The first thing many of us do every New Year’s Day is resolve to make some changes in our lives–and that often equates to fitness and exercise goals.
As part of its Healthy Strides program in 2021, a series of health-focused activities for the entire family, including fitness classes and wellness workshops, Fairfax County Park Foundation invites you to ring in the new year with a three-day event that will take you out on the trails while promoting social distancing and preventing crowding. Running Jan. 1-3, 2021, First Hike Fairfax is held every year in partnership with America’s State Parks and Virginia State Parks; in 2021, the initiative takes on special significance as Fairfax County Park Authority is celebrating its 70th anniversary.
Participating in the event is easy: visit any trail in the Fairfax County Park Authority on Jan. 1, 2, or 3, 2021, snap a photo showing your hike and the scenery or wildlife you encounter and submit your photo by Jan. 3. (The photo submission link will be posted Dec. 30, 2020.) For inspiration, head to Trail Buddy or First Hike’s website to find a trail for your ability and interests, whether it’s easy and flat, meandering through the woods or adjacent to a pond or stream.
The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers, entries are limited to one per person, submissions must be in JPG or PNG format and entrants may be asked to verify the location of the shot; visit the website for full contest rules. Photos will be judged in six categories: People’s Choice, Judges’ Choice, Directors’ Choice, Best in Show (Scenery/Landscapes), Best in Show (People) and Best in Show (Wildlife). Prizes range from a $70 Park Authority gift card to a six-month FCPA ReCenter Leisure Fitness Pass, depending on the category.
And if you need some tips on how to exercise safely outdoors as the weather gets colder, here are some tips from local trainers.
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