Running a marathon is a huge commitment and challenge for anyone.
Running a marathon with a Parkinson’s diagnosis raises the bar significantly. Bill Bucklew has taken on that challenge, inspiring many along the way.
Bill started long distance running in his teens, when he joined his Junior high cross-country team as part of his conditioning for the basketball team. Fast forward to his working years and he started to enjoy running as a sport in its own right. However, he felt something wasn’t right.
“In 2005, I was part of a running group at work called the ‘Running of the Gerbils’ (because we ran on treadmills during the winter!). During the first spring outdoor run, I noticed a strange tightening of my right leg,” he explains.
“This tightness continued and got worse over time. After MRIs, X-Rays, sports medicine specialists and more, I was mis-diagnosed with sciatica. Seven years later, in 2012, it was correctly identified as Parkinson’s disease.
“Exercise is the only thing known to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease and the intensity seems to also have an impact, so after my diagnosis I took up running in a big way. It seems to slow symptomatic evolution and seems to help me cognitively as well.”
Since his diagnosis, Bill has run over 20 marathons, completed the Disney Dopey challenge, tackled eight triathlons, including a full Ironman, a Nordic Ski Marathon, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, finished several ultra-marathons and walked across the United States, averaging 40 miles per day.
What motivates Bill to keep challenging himself? “I have done each of my races as fundraisers for Parkinson’s research. Most importantly, I always infuse fun into all my challenges.”
And completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors is also on Bill’s current bucket-list.
“I had been running the TCS New York City and Bank of America Chicago marathons every year, for the last few years as fundraisers for the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research when I learned of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
“In 2019, I got a charity bib for the Boston Marathon and I thought, ‘I wonder if I could run all of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, in a row?’
“I managed to secure bibs for all the remaining Majors for me and two friends (no easy task) with the intent of finishing the majors with Tokyo and London in 2020.”
The current global situation has brought about an unexpected delay to Bill's plans, compounded by an injury that has sidelined him for now.
“On March 28, I ruptured my left quadricep completely. This is a major injury and takes five to six months to recover, but I’m doing this Six Star challenge to highlight the importance of exercise and to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease.
“I am more determined than ever to complete the last two Majors and am dreaming about the finish - which will now be in Tokyo in March 2021. It will be very emotional given the cancellation, difficulty getting in and the recovery. My friends Robin and Kristy are with me all the way and I am very thankful for that too.”
Along with Heidi, his wife of 22 years, and their two children Madeleine (16) and Evan (14), Bill lives in Wilmette, Illinois and with a successful career in Mechanical Engineering, he now focuses his efforts and expertise on helping people with Parkinson’s exercise.
“I am on a mission to help people with Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases,” he says. “I focus on my charity, Uncorked Adventures, to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s and am busy planning two events at the moment.
“I have also just taken on the role of Chief Development Officer with a fitness company who are focused on getting those with neurological conditions the wellness components they need. Additionally, I lead some special one-off projects with some fellow onset Parkinson’s friends as we try and bring people and organizations together.”
There are many physical hurdles for Bill when tackling his own running goals.
“The disease greatly impacts my running because my right leg, foot and arm are extremely rigid. The majority of my propulsion comes from my left side, which means I’m working about 50% more than I used to, to run any distance. I also sweat profusely when I run, which can be a real challenge on warmer and longer runs. I have lost over 18lbs of water during a run before.
Bill’s passion, determination and focus is unwavering, and with every physical goal he sets himself, he does it for the greater good of those trying to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
“I made a very unusual decision in 2012, against all advice, to “come out” with my Parkinson’s diagnosis within weeks of learning about it. This was important for me because it allowed me to openly start fundraising for a cure, which gave me purpose and this brought me to Team Fox, of the Michael J Fox foundation.
“I wanted to make a difference and raise awareness for the disease, so I immediately signed up for the Wisconsin Ironman, started training and started a fundraiser. With this group, not only did I find a way to combine my passion for running with my newfound sense of purpose to make a difference, but I found an incredible network of friends who truly understand what I am going through with the disease, through the ups and downs. It’s hard to imagine life now, without my Team Fox family.”
So, what’s next for Bill after he completes his Six Star journey?
“My focus right now is to recover from my injury, and be ready to run in London in October. I had an ultra-marathon scheduled for this June so that will be pushed-back. I also plan to run New York City again in November with Heidi – this will be her first marathon!”
Bill’s years of living with Parkinson’s gives him a fountain of knowledge to share with others dealing with neurological conditions and he offers them advice freely.
“For anyone reading this who is dealing with Parkinson’s I say to you: it’s important to be physically and socially active and if you can find the appropriate level of those two things for yourself, my expectation is that it will make a huge positive impact in your life.”
And his running experience has also given him a wealth of information to share with others in the running community. “The prospect of running 26.2 miles can be daunting if you’ve never done it before. You have to break it down into manageable steps and you also should try and manage your own expectations.
“Start walking or running small distances, don’t worry about your speed, have fun and slowly build distance as your body builds endurance. Listen to your body as adequate recovery can be as important as the training.
He adds, “Set a goal that’s reasonable, but most of all, have fun! Running a Major or any other marathon, is a way to see and feel a city in a way you seldom get the chance. Running through the streets of New York City, Chicago, Boston, Berlin, London or Tokyo, is something really special, so have fun, engage with other runners and the crowds.
“You just might find yourself coming back for more. I know I will!”
