Virtual hike to step out next month

THE staff at Great Ocean Road Health are getting their shoes on again for another virtual hike in support of regional and remote health care workers.

The past 18 months have been tough, not only for aged care residents and staff but the entire community, and Great Ocean Road Health say they are focused on supporting the physical and mental health of people from all walks of life and age groups.

This year, the virtual hike will cover 200km between Torquay and the 12 Apostles.

The event had more than 500 participants last year and hopes to increase numbers in 2021.

“The virtual hike will hopefully inspire you and your fellow work mates, friends and family to remain motivated, work together in a team and keep our aged care residents engaged and connected,” organisers said.

Participants – Great Ocean Road staff and residents, as well as the community – will walk the length of the coastline from Point Impossible in Torquay to The 12 Apostles in the Port Campbell National Park, which will require 10,000 steps each day.

The walk is virtual and the purpose is to increase activity levels in all participants and create more social connectivity.

To take part, put together a team of up to 10 people, measure your steps via your smartphone or use the simple formula of 10 minutes of activity equals 1,000 steps (there are tracking sheets on the Great Ocean Road Health website).

Submit your team steps each week to the “Great Ocean Road Health – Exercise, Health and Wellbeing” Facebook group or via email to [email protected].

Great Ocean Road Health will launch the hike on Wednesday next week with a motivational video, course overview and we encourage everyone to organise a morning tea for everyone involved.

Each day a video will be released with a different staff member introducing that day’s section of trail, which will be posted on Great Ocean Road Health’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

They will also keep the leaderboard up to date, just for fun.

“We would like to keep people moving, while maintaining social connectedness and community spirit,” organisers said.

“We will also focus on the small steps we can take to improve our mental and physical health through good food and mindful activities.”

There will be bonus steps for each team when every team member completes 10 minutes of mindfulness and and eats five serves of vegetables.

Head to greatoceanroadhealth.com.au/hike-2021 or phone Emily Lens on 0400 121 903 to register your interest and receive an information pack.