FORT SMITH, Ark.each day, Bob Welsh and Anthony Sheppard Sr. put on their running shoes and kick aside their past health problems.

The two friends are members of the Cardiac Rehab program at Marvin Altman Fitness Center, and theyve overcome life-threatening obstacles via the programs walking, biking and weight training. Theyre healthy, happy and thankful for the program and their lives.

That hasnt always been the case for the two. Welsh, a 73-year-old Alma resident who was born near Hackett, suffered a stroke in June 2007 before relying on a stent, while the 47-year-old Sheppard fell prey to a heart attack June 2, before receiving two stents.

Its a wake-up call, Welsh said of his stroke, which happened while he was sleeping. I now eat more fruits and more vegetables, and Ive reduced a lot of the fat content in food.

Sheppard, a Fort Smith native and father of two children, also has changed his diet, slashing pizza, lasagna, spaghetti and his favorite, cinnamon rolls, from his lifes menu. instead, he eats salads, sandwiches and broiled chicken to steer clear of potential health problems.

Sheppard said he hopes to keep limber and strong by walking and doing some yard work, in addition to the Cardiac Rehab rituals.

I might get me a bike, too, he said while glancing over at Welsh. I might take Bobs bike.

When asked if he would participate in Sparks triathlon next year, Welsh smiled.

Yeah, he said before giving a short, mischievous laugh. and Im signing Anthony up for the 5K run in Van Buren, too.

We had just gotten back from a vacation from Branson, and I felt like something was clogged something felt like it was hung up right here, he said while pointing to the area just below his sternum. There was no pain. I told my wife, Juanita, and I went to the doctors office and then the hospital.

After spending a month in and out of a hospital, Sheppard enrolled in a program to help his diabetes before beginning the Cardiac Rehab program.

Man, when I first came in here to Cardiac Rehab, I thought they were going to kill me, he said with a laugh, referring to the dedication of the programs clinical exercise specialist, Mick Beverly, and registered nurse Linda Allen. I said, This is tough. they were serious about it.

Fifteen minutes into his first workout with Beverly, Sheppard passed out. When he awoke, he doubted he could continue the rigorous exercise schedule.

I like it now, said Sheppard, who retired from Whirlpool Corp. after 27 years. I like being here in this environment.

Welsh and Sheppard both participate in the Cardiac Rehab program three times a week, building their muscles and stamina while maintaining their self-confidence, said Beverly.

Ive really seen a difference in their confidence and personalities, especially in Anthony, she said.

Cardiac Rehab accepts members who have undergone a heart attack, stroke, a bypass or valve surgery, angioplasty/stent placement, cardiomyophthy, heart or heart-lung transplant or stable angina, based on a physicians referral. the program, with its exercise and positive encouragement, has made such a lasting impact on Sheppard and Welsh that they joined Beverly as the Tri Hearts Team for Sparks Regional Medical Centers ninth annual triathlon.

The team name is short for try for a New Heart, Beverly said. the heart is a muscle, and one of the best ways to get a strong heart is to exercise, so Bob and Anthony liked the team name.

For the triathlon, Sheppard jogged and walked three miles in 45 minutes on Marvin Altmans indoor track, Welsh sprinted 10 miles on a spinning bike in less than 30 minutes and Beverly swam 500 yards.

Im so proud of them, Beverly said with a smile. You should have seen Bob and Anthony when they were given their medals of effort.

Sheppard joked that he initially thought he and his team wouldnt receive medals.

I was jogging and walking and it was hard, and I said, oh boy, I sure hope I get a medal, he said with a laugh. But I was shocked, actually, when they gave me a medal. It was something.

Beverly said its been rewarding for her to watch Welsh and Sheppard get stronger, physically and emotionally.

Im like the proud mother, the mother hen, she said.

Yeah, with a whip, teased Sheppard. seriously, if it werent for trainers like Mick and Linda, I would probably be back to my old habits, and that wouldnt be good. Mick and Linda are the best. everyone needs people and trainers like them.

Sheppard said he hopes to keep limber and strong by walking and doing some yard work, in addition to the Cardiac Rehab rituals.

I might get me a bike, too, he said while glancing over at Welsh. I might take Bobs bike.

When asked if he would participate in Sparks triathlon next year, Welsh smiled.

Yeah, he said before giving a short, mischievous laugh. and Im signing Anthony up for the 5K run in Van Buren, too.

Information from: Southwest Times Record, swtimes.com/