Frequently Asked Questions about the May Madness Walking Challenge

Can you be on more than one team?
Can I sign up all the team members or do they all need to sign themselves up?
I want to participate, but do not have the time, energy, etc. to form a team.
What if a team member or leader drops out?
How are you defining "getting active"?
What kind of 'bonus' points will ‘getting active’ people get?
Where can I find a pedometer?
How are awards being calculated?
Do we have to name our team?
So what is up with the 10,000 steps thing- should I try to walk 10,000 (~5 miles) steps a day?

1. Q. Can you be on more than one team?
   A. No, each individual may represent only one team.

2. Q. Can I sign up all the team members or do they all need to sign themselves up?
   A. One person will need to set up the team on the website. Once the team is set up, individual team members can log in, enter their steps, and check their weekly totals. Registration instructions here.

3. Q.I want to participate, but do not have the time, energy, etc. to form a team.
   A. Go to the website and select “request a team”. Once you submit your registration, we will match you with other people in the same situation. The last day to request a team is April 27

4. Q. What if a team member or leader drops out?
   A. Please contact or , 206-252-0754.

5. Q. How are you defining "getting active"?
   A. For the purpose of this challenge, a “getting active” person is someone who currently is getting less than 3 hours a week of physically activity. What is physical activity? The basic rule is any activity that raises the heart rate for at least 10 minutes (this can be walking, biking, mowing the lawn, vigorous cleaning, etc.)
   Please see http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/recommendations/adults.htm for a definition of physical activity and the recommendations for adults.

6. Q. What kind of 'bonus' points will “getting active” people get?
   A. We will add 1000 steps a day. This will be done automatically by the website.

7. Q. Where can I find a pedometer?
   A. You can find pedometers for $5 and up online or from your local drug store or athletic store. In general, the pedometers made in Japan are the most accurate. Please make sure to try out your pedometer prior to the walking challenge to get used to it. You will want to wear your pedometer as close to your hipbone as possible. We will also be selling pedometers prior to the challenge. More information on pedometers.

8. Q. How are awards being calculated?

   • Overall Most Steps will be calculated based on the weekly average for a team (raw steps walked per a day + getting active points divided by number of team members divided by number of days in the week. If this results is >10,000, then it is lowered to 10,000.
   • Most improved status will be calculated on the percent increase over the entire month for individuals on the team and for the team as a whole.
   • Most Creative Team Name & Most Creaetive Photo - will be decided by popular vote.
   • Most Inspirational Individual- nominations will be requested during the final week of the competition and the winner will be decided by your local walking wellness organizers.

9. Q. Do we have to name our team?
    A. YES! Something snazzy is best!

10. Q. So what is up with the 10,000 steps thing- should I try to walk 10,000 (~5 miles) steps a day?
    A. 10,000 steps a day is the amount that most popular walking programs set as a goal for participants. However, the most important thing is to GET ACTIVE. If you are currently doing nothing, then walking 1 or 2 miles a day (around 2000-3000 steps) will dramatically reduce your chances of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.  Robert's Sweetgall’s advice (a walking expert) to all of us on how to maintain health for life is to find activities that: you enjoy, are easy for you to do, have a conditioning affect (socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally), are SAFE, and that you can do for your whole life. Also, be sure to check with your health care provider if you have any health concerns or chronic conditions before you start any new activity!  

    Please let us know if you have any other questions.
    or THANKS!