Because I owe you more...

One of the most shocking walking statistics I have ever come across is that to burn off the calories in one regular M & M candy, you must walk the entire length of a football field (end zone to end zone).  Wow - that really makes you think twice about mindless eating.





Another scary fact I happened up on this past school year is that if you eat just one regular potato chip every day, you'll gain one pound at the end of the year - wow!!  Really shows you how small things add up!



So those got me to thinking, what are some other examples of steps to burn off foods. 

I found this article which had some really interesting (and mortifying) eating/walking calculations.

Coca-Cola (20 fl. oz.)

If you’re going to drink one of those plastic bottles of Coke, choose a convenience store that’s a few miles away and walk there, because you’ll need to take a 55-minute stroll to burn off 240 calories.

McDonald’s McRib

Sure, this seasonal favorite is made from real meat—as McDonald’s has so considerately shown us. But unless you have time to take a two-hour run, it’ll be hard to work off the 500 calories in a McRib sandwich.

Lay’s Potato Chips (15 Pieces)

Even if you don’t scarf down the entire bag, you’d still have to jump rope for 12 minutes to burn off the 160 calories in a suggested serving of potato chips.

Krispy Kreme Glazed Doughnut

To work off the 190 calories in this all-American treat, push mow the lawn for 26 minutes.

Pepperoni Pizza (Slice)

Want to undo those 324 calories from eating a slice of pepperoni pizza? Go for a 30-minute bike ride (and don’t go easy on the pedals).

Hershey’s Chocolate Bar

Run for 52 minutes to work off the 210 calories in this sweet treat.

Cheerios and Milk

To work off the 150 calories in a bowl of Cheerios and skim milk, take a 35-minute morning stroll.

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

This seasonal treat isn’t as wholesome as it sounds; at 380 calories, it’s worse than a bottle of Coke. It would take a 40-minute swim to burn off all those calories.

Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcake

A one-hour run will burn off the 248 calories in a regular size red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles.

Something interesting..finally :)

Please accept my apology for the delay in getting this posted....

From Runners World, 10 Tips for Newbie Runners (but the tips work well for walkers too):

1.  Invest in the right pair of shoes - I strongly encourage you to visit 3 Rivers Running, Fred Toegnes, or Fleet Feet to get fitted for your specific foot and gait.

2.  Go the distance rather than time - slow it down, be patient, and don't worry about your pace

3.  Remember that rest days are training days too - you can use them to cross train, weight lift, or just recovery

4.  Join a running group - well, we can all put a big check mark next to that one - thank you Summer Striders :)

5.  Make running (or walking) a habit, even if that means getting out for a few minutes per day - everyone is busy, but it's not an "all or nothing" game...even a 15 mile one mile walk is worth doing -  not every training session has to be an hour and 5 miles or nothing...every step counts toward improving your health

6. Build mileage gradually - we work on this each week, but in your folders during the first session you'll find some logical mileage progression training plans

7.  Don't dread taking walk breaks - so that's for the runners out there, but as a walker, I would suggest that you incorporate small bursts of faster walking a few times throughout the training session.  Doing these bursts help rev up metabolism, charge your heart and lungs, and burn more calories.

8.  Keep a training log - it's helpful to use an app, a tracking device, or even old fashioned paper and pencil - track your accomplishments (there is a tracking sheet in your folder)

9.  Mix in cross training to supplement your running (or walking) - doing sports, riding a bike, doing a fitness class, or swimming can be helpful to take pressure off taxed joints and muscles used during walking/running PLUS it keeps you happy and healthy

10.  Set small, achievable goals - signing up for a 5K, 10K or half marathon (depending on your fitness level) is a great way to help you work toward a goal

Some tips for walkers and runners

Wacky Wednesday Walking Weather continues....freezing and windy week one, hot and humid week two....drum roll to see what week 3 bring.

I thought you might be interested in some helpful and interesting tips.

Click HERE for some fun walking tips.

Click HERE for some fun running tips

See you Wednesday evening!

Email sent today at about 7:30 p.m. 5/8

Happy Mothers Day Striders!

I'm so excited that we have begun Summer Striders 2016.  With 76 degrees on December 19th and 46 degrees on 5/4, I'm finding the weather anything but boring!

I wanted to let you know that I just sent an email to everyone on the registration sheet that was circulated on Wednesday night.  If you did not get an email from me this evening, please let me know on Wednesday (or if you know my email address, you can email me to let me know). 

This email group will help me to communicate urgent issues such as changes to the schedule or weather issues (to the extent that I'm able).  The blog serves as the central repository for all general communication as well as tips & hints to improve your walking, running, or as I have coined a new term - shugging...it's my combo of shuffling and jogging....:)

See you Wednesday at 5:30 at the Hardees Pavilion. 

Walking for Weight Loss

I found this article which offers some tips for walking your 'weigh' to weight loss....check it out:
https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/30-tips-youre-walking-weight-084819519.html

Summer Striders 2016 schedule posted

These amazing spring time temperatures are really getting me excited to begin Summer Striders....I've posted the weekly schedule under the "schedule" tab at the top of this blog.  You can also find it HERE.

To sign up, call or email the parks department.

Join us at City Hall (2nd floor) for our first session at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4th!

Striders will be back in 2016....join us

Summer Striders 2016 is on the books ....call the Parks Department to sign up today!  All Wednesday evening sessions are at 5:30 p.m.   The first week meets on the 2nd floor of City Hall for registration and introductions followed by a 1 mile meet & greet stroll so come dressed in comfy shoes.  A session schedule indicating each week's meeting place will be posted on this blog by the end of April as well as distributed during the first session. 
Session 1:  May 4-June 22^nd
Session 2:  July 6-Aug 24^th