U-Commute News
Spring 2004

Put Your Best Foot Forward

2nd Annual Walk In Challenge

As the sun returns to our misty corner of the Pacific Northwest, put your best foot forward and take the 2nd Annual Walk In Challenge! "I'd been wanting to do a little more exercising for awhile and found that this program has really helped me to get motivated," says Kim Louis, participant in the 2003 Walk In Challenge.

Get a team together of 4-10 Seattle campus students, staff or faculty and see how many times you can walk to campus or how many trips you can do by foot to errands, lunch and meetings. The challenge begins May 1, 2004 and runs through July 31, 2004. Go at your own pace-sign up for one month or all three. You may also join as an individual instead of participating in a team.

The Walk In Challenge has its rewards-it motivates you to get in better health, provides you a sense of accomplishment and gives you an opportunity to win some fantastic prizes. Every step counts in the monthly walking challenges to be held May through July-your walks to work, errands, meetings and lunch. And if you walk to work 12 or more times a month you'll be invited to the monthly Walk In Breakfast.

Can you match the strides of last year's winning teams-the Merry Gaits (Computing and Communications), the Ambulators (Information Systems), and the Steady Striders (Health Sciences Academic Services & Facilities)?

Why choose a walking commute?

Walking is a very reliable way to get around. Just step out the door and you are on your way-no waiting at the bus stop, no struggle with parking, no time wasted creeping along in rush hour traffic. Recreate that childhood sense of independence and self-sufficiency with a walking commute, unwinding from the stresses of adult life with each step. As an added bonus, you will save on gas and parking expenses and wear and tear on your car.

If you live close to work, walking may be faster than riding the bus or driving, if you consider your total door-to-door commute time. If you live two or more miles away, a walking commute will take a little longer, but the time invested can be well worth the benefits. Walking adds up to smart savings. Consider the extra time it might take you to walk to campus, now compare the amount of time you saved by driving-but how much time do you have to work to pay for the cost your driving? The time it takes you to subsidize your driving habit might be longer than it takes to commute.

Walking generates an enhanced sense of physical vitality, increased mental serenity and a heightened energy level. And, as the Surgeon General and others have noted, regular moderate physical activity brings a host of physical and psychological benefits. "(Walking is a) great form of exercise. When I started in May, my waist was a 36". Now I wear size 33" waist pants. Yeah!", Jose Aquino, participant in the 2003 Walk In Challenge.

How do I get started?

Many staff and faculty who choose to walk have found it valuable to set goals and develop a progressive walking program. Do you want to train for a race, be able to comfortably enjoy day hikes, lose weight or just generally get in better shape? Jump in with both feet by telling your friends and co-workers about your goals. Be sure to reward yourself for your efforts and make it fun. Become a Team Captain and recruit others to join you.

Are you motivated by knowing how far you walk in a day? For this year's Walk In Campaign, the Transportation Office has partnered with Hall Health to provide pedometers. They are available for $12 if you have a U-PASS, and $14 otherwise. Check the walking tips and resources on the U-PASS website and participate in the Walk In Challenge during the months of May, June or July!

The U-COMMUTE News is published three times a year for staff and faculty. For additional information, visit our web site at www.washington.edu/upass/. Your suggestions and comments are welcome. Please contact the Transportation Office at upass@u.washington.edu, 206.543.0450 or Box 355212.