By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
Walk Across Texas is an 8-week walking program developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension with the main goal of increasing the habit of intentional steps. Teams of up to 8 can participate as they aim for the goal of reaching 832 miles (the distance from Beaumont to El Paso). Team members log their miles and report them to the WAT on-line platform. During the eight-week campaign, every team member received an update on miles logged for each team, as well as a delicious recipe.
Eight teams participated in the Fall 2021 Walk Across Texas event, and the total miles logged were 7,883.44. Team captains were Pat Connally, Jacquelyn Martin, Eddie Northcutt, Julie Smalley, Alina Sanders, Cindy Joslin, Robert Newsom, and Lewis Tatum. Even though this is not a competition, the top three participants logging the most miles were: Max Martin – 455.18 miles, Cindy Joslin – 419.99 miles, and Samantha Dean – 416.29 miles. The top three teams were Max’s Marvels, 1,387.44 miles; Trekkin’ Teachers, 1, 273.5 miles; and Justice League, 1,238.63 miles.
A map showing a network of miles equaling 7,883 miles is on display at the Extension Office.
Walk & Talk
Walk & Talk is an 8-week walking program with two purposes – education on increasing fruits and vegetables in the diet, and increasing intentional steps. Three Head Start teams participated in the 2021 Fall event, held at the ROC. Participants achieved 2,633.44 miles.
Each week, a brief nutrition lesson was presented, usually accompanied by a recipe demonstration or recipe sampling. Incentive items included cutting boards, MyPlate inflatable balls, MyPlate flying discs, and others. After the nutrition segment, participants proceeded to the indoor walking track to get in a few laps before wrapping up the sessions.
