Returning after a (long) break... but with an unwelcome visitor! (Parkinson's!)

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EuanB Sep 2021 10:18am, 22 Sep 2021 First-time poster!!	0 EuanB Hi all, It's been some time, but I was a member of this site for a few years, and I took a break. Anyway, I am back! My current goal is to complete the Edinburgh Marathon next May. It will be my second marathon (if you discount the White Rose Ultra as it's not 26.2 miles) and, all being well, I'll be there at the start line next May. I was actually meant to do it in 2020, but Covid meant it got postponed... then cancelled. The 2021 version went the same way, and I didn't fancy doing the 'virtual' event for a variety of reasons, so I'm now working towards doing the marathon in 2022. The unwelcome visitor part starts with another marathon I was meant to do in 2016 - the Loch Ness Marathon. I had to pull out at the very last minute because I couldn't run more than a mile without my right foot cramping up. I didn't know at the time, and, of course, it's a long story, but it eventually led to an appointment with a neurologist in April 2019 and a diagnosis of Parkinson's. Grr. Anyway, I'm on medication which helps alleviate some of the symptoms and allows me to run again. So I'm back on the move, albeit not as I was. For a start, I have to alternate between a run and a fast walk, sometimes I have to run backwards, but I don't stop! I also have to time my runs around my medication times. It's all fun, as you can tell - and I really do have to exercise as it's been shown to slow down the progression of PD. Anyone else out there running with Parkys? Euan
Jen J Sep 2021 10:23am, 22 Sep 2021 64 posts	0 Jen J Sorry, can't help with your question, but welcome back to fetch Sounds like you're managing your condition well though, good luck with the marathon
minardi Sep 2021 11:05am, 22 Sep 2021 6,936 posts	0 minardi Welcome back and good luck with the marathon. Sorry I can't help re the Parkinsons but it's great that you can still move forward (albeit backwards at times!) - anything that gets you round.
mathschick Sep 2021 11:33am, 22 Sep 2021 197 posts	0 mathschick Hi Euan I feel like we have similar stories - I too started with my left foot cramping when I was running around 3 years ago. Long story - was diagnosed with parkinson's a month ago. I am on a slow release dopamine agonist, and it is dealing with the symptoms more or less and I have just started running again. Early days and I am back on couch 2 5k ...
EuanB Sep 2021 1:36pm, 22 Sep 2021 2 posts	0 EuanB Hi mathschick... yes, I think it goes this way for a lot of people. Interesting that you're on a dopamine agonist, I'm on carbidopa/levodopa tablets and no-one's mentioned dopamine agonists at all. The running definitely feels like trial and error sometimes and I'm just glad to get out on my run/walk routine. Today I think I'm going to go to the gym and have a row. Hope your day is going well! Euan
mathschick Sep 2021 4:31pm, 22 Sep 2021 198 posts	0 mathschick the meds you are offered probably depend on your neurologist and age - because I am classed as young (53) the neurologist said they like to start on the dopamine agonists. The good thing at the moment is I don't seem to get the on/off periods I have heard about I am having a week off work this week the weather is amazing and I am enjoying being able to get out on good walks with the dog
.B. Sep 2021 4:41pm, 22 Sep 2021 43,462 posts	0 .B. Welcome back Euan, and good luck to both of you with your training
Night-owl Sep 2021 4:51pm, 22 Sep 2021 37,861 posts	0 Night-owl Hi Euan. Welcome back. Can't help with advice on the Parkinsons, my dad had it but wasn't a runner. But wish you the very best of luck.
EuanB Sep 2021 6:23pm, 22 Sep 2021 3 posts	0 EuanB Hi Euan. Welcome back. Can't help with advice on the Parkinsons, my dad had it but wasn't a runner. But wish you the very best of luck. Thanks Night-owl. There seems to be an increasing body of evidence suggesting that exercise helps a lot, and I'm fortunate in that I was already reasonably fit when this all started. I just have to keep coaxing myself out the door now!
Mrs Jigs (Luverlylegs) Sep 2021 7:12pm, 22 Sep 2021 32,323 posts	0 Mrs Jigs (Luverlylegs) Welcome back EuanB! Not sure if we have ‘met’ on here before? Nothing I can add regarding your condition but I want to wish you the very best of luck with your goals