Winter weather might keep many people inside here in Central New York. But a program that mixes a fitness challenge with some of New York’s history could change that.
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is running the February 15 Challenge to get people out on a wide range of outdoor areas along the corridor. Everyone who signs up and completes the 15 miles earns acknowledgement gifts.
A lot of people use the Erie Canal trails and adjacent parks to do things in the summer months, such as hiking or biking, fishing or kayaking on the waterway. But some of the same benefits are reasons to come out in winter as well. It can help boost emotional and physical health, and the challenge itself can be motivating.
Outreach Director Ashley Quimby-Simoni says The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is simply inviting people to finish 15 miles of activity along the canal or adjacent lands.
She noted people have undertaken the challenge skiing, walking, or fat tire biking.
“We've even had people complete their challenge on ice skates. So it's pretty fun. And there's different ways that you can do the challenge. Any manpowered miles count.”
There’s science behind this. A University of Utah study found even on cloudy days, being outside boosts your vitamin D and enhances a positive mood.
Jason Hunziker, MD, chief of the division of adult psychiatry at University of Utah Health's Huntsman Mental Health Institute, said, "Some studies have shown that being outside triggers physiologic responses in our body that help reduce stress levels. Some feel that we have a strong connection to nature because of the way we evolved from living in nature for survival and that helps us feel peaceful in that setting."
The activities themselves also have fitness benefits. Walking is recommended for many as a basic exercise; cross country skiing burns between 500 and 1000 calories an hour, and snowshoeing, up to 600 an hour depending on terrain and pace.
“It is a completely different experience from being on the canal in summer,” said Quimby-Simoni. “There's more solitude out there. It's quieter. You'll see animal tracks and you might notice things in winter that you didn't notice in summer. So, it's definitely a different experience for people, especially those who are out on the trail a lot.”
Quimby-Simoni explained people can sign up for the challenge as an individual, a family or a corporate group. She added that past participants said the challenge helped motivate them to get outside in the winter cold.
Comments from past participants:
(Source: Canalway Challenge)
"This was our first Erie Canal challenge together as a family of six! We braved the icy towpath through Pittsford, enjoying several evening walks by the light of the moon, and in celebration of our completed 15 miles - hot chocolate on the way home!" - Sara C., Pittsford
"The idea of walking 15 miles in snow sounded crazy to me. It may sound silly, but having the ability to earn the hat was just the right kind of challenge to keep me going. Experiencing the quiet of the trail, seeing some signs of wildlife, having good conversations and seeing my progress add up started to make the experience itself be the motivating factor." - Karen M., Niskayuna
There are one-mile challenges for those with mobility issues, as well as 90, 180 and 360-mile challenges during the year. The activities can take place along the Erie Canalway, The Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego and Champlain canals, as well as adjacent parks and other areas.
