Employees are invite to join the Miles in May Walking Challenge beginning on May 1. Gather your coworkers to compete with other departments and teams to see who can walk the most miles throughout the month. Each team, comprised of no more that 10 members and a team captain, will be responsible for reporting the teams number of miles walked every Friday. The first submission date will be Friday, May 3. Individual walkers are welcome to join as well. Interested participants should call or email Rachel Duff, health and wellness coordinator, 217-786-2204, and include team members and team name.

Miles in May Walking Challenge Details

Teams

• Must consist of no more than 10 members.
• Must start and end with the same number of team members.
• Have a team captain.

Team captains are responsible for:

1. Collecting weekly mile reports from each team member.
2. Ensuring their team members are using a pedometer, mobile app or walking map for accurate measurement of the distance walked.

Those interested in participating but do not have a team will be placed on a team together.

Rules

• The Miles in May Walking Challenge will begin on May 1 and end on May 31.
• Weekly mile reports for teams should be turned in every Friday, beginning on May 3.
• Walking does not have to be done at work.
• Walking must be done intentionally, not as part of job responsibilities. Intentional walking means individuals are making a conscious effort to walk for a set duration or distance.
• Running/jogging/biking are also acceptable.
• For other activities in which steps can be monitored, step counts can be used and turned in.
• For accuracy, tracking activity via mobile app or smartphone is encouraged.

As teams submit the number of miles walked each week, the totals will be averaged. Updates will be provided to teams on a weekly basis.

Awards

The following awards will be presented:

• Pedometer Pioneers – Awarded to the team with the most miles walked.
• Footloose Fanatic – Awarded to the individual with the most miles walked.
• Consistency Champion – This award will be issued to the individual who walks daily (including on weekends). If more than one employee walks daily, the winner will be determined by the individual who walked the most total miles.
• Accomplished Stepper – Awarded to the individual who has the most improvement throughout the challenge.

As a reminder, today’s “How to Be a Spoonie” session will be held in the Trutter Center from noon until 1 p.m. We hope to see you there!

As a reminder, anyone wishing to participate in today’s walk can meet in front of Cass Gym at 12:30 p.m. to enjoy some time outdoors. Feel free to sign up.

Plus, you’re invited to join in the session on “How To Be a Spoonie” tomorrow in the Trutter Center from noon until 1 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you!

Many of us are challenged with managing limited energy due to disabilities, chronic illness or simply the demands of everyday life. Learning How to be a Spoonie can help! This powerful metaphor helps us understand and communicate our energy levels.

Join us on April 25, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Trutter Center, to learn about the Spoon Theory and how it can be applied to daily life. Through discussions and activities, we will explore how to conserve energy, set boundaries and prioritize self-care. Whether you are personally affected by a chronic condition, daily life demands or want to support others who are, this event will offer valuable insight for all. Mark your calendars for an experience to help you learn how to navigate the challenges of managing energy levels. We look forward to seeing you there!

As a reminder, today’s journaling and mindfulness session will be held in Menard Hall, Room 1177 beginning at noon. Journals and ink pens will be available, a giveaway will be awarded to a lucky winner and attendants can enjoy items from the Wellness Wagon. We hope to see you there!

Join the Wednesday walk today at 12:30 p.m. in front of Cass Gym. All employees are welcome to attend. Feel free to add your name to the sign up sheet.

Plus, get ready for the Miles in May Walking Challenge beginning May 1. Check out the information pertaining to the event and sign up a team.