The real reward for physical activity is improved health, right? Or is it the chance to win an iPod Shuffle?
At the Million Step March site, it's both. We've brought back the weekly drawing – a sought-after reward as Kathy Higgins and Gary Marino crossed the state on foot from April 1 through June 12. Log your steps each week at our "Challenge" link, and you'll be eligible.
Each week for a dozen weeks, we'll draw a random number associated with participants who have logged their physical activity. We'll ship a new iPod Shuffle to each winner.
So, keep logging your steps as you reap the rewards of better health, and maybe a prize too.
Since Angela started walking in April, she has no intention of stopping. Here's the story she shared with the Million Step March community:
"I started walking back in April. I woke up one Saturday morning and thought to myself, I need to start walking. So off I went and I have not stopped! I felt like Forrest Gump!
"My new year resolution, of course, was to lose weight (ha) and eat healthy, so that is what I have been doing since the first of the year. I have felt so much better since I started walking. I have MS and when the ability to walk is suddenly taken away, the days you can walk feel great. Since I started my walks, which are about three miles with the last half uphill, I have been steadily dropping the pounds. As of Monday 7/7/08, I have dropped 28 pounds. I am losing the fat and gaining muscle (the scale I use figures it all for me).
"Now, every day I look forward to getting off work and hurrying home and getting dinner fixed so I can hit the pavement. What a great feeling!"
Even though the Million Step March has ended, we're still hearing about your efforts to live healthy lifestyles. For example, Shannon wants to let everyone know about the benefits she's seeing from walking regularly:
"After joining the challenge, I promised myself that I would increase the miles I walked per week and have found that I am now walking four to five miles per day. After logging my steps for 12 weeks, I have lost 12 pounds, firmed up many muscles and my total cholesterol has dropped 22 points. I am hooked on walking now!"
Crossing the finish line in Wilmington was cause for celebration. Hundreds of people were on hand to welcome Kathy Higgins and Gary Marino as they brought the 600-mile Million Step March to a successful conclusion, and now we have the video that captures the moment.
