Usually by March 1, our office is busy getting the paperwork turned in as teams form for the Signature Extension program known as “Walk Kansas.” This year the start date has been pushed back a bit so the popular program will run from April 3 through May 28. Changes at the state level, complete with new web site design, are dictating the later start date. Most folks I have talked to think a later start date will help to ensure warmer temps as we get back in the habit of regular exercise.
We do have the Walk KS packets ready for team captains to pick up, either at our office or at the Great Bend Recreation Commission office at 12th and Stone. I will take a few packets to the Hoisington Activity Center, the Claflin library and the Ellinwood wellness center next week to encourage participants from all corners of the county.
With the Walk KS program kicking off in a few short weeks, it is the perfect time to remind you to find a physical activity you enjoy and then make time in your schedule to do it! For me, that means getting back on the bike. Even a few days off of the routine of bike commuting to and from work makes me feel sluggish. The forty minutes of riding broken into ten minute increments hardly feels like exercise but it is.
So now is the time to visit with friends, family or co-workers and form your team of six. Select a fun name that describes your team and when April 3, rolls around start logging minutes exercised. Each team will choose a challenge to work toward. Challenge 1 is to walk across the state which translates to approximately 2 and ½ hours of activity per person per week. Challenge 2 is to walk a winding diagonal trail from Troy to Elkhart which would be equivalent to 4 hours of activity per person per week. The final challenge, 3, would be to walk the perimeter of the state which would equal 6 hours of activity per person per week. People are always anxious to learn what colors the t-shirts are. This years’ t-shirt colors are a pretty lime green and light tan. Both are attractive with the Walk KS logo complete with sunflower and purple lettering.
A Walk Kansas Pep Rally complete with a free lunch for Walk Kansas team members is set for Wednesday, April 13, at the Recreation Center Burnside Room. I’ll have more information about this fun and educational event as the date draws near.
So let’s hope for some warmer weather so we can get back into the swing of things with Walk KS!
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research & Extension. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu