St. Luke’s University Health Network and the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L Trail) bring you the 2015 Get Your Tail On The Trail Challenge! The theme this year is Get Out and Get Active. Every Mile Counts – For Your Body, For Your Mind, For Your Health!
This year, from May 1 – November 1, participants can walk, ride or run to complete the 165 Mile Challenge. It’s free, anyone can register and participate. Use the online Trail Tracker to keep track of your miles. Of course, honesty is required as you record your own mileage.
Participants are encouraged to use the 165-mile D&L Trail as much as possible during the challenge but other trails and walkways can also be used. It is also possible to use indoor equipment such as a treadmill or elliptical.
It’s a fun and healthy way to meet new people and get into shape. There are scheduled events which are held throughout the challenge to motivate you, to teach you about healthy lifestyles and to learn more about the D&L Trail. But you are basically on your own going at your own pace. Get your family members and friends to join in. Also, some quality prizes are given out for those who complete the challenge.
This year you can begin the 165 Mile Challenge with the Mini-35 Kickoff Challenge. Try to log 35 miles between May 1 and June 10. If you complete 35 miles before June 10 and attend the first Get Your Tail on the Trail event on June 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Hugh Moore Park, Easton, a Mini-35 Kickoff Challenge prize will be waiting for you to pick up at the event.
Exercise protects the body against risks of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease and helps your brain, calms your nervous system and sharpens your mind. The American Heart Association recommends about 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity to help:
- Maintain and build healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
- Improve psychological well-being.
- Reduce risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
- Maintain healthy weight.
A 30/30 Winter Mini Challenge took place from February 1st thru March 2nd. 670 participants successfully completed the 30 mile challenge and received a carabineer keychain as a prize. For those who logged 90 or more miles in the 30 days, in addition to the keychain they also received a fleece headband.
Last year in 2014, over 1,000 participants achieved the 165 mile goal. Over 510,000 miles were logged. Prizes were for 165 miles – a long sleeve performance t-shirt, 330 miles – long sleeve performance t-shirt and fleece roll-up picnic blanket, 495 miles – long sleeve performance t-shirt and fleece roll-up picnic blanket and cushioned stadium seat. Since the program began in 2013 there have been more than 4,800 participants logging close to 900,000 miles.
Go online for more information about the 2015 Challenge and special events.
