful training regimen that I created with Ryan J. Means, DC who is a healer, chiropractor and taught Boot Camp well versed in what people of all ages need to heal. He now lives in China and I will also consult with him about taking the next steps on my journey to health and wellness.

My number one and two health and fitness goals for 2018 are to have fun and challenge myself.

I've been releasing the heaviness and burdens of my past through the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza using his readings, meditations, videos and teleclasses to support me on my journey to transform from the effects of paralytic polio and trauma.

I've done a yeomen's job of healing during these past 10 years.

I'm very excited for my next decade of healing and my new year of life eager to see and experience where Spirit leads me.

To going the distance with strength and courage
From my heart to yours,
Mary

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:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):

Countdown to Bermuda: A Time to Celebrate

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.

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:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):

Countdown to Bermuda: Happy Winter Warriors on Heartbreak Hill

It was 17 degrees when we woke up this morning. Should we go outside or head to the gym? We said that we were not going to risk an injury by heading out in the cold especially if there was black ice. I saw that our friends went for an early morning run on Facebook. We vacillated back and forth. Just as Ruth Anne and I said we should go the gym, a runner ran by. The sun was rising higher in the sky and we decided we'd go for it.

We learned we needed extra layers during our 11 mile training run.



We took our time getting ready with a nutritious breakfast, meditation and a prayer for the run.

Ruth Anne captured this photo of me while I stretched and put this caption on it for Facebook friends:
#winterwarriormom 3 cheers for Mom for bracing the cold! Like and send messages if you agree!


She suggested it would give us a boost while we were out on our training run. She was right!

We knew we wanted to make this training run count by going to Heartbreak Hill. We ended up improvising the route by going from Newton Center following the Boston Marathon route to Washington Square in Brookline and then coming back to our car.

The last time we ran Heartbreak Hill together was on April 20, 2009.

It was an emotional run to be together with Ruth Anne again on Heartbreak Hill. We talked about our fond memories of our training runs on Heartbreak Hill - from the first time we incorporated Heartbreak Hill into a training run as I wrote about in my blog. We recalled with fondness finding the Helen Keller quarter.

Boston Marathon training season has begun.

"Are you running Boston?" I asked one runner who was obviously doing hill repeats.

"You are brave running in shorts," Tom shouted to another runner. "It sure does help going downhill and having the tailwind," he said with a smile.

We saw Marathon jackets and smiles for miles despite the freezing temperatures.

The sun shining on Heartbreak Hill with no wind quickly warms things up and our memories of training and 2009 Boston Marathon race day warmed our hearts and souls ... as did the anticipation of 70 degree temperatures during Bermuda Marathon Weekend.

We powered through the uphills and the headwind and felt relief on the downhills allowing the tailwind to push us along.

Ruth Anne was talking about having a reunion with our 2009 Spaulding Race for Rehab Team and our beloved Coach Domenick D'Amico. We were at a street crossing and the driver was waiting for us to cross. Without a light and unless someone is a runner, that is an unlikely occurrence even along the Boston Marathon route. We crossed the street and the driver honked and pointed at us. Tom went running over... It was one of our teammates from Spaulding! I love synchronicity. We got a boost of energy after seeing him.

We marveled at how Ruth Anne had just been talking about a reunion and how we improvised our route to go down Comm. Ave. instead of staying on Heartbreak Hill!

Ruth Anne suggested we take a selfie halfway through our run to capture more moments of our taper time for Bermuda.


Back up and over Heartbreak Hill in reverse - a route we'd run so many times during our training for Boston.

As we "came into the finish" we joined hands as we will in Bermuda in just 28 days imagining our triumphant Bermuda Half Marathon finish.



We were overjoyed that our streak of getting outdoors EVERY SATURDAY since May for our training runs for Bermuda continued.

Three more Saturday runs of 6 miles, 4 miles and 3 miles to go.

Team McManus was happy winter warriors on Heartbreak Hill as Boston trains to run again and we are in full on taper mode feeling incredibly satisfied and ready for 1/14/18.

To going the distance with strength and courage
From my heart to yours,
Mary

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:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):

Going the Distance: Heal: The Documentary - Movie Review

My review on iTunes - 5 stars
"A beautiful documentary that shares the wisdom of the ways one can heal beyond allopathic medicine. Research, personal stories and inquiry are woven together to create this masterpiece of a documentary. I especially loved the depiction of Dr. Joe Dispenza's healing after a serious accident that crushed his vertebrae in his spine. Using a blend of cinematic techniques, you'll find yourself enthralled and intrigued by what Heal: The Documentary has to offer to go beyond what we've all been taught to believe about our bodies and Western Medicine's offerings. You'll find yourself experience healing of mind, body and soul by watching Heal and being touched by the wisdom of great teachers and healers."



