RUMFORD — Think you can walk 100 miles in 100 days?

That’s the challenge brought this winter from the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition with its “Winter into Spring Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days” program.

It’s aimed at motivating people to become and stay active while promoting physical and mental health through walking, Sandra Witas, coalition project coordinator, said Tuesday by email.

The self-paced program starts Feb. 12 and goes through May 21.

It is a program that can be done on your own or one that can be incorporated into an existing work site wellness program, Witas said.

Community members are challenged to simply grab a friend or colleague and go for a walk. All that’s asked is that participants keep track of the days and number of miles walked.

“The goal is to have all walks during the 100-day period add up to at least 100 miles,” Witas said.

Participants will receive a sheet to record their mileage to track their progress. Not only can they track miles walked, but also physical activities can be converted into steps and then miles, she said.

For example, stacking wood for an hour can be converted into miles walked. Participants, who provide an email address, will also receive tips and ideas to keep them motivated.

Additionally, each walker will also be entered into a drawing for a certificate for a new pair of walking shoes from Carlisle’s of Rumford.

To culminate the end of the program, May 20 is the 2nd annual Healthy Hearts 5K Run/Walk event. All participants are invited to join the field the day of the race to show off all of their efforts, whether they met their goals or not, Witas said.

“Personal goals are a reason to celebrate,” she said.

The RVHCC is a local Healthy Maine Partnership funded by tobacco settlement dollars in the Fund for a Healthy Maine intended for prevention efforts in the areas of tobacco, healthy nutrition and physical activity in the communities, schools and work sites of Albany Township, 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.

Those seeking to join the program or interested in more information, can call the coalition at 364-7408 or write to rvhcc@gwi.net.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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