The runner within me was born in my imagination after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. In February 2007, the poem, ‘Running the Race’ flowed out of me foreshadowing my 2009 Boston Marathon run. My pen opened a healing portal harnessing the power of the mind/body connection. I’ve had many adventures as a most unlikely runner experiencing the transformative power of the sport. I celebrate 17 years of healing after taking a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning social work career at the VA. I am the author of 7 books and have appeared on many podcasts and radio shows, been featured on Channel 7 News, and Mike Reilly’s Stories From the Finish Line. I shared the stage with Bill Rodgers at the 2020 Hyannis Marathon Pre-Race Pasta dinner, and was a panelist on “Late Life Running – Whole Life Running” at the 2020 Virtual Boston Marathon Expo. I love inspiring others with what’s possible.
Mary McManus
