Through our Share Your Story feature, Angelia from Virginia lets us know she's following the Million Step March and just achieved a milestone of her own:

"I don't live in North Carolina but I am from Rural Hall, North Carolina. I live in Virginia, but I would just like to post one of my stories.

"This past Monday (Memorial Day), I did a 20-mile walk. I started from where I live in Chesapeake and walked to the oceanfront in Virginia Beach. Took me six hours, but what an accomplishment. I feel great. Just wanted to share to let my 'homies' know that you can do it!"

Shared on May 28, 2008 Share your story

Through Share Your Story, Frances wants to let the Million Step March community know about the dramatic improvements in her lifestyle - and an improved outlook on life:

"I just became active nine months ago. I had gastric bypass surgery. Before the surgery I was 412 pounds, now I am 260 pounds. Before my surgery, if I could take 1,000 steps it was a miracle. Now I average 8,000 per day.

"Being active has made me feel better about my life and my surroundings. There are times when I am walking that tears form in my eyes because you never know how much you appreciate something until it is no longer a part of your life. And walking was so painful for me that the fewer steps I took, the better. I used to look for the closet parking space when it came time to shop, now I intentionally park at the end of the row, just so I can walk.

"People always ask me what I am doing to lose the weight, and when I say walking they look somewhat puzzled. I then begin to explain to them that walking is the best way for me. All it takes is a good pair of walking shoes, and of course, an MP3 player, and you are off to enjoy the outdoors. Here's to getting healthy, and as the old cliche says, 'The taste of this old food is never as good as being healthy feels.'"

Shared on May 22, 2008 Share your story

Shawn in Asheville is taking the Million Step March seriously. We have an update from him - he's using 10,000 steps daily as a yardstick. Great work Shawn! Here's his story:

"I have recently just gotten into walking/running and counting my steps and I love it! Just last week I met my first goal of 10,000 steps in a day. I was so excited that I have pushed myself too hard, and ended up injuring myself and had to take a few days off my feet. This was very disappointing, because the week before I found myself parking at the far end of the Ingles parking lot to get in a few extra steps on my pedometer.

"Today was my first day back in the gym and I only logged about 3,000 steps, 7,000 less then I would have liked. Tomorrow is a new day, and I will get back to my 10,000 steps!"

Shared on May 19, 2008 Share your story

Alisa can tell the difference between being inactive and getting regular physical activity:

"I normally walk a mile or two a day. I had stopped doing so, and anything I did would make me tired. Since I began to exercise again and walk again on a daily basis, my lungs seem to be clearer and my breathing is less shallow.

"I have more energy to do the things that I have to do and I do not feel sluggish like I did when I would sit around and not exercise on a regular basis. Walking each day really makes a difference."

Shared on May 14, 2008 Share your story