The fall season and hopefully cooler weather is upon us and it’s time to “kick-off” Walk Across Texas in Brown County.  Walk Across Texas is a great way to meet new people, start a healthy habit, enjoy a little friendly competition, get fit, have fun and spend prime time with your family friends, colleagues, etc.  It is a fun and flexible way to exercise.  A Walk Across Texas team is composed of 8 people with 1 team captain.  The team can be your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members.

The goal of the program is to walk 830 miles “across Texas” in 8 weeks.  That averages to about 13 miles per week per person.  However, that is an average.  If you don’t log that much in the beginning, you can catch up as your endurance builds.  Of course, you can walk more than 13 miles each week.  You can walk together or individually, outside or at a mall or on a treadmill, any way that fits your schedule and lifestyle.  Miles are reported on a weekly basis to the team captain.

If you don’t enjoy walking, but like to run, bicycle, dance, swim or any other form of physical activity- those activities count too.  There is an exercise equivalency chart that converts these activities into recorded miles, so you are not limited to just walking. 

We will officially “kick-off” Walk Across Texas on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the County Extension Office.  This year, Walk Across Texas is $120 per team or $15 per team member.  Teams have the option of having each team member pay the $15 or raising the money as a group.  Whatever works best for you.  Pre-registration deadline is September 12, but teams may also sign up at the kick-off.  Prizes will be awarded at the end of the 8 week period during a celebration event. 

So, get a group of your friends, co-workers, family members, church group, neighbors, etc. together and let’s Walk Across Texas.  For more information, or to register your team, please call Kim Miles at the Extension office at 325-646-0386.