Taylorville Memorial Hospital is inviting community members to improve their health and wellness by participating in the free October in Motion Challenge, a month-long wellness program taking place Oct. 1-31.
The challenge encourages participants to stay active throughout October by walking, running or hiking while tracking their miles with the free Pacer app. Wheelchair users are welcome to participate.
Participants who log 100 miles during October will receive an October in Motion Wellness Challenge T-shirt. Those who log 300 miles or more will be entered into a drawing to win a free one-year membership to the Christian County YMCA.
Carol Durbin, 79, of Taylorville, did the Mindful Miles challenge this past spring. Her experience was more about building confidence than reaching a specific mileage goal. She logged nearly 30 miles in May and discovered she was capable of more movement than she had realized.
“The challenge inspired me,” said Durbin. “Each day, I would do the best I could. If I can't walk a long way on some days, I can still walk a bit. At my age, doing my best is better than doing nothing.”
Community members can participate anywhere and at any time throughout October while tracking their cumulative miles through a Pacer app. Individuals, families, friends and coworkers are encouraged to join. Register through the Pacer app at Join the October in Motion Challenge.
The fall challenge will kick off with a ribbon-cutting celebration for the newly constructed TMH Wellness Path from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. The event will feature local vendors, giveaways and assistance registering for the challenge.
"The October in Motion Challenge is designed to help people build healthy habits at their own pace," said Jay Boulanger, community health consultant. "Whether participants are walking a few minutes a day or working toward 300 miles, every step supports better physical and mental well-being."
For more information, contact Boulanger at 447-787-5258.