Not everyone approaches the marathon in the same way. Even among first time runners there are several different levels of preparation and many different personal goals. Finishing your first marathon is a special experience, one you will never forget. Any reasonably fit individual, long-time runner or not, can train for and complete a marathon if you are willing to do just two important things:
1) Make the commitment; and
2) Manage your expectations.
Team Parkinson can help new marathoners in both areas. We have several seasoned marathon runners and pace-group leaders. John Ball, co-chair of Team Parkinson, and training partner Mark Saxonberg, have completed more
than a dozen marathons between them in the past 5 years, and are eager to assist others to achieve their own success. They will be leading weekend training runs throughout the year and build our preparation in the months leading up to each of the team’s committed events.
Training with Team Parkinson is designed to be low-stress and rewarding, with large components of support and encouragement. We use a run-walk-run, interval-training approach that has helped thousands of runners build the confidence and stamina they need to finish their first race or their marathon, while reducing risk of injury. Finishing a half-marathon or marathon is a big challenge, but we know it's an achievable target, even for those with Parkinson’s disease. Over the last 4 years, a total of seven different people living with Parkinson’s disease have finished the LA Marathon.
Team Parkinson is focused on achieving your personal goal, whether that is walking a 5k, riding your bike, or finishing a marathon, but we are also dedicated to an even more challenging goal, that of finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
For more information call 866-822-CURE or contact us.