Running With Dystonia
by Jennifer Cannon

I confess. Running, for me, isn’t just a form of exercise; it’s a way of life. Since Dystonia struck though, it’s also been something I’ve been clinging ever tighter to.

I began running long before developing Dystonia in 2006, at age 26. It challenges every area of my life. But, the more intense my symptoms have gotten, the more I’ve fought back.

Running with Dystonia isn’t easy. In fact it’s downright difficult. But I won’t let go, no matter how hard it gets. I know how lucky I am. Many with Dystonia can’t speak, walk, or run at all. Their stories inspire me to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I’ve run a number of races, from a mile to a marathon and all distances in between. But what began as Dystonia in my neck, shoulder, tongue and jaw has started to impact my abdominals, diaphragm and back.

It’s made an already challenging activity that much more difficult. Every run I develop such intense abdominal contractions that I have to stop and lie down in the grass. On July 4th, amidst scorching heat, soupy humidity and pouring rain, I completed a half marathon. It took me far longer than any race of that distance ever has because I had to lie down- well over a dozen times.

Still, it couldn’t break me.

I got to my feet each time it brought me down and reminded myself that, no matter how difficult the fight, when it comes to Dystonia, you can never give up. Eventually, I made it. Teary eyed, muddy, drenched, and hunched over, I crossed the finish line.

Now I look forward to my next challenge. This fall I’ll be running the Twin Cities Marathon to support Dystonia research and raise awareness. It might require several stops, but I won’t quit until I reach my goal.

I won’t ever let Dystonia win.

If you’d like to help me go the Dystance4Dystonia, please check out the group “Jen’s Twin Cities Marathon” on Facebook or go here to donate.


Jennifer Cannon is a writer and runner who is finishing up her memoir. To learn more about her, click here!