WASHINGTON — We all know we need more exercise, and Montgomery County is trying to help by offering a brand new fitness opportunity to residents — and nonresidents — with the 100 Mile Challenge.
Between Jan. 21 and April 29, participants are urged to be active and log 100 miles.
Dr. Joann Roberts, the Health and Wellness Manager for Montgomery Recreation, says you don’t have to be a sprinter, or even a jogger, to make it happen.
She says you can walk, hike, jog — or even do housework. Twenty minutes of activity equals one mile.
But there’s a snowstorm coming — a massive storm that could dump double digits of the white stuff in the region. How are you supposed to get out and exercise with that piling up outside?
Roberts says you can start inside. Playing games with the kids, doing some yoga, even housework counts toward your miles.
And then once the snow stops, “obviously you’re going to need to shovel.”
Roberts says 20 minutes of shoveling counts as one mile. Once you’ve knocked out the shoveling, she says to just get out and have fun.
Remember playing in the snow as a kid? Roberts says you can achieve that fitness goal in so many ways.
“Sledding, making snow angels — just doing anything that’s moving and fun!”
Roberts says the fun factor is important.
“The best exercise or activity you can do is the one you like to do — so it should be fun,” she says. “Find a game, play tag in the snow!”
Over 210 people have signed up for the 100 Mile Challenge as of Thursday morning.
Some dogs have even been signed up. Roberts says walking the dog is a great way to meet fitness goals.
You may spot a physically fit Fido taking part — you’ll know them by the 100 Mile Challenge bandanas that are being offered as part of the registration.
You can still register in person at any one of Montgomery County’s community centers, senior centers or pools. There is a $15 registration fee and a $5 fee for the doggy bandana.
Roberts says you don’t have to be a resident to register.
“We just want to get everyone up and moving and trying to meet the recommended amount of physical activity.”
She adds the 100 Mile Challenge gets participants close to the recommended amount of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
