We have an update, through Share Your Story, from Shawn in Asheville, who's gearing up for a run:

"I'm really excited. This Friday my wife and I are doing a 5K run in Asheville, N.C. I did a 5K when I was 12 or 13 (over 10 yers ago), and she has never done one. Wish us luck!"

Shared on June 3, 2008 Share your story

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

The next big Million Step March event is less than 24 hours away. If you’re in the Greenville area, please join us Wednesday, May 21, at East Carolina University’s Student Recreation Center at 11 a.m.

What’s in it for me, you ask? For starters, there are giveaways (including pedometers and T-shirts), plus the full lineup of interactive wellness activities that have accompanied the statewide Million Step March tour. Kathy Higgins and Gary Marino will be on hand to pump up the Greenville and ECU crowds. And there’s a chance to enter a drawing for an iPod.

The timing couldn’t be better. Wednesday is National Employee Health and Fitness Day, sponsored by the National Association for Health & Fitness. Employers have held National Employee Health and Fitness Day observances since 1989 to promote a healthy workforce.

If you go, you can find free parking in the “A” lot behind the Mendenhall Student Center. See you there.

Posted by Kyle Marshall on May 20, 2008