Run With It!

Here’s another inspirational story of a Parkie, Jimmy Choi, who runs marathons.

What’s especially fabulous is his turn around.  After receiving his diagnosis, Jimmy threw in the towel.  He didn’t work out, he put on weight (he’s 5’9″ and ballooned to 250 lbs.), he walked with a cane.

When he fell down a flight of stairs while holding his infant son, he realized he had to change.  He took up running.  First he entered some 5-K races, then he took on longer and longer races, all the way up to marathons.  Which makes him a star, in my book.

One result of all this running is that some of Jimmy’s symptoms have dissipated.  Here’s an excerpt from the Runner’s World article:

He’s not alone; research has linked cycling, treadmill running, and Tai Chi, among other workouts, to reduced symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Scientists speculate physical activity boosts dopamine levels or forms new pathways between muscles and mind to replace those destroyed by the disease. Choi believes the mindfulness with which he approaches running—focusing on swinging his arm and lifting his feet with every step—translates into the rest of his movements. “It’s muscle memory or a just a habit,” he says. “When I walk now, I’m a lot more stable. I have a lot more balance going up and down the stairs.”

Run with it, Jimmy!