Mary McManus's Page

Last Friday, the temperatures had plummeted into the teens again here in New England so I knew that I had to get on the recumbent bike for a good cardio workout. This past week Roofy Runner Girl and I ran outside. I know that I trained for the Boston Marathon through one of the most grueling New England winters, but my body is not enamored with the cold weather this year. I really didn't feel like doing much in terms of a cardio workout. Even though I had a good average heart rate this week runn… Continue

How do you measure progress? Do you look ahead and say, oh my goodness look how far I still have to go or do you look back and marvel at the progress you have made. Personally, I like to look back and see how far I've come. I remember our first meeting at Spaulding Rehab as we were embarking on a journey of a lifetime - to run the Boston Marathon. Domenick D'Amico, the trainer assigned to our Race for Rehab team talked about taking it one mile at a time. With each mile I ticked off on the Boston… Continue

As a polio survivor, I learned a lot about shame, embarrassment, low self esteem and staying in the background. I did not learn how to celebrate me, celebrate life and celebrate every experience of the tapestry of my life. This year has been an incredible year of ongoing transformation which began with the diagnosis of post polio syndrome three years ago in December 2006. I believe that everyone has had experiences which have dampened the Spirit or, as Deborah Hill poignantly says, blows out our… Continue

I am very blessed to be retired -- I know I'm only 56 (or will be a week from Friday) but post polio told me that it was time to leave full time work. My schedule is very flexible so there's not an issue with finding time to exercise - I'll admit that pain and fatigue could provide a wonderful excuse to not move if I let them but I know that I'm accountable here and have made a commitment to my health and fitness. I know that I inspire others by maintaining a health and fitness regimen no matter… Continue

Another New England winter is upon us. The days are getting 'shorter' and the snow, ice and slush have taken over the landscape. Last year I was 'forced' to brave the elements to train for the 2009 Boston Marathon I had to also get creative by using the indoor track at Boston University to get miles into my legs (as a BU alumni I could pay only $10/day during the week to use the gym facilities). What keeps me motivated this year to maintain my health and fitness regimen? There is no marathon on… Continue