“Whatever You’re Doing, We Need to Bottle It Up!” — My Parkinson’s Journey Is Far From Over

Sometimes, the most powerful words you can hear are the ones that remind you that you're capable of more than you think.

On Monday, I had a follow-up appointment with my neurologist to discuss my progress with Parkinson’s disease. I walked into that appointment with plenty to talk about, including the challenges I continue to face, but I walked out feeling encouraged and motivated.

My neurologist told me I was doing excellent!

Then she said something I'll never forget:

“Whatever you’re doing, we need to bottle it up!”

Those words meant more to me than she probably realized.

When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in April 2025, I had already spent years transforming my health. I had lost more than 100 pounds, become a runner in my 50s, completed a marathon, and embraced endurance sports as part of my lifestyle.

Her message was simple:

Exercise wasn't something I started because of Parkinson’s. It was already part of who I had become.

But Parkinson’s changed things.

There are days when my right leg and foot shake, my muscles feel stiff, fatigue catches up with me, and my body doesn't respond the way I want it to. There are also moments when the mental challenges are harder than the physical ones.

Sometimes, I let Parkinson’s get inside my head.

I convince myself that I'm slower than I used to be. That my best running days are behind me. That maybe I should accept certain limitations simply because I have a progressive neurological disease.

But what if some of those limitations aren't coming from Parkinson’s at all? What if they're coming from me?

That's something I've been thinking about lately.

During Monday's appointment, my neurologist told me something else that was incredibly encouraging. She said I could continue pushing myself physically as hard as I want to and that improving my speed and endurance over the next 12 months is absolutely possible, even with Parkinson’s.

“Keep doing what you're doing!”

That doesn't mean Parkinson’s has disappeared. It doesn't mean every workout will be easy or that there won't be setbacks.

It means I don't have to assume that a diagnosis automatically puts an end to progress.

Recently, I've surprised myself with some of my running performances. I've found moments when my legs felt stronger, my pace improved, and I realized there was more left in the tank than I had believed.

Now I want to find out just how much more I have to give.

I'm not simply exercising to slow the progression of Parkinson’s. I'm training to become a better athlete.

I'm setting goals, challenging my assumptions, and refusing to allow fear to establish my limits.

On December 5, 2026, I'll take on the CLASH Daytona Triathlon at Daytona International Speedway. It's another opportunity to push myself, test my progress, and celebrate what my body can still accomplish. [ I'm a CLASH Endurance Ambassador. Sign Up for Daytona here and use my code AMBDAVIDW to SAVE 10%. ]

I'm already looking beyond Daytona.

Parkinson’s may be part of my journey, but it doesn't get to write the ending.

I may have Parkinson’s, but I'm still an athlete. I'm still improving. I'm still dreaming.

And I'm certainly not finished.

Parkinson’s doesn't define me.

The best of my journey may still be ahead of me. David Williams is a triathlete, Parkinson's advocate, speaker, and creator of The Unsteady Show, sharing his journey to encourage others to live actively and purposefully despite life's challenges. Donate To The Parkinson's Foundation: www.David2026.com Order Apparel: www.FightPD.Shop