Friday, June 26—On June 26, Come Alive Outside will be kicking off the summer with a 100 miles, 100 days walking challenge with the goal of getting 10,000 Vermonters to walk 1 mile a day for 100 days! The program is free and open to everyone. Over the past two years, over 2,000 people have participated in this program in Rutland County.
With communities and individuals practicing safe physical distancing, CAO’s Mile-A-Day program is a free and easy way to create healthy habits without risking exposure to COVID 19. The Summer Challenge begins June 26 and ends October 3. Participants can sign up for free at comealiveoutside.com/mile-a-day/. After signing up, participants receive a free logbook that they can use to track their progress. In October, participants can send in a picture of their completed logbook for a chance to win fun prizes.
“The ongoing impact of COVID-19 has put tremendous stress on all of us, and we see the impact of that on our mental health. Especially during a time like this, when so much is out of our control, we know that taking the small action of getting outside for a walk everyday has a profoundly positive impact on our mental wellbeing. That’s why Come Alive Outside is making a push to expand our Mile a Day program throughout the state of Vermont this summer,” said Come Alive Outside program director Andy Paluch.
Outdoor activity is a proven way to relieve stress and give your mood a lift. 100% of surveyed participants from Come Alive Outside’s 30 miles, 30 days challenge earlier this spring reported a positive impact on their mental well-being. One challenge participant wrote, “Thank you for doing this during this difficult time in the world! It allowed our family to focus on something positive!” Comments like these were commonplace: taking a walk outside is good for mind and body.
The program is sponsored in Vermont by Casella Waste, Heritage Family Credit Union and Rutland Regional Medical Center. Traci Moore, Director of the Rutland Health Foundation at Rutland Regional Medical Center said, “Programs like these help to unite us and keep us active and outdoors during these uncertain times. This year, participants will also be able to walk their last mile in support of the Foley Cancer Center, as part of the virtual Vermont Great 2.4.6.8K on Saturday, October 3,” Moore continued.
Come Alive Outside is a 501c3 non-profit that works with communities to create the awareness, intention and opportunity for people to live healthier lives outside. For more information, contact Program Director Andy Paluch at andy@comealiveoutside.com or 440-525-6076 or visit comealiveoutside.com.
