District 1 Fitness Challenge ready to start Nov. 25

Are you up to the challenge District 1?

The 10th Annual Fitness Challenge is set to begin Nov. 25 with hopes of attracting more participants and logging more kilometres than ever before.

District One Coun. Don Butler said the fitness challenge started with a modest goal of 6,000 kms 10 years ago which was enough activity to get participants to Vancouver Olympic Games, but this year, the goal will be 40,000 kms which will get them to Europe and back in honour of the 100th anniversary of the ending of the First World War.

“Our number of participants has increased every year to where we had over one hundred people participating last year from every corner of District One.    We are looking for even greater numbers this year. That’s why we are asking you to reach out to encourage a friend/neighbour/family member to join as well. We want people to be more physically active at a time of the year when it is easy to stay bundled up, indoors, close to the fire,” said Coun. Butler.

How does the challenge work?  For every hour of physical activity a participant logs, that equals five kilometres.  For example, some activities include school sports, rug hooking, art classes and knitting.  For those who walk, jog or run, every kilometre they cover equals one kilometre on their log sheet.  For aerobic activities, such as yoga, swimming, basketball, hockey, etc, one hour equals five kilometres.

Participants are encouraged to keep a tally sheet on their fridge so they are able to mark their daily entries.  Team captains will check in with participants on Dec. 15, Jan. 5 and Jan. 26.  Organizers also plan to have a tally sheet in prominent locations throughout the district which will provide an update on how well we are doing during the challenge.

The official kick off for the challenge will be Sunday Nov. 25 at 130 p.m. at the Lismore Hall.   There will be hot chocolate and three kilometre walk to the beach and back to get the challenge started. Participants are welcome at the kickoff even if they don’t plan to walk.

A number of events will be planned over the 70 days of the challenge in the district to build team spirit and to give participants added opportunities to up your kms.

-        Every Wednesday morning, from 9 a.m. to noon, there will be walking in the Lismore hall.  

-        December 8th at 9:30 a.m. Beaver Mountain Hiking Trail there will be a six km hike. Contact Fran Wyman (924-2910) to register.

-         December 28th, from 3 to 4 p.m. there will be skating/walking at the Wellness Center. $3.00 (Contact Donnie to register).

-        January 6th, 2 to 4 p.m. bowling. $7/person. Contact Mitchell to register.

-        The Grand Finale:  February 10th, 2:00 p.m. Participants will come together with our tally sheets at the Lismore hall and hopefully, meet or exceed the 40,000 km goal.  Together, we can achieve great things and be healthier, both mentally and physically, because of participating.  There will be prizes for everyone and everyone is asked to contribute to the pot luck supper.

“Participants can register on November 25th , or by contacting one of the above named people. Our efforts to be a physically active community have been recognized in the Nova Scotia Legislature. Welcome to the team which is leading the way in Pictou County,” said Coun. Butler.