Three years ago, when we were walking along a Florida beach with our son, I was wearing a Walk KS T-shirt when a lady came up to me excitedly and asked, “Where in Kansas are you from?” When I said Great Bend, she said to her husband, “Isn’t that where our new neighbors are from?” We found out her new neighbor had taught both of our sons in fifth grade many years earlier! What a small world!
Walk Kansas is a team-based program that will help you and others lead a healthier life. When you join this program, you can:
➢Bemore active with friends and family➢Make better nutrition choices➢Walk away your stress
As a fitness challenge, Walk Kansas invites friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers to form teams of six to cover the equivalent of the 423-mile distance from Kansas’ east to west borders during the eight-week program. A number of years ago, the reporting was simplified as participants turned in minutes of exercise each week. The goal is to encourage at least 30 minutes of aerobic heart-healthy physical activity five or more days a week. Knowing that others are counting on you to contribute can be a motivator. Other plusses for the program include encouragement and practical ideas for healthy living through newsletters, recipes, educational programs, and special events.
The cost to register for Walk KS is $10. This covers the cost to produce a weekly newsletter and the administration of the program. Registration also covers the cost of a box meal that will be provided at a Walk KS celebration event held at the Jack Kilby Square in Great Bend on Wednesday, May 25th. Ordering a t-shirt is optional and can be done on-line. This year the t-shirt colors are heather clay and heather teal.
Our goal is to get everyone who is interested to register during the first three weeks in March. So, get your team organized, come up with a catchy team name and get those walking shoes dusted off. Walk KS 2022 is just around the corner!
Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or [email protected]
