Anniston Runners Club visits Heflin for seminar

HEFLIN – Local running enthusiasts clad in bright running shoes and tank-tops gathered Tuesday with a larger group curious about a sport gaining popularity in the region. After a “challenging” run of over three miles which snaked through neighborhoods near Lake Heflin, participants and organizers gathered in the Heflin Recreation Center for refreshments and a seminar held by the Anniston Runners Club and hosted by Heflin Parks and Recreation.

Runners listen to a medical expert and members of the 

Anniston Runners Club explain how to safely participate 

in a growing community.

The seminar, which lasted about two hours, gave almost 30 attendees a primer in running for both sport and fitness. Dr. John Ferdinand of Cleburne County Sports and Family Medicine in Heflin answered questions about how to safely begin a running regimen. Other speakers discussed proper running gear and safety, but mainly reiterated the unique community offered by ARC.

“It's just one big support group,” said Steven Miles, President of Anniston Runners Club. He described cheering fellow runners during a race last year in which he was unable to participate after suffering a broken ankle. Injuries like his are common among new runners and Miles hopes the ARC will fulfill a “need for people to communicate” about running to prevent these types of injuries.

“I haven't met anybody that wasn't encouraging,” said Tammy Perry with Heflin Parks and Recreation. She hopes anybody in the community interested in running is inspired by Tuesday's event to create local groups. The Anniston Runners Club is not a group exclusively for Anniston residents, but is complimented by smaller groups across East-Central Alabama.

Anthony Blair, ARC member and record holder of Heflin's 3.1 mile course with a time of 18:59, told the crowd about his struggle with weight loss, blood pressure, and cholesterol. “Running and diet does work,” he said as he answered questions from the audience about popular “diet” sodas. Blair said he started two years ago by walking two miles a day and has since brought his weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control.

Members of the Anniston Runners Club used the seminar to introduce power-walking, trail running, and triathlons—a combination of running with swimming and biking. Equipment which included watch-sized GPS systems, hydration systems, and a wide array of shoes were shown to demonstrate how to safely and effectively participate in running activities.

Yearly Anniston Runners Club memberships start at $15 and provide discounts for event registrations and services provided by local sponsors. Along with these membership benefits, Miles said the goal of ARC is “to encourage and inspire runners.”

For more information about the Anniston Runners Club, visit AnnistonRunners.com
Heflin residents interested in joining a group, contact Heflin PARD - (256) 463-5434

-MDS


Photo slideshow: Runners of Heflin 3.1 mile course

Slideshow courtesy: Heidi Spilman/Mojo Custom