Running a 5K reminds me to appreciate the journey

I’m training for a 5K race in June. The training plan is taped onto the fridge door, and I’m following it to a T. Except for the part where it says “run” — that’s where I alternate walking and running for one minute each. This method makes a 5K totally achievable for me.

Why do I torture myself with this? My running partner and I discussed this question and decided we are so fortunate to be able to do it, especially because I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015 and will soon be 65, an official senior citizen. My friend celebrated her 70th birthday last year. Yes, we feel lucky, and we appreciate every step of this running journey.

About 40 years ago, when we were in our 20s, another friend and I ran a 5K race. Those were the days when we could do things like that without any training.

At the end of that particular race, we were close to the finish line, and people started cheering — I mean, really cheering. Wow, how exciting! The crowd apparently loved us! Then, the person who was first in the race after ours, a 10K, passed us in a speedy blur. Yes, this fellow had just run twice the distance we had run, in less time. That about sums up my entire race experience. My friend ran straight to the massage tent because her legs hurt so much she thought she’d never walk again.

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One of the many things I like about this 5K race is the encouragement we get. There are messages written in chalk on the street, such as “Way to go! You’ve got this!” and “You’re awesome!” As we run through residential areas, it is not unusual to see people out on their front lawns cheering everyone on. The volunteers at the race are encouraging as well, clapping, offering water, and generally being terrific cheerleaders.

At last year’s race, I ran and walked and had a wonderful experience. After about the second kilometer, I noticed a woman running at pretty much the same speed as me, so I said, “Hi, I noticed we are running at pretty much the same pace. Do you want to run together?” This lovely woman said yes, of course, so we got to know each other over the final three kilometers. Her grandson was meeting her at the finish line, where my family was waiting for me as well. The last 100 or so meters of the race are always a thrill, as we all run as fast as we can, with our families and friends cheering us on. As I ran past my family, I shouted, “I made a new friend!” and laughed, pointing her out.

Haha, I thought. I might be a slowpoke, but I’ve made a friend. Then, immediately following the race, another woman came up beside me and said, “Thank you, you were such a steady runner that I used you as my pacer.” What? Somebody just thanked me for being a slowpoke? Honestly, her comment made me feel like a million bucks. I was a winner in the big scheme of things.

Many times when I’m feeling low, I think about these races and how the big goal of running fast and winning pales in comparison with what happens during the race itself. It is the journey, the friendships, and rising to the challenge that are the most important. The good news is that you don’t have to run a 5K race to find meaning in your own Parkinson’s journey. Finding joy in everyday moments can bring satisfaction, and appreciating your progress, no matter how small, makes all the difference.

Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.