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To celebrate turning 50, I will combine Cycling - Skating - Scootering - Swimming for at least 50 miles every week for 50 weeks.  

I’ve also signed up for the Loch Ness Etape (66 miles); I can now confirm that I’ve signed up for the 100 miler for Pedal for Parkinson's, and hoping to do the North Coast 500, more touring in general; and organise and participate again in the Kelpies Sk8-Athlon (roller skating 26.2 miles.) Oh! I’ve also added a wee abseil off the Forth Rail Bridge too...yikes!  I’ve also signed up for the Arran Sportive (Unfortunately, due to a clash of dates, I’ve had to withdraw from the Arran Sportive, as it was bang in the middle of my window of opportunity for attempting the NC500).  There’s always next year.  I will be part of a team doing the Adventure Syndicate’s ‘match the miles’ challenge - collectively cycling 500 miles (13th - 17th May).  Completed the Scottish islands Five Ferries route on 24/08/19.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in June 2016 and taking the time to come to terms with it, I threw myself into helping the charity that is there to help me; whether this is by volunteering at events or helping to raise funds. 

I am doing this for a couple of reasons: 

One: this year is a special year for me in that I turn 50 and I want to mark it with something tangible as well as being a fundraising opportunity for Parkinson’s UK and the Parkinson’s Fife Branch.

Two; OMG, do I need something to help me refocus my energy into something positive rather than the personal situation which has consumed my life for the last couple of challenging years, but that’s a story for another day! Call it therapy!

Unfortunately, my symptoms are progressing in that I have now developed rigidity in my foot and hand.  I’m aware my brain can misfire when in conversation; a completely random sentence gets thrown into the mix, usually when I’m tired but can be quite funny when I’m reading a story to the grandkids or more recently when I was reading out instructions on how to play Backgammon! 

I am currently trialling different medication, so hopefully this will help!  Walking has become more difficult and painful.  This is now beginning to transfer to the bike and roller skating, therefore, this is not going to be easy for me and time is of the essence, so I need to grab life with both hands...and feet to complete the challenge and concentrate on what I can do and not what I can’t. 

I’ve allowed two backup weeks, in case of bad weather or I’m just knackered and because of the unpredictability of the condition I may on occasion ‘bank’ extra miles and carry them forward to weeks where I’m really struggling, I hope that’s ok?  So if anybody wants to join me for a cycle-skate-scoot-swim then your company would be truly welcome. Unfortunately, I can't do 'impact' exercise anymore, hence the activities chosen.

Without the love, support and encouragement of my wonderful husband, Gary, none of this would be possible.  I would also like to thank Lee Craigie @adventuresynd https://www.facebook.com/The-Adventure-Syndicate-575181799313206/ for her words of wisdom and nominating me to be the recipient of a wheelset donated by @JamesMarkHayden https://m.facebook.com/KinesisUK/ I’m one step closer to getting my ‘own’ adventure/touring bike which I need to be able to complete some of the challenge. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings and thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sponsoring me.  

As a wee aside - unfortunately JustGiving software doesn’t recognise an ‘apostrophe’ as standard punctuation, hence why there’s no apostrophe in the title - Janet’s 50 in 50 @ 50.  Sorry, it’s been bugging me. I do like an apostrophe in the right place LOL.

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