by Renee Durham
Sam Spencer has a goal. He is going to do a marathon.
Sam is 14, and has recently started meeting with Achilles
Arkansas on Saturday mornings. Achilles enables people will
all types of disabilities to participate
in mainstream athletics. They pair up
their athletes with volunteers for their
weekly Saturday workouts.
Sam is keeping his focus on his goals.
He wanted to run, and he is doing
that. He has been riding a bike, too.
When he outgrew his bike, he got a
new one and decided he wanted to
do a marathon. He has a clear vision
of what he wants and with the
support of his family and his friends
at Achilles Arkansas, it won't be
long before he is breaking records.
Even though Sam runs everyday
for physical therapy, his whole
family is getting out and exercising
together. During the week with
his family, he runs two days;
usually about two miles each
time. Sam also rides his bike two
days. He comes from a healthy,
fitness-minded family. Sam
proudly tells people his mom
and dad participate in Crossfit
and Stronger U.
On Saturdays with his
Achilles team, Sam is doing 5K on
his bike, and he has volunteers running along side him. No
easy task, since he is up to 11 miles per hour and they have
to keep up.
Sam attends Grace School, and also likes to play on his
iPad. His favorite foods are chicken nuggets and pizza
poppers. He also eats vegetable everyday and loves broccoli,
asparagus, green beans and sweet peas.
Sam's words of exercise and fitness encouragement for
everyone "Get pumped y'all."
Off icialKidsMag.com • JULY 2019 • 15
