Hills conquered. Finish line crossed. Another challenge completed.
Yesterday my friend and partner-in-Real-Estate Cherie and I ran the Big Foot Endurance 5 & 10 Mile Trail Race at Rockburn Branch Park in Elkridge, MD to support Parkinson's Research and to honor our parents.
We are both daughters of Parkinson's patients and #realtorswhocare. We are grateful to RipIt Events and Big Foot Endurance for organizing such events, for raising awareness and funds to support Parkinson's Research and to find a cure someday (soon).
This was the first-of-its-kind event for us, but it won't be the last. We are so glad to have found you Big Foot Endurance and will gladly join you in running #milesfordad and #milesformom, "wearing Big Foot Endurance apparel, raising money for Parkinson's research and celebrating life". ⇐ click on the link if you'd like to join in, too!
The race was phenomenal! The weather was perfect, the atmosphere wonderful, and the post-race beer - sponsored by Hysteria Brewing - the best! This wasn't the easiest course, beginning and ending with an incline, but a great one. It's just moments from my house, so I've hiked/run these trails many times and will always dedicate my Rockburn miles to my dad. Although I didn't get to PR (far from it, courtesy of my left IT band), I was super happy crossing the finish line nonetheless!
My dad is the reason I run. He took me trail running when I was just old enough to tie my own shoes. He's run many marathons in his life and although Parkinson's disease is preventing him from long runs now, he's still in it. When I get to fly across the pond and visit, we always make time for Sunday Runday. It's slow but forward, and forward is a pace. Running will always be the special bond we share.
"Parkinson's Disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. Parkinson's symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time. As the disease progresses people may have difficulty walking and talking. They may also have mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue." [NIH: NIA]
There's no cure (yet) for Parkinson's disease. Therapies can only relieve symptoms.
The Big Foot Endurance 5 & 10 Mile Trail Race included an orange ribbon trail. Participants were invited to write a message in memory/in honor of a loved one with Parkinson's disease. Besides crossing the finish line, running along this stretch of the trail was by far my favorite moment. A heartfelt THANK YOU to Big Foot Endurance and RipIt Events. You all rock!
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