The Fox Focus Spring/Summer 2017 | Page 17

Community Joan: The running community in Maine is small but passionate; we have many mutual friends in the sport who have supported us through the years. That makes this really fun. Also, my father had Parkinson’s and so did his father, so you could say that (no pun intended) PD runs in the family. I’m lacing up for them and for Michael. Michael: I’ve run Sugarloaf three times before, so I’m really looking forward to going back, and having friends and family cheer us on. I’ve got an aunt, two cousins and a sister who all have Parkinson’s so I’m running for them, too. I’m just thrilled that Joanie saw me at Boston and suggested this! starting too fast and grinding all the way to the finish. It’s better to talk to people at the start, get in the rhythm. Then, you can pick up the pace. Joan: He’s right about starting slowly. Mentally it’s a lot easier to pass people at the end of the race than it is to be passed! Michael: I just hope Joanie’s going to be patient with me when we’re out there together! Joan: Well, I’m hoping I can hang on when you start to take off! Running a marathon is just one of many ways you can help us beat Parkinson’s. Visit teamfox.org to get involved and fundraise for MJFF. MJFF: When did you realize that running could turn into a fundraising opportunity? Joan: In 1984, when I came through the tunnel in Los Angeles, I told myself that if I was fortunate enough to win Olympic gold, I’d give back to the sport that has given so much to me. I established a charity run, but I’ve never done any actual fundraising through my running before now. This is a first for me! HELP US CLOSE THE GAP ON A CURE Michael: I used to be very shy about asking for money. But I’ve learned that people want to give and to help. Since 2015 I’ve raised about $76,000 with Team Fox. So when Joanie said she wanted to run Sugarloaf with me, it was natural to do a big fundraiser for MJFF. This summer, join the Tour de Fox Series. All ages and paces are invited to strap on a helmet or attend post-ride festivities at any of these four events: MJFF: Michael, you’ve been a runner for most of your life. What’s it like to run with Parkinson’s? Do you still get that runner’s high? PACIFIC NORTHWEST Michael: There are days when the Parkinson’s really affects me. But normally, once I get out there, even if I feel a little slow at first, after a half mile my symptoms go away and by the end I’m running normally. I feel better overall when I run. During training I have to time my runs carefully and take medications a little differently so they don’t wear off. Saturday, June 10 Vancouver, British Columbia GREAT LAKES Sunday, July 16 Cleveland, Ohio MJFF: What advice would you offer someone signing up for their first race? WINE COUNTRY Saturday, August 26 Santa Rosa, California NEW IN 2017: BLUE RIDGE Saturday, September 23 Greenville, South Carolina Register or donate at tourdefox.org Michael: The biggest advice I have is to start slow and make it fun. There’s nothing worse than 17 Spring/Summer 2017