I've just finished my second tour with the Million Step March, this time walking about 115 miles over nine days (to add to the 50 miles over the first four days of the march). I joined the team west of Greensboro and finished east of Clayton, traversing through Greensboro, Chapel Hill, Garner and Clayton.
Rather than provide a day-by-day travelogue, I thought I would write a few overarching themes. Walking four to six hours, an average of 13 miles a day, one has a fair bit of time to think.
First, hats off to Kathy and Gary. I may walk at a bit faster pace, but you're the ones doing this six days a week for 10 weeks. Slow and steady wins the race!
Next, I'm impressed by the number of folks who "get it." We visited several employer work sites, community centers, and city events, and each place has taken its own approach to motivating and providing resources for its unique environment and people.
I've also noted that the number of individuals logging their steps has grown at an accelerating rate as the March goes on. As of today, I see 5,400 people have taken more than 280 million steps to improve their health. Way to go and keep it up!
And speaking of keeping it up, I've developed my own need to walk on a daily basis. I'm building a habit, a routine that compels me to move. I've walked 165 miles (about 330,000 steps) with the MSM team and I've logged another 295,000 steps on the days I was with the MSM in spirit only. That's 625,000 steps so far, and I will do a million steps before the March is done in June.
The sense of accomplishment is a good motivator, but my sense of feeling healthier is a more critical driver. For the record, I've lost about seven pounds, and my clothes definitely fit better. But more important, I feel more energetic, I sleep better, and my urge to snack at night has dropped dramatically (my personal nutritional demon!). These benefits appeared quickly during my stint with the tour, and would not have required 13 miles a day. I really think it's a matter of increasing my activity level just a bit.
One of my colleagues told me that she had begun three one-mile walks a day (about 20 minutes apiece) and that she had noticed a quantifiable improvement in her endurance and sense of accomplishment. Another hats off to you – you know who you are!
So, does it all sound too rosy, too easy? Well, there are some downsides. First, walking four hours a day can be a bit monotonous unless you're a Zen master. On my off days I have taken up other activities – strength training, mowing the grass, jogging, cleaning the garage (not my favorite). After hauling junk out of the garage for a half day, walking was a relief.
Other cautions – use moderation when starting, and invest in good shoes and socks. Guest walkers with the MSM often find that doing 12 miles in one day leaves them stiff with aching or blistered feet. It's a big step, even with gradual training.
The point is that even the potential downsides to being more active can be avoided with a bit of planning, and the benefits are amazing.
As Gary Marino is fond of saying, it's not about weight loss, it's about commitment… and feeling better.
Posted by Don Bradley on May 8, 2008