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Movement is Medicine

  • Writer: Cody Eastes
    Cody Eastes
  • Aug 16
  • 2 min read

Dr. Larry Grogin’s 100 Marathons in 100 Days Stops in Pratt

A chance encounter on a morning commute turned into one of the most inspiring conversations on the Eastes Media podcast. After spotting a distinctive support vehicle in Pratt, fielding a call from the Chamber of Commerce, and finding the crew parked right outside Legends Pub & Grille, Cody Eastes sat down with endurance athlete and chiropractor Dr. Larry Grogin on Day 59 of his transcontinental journey: running 100 marathons in 100 days from New Jersey to Los Angeles.

A Lifetime of Endurance

Long before setting out on this cross-country endeavor, Dr. Grogin built an extraordinary endurance resume:

  • Over 300 completed marathons and more than 30 Ironman triathlons, including double-Ironman competitions and rigorous events like the Lake Tahoe Triathlon.

  • 45 years of clinical practice as a chiropractor and acupuncturist, advocating that physical activity is the foundation of long-term health.

  • Significant charitable campaigns, including a 250-mile run from New Jersey to the Boston Marathon to support Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for children facing serious illnesses.

Reframing Parkinson’s: "Movement is Medicine"

In 2019, Dr. Grogin received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Rather than viewing it as a fight to "beat" with sheer force, he adopted a mindset centered on living well and adapting:

  • Neurological Benefits of Exercise: As Dr. Grogin noted during the interview, research highlights that consistent exercise stimulates neuroplasticity and nerve growth in dopamine-producing pathways, making daily movement one of the most effective tools for symptom management.

  • Quality of Life Focus: Partnering with the Davis Phinney Foundation, the run raises funds and awareness for practical, daily-living programs—such as Pedaling for Parkinson's at local YMCAs and educational symposiums.

The "One Telephone Pole" Mental Strategy

Running 26.2 miles every single day for over three months requires exceptional mental discipline. Dr. Grogin shared how he manages the overwhelming scale of the challenge:

  • Staying in the Present Moment: Rather than looking miles ahead or worrying about tomorrow's run, he focuses strictly on the step in front of him—a strategy learned early on by running from one telephone pole to the next.

  • A Legacy for Family: A primary motivation is leaving a lasting example for his twin sons, Eric and Blake, demonstrating that setting ambitious goals and committing to them can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

Kansas Hospitality & How to Support

During his stop in Pratt, Dr. Grogin praised the community and the natural beauty of Lemon Park before continuing westward toward California.

 
 
 

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