JOANNE MOULES

Dodging the Puddles on a Wet Run

@joyogauk

#gnr2026 training is tough... less than 6 months to go and I'm finding it much harder work than before. Trying to honour the runner I am today rather than who I was!! #parkinsonsuk @Parkinson’s UK

♬ original sound - Liam Conner

Heavy legs and hard lessons

Over the last few weeks (if I’m honest… probably months), this training has felt a lot harder than I expected.

There have been runs where I’ve come home and literally cried.

Not because I don’t want to do it, but because my body has felt so heavy, like I’m trying to run through treacle some days. I got myself to 5k and then just… seemed to plateau. No matter how much I showed up, my legs weren’t responding in the way I hoped they would, and that’s been really frustrating.

I think I imagined a more straight forward journey. Having run the GNR twice before I thought I would just jump on the old traiing programs and that would be it. Train, improve, and get stronger. But that hasn’t quite been my experience.

Instead, it’s been messy. Emotional. Humbling. I realise that I am not the woman I was 5 years ago - so trying to honour teh woman I am now rather than who I was is my most challenging aspect!

I suppose this is quite fitting.

I’m not just running the GNR as a personal challenge. I’m running for Parkinson’s, since Craig’s diagnosis, and this journey has become about so much more than just getting to the finish line.

The hard runs, the heavy legs, the days where everything feels like an effort… they’ve given me a tiny glimpse into what it feels like when your body doesn’t do what you want it to do.

And that has shifted something in me.

Instead of pushing harder and getting frustrated, I’ve had to pause and listen. So now I have started  strength training too, to support my body rather than fight against it, and to begin building strength in a different way.

It’s still not easy. Some days still feel like a battle.

But I’m learning that this process isn’t just about distance or pace. It’s about resilience. Patience. And continuing to show up, even when it feels uncomfortable.

If you’ve already donated or shared this page, thank you so much. It really does mean the world, especially on the harder days.

And if you feel able to support, whether that’s through a donation or simply cheering me on, I’d be so grateful.

Every step (even the heavy ones) is for something bigger.

Thank you for being part of it 💛

Why I’m Running the Great North Run 2026 for Parkinson’s UK

In 2026 I’ll be taking on the Great North Run – not because I’m a natural runner (I’m really not!), but because my heart is firmly behind the cause.

In June 2025, my boyfriend Craig was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Like so many people, I thought I knew a little about Parkinson’s. But until it enters your life personally, you don’t truly understand the depth, complexity, and daily reality of living with this condition.

The good news is that Craig is doing really well. His medication is supporting him, and he is also working alongside a research project aimed at further improving treatment for Parkinson’s. Watching his courage, openness, and determination has been deeply humbling.

Parkinson’s doesn’t usually kill you — but it does disable you.

It can affect movement, speech, energy, coordination, mood, sleep, confidence, and independence. It doesn’t just impact the person diagnosed; it ripples through relationships, families, work, and everyday life.

As a yoga teacher, I see daily how powerful movement, breath, and nervous system regulation can be for neurological health. Gentle, mindful movement helps support brain-body connection, balance, coordination, mood, and overall wellbeing. While yoga isn’t a cure, it can be a powerful complementary tool alongside medical care — and this is why research, education, and access to support through Parkinson’s UK matters so much.

That is why I am running.

I am running for Craig.
I am running for everyone living with Parkinson’s.
I am running for families walking this path alongside their loved ones.
I am running for better treatments, better support, and ultimately a cure.

The Great North Run feels symbolic.

One foot in front of the other.
Some days steady.
Some days hard.
All days moving forward.

Much like life with Parkinson’s.

If you’re able to support my fundraising journey, whether through a donation or sharing my page, it truly means the world:

👉 https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraisers/joannemoules/great-north-run

Every step I take on that start line in 2026 will be powered by love, hope, and a deep belief that better days are possible.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

With love,
Jo 💙