Fit for Life: A Story of True Grit and Perseverance

Fit for Life: A Story of True Grit and Perseverance

I have the privilege of hosting a book signing event at my gym for an amazing woman named Mary McManus. She authored "The Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior." 

The event occurs on Saturday, 9/28, from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp, 1284 North Main Street in Providence. I encourage anyone reading this to make the time to speak with this amazing woman and listen to her story. 

Why am I so excited to host this event and become friends with her in the interim? 

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Because she has an underdog story that completely blew me away during a phone interview. 

She has overcome and still continues to battle the repercussions of a debilitating disease she contracted at 5 years old, and has faced a lifetime of adversity, doubters, and setbacks yet still continues to dominate life with a positive outlook. 

The story she told me was nothing less than an individual, despite all odds, conquering all obstacles placed in front of her and doing it with an attitude filled with kindness and gratitude. Not once during our interview did she hint to the victim mentality, that would have been so easy to adopt. 

I could literally write a book, which she did, so I don't need to. However, I will give you the bullet points of our conversation, hoping it entices you to attend the event and learn more from her personally. 

Here is an outline/timeline of what we discussed: 

• June 1959 Diagnosed with Polio at 5 years old / didn't finish kindergarten year

In a full leg brace on her left side & in crutches until she was 7 years old - (she used the Forrest Gump analogy)

• At 10-11 years old, played kickball - kicked a home run (because the other team moved up into the infield) 

• Joined Badger Day Camp in Westchester, NY, in 1963 at age 10 - started swimming

• Competed in Badger Olympics finished 3rd in a swim meet

• Was in physical therapy until 13 years old and showed some improvement

• Basically survived on her own due to parents with substance abuse

• Was high school valedictorian 

• Received a Bachelors degree from BU in communication / public relations 

• Went to BC for Masters in Social Work in her 30's

• Worked for BU 

• Worked as a clinical social worker for Veterans Affairs

• Had twins at 34 years old

• Reconstructive leg surgery at 40

• In 2006, at 53, she was told life was diminishing 

• May 2007, left a job where she was making 6 figures

• 55 ran 1st marathon

• 2014 Ran 3 consecutive Bermuda 1/2 Marathons

• 2023 Did a virtual 5k - wasn’t last!

• At 70 years, still going strong 

 

My takeaways from our brief conversation: 

When your body is held captive, but your mind is still sharp, opportunities are endless. She discussed that she resorted to gratitude, prayer, and writing to compensate for her lack of physical ability. She willed herself, with the help of physical therapy and a personal trainer, to overcome the odds stacked against her and pursue her dreams and aspirations. 

Movement is the best medicine. This correlates with a book I am reading called "Outlive" by Peter Attia, MD. He repeatedly states that if you want to avoid ailments later in life, start moving now. In Mary's case, she developed issues out of her control early in life; however, if she neglected trying to move and exercise, I am 100% sure she would be in a far worse position than she is today. 

Be a victor, or be a victim. In her case, nobody would blame her for taking the victim seat. She had polio at 5 years old and was dealt a bad hand right out of the gate of life. She had every excuse in the world to take to a wheelchair and accept the fact that this was what she was given. However, she had another plan in mind, and through mindset, determination, and positive reinforcement, she overcame the odds on her own. 

We have no excuse. If you are functioning without any ailments or debilitating diseases, there is no excuse for NOT being the best, most fit, and most vital version of yourself. None. Zero. We all have 24 hours in the course of the day, so we have the time. There are resources around every corner, so we can figure out how to get them. And lastly, we all can eat healthy, exercise, stay hydrated, and get to bed on time. Did I say there is no excuse for not being our best selves? 

I will leave you with a final message from Mary. I hope you will come in on 9/28 at 11:30 to meet this amazing woman.

Final message: There is always the opportunity for healing, hope, and infinite possibilities despite all appearances to the contrary.

For full event details and to RSVP, Visit Mary's website!

 

Coach Matt