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.

Posted by Kyle Marshall on July 15, 2008

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!"

Shared on July 9, 2008 Share your story

Our latest Share Your Story item is from Raya, whose medical condition is improving through physical activity:

"I have MS, and one day my legs stopped working. Through physical therapy and hard work I started to walk again. I started doing the walk-a-mile video every day, my legs got stronger, I got thinner, and I went from being in a wheelchair to walking every day. Everyone tells me I am the healthiest sick person around. I will never stop doing my video. I even walk up and down the street all the time."

Shared on July 7, 2008 Share your story

Joe Miller, who covers the great outdoors for The News & Observer, has an update about the Million Step March on his blog, “Get Out! Get Fit!” at this link.

Joe plans to interview Kathy Higgins, and we’ll post the link once that runs.

Posted by Kyle Marshall on July 1, 2008