Spotlight: Achilles International

Last week we discussed the benefits of walking in groups and how to start a walking group that includes people of various ability levels. Today we begin a series of articles highlighting organizations that are already promoting inclusive exercise. Today’s article features Achilles International of Nashville. Amy Harris, Executive Director of the Nashville Achilles International chapter, was busy preparing for the hot chocolate run her group organizes, but took some time to talk with us about her organization.

Can you provide some background on Achilles International?

Achilles International began in the 70s in New York City by Dick Traum, who sustained injuries in a car accident that required an above-the-knee amputation of one of his legs. He later became the first person with an amputation to ever run the NYC marathon. Afterward, he started the Achilles track club, which eventually became Achilles International. There are now 68 chapters worldwide of all different sizes.

Can you tell us what is unique about the Nashville chapter?

Nashville is one of the bigger chapters and was established about 9 years ago. We have a great group of people, some who have been with us since the beginning and some who join the group while they are living in Nashville. Our organization consists of athletes and guides. We receive great support from local universities’ PT, OT, and nursing programs for recruiting guides. We connect with several other organizations for athletes, including rehab hospitals and universities. Our group meets on Wednesday nights year-round and also on Saturdays during training seasons. Usually, around 35 to 40 people meet every Wednesday, which includes athletes and guides.

How has your chapter been affected by the events of the past year?

In early March 2020, a tornado swept through Nashville causing significant damage and loss of lives. The following Saturday, instead of our usual meet-up, the group decided to go out and help with clean-up in the community. Thirty people not only helped with clean-up but bought clothes and school supplies for people in need. The following week the country closed down due to COVID-19. It was a tough month in general for the chapter. Practices were closed from mid-March to June. 

To adapt to the closing of the country last year, we recruited physical therapists to help out with voice and virtual calls to check in on members. Nashville, being a musically-inclined city, has many people who are talented musically and many of the athletes themselves provided virtual entertainment for the group. We also scheduled fun and educational events.

After being closed for 10 weeks, we started training sessions again on July 3, with new protocols in place based on CDC guidelines. New guidelines included RSVPing for practice and ensuring pairs remained the same each practice. The practices became less social and more focused on fitness to prevent the group from gathering together. Some athletes in the group were able to go out on their own, but some members, such as athletes with visual impairment or younger athletes who use a wheelchair, require guides to safely exercise. In these cases, we made sure to keep partners consistent. Still today, some athletes are not yet comfortable returning to group training sessions. To keep pairings consistent, the guides meet up with the athletes close to their home and together they will choose different routes near the home. This also allows some athletes to avoid using public transportation which would otherwise be required to attend the group meetings. 

Due to social distancing recommendations, some members of the group have felt the isolation that so many people have been experiencing over the past year. To combat this, our group started driving by people’s homes to check in on them and to let them know someone was there for them if they needed anything.

What measures does your chapter take to be inclusive for all ability levels?

We found a location that works for everyone of different abilities. We are able to change the location based on the time of year for safety and weather consideration. The ages range from 16-74 with people that have a wide range of ability levels. Some who attend use their quad cane and have the goal of walking around the parking lot during the meetings. Some are training for a marathon, but everyone who wants to participate is included. No one is turned away. 

Do you have any suggestions for someone looking to start or join an inclusive exercise group?

• Check to see what’s already available in your community. Some options are: 

  • community centers 

  • local gyms 

  • universities with fitness centers

  • running stores are sometimes connected with organizations that are already doing runs, etc 

• Identify what supports you need to make it happen for yourself. 

• Make sure you have a home base, it is important to have somewhere to call home.

In regards to starting a group: 

It means so much to me when someone leaves our group and goes somewhere else to start a new group.

That is paying it forward. 

Andrew Ekelem, Chief Product Officer at Evolution Devices has personal experience walking (strolling) with Achilles Nashville as a T11 mobility complete paraplegic. Having a weekly walk on the schedule helps make sure the strolls are not forgotten. In the Spring and Summer months when the sunshine was out, Achilles provided Andrew with a handcycle to crank in the miles and train for his first marathon, the Rock and Roll Marathon. Achilles provides a safe and fun environment with a community of good-hearted volunteers who walk alongside in case any assistance is needed. This friendly activity also made Andrew’s dog Amber very happy.