GONZALES — People in need of extra motivation during the shelter-in-place orders can get some exercise through the Small Town, Big Heart Virtual Fitness Challenge hosted by the City of Gonzales Recreation Department.
The free challenge began April 20 and runs through May 20, encouraging participants to run or walk as much as possible with the opportunity to win prizes.
“The main goal of the fitness challenge is to get people out and moving,” said Sara Papineau-Brandt, the city’s recreation coordinator. “This opportunity for physical activity may give people a sense of normalcy in very stressful times.”
While getting outside for the physical fitness benefits plus a little bit of Vitamin D, participants can track their progress with any app, fitness watch or band.
“We aren’t tied to any specific app because we realize that not all people have access to that kind of technology,” Papineau-Brandt said.
The tracking of miles is overall on the honor system, but for those without apps to track miles, the rec department has provided routes through its Facebook page.
The Canyon Creek Route is a hair more than 1 mile, the 10th Street Route clocks in at 1.25 miles, the Meyer Park Route is more than 1.27 miles, the Subway to Fanoe and back route is 1.9 miles, and the longest route is Subway to Iverson and back at 2.4 miles. The city also has a link to a website to track routes and progress if needed.
Virtual challenges are not the same as crowded 5K runs, since people walk or run whenever they get a chance. Papineau-Brandt reminded participants to maintain social distancing of 6 feet and to wash their hands when they return home.
“If people are concerned about going out, they can record their mileage on a treadmill in their homes if they so wish,” Papineau-Brandt said.
The challenge is open to anyone, like many of the virtual challenges springing up around the nation.
The Gonzales challenge, however, is one of the rare events with no entry fee. They also differ in that instead of earning a finisher’s medal, participants can win different prizes based on the number of miles they complete. These prizes are all Gonzales-themed, and range from a bumper sticker at 15 miles all the way up to a gym bag at 90 miles and a sweatshirt at 105 miles.
“We are keeping this free to the public because we are concerned for the health and well-being of our residents,” Papineau-Brandt said. “If it takes a water bottle or T-shirt to get them out and moving, we are going to make that investment.”
The run/walk challenge is one of multiple virtual offerings by the City of Gonzales, which also has a lineup of YouTube activities for all age ranges and a Friday virtual hangout with recreation staff. In addition, the city has virtual scavenger hunts and hosts travel videos of various sites around the world.
“The spark for this event was to get people out and moving. The question is ‘What will motivate people to participate and engage with the City team?,’” Papineau-Brandt said. “We want our residents to know that we are still here working for them and still providing services, and that includes opportunities for recreation.”
