Summer is here and with it are many opportunities to maintain a healthy balance between our work and personal lives. Our Health and Wellness Strategic Plan includes several initiatives we can take advantage of to prepare for several community health events later this year.
Training for the Rock-N-Roll San Antonio Marathon and ½ Marathon has begun. A six month training program, conducted by Run Gear Run, is designed for walkers, joggers, beginning runners, and long-time runners. This is the 4th year this training has been offered to City Employees and it is a great opportunity for those who just want to get back into shape or start a fitness program. Online registration for the Rock-N-Roll Marathon closes on November 7th. City of San Antonio Employees receive a discount on registration. The race sells out so be sure to register early. Visit www.sanantonio.gov/hr/employee_information/wellness for more information.
Training can also prepare you for the City Manager’s Wrap Up the Year in Good Health 5K Run/Walk scheduled for Saturday, December 11 at Brackenridge Park. Details on this event will be available later in the year. I look forward to seeing many of our employees at our annual event!
On June 17, 2010, City Council approved the establishment of a bicycle sharing program to augment alternative and “active” transportation choices in the downtown area. This program, funded with stimulus funds through the Department of Energy and Centers for Disease Control, is coordinated by our Office of Environmental Policy in partnership with Bike World. Bikes used for this program will be equipped with the capability to track mileage, calories burned, as well as carbon offsets. Contact Julia Diana, Office of Environmental Policy, at 207-6321 for more information.
Summer is also a great time to enjoy our city parks with your family. Many of our parks are equipped with playground equipment, multi-purpose play fields, outdoor education areas and other amenities. Additionally, many of our parks include multi-purpose trails to use as part of your marathon training or daily exercise, including our new park, Phil Hardberger Park, which features 1.7 miles of trails and a 1.8 acre dog park.
I also encourage you to visit our city pools where you can strengthen your heart and lungs while enjoying relief from the summer heat. Pools offer the opportunity for swimming lessons for all ages at a low cost, water aerobics, and swim teams for youngsters. It’s a great way to burn calories, build muscle, and relieve stress. Visit the Parks and Recreation Department website at www.sanantonio.gov/sapar for more details on park and pool hours and scheduled activities.
The health and wellness or our employees and families is important to me. Participating in outdoor recreational activities and taking advantage of the many initiatives of our Health and Wellness Strategic Plan is a great way to maintain your health and fitness.
