The Art of Healing – Part 8 Ode to Marathon Training

Training – activity leading to skilled behavior

During the past year, I have been blessed to be under the watchful eye of Janine Hightower, personal trainer extraordinaire. The definition of training sounds so cold and clinical compared to the expertise, love, joy and dedication that Janine brought into the lives of Team McManus. Without Janine, Team McManus would not be ready to run 26.2 miles in just 9 days! This period of intense preparation has brought about changes in my mind, body and spirit in ways I could never have dreamed were possible. Here is another snapshot on my journey on the Road to the Boston Marathon expressed in Ode to Marathon Training:

Ode to Marathon Training – March 22, 2009
Blisters, black toes, aches and pains
A change in my
routine
Long training runs, the hills, the sprints
Keep running
clothes fresh and clean.

Carbo load and plan each meal
Power
gels and gatorade
No matter what the weather
No time to be
afraid.

Humid – hot or freezing cold
Snow against the face
Wind
or sun or raining
Those running shoes I must lace.

What mile is
this how long we been out
Check heart rate drink H20
Meltdowns
joys and triumphs
Only a few more weeks to go.

Heartbreak Hill
won’t break my heart
This year has been the best
Found myself and made new friends
I feel incredibly blessed.

Whatever road you are traveling on in the marathon of life, my
prayer is that you will be blessed to experience angels like Janine
along the way to help nurture your journey.

Mary McManus
www.newworldgreetings.com
www.firstgiving.com/teammcmanus