ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A group of locals are hitting the streets and connecting through physical activity. From eight months to 80 years, people of all ages and abilities are keeping their physical, emotional and spiritual health in mind, all, in part, to the mission of a local organization.
For Running Medicine, movement is the movement, as they say, and natural healing is the ultimate goal.
“I think the big collective thing is that we’re all here to improve our health and wellness together and to do it as a family,” said Anthony Fleg, director of Running Medicine.
From two legs to four legs to a set of wheels, Running Medicine is bringing all ages, sizes and breeds out into the fresh air.
The group’s director, Anthony Fleg, says participants have seen improvements in different parts of their lives including physical improvements and spiritual changes.
“We’re thinking about, kind of, mind body and spirit and wellness and people say that they’re finding all three aspects improving in their lives when they come out,” said Fleg.
From walking to running, Fleg says the community support system is the biggest influence.
“Even if they didn’t come out thinking that, they’re just finding that having happy, very positive people around them is probably the most healing thing for them,” said Fleg.
One woman involved with Running Medicine says it helps her relieve stress naturally.
“They surround it around getting your medicine in and as a student, I’m really stressed and stuff so I come out here to run, walk, get some fresh air,” said Ashleigh Claw, the Rio Rancho Westside leader for Running Medicine.
Whatever speed and distance you run, walk or wheel at, the group says any movement is the right step toward healing.
“It’s not about speed. It’s about moving in the right direction, in a positive direction for your life,” said Fleg.
It costs $30 to participate in Running Medicine for a full year. Fleg says around 400 people have already signed up for the spring season.
The group meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings in various spots around the Albuquerque-Metro area.