What is the Chicoine family’s Marathon of Health all about?
Dr. Ed Chicoine, a quiet chiropractor from Vancouver, Canada, and his family of 6 started their Marathon of Health on May 8, 2011. The family had resolved to run about 12,500 miles(!), from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, crossing the Canada to Quebec, then heading southbound through New York to Boston, cutting through Tennessee and across the southwest to Pheonix. They’ll be coming through our neighborhood in San Diego, before turning north and heading home!
While the feat is physically amazing in and of itself, it’s the message they are bringing to towns all across the nation that are inspiring thousands.
The Marathon of Health is aiming to raise at least $5 million of more that will be donated to various charities such as Kid SportCanada, Right to Play and Get America Fit, and other organizations whose mission is in helping to raise awareness and support for children’s fitness not only in North America, but also across the globe.
They’re also collecting signatures for their petition in an effort, as their website states, “To create one strong voice and demand change from the food, fitness and health industries, and government.”
Preachin’ Veggies
The group is speaking to children and families about adopting and sticking to a healthy, physical lifestyle and diet. Fruits and vegetables are the centerpiece of that message, as they discuss how these foods are loaded with vitamins and nutrients. All it takes is a little will power and practice to begin swapping out sodas, snacks and other foods that are loaded with calories, sugar and preservatives with fruits and veggies.
And maybe we can learn a thing or two from the Chicoine family, too. I’m in no position to run across two countries. But their efforts are inspiring; it’s helped to remind me of the importance in sticking to a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise, and be more conscious when I recognize that the daily grind of life is getting in the way.
Your very own Marathon of Health!
Here’s some tips we can take away for sticking to your own healthy, physical, everyday regiment if you find life getting in the way like I do!
- Early to bed and early to rise. Sleep has been proven to dramatically increase our energy levels and overall health, especially in individuals who are used to being up late at night and getting up late in the morning, who then make the switch.
- Doing some morning stretches (5 minutes worth, even!) helps relieve joint and muscle pain.
- Eat a big, hearty breakfast, a medium-portioned lunch, and a small dinner.
- Brisk, morning walks (15-25 minutes), even just a few times a week, will strengthen your heart and probably lengthen your life span, in addition to all the short-term benefits.
- Eat more fruits and veggies. Our second grade teacher was right after all!
- Forgo the elevator. Take the stairs once or twice a week, at least.
- When parking your car, park as far away as possible, whether while shopping or at work.
Any more tips you’d like to share? Please do so in the comments!
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