Unstoppable Strides: Navigating Runner's Dystonia

Julie Bergfeld
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Join Julie and JoJo for information, exploration, stories of hope and real talk related to running with dystonia. Runner’s dystonia is a type of repetitive exercise dystonia that is brought on by running. Some are affected by walking and cycling as well.  Dystonias are a class of movement disorders marked by involuntary muscle contractions in one or more parts of the body, depending on the type of dystonia. Runner’s dystonia is considered task-specific, which means that it only occurs when doing a repetitive motion—in this case, the repetitive nature of the running gait cycle.Give us a listen if you'd like to learn more. One small favor... if you like these podcasts and want to support the show, could you buy us a cup of coffee through a donation to support our hosting and producing fees? You can email us here if you're interested in collaborating or contributing - runnersdystonia@gmail.com

  1. 3D AGO

    EMDR Explained with Whitney Dittmar

    Julie has a conversation with EMDR specialist, Whitney Dittmar, MA, LPC, EMDR Therapist for Athletes, Performance & Trauma Specialist Listed in the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Mental Health Directory (2025) for the Mental Health Directory. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be used with athletes and performers to enhance performance, break through mental and physical blocks.  EMDR is therapy that encourages the patient to focus on a traumatic memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the memories. This therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help recovery from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Research shows EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences, and may even be more effective than Prozac in treatment.  Learn more about Whitney Dittmar, MA LPCEMDRIA to locate a therapist in your areaSupport the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

    46 min

  2. APR 2

    Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

    Julie talks with Stacey Ginesin and Dr. Iahn Cajigas about DBS. We cover a lot of territory here, including how to get the procedure approved by Insurance, when DBS becomes a viable option, success rates, risks and Stacey's experience with dystonia and DBS surgery.  Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

    37 min

  3. MAR 24

    Maintaining Hope Despite the Circumstance with Mark Spewak

    Julie spends some time with athlete, coach and founder of Spewak Training and Racing, Mark Spewak. Mark is a fellow St. Louisan who recently had heart surgery to repair a PFO (patent foramen ovale), a hole in his heart. in 2025, Mark had two strokes and years prior had a CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leak. Despite these health conditions, Mark has the relentless attitude of a champion and maintains hope in an awe-inspiring way. Here is a link to his training site (https://spewaktraining.com) and a bit more about Mark (https://spewaktraining.com/mark) Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

    39 min

  4. FEB 18

    Dystonia and Neuroplastic Recovery with Dr. Dave Clarke

    Join us in a conversation with Dr. David Clarke, a retired Doctor of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, who found patients with normal labs and diagnostics never were able to resolve their chronic conditions.  Through a series of fortunate events, he discovered a framework to help these patients quickly overcome many chronic issues that "modern" medicine lacked to resolve. Through many hours of client work, he believes that Neuroplastic recovery IS possible with the right partners, tools and techniques.  Please listen, comment, like and share our work.  Dr. Clarke's first book is They Can't Find Anything Wrong! www.Symptomatic.me for the non-profit Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms www.CurableHealth.com for the app Curable https://www.trynervana.com for the app Nervana Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

    44 min

  5. JAN 23

    Thad Frye on Brainspotting

    Julie and JoJo spend some time with Thad Frye, a licensed clinical social worker and brain spotting consultant who specializes in using brain spotting in his practice. In this episode, Thad describes how brain spotting works, who it might benefit and how it might help individuals overcome performance blocks and other issues in their personal and professional lives.  We talk about the yips, emdr, somatic experiencing and many other things in this session.  Learn more about Brain Spotting https://brainspotting.com/ Get in touch with Thad Frye (https://www.performancebrainspotting.com/) Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

    46 min

  6. JAN 8

    Dr. William Deihl from Doc Hypnosis

    Julie sits down with Dr. William Deihl from Doc Hypnosis to discuss and dispel myths about hypnosis. Hypnosis can be used as a neuroplastic tool to help heal a variety of conditions from anxiety, pain, trauma and performance blocks - among many other things. What we discuss is a lot about how the mind is intrinsically connected to how the body operates. It all works together to function AND in healing. Please like, comment and share! Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

    47 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    Chris Phelan shares his long history with dystonia, botox and dbs

    Distinguished athlete Chris Phelan talks openly about his dystonia story and diagnosis. Chris has been affected for more than 10 years and has had multiple rounds of botox and dbs (deep brain stimulation). While Chris is not "cured" of dystonia, he has never given up hope. He's written two books about his story and would rather shake, rattle and roll than give up. My Ride and Run with Dystonia is his first book and his second will be published in the next few weeks.  Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

    46 min

  8. 12/10/2025

    Lilibet Kyte shares her MS story

    This episode takes a different twist as I talk with Lilibet Kyte who, at age 36, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We talk about treatments, her diagnosis, her team and a host of other things in this insightful episode. Key message - You cannot judge a book by it's cover.  "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou Links: Websites: www.lilibetsnellings.com www.lilibetsnellingskytefoundation.com Instagram @leggingitwithlilibet  Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join Julie and JoJo for information, exploration, stories of hope and real talk related to running with dystonia. Runner’s dystonia is a type of repetitive exercise dystonia that is brought on by running. Some are affected by walking and cycling as well.  Dystonias are a class of movement disorders marked by involuntary muscle contractions in one or more parts of the body, depending on the type of dystonia. Runner’s dystonia is considered task-specific, which means that it only occurs when doing a repetitive motion—in this case, the repetitive nature of the running gait cycle.Give us a listen if you'd like to learn more. One small favor... if you like these podcasts and want to support the show, could you buy us a cup of coffee through a donation to support our hosting and producing fees? You can email us here if you're interested in collaborating or contributing - runnersdystonia@gmail.com

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