Walk 100 miles in 100 days

To the Editor:

River Valley Healthy Communities (RVHCC) would like to invite readers to join the second annual Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days program. Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days is aimed at motivating people to get and stay active, as well as promoting physical and mental health wellness through walking. This self-paced program starts June 20 and runs through Sept. 27.

RVHCC challenges community members to grab a friend or colleague and go for a walk. All that has to be done is to keep track of how far they walk and each time they walk. The goal is to have all walks or other activities during the 100-day period add up to at least 100 miles. Each walker will receive a sheet to record their mileage, as well as a chart to convert other activities into miles. During the program, walkers will keep track of their own progress and report back at the end of the 100 days; all those who complete the 100 miles will be entered eligible to win a new pair of walking shoes. Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days is an event that is done on your own or call us to see how to also use this program as a worksite wellness program or competition.

RVHCC is a community-based health promotion coalition funded by tobacco settlement dollars as well as other state and local grants, to promote tobacco and substance abuse prevention, healthy nutrition and physical activity in the communities, schools and worksites of Albany Twp., Andover, Bethel, Byron, Canton, Dixfield, Fryeburg, Gilead, Greenwood/Milton Plantation, Hanover, Lovell, Mexico, Newry, Peru, Roxbury, Rumford, Stoneham, Stowe, Sweden, Upton, and Woodstock/Bryant Pond. RVHCC is a local Healthy Maine Partnership. Anyone living or working in these communities is invited to participate in this walking program.

RVHCC is excited to offer this wellness program for both the new and returning walkers and walking groups. Contact Sandy or Carol at 364-7408 or rvhcc@gwi.net for registration.

Carol Emery

HMP Director, River Valley Healthy Communities