| The Walk Together
for the Cure Parkinson’s Disease 2006 just took place on May the
6th. It marked the 20th annual 5K walk and fun run for the disease,
and all the proceeds went to the Parkinson’s Disease Association
of San Diego. It was a lot of fun for all of us that participated,
and one of our Optimum Condition team members even completed the
entire walk in partnership with his wife, pushing her in a wheelchair.
Not bad, considering they’re both in their seventies!
According to the Parkinson’s Disease Association, Parkinson’s
belongs to a group of conditions called Motor System Disorders
because of the way it affects movement. Symptoms include loss
of balance and coordination, slowness, tremors and stiffness,
among other things. While there is no cure yet, raising awareness
and funds to research the disease make a cure possible. Approximately
1.5 million people in the U.S. have Parkinson’s Disease, and about
50,000 are here in San Diego County.
Encouraging people to participate and take action in fighting
the disease is of the utmost importance, and participating in
an event like the Parkinson’s Walk/ Run can prove physically rewarding
as well as mentally, emotionally fulfilling. I am finding that
not only can I help to raise funds for a worthy cause; I can encourage
my clients to set individual fitness goals for themselves in the
actual walk/ run. For a lot of folks, just finishing a 5K is a
challenge, and for others beating a specific time is the goal,
or racing against a team mate can be a lot of fun. It also tends
to increase training motivation prior to the actual event.
Thanks to everyone who came out to join us, as well as to those
people who couldn’t make it out, but were there with us in spirit.
All together we had 14 participants on our team, including two
children in strollers. It proved a great way to spend the morning
amongst family and friends down by the water. Team Optimum Condition
plans to participate in plenty of upcoming non-profit events this
year that will include other walks/ runs, as well as biking events.
It’s definitely proven to be a win-win situation for all, not
to mention a lot of fun!
©Melissa Allen, Optimum Condition. Melissa is a certified personal
trainer, Blackbelt & fitness consultant, as well as the owner
of Optimum Condition—custom fitness services and mobile personal
training. She is a self-syndicated columnist who welcomes input
from her readers, so please contact her with any questions or
comments by calling (619) 252-4993, or visit her website at www.OptimumCondition.com.
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