By Michelle Stilwell
Parliamentary Secretary for Healthy Living

VICTORIA - April 27, 2014, marked the 25th annual Times Colonist 10K run. What a great event! As Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Healthy Living, it was wonderful to see so many people out walking, running, wheeling and getting moving.

Events like the Times Colonist 10K are important in British Columbia communities. They're incredibly popular, and are a real source of inspiration for people who would like to set their own fitness goals. This year I wanted to help people who find it difficult to fit in daily physical activity because of their busy schedules by leading a run-training club two mornings a week before work.

With assistance from the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence, I led the members of the Parliamentary Pacers, a team of over 70 people of all political stripes, to train for the Times Colonist 10K and to get moving. We proved that no matter what your fitness level or fitness goals, participating in a group makes it easier for folks to stay motivated.

Staying on-track can still be a challenge, so one of the things I really encourage people to do is to set goals based on their own personal abilities and to strive for their very best. Each day the Pacers trained, I encouraged them to push as hard as possible on their final lap to show them what their bodies were capable of, and to help them be prepared to give it their all on race day.

I'm so proud of the work done by the Pacers! No matter how challenging their personal schedules or how different their personal fitness goals, they all committed, worked hard and invested in their health.

Cardiovascular disease remains the second-leading cause of death in this province, claiming the lives of approximately 6,000 British Columbians a year. The good news is that it is also preventable in many cases through healthy diet and regular physical activity. Even small changes - a daily walk or committing to eating a healthy breakfast - can make a real difference.

I want to help British Columbians continue to lead the way and remain among the healthiest in Canada. Start slowly and get your friends, family and even your co-workers involved to keep you motivated. Participate in community or group challenges, set goals to help you keep on track and most importantly make your physical activity fun.

There are a number of resources at our finger tips that can help. For more information on how to get started, please call the Physical Activity Line toll-free at 1 877 725-1149 or visit Healthy Families BC online at: www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca   

To view a video of the Parliamentary Pacers on race day, please visit: http://youtu.be/MbNgR0tEugs

Media Contact:

Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)