Training for Fort-4-Fitness via wheels

Patricia Nolan is winding down after her training today for Fort-4-Fitness. Her 4-mile race two weeks from now will also be her first. “Its a goal for me yeah” says Nolan. But unlike some other runners Nolans circumstances are a bit different. She suffered from a stroke 4 years ago. “I just have to keep going and I worry about the hills and things like that but I keep doing it to get it” Nolan says. Nolans among over 10 other athletes competing in Fort-4-Fitness on behalf of the Turnstone Center for Children & Adults with Disabilities. ‘We have a person with an amputee, a couple stroke clients and also a couple of Parkinson’s clients as well” says Turnstone’s Elizabeth Augustine. Robert Pfundstein is ready and set to roll…literally. He will be taking part in the race via wheelchair. “We have to regulate ourselves as to how we go up the hill. That helps alot when were pushing and pulling” says Pfundstein. Pfundstein became wheelchair bound 2 years ago. He retired back in March and sitting around was the last thing on his mind. “I want to keep active. I dont want to sit around. I want to keep doing things” says Pfundstein. The group trains 3 days a week and begin back in May. “With any training, make a small base then get used to it and keep pushing them more and more past that” says Augustine. Like any athlete training for a race they started out slow and now have worked their way up to 4 miles on a regular training day. “Its been so amazing to watch them work toward that goal and for them to realize they can do it. Its going to be a good day on the 26th” adds Augustine with a smile.