The Marathon Years
A decade defying dementia. A love story.
Chapter Index
THE START-LINE (Intro Part 1)
In his late 60s, Alan is representing his country for the first time – in a marathon. Opens Part 1 of The Marathon Years.
The Diagnosis
Bad news — it’s a dementia diagnosis. But who for?
Directions
Lena outwits the Saudi religious police. Alan plays a cruel trick.
Cream and Marshmallows
That dementia diagnosis. Perhaps not a death sentence but a life challenge.
THE FIRST MILES (Intro Part 2)
Going too fast as the marathon starts. Opening Part 2 of the book.
The Queen of Christmas
December was always a wonderful month, with all the Swedish traditions Lena taught us.
Learning the Ropes
People think Alan’s a care natural. How little they know!
First Encounters
So where did Lena first meet Alan? Truth matters in the mental health clinic.
The Benefits of Exercise
Lena signs up for a research programme involving moderate physical exercise for dementia patients. Will it help her — and me?
The Less Visible Man
The man Lena’s looking for seems to have gone missing. Should we call out the detectives – or is it a dementia thing?
Running from the Truth
If your Truth differs from mine, is it worth fighting about? What can dementia teach us?
Taking the Plunge
There’s excitement in the air, as our stories of love and dementia both take a new twist.
GOING WELL (Intro Part 3)
Settling in nicely in the first half of the marathon. Opening Part 3 of ‘The Marathon Years’
Coming Out
How Alan went public with Lena’s dementia diagnosis — and how she reacted.
Being Normal
With dementia, the one thing you want to forget is that you have dementia.
Leaving Me and the Truth Behind
The story my dementia partner’s telling isn’t true. Should I insist on my version of reality?
Sharing the present
Dementia made it difficult to share the past with Lena. But sharing the present was still precious.
Wiggling on Windermere
Dementia doesn’t necessarily mean the end of adventure. This short story recaptures a memorable day.
Through the Looking-Glass
As a carer, you always have to be on the look-out for dementia dangers – even in the home.
The Marathon Years is the story of our decade-long battle to defy dementia. It’s a love-story too. It’ll make you laugh. It’ll make you cry. It’ll help you understand the plight of millions who see someone they love slowly fading away in front of them. And it’ll show you that love and hope can survive even in the darkest times.
The book is a work in progress. Each week I’m aiming to write at least one new chapter and post it here on my Miles Posts website.
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