Settling into my new state I call home and I saw the governor of West Virginia has a new initiative. Well, he actually has several great new initiatives, all for better health of his citizens. One of the coolest things passed this year was West Virginia becoming the first state to ban all artificial coloring. Yes, West Virginia, not California. It goes into effect this coming August for all public schools, and in 2028 for all food sold. But back to this one:
The Mountaineer Mile
Walk a mile every day to have a healthier population in our state. It’s that simple. Just get moving.
Governor Morrisey has given me a challenge I just love. A mile isn’t much really, it’s only around 2,000 steps. But it can be a huge reach for many – to just get moving. I have been logging my steps for a long time, using S Health app on Android Samsung phones. I’d have to say it’s been at least 10 years now. And I can tell you the days where all I do is sit, I hurt at night. And even in the day. Those days where my legs get going, oh I feel so much better.
Yesterday he announced a new part – that all 32 state parks would have a designated Mountaineer Mile trail. How cool is that?
“I’m excited to see this program launch,” said Brett McMillion, Director of the West Virginia State Parks. “Hiking is the number one gateway activity to get folks in the great outdoors, and this program exemplifies that mission. I applaud the Governor and his desire to help aid the fitness and health of West Virginians and introduce them to our beautiful natural resources.”
He is so right. Hiking and walking are affordable activities. You only need shoes and a positive attitude. Sure, it’s easy to spend money on gear, but most hikers I have known started off simple. They one day put on shoes and just went walking – and got hooked. Totally what happened to me, so many years ago, when I got into hiking. I just got up one day and started walking. And never looked back.
But yeah, it’s time to get my daily mile. I’ll see ya!
~Sarah