Mary McManus: Running a Marathon, Healing from Polio and Childhood Trauma

Women's Running Stories

Mary McManus contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5. She recovered from the paralysis, but the disease had a lasting impact on her ability to move. This led to taunting and teasing from other children, especially when it came to physical activities.

In addition to experiencing the difficulties of polio, Mary experienced physical and sexual abuse from her father, who began to abuse alcohol when she was eight. She would also come to discover that her mother had an addiction to prescription pain medication. While Mary credits the love and support of adults outside of her family for helping her through these dark times, the traumatic experiences of polio and her home life took years to overcome.

And that is what Mary’s story is all about, overcoming and healing. Persevering through times of darkness and struggle, with a strong belief in her ability to heal. Which is where Mary focused her energies, becoming a social worker for the VA, a wife and a mother, and ultimately, a marathon runner.

Running entered Mary's life in her 50s, after a diagnosis of post-polio syndrome. And, she continues to go after running goals to this day, at the age of 70.

Mary's story is powerful: about healing and never giving up, and how it is never too late to start a running journey that just might change your life.

Keep Up with Mary McManus

Instagram: @mary_mcmanusrunnergirl

Facebook: facebook.com/mary.mcmanus.507

Website: marymcmanus.com

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Music Credits

Cormac O'Regan, of Playtoh

Grand Project, via Pixabay

Coma-Media, via Pixabay

penguinmusic, via Pixabay

SergePavkinMusic, via Pixabay

Lidérc Bell, via Pixabay

chillmore, via Pixabay

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