The Murph Challenge Day 26: Glenn Lewis
Day 26 of 31 is dedicated to Glenn Lewis. Glenn has been a member of my Parkinson’s class since the day I started the program 5 and a 1/2 years ago. Glenn (pictured on right) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) 12 years ago and the disease has taken a toll on him over my time knowing him. Along with Parkinson’s, Glenn battles insomnia and severe dyskinesia from his PD medication.
Glenn would drive himself down from Minneapolis 3-4 days a week and even pick up another Parkinson’s member along the way his first three years in our program. He often tells me how great boxing is and how it’s been the best thing for him. Unfortunately, the progression of the disease and his symptoms forced him to give up driving two years ago. He now takes a bus down from Minneapolis to Apple Valley twice a week and walks the rest of the way to our club.
The reason I wanted to dedicate a day to Glenn is because he has made me become a better trainer and person in ways that I wouldn’t have without him. Glenn is the type of guy that walks to the beat of his own drum. He is unique and has a corky sense of humor. He has called me at least two times a week with questions and random tidbits about Parkinson’s for over 5 years, which has made me more knowledgeable and patient. He has brought me in more CD’s, magazines, books, newspaper clippings, and bananas than I could count. Glenn doesn’t have a lot, but he always gives a lot. He’s always thinking about others and that makes me do the same. He tests me with tough questions about medications, brain function, Parkinson’s nutrition, and many other things which makes me stay up to date on the latest PD info.
Glenn is not the type of person that gets recognized often. He’s a single guy, with no kids, no internet, no email, and a very small friends and family network. To him, our club feels like family and that’s always what we strived for with all of our members. I know the last year has been particularly hard on Glenn with our club being forced to be closed for almost 5 months. Movement is medicine for everyone, but especially those battling PD.
Today I’m thankful to dedicate my Murph Challenge to my friend, Glenn Lewis. A one of a kind fighter and man that makes me be better at what I do.
Day 26 Murph Time: 29:00
When I did the Murph Challenge for the first time I became hooked. Not because it was fun but because it was painful, challenging, and meaningful.
These 31 challenges are a dedication to a fighter, a warrior, a person battling that’s an everyday hero.
– Tate Wheeler
“The Murph Challenge is more than just a workout. It is a tradition that helps push us, humble us, and allows us the opportunity to dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor, LT. Michael P. Murphy, a man who sacrificed everything he had for our freedom.”
-Murph Website