Article: The American Racing Pigeon Union (ARPU) is the national organization for pigeon racing. They have hundreds of affiliated clubs around the United States. Most homing pigeons, when purchased from an American breeder, will come banded with an ARPU band. Use the ARPU's "Find a Club" link on their website to locate the nearest club to you. The ARPU has a number of different memberships available, including junior memberships (for kids under 18), family memberships, and memberships for people interested in pigeon racing, but unable to participate. You will have to be an active member of the ARPU before you can join a local club. Using your local club's website, Facebook page, or newsletter, you can determine when that club will be hosting races throughout the year. Races are normally divided between "young birds" and "old birds". You may also want to consider attending the American Racing Pigeon Union's annual convention, if you have the time and funds. The ARPU's convention is held in a different location each year. The convention usually includes a race. The ARPU offers a "Help-a-Beginner" Program which is for those who have only flown in one racing season and would like some assistance or advice on how to be a better pigeon racer. Beginners are matched with mentors and breeders and work together throughout the season. Once you're a member of a local club, you'll be able to enter your pigeons in races. Check with your club to determine the best race for beginners - which would usually be a shorter race. Try racing different pigeons in different races to see how they perform. Note that the "Help-a-Beginner" program doesn't allow beginners who have raced more than one season to participate. Therefore, if you're interested in this program make sure to apply after your first racing season. Pigeons race from a specific location (as determined by the race organizers) to their home loft (i.e. your house). The organization will determine the actual distance between the release point and your home loft, and that distance, plus the time the pigeon took to travel, will be used to calculate speed. And the fastest pigeon wins!
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Find a local pigeon racing club and join. Attend racing events and observe. Get advice from existing pigeon racers. Enter your pigeons in racing events. Race your pigeons.
Article: The symptoms for foot pain are fairly obvious. You might need to start taking better care of your feet if you notice any of the following: Soreness in the toes, heels, or balls of your feet Bumps or protrusions on any part of your feet Difficulty walking or feeling uncomfortable while walking Tenderness to the touch on any part of your feet There are many things that can cause pain in your heel. Here are some of the most common causes: Plantar fasciitis is the most common reason people have heel pain. It is caused by an irritated plantar fascia, which is the tough tissue that connects the toes to the heel bone. It can cause discomfort in the heel or arches. Treatment for plantar fasciitis includes rest, over the counter pain relievers, or heel/toe stretches. Heel spurs are extra bone growths on the bottom of the heel bone that can cause discomfort. They are usually caused by poor posture, inappropriate shoes, or by activities like running.Treatment for heel spurs includes choosing better shoes with a more supportive arch, rest, or over the counter pain relievers. There are many possible reasons that your foot might hurt in areas other than the heel. Here are some of them: Metatarsalgia is pain that occurs from inflammation in the ball of the foot. It is usually caused by strenuous activities or by shoes that fit poorly. Treatment includes icing or resting the foot, choosing more appropriate shoes, or pain relievers. Bunions are bony protrusions on the edge of the foot, usually next to the base of the big toe. They are often caused by shoes that don't fit properly. Treatment includes wearing more comfortable shoes or surgery, if the case is severe. Before doing any foot stretches, try to identify if it is your toes, heels, arches, balls of your feet or any other part that is hurting. Does it hurt worse when you are moving or bearing weight? Are you forced to change your gait? Many people walk with their feet bowed slightly out. This is known as being duck-toed. Other people walk with their feet turned slightly in. This is called being pigeon-toed. Although this may be a comfortable position, the muscles, bones and tendons are not being used properly. Bad foot alignment can be responsible for pain in the feet, knees, hips, and back.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Know the symptoms. Recognize the causes of heel pain. Recognize the causes of other foot pain. Identify the sore area of your foot. Decide if you are duck- or pigeon-toed.