Every spring during the past 11 years I look forward to participating in the Walk KS program. This year we have had many challenges, like the weekly bouts of winter weather, forcing us to exercise indoors. It is so much more fun to enjoy a walk or bike ride outdoors, taking in the sights and sounds around you. We ended up with 49 Walk KS teams in Barton County this year. The last time I checked the web site several teams have already met or exceeded their goal. That is amazing considering there are three weeks left to log minutes exercised.
Several worksites with teams registered have encouraged some ‘friendly competition’ which, in the end provides a win-win situation. Three Walk KS teams formed at Riverbend assisted living facility as a result of Tandy Boese’s encouragement. The teams, comprised of residents and staff, are racking up the minutes and they look forward to having a group picture taken in their blue or green Walk KS t-shirts. Students at the Barton County Academy formed two teams that are plotting their progress on a map of Kansas.
One of my favorite teams is comprised of three individuals who called in to my office separately and said, I want to participate in the Walk KS program but I don’t have a team to join. Calling themselves the “Lone Walkers”, the last time I checked they had logged more than 5,000 minutes and 450 servings of fruits and vegetables. They are well on their way to completing the challenge with half of the participants a regular team has. Congratulations Sandy, Ruth and Ginny; you are doing great!
The goal of the Walk KS program is to engage participants in an eight week long fitness challenge. Teams of six provide the catalyst to stay motivated. If each team member exercises at least 30 minutes per day five times a week, the goal of walking the distance across Kansas will be met. The best part of the program is the camaraderie and habit of exercise that forms as a result of the team concept.
A Walk KS celebration is planned for Thursday, May 16th beginning at 5:15 p.m. at Vet’s Park. I will have some healthy refreshments and door prizes. We’ll take a few minutes to talk about challenges and successes, and depending on the weather, we may even go for a short walk. I hope to see you then!
Donna Krug is the Family and Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Barton County. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu