How this 71-year-old with Parkinson’s ran 100 marathons in 100 days with the help of TCM
American chiropractor and TCM practitioner Larry Grogin shares how Chinese herbs and acupuncture helped him as he made his way across the US
What does an extreme endurance runner carry in their grab bag? For many, the essential items include energy gels, blister bandages, extra socks and a GPS watch.
The incurable neurodegenerative condition affects movement and worsens over time. Key symptoms include hand tremors, extreme slowness of movement known as bradykinesia, muscle stiffness and balance problems. None of these seems compatible with distance running.
“It sucks,” Grogin says. “Most of all I dreaded being pitied, and still do. There are good days. Bad days. Horrible days, great days.”
When it comes to Parkinson’s, ‘movement is medicine’
The 2019 diagnosis was devastating for Grogin, who had about 300 marathons and 30 Ironman triathlons under his belt at the time.