“We Are Only Having This Conversation Because You Exercise.” - Pt 2

Living with Parkinson’s, Pushing My Limits, and a New Medication

“We are only having this conversation because you exercise.”

Those were the words of my neurologist at UNC, who serves as the Bryson Distinguished Professor of Neurology and Director of the Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence.

Those words have stayed with me because they represent something important about my journey with Parkinson’s disease.

We weren't discussing a new medication because Parkinson’s had significantly progressed. We were discussing it because I refuse to stop challenging myself.

As someone living with Parkinson’s while training for triathlons and IRONMAN 70.3 races, my situation presents some unique challenges.

Parkinson’s disease is closely associated with a deficiency of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that plays a critical role in movement and coordination.

Exercise is one of the most beneficial things I can do to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms. However, my neurologist explained that prolonged endurance activities can place significant demands on my body, potentially making my symptoms more pronounced as fatigue builds.

I experienced this firsthand during IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta in September 2026.

After successfully completing the 1.2-mile swim, I began the 56-mile cycling portion of the race. As the miles accumulated, the toes on my right foot began curling painfully inside my cycling shoe.

This wasn't ordinary discomfort from a long bike ride. It was a Parkinson’s-related symptom interfering with my ability to perform.

And it was frustrating.

I had spent months preparing my body for this challenge, only to have Parkinson’s introduce another obstacle.

During my recent neurology appointment, we discussed a potential solution: taking an additional medication approximately one hour before longer training sessions and endurance races to help manage these symptoms.

Because an IRONMAN 70.3 can take over 6 hours to complete, and the medication's expected duration is approximately six hours, I also need to take a second dose during the transition from cycling to running.

The goal isn't to make me a better athlete through medication. It's to reduce the interference Parkinson’s creates so I can be the athlete I've trained to become.

That distinction matters to me.

I sometimes think about how different this conversation might have been if I had responded to my Parkinson’s diagnosis by becoming less active.

Instead, I'm swimming, cycling, running, strength training, and preparing for future endurance challenges.

My next major goal is to complete IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina in October 2027. But I'll do several shorter triathlons before then and a half marathon.

I know it won't be easy. I know Parkinson’s will continue presenting challenges, and I know adjustments will sometimes be necessary.

But needing medication doesn't mean I'm losing the fight.

Sometimes it means I'm finding another way forward.

I consider myself incredibly blessed to have the physical ability, medical support, and determination to continue pursuing these goals.

Every training session is an opportunity to push my limits, strengthen my body, and demonstrate that life with Parkinson’s can still include extraordinary challenges.

Parkinson’s doesn't define me. My response to it does.

And I'm not finished pushing my limits. Read Part 1 of My Conversation with My Neurologist 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