Ooops, it’s been a while since my last post, so this is a bit of a catch up. While making plans, filming for CureParkinsons, helping out at Centurion Races on the Thames Path, North Downs Way and South Downs Way, I finally decided to see my doctor about my headaches which have been getting worse. After agreeing I had high blood pressure (and starting to treat that as the headacge meds said deal with that first), the doctor said I’m anaemic which explains why I’m so bloody tired lately. It’s bad enough with the fatigue that Parkinson’s brings let alone anaemia on top. Now I’m waiting for more blood tests so we can work out how to treat that.
Yay, Parkinson’s and anaemia. Anything else?
The first weekend in May was spent mainly in the picturesque village of Clifton Hampden, on the Thames just downstream of Abingdon. We were on a Centurion Running aid station at the village hall about 88 miles into the Thames Path 100. As the hall is slightly away from the river we also had to have someone on the bridge pointing runners into the village and back onto the path to make sure everyone didn’t cut the route (or go the wrong way when returning to the river!). The aid station was open all night so it’s a long shift but luckily we get the Bank Holiday to recover.
A couple of weeks later I was back helping again at the North Downs Way 50. From marshalling the carpark entrance before the start, to crowd control at the finish it was another beautiful day spent in great company.
The beginning of June was spent being interviewed for CureParkinson’s as part of a film for raising awareness. Due to the pet-filled complications of our house we de-camped to mother-in-laws and then to a local field so I could be filmed running. Hopefully my contribution will be of some use.
The following Friday to Sunday was another stint supporting Centurion Running. It was a long session with only a short break Saturday night so I think I’m going to have to pace myself better in future! It was another glorious weekend, starting with marshalling at the Matterley Bowl near Winchester on Friday, helping at the aid station at Queen ELizabeth Country Park (22.6 miles in) and then crewing the aid station at Southease Youth Hostel (mile 84).
At the beginning of July I ws invited to the local Parkinson’s support group in Cosham to give them a talk about my running adventures. I didn’t spot anyone falling asleep so hopefully it went down well. There was a good discussion afterwards about taking extra medication for exercise so I hope I don’t cause any overdose issues – it is a bit of trial and error when judging the medication levels and timing.
In amongst all the excitement I had been getting massive FOMO watching runners taking part so I’ve signed up for the Thames Path 100 for next year. I would be training for it right now, but have pulled my calf (twice!) so I’m working on that before getting back on the trails. Having completed the 50 mile slam last year I was trying to work out what next, so the next step is obvously the 100 mile slam. So in 2026 I’ll be doing four 100 milers: Thames Path, North Downs Way, South Downs Way and The Autumn 100. Should keep me out of mischief while fighting the progression of the disease. Hopefully without the added bonus of anaemia.
Well Done Twig. Keep on doing what your doing. Kicking some Parkinson ass💪👌😃NEVER GIVE IN NEVER GIVE UP.😁
Well Done Twig. Keep on doing what your doing. Kickin some Parkinson ass..NEVER GIVE IN NEVER GIVE UP 😃👌💪🏃♂️