I read through the reviews on YouTube and I was somewhat dismayed by the rancor and anger that permeated some of the comments. Those comments are exactly why we need Heal: The Documentary in our lives. I've experienced the power of the mind/body connection throughout my healing journey from the effects of having contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5 followed by severe childhood trauma inflicted by family members. I was blessed to be led to the work of Dr. Bernie Siegel back in the 80's by an earth angel nurse I had during a lengthy hospitalization. He's been a part of my healing journey during these past 11 years after I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. He is featured in the Extras.

As I watched one woman's journey of healing from a severe skin disorder, I cried and healed with her as the practitioner guided her through EFT and bathed her wounds with love and compassion. As Bernie always says, "Love heals."

Three years ago after suffering a serious knee injury, I was led to a chiropractor after Western Medicine told me I shouldn't run anymore and be prepared for knee replacement surgery in a few years based on MRI findings. These were the same doctors who told me I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair 8 years prior to the knee injury and to return to the Post-Polio Clinic because it was only a matter of time.... Dr. Ryan told me that I HAD to read "You Are the Placebo" by Dr. Joe Dispenza. Combining chiropractic care and the power of my meditation and intention to heal, I'm back running half marathons - with no surgery! And I have grown a new gastroc muscle! I loved the depiction of Dr. Joe's healing journey and how he said with such clear intention that if he were able to walk again, he would dedicate himself to the work of healing after his wake up call. Follow this link to read Dr. Joe's invitation to watch Heal:The Documentary.

In the documentary we learn that yes indeed there is a time and place for Western Medicine but we need to move beyond the dictates of the world of the white coat if we are going to truly heal our lives from dis-ease and return to a state of wholeness and well being. That power to heal comes from Source/Divine Intelligence/God whatever word you would like to use that is in each and every one of us. In my healing journey, I discovered that there was a lot of trial and error about what modalities would and would not work to promote healing and the message of Heal: The Documentary is to keep searching until you find what combination of resources and information is going to work for each individual.

Heal: The Documentary has boosted my commitment and dedication to my healing journey. Whatever doubts may surface - and it's only human to experience those doubts - I now have another wonderfully powerful resource to go to to ignite my passion to go the distance in my healing journey. It was Divine Timing as I am making profound shifts in my life to take my healing to the next level.

Heal: The Documentary is available for rent, download or DVD. It's compelling and a must see!

To going the distance with strength and courage
From my heart to yours,
Mary

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:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):

Countdown to Bermuda: One Month From Today

Four weekends left to do a run - 7, 6, 4 and 3 miles.

28 days until race weekend.

One month from today...Team McManus runs Bermuda.

It's so much more than a 13.1 mile run for us. The journey that began 11 years ago for me and 3 years ago for Ruth Anne will culminate on the Island of Bermuda on 1/14/18.

11 years ago this month I was told that I 'had" Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. I should adapt our Cape home or buy a ranch. I might need a feeding tube since the left side of my esophagus was weak and I was aspirating my food. I was told that I should get a sleep apnea machine. Energy conservation suggestions abounded and I was told quite empathically I might add that if I use it I will lose it. Yes you read that right although I've had many people tell me that I made a typo ... Cautionary and fear-filled tales were told to me. At first, I paid attention to what I was being told and followed many of the suggestions. It was challenging to not talk during a meal, to need to do a chin tuck and dry swallow to avoid choking on food; to use a leg brace and a cane on 'good days' and when traveling long distances or going grocery shopping to use a wheelchair. We used PeaPod grocery delivery service. I became totally dependent on my family for chores (which did not make this control freak Type A personality very happy to say the least) and had to figure out what I was going to do with my life since I was told that if I had any hope of stabilizing the symptoms where they were that I had to quit my award winning career of almost 20 years as a VA social worker.

Well I did quit my job but before I did I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The answer came in the form of a poem, "Running the Race," and poetry poured forth from my soul creating a future self as happy, healthy, whole and running unencumbered and free. That poem foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run even though I had never run a day in my life.

I got stuck time and again on this amazing healing odyssey until a very serious knee injury 3 years ago. After ditching Western Medicine and clearing out the naysayers from my life, I was blessed to meet a chiropractor, Dr. Ryan as he loves to be called who turned me onto the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza. With the help of Dr. Ryan and firing up my belief that I CAN heal and transform the past creating a new me mind, body and soul, I healed the knee injury avoiding a total knee replacement and returned to distance running.

One month from today Team McManus will celebrate along 13.1 miles on the beautiful Island of Bermuda. We will celebrate the power of endurance; how I never quit on my healing journey. We will celebrate the miracle of healing and the power of Divine Intelligence within each and every one of us that creates healing every day in every way. Running a third half marathon in as many years is a test if you will of my healing. I continue to move forward in my healing journey immersing myself more deeply in Dr. Joe's work. My knee - both knees - and my entire body will go 13.1 miles as my mind leads the way.

We will celebrate Ruth Anne's miraculous recovery from severe depression and trauma; from a woman plagued by stress, fear and anxiety not sure about whether or not she wanted to live or die to a woman transformed rebuilding her life one mile at a time.

We are trained. We are ready. One month from today we go the distance!



To going the distance with strength and courage
From my heart to yours,
Mary

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:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):