Austin, TX (PRWEB) February 11, 2014
April is Million Mile Month™, a 30-day challenge to log 1,000,000 miles – and generate $1,000,000 -- in support of building life-long healthy habits and fit kids. Registration is open, and there is no cost to get started.
“I love the Million Mile Month because it uses the latest technology to build community toward a common goal of achieving a collective million miles,” said Paul Carrozza, community fitness visionary. "Be sure to be part of this soon-to-be historic movement."
Sponsored by leading employers and supported by organizations across Texas, Million Mile Month aims to get everyone moving, at their own pace and in their own way. The program motivates people of all ages to launch a lifelong habit of regular exercise. Studies show it takes at least 18 days to build a new habit; starting early and continuing through April 30 provides an edge in forming healthy habits. It also gives people who have registered for upcoming races a competitive new training tool.
Community organizations, schools lead the challenge:
Although the Million Mile Month is based in Austin -- recognized as one of America’s fittest cities – it is a statewide challenge. A growing list of schools and community-based organizations has signed up to create their own programs to support its goals:
- Texas Assoc. of Student Councils
- Texas Children in Nature
- Marathon Kids
- Silicon Labs
- Texas A&M School of Rural Public Health
- Austin Independent School District
- Fort Bend ISD (Sugar Land)
- Spring Branch ISD (Houston)
- The City of Austin Wellness Program
- The City of Austin Parks & Recreation Dept.
- The Austin Public Library
How it works:
Basic registration is free. Additional premium registration levels include Million Mile Month swag and help support children’s health programs. Registrants are also eligible for awards and prizes, such as gift certificates and sports equipment, for logging their miles in April. Those who register before Feb. 28 will receive a limited-time early bird discount. After registering, participants can:
- Log their miles by accessing the MMM website or mobile app and entering the number of miles of they have moved – walked, cycled, run, swum
- Track progress -The MMM program converts miles into calories to yield a fitness score
- Compete - The MMM metrics enable participants to compete with themselves, within a group or a team, or with other groups
Corporate wellness: Walking meetings, anyone?
Million Mile Month also boosts employer wellness programs by motivating people – especially those who sit all day – to exercise on a regular basis, build teamwork and over time, reduce healthcare costs.
The challenge of childhood obesity:
The childhood obesity epidemic – a basis for chronic poor health -- continues to rage despite efforts by the private and public sectors. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 30% of Texas adolescents (grades 9-12) and 32% of children aged 2-5 years are overweight or obese. Modelling healthy habits is key to instilling lifelong good health.
About Million Mile Month
Million Mile Month is the brainchild of Cyberways and Waterways®, a 501c3 dedicated to creating programs that make kids and their communities smarter and healthier. Contributions are shared among a group of nonprofits that benefits children’s health: the American Diabetes Assoc. and Easter Seals, both of Central Texas, and Cyberways and Waterways®. Sponsors include Silicon Labs, SUPATX, Camelbak, Luna, Pocket Protein, Outlaw Protein Energy & Fuel, REI and Wahoo Fitness.