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