What happens when you’ve spent your whole life letting a time or a ranking define you as an athlete, and then Parkinson’s changes the rules?

In this episode of Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey, we talk about performance pressure, athlete identity, and how the “clock” can quietly become your self-worth. Todd breaks down why sports like rowing (and even swimming) can wire your brain to chase tenths of a second, and how that can mess with you when things shift.

We also get real about motivation. Parkinson’s can dull that internal “rocket fuel,” and sometimes you have to brute-force your way into the work. We talk about redefining the metric: effort, consistency, and showing up, even when your best today isn’t your best from ten years ago.

A few takeaways:

• The clock can be a tool, or a trap (especially for lifelong competitors).
• Parkinson’s can change your access to “rocket fuel,” even when your grit is still there.
• Sometimes the hardest lift isn’t the barbell, but walking through the front door.
• Shift the metric: how hard you can go today matters more than how fast the clock says you went.

Medical note: This podcast shares personal experience only. It is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical decisions, including medications and training choices.