The race is on: Residents compete to ‘Walk Acoss Texas’

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Cherokee County Public Health District Executive Director Chris Taylor and his team, the “Walking Wonders,” show their support for the Walk Across Texas with a cheer and some spirit gear. Progress photo by Faith Harper

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September 7, 2012

The race is on: Residents compete to ‘Walk Acoss Texas’

Faith Harper Jacksonville Daily Progress The Jacksonville Daily Progress Fri Sep 07, 2012, 08:21 AM CDT

RUSK — Cherokee County residents looking to get healthy put their first foot forward Thursday at the registration for “Walk Across Texas.”

The free program is held through the Cherokee County AgriLife Extension Agency with the help of sponsors. According to the agency, the program was developed in 1996 to help establish a habit of regular physical activity within the state.

Participants can walk individually or in teams of up to eight to compete to reach the goal of walking 830 miles, the width of the Lone Star State at its widest point.

The program will run for eight weeks, beginning Sept. 11 and ending Nov. 4. At the end, prizes will be awarded to the highest three individuals and teams, as well as the oldest and youngest walkers.

At registration, each team member was given a map of Texas so they can “plot their course” and a pedometer to track steps of progress.

Wendi Green, AgriLife extension agent, said 2,000 steps equals one mile, and the program includes an online database where participants can calculate the equivalent amount of exercise for normal activities based on their weight and age.

Participants track their progress weekly and enter their number of miles online.

Green said 19 teams and 15 individuals were signed up at the registration event on the county courthouse lawn.

Among them were two teams from the Cherokee County Public Health Department. The two teams brought costumes to intimidate the other in their friendly competition to walk the most miles.

The “Walking Wonders” made up their own cheer, or battle cry.

“We are walking wonders, we are the team to beat, and if you don't believe us, just watch our happy feet,” they chanted.

Executive director of the department and “Walking Wonders” team member, Chris Taylor, said there are two components to their winning strategy. The first, he said includes exercise and wellness, which he joked was HIPA protected, and the other is a sabotage plan, which is labeled top secret.

“We have strategically placed candy jars around the office to sabotage the other team,” he joked.

The health department's competing team “Body Blasters” did not look intimidated dressed in their superhero costumes.

“We don't need a chant, said LVN Leigh Riggins, “Body Blasters” team member. “We are all performance.”

“It will get bloody and dirty,” Riggins said. “It's going to be a blood fest. The blubber will fly in this contest.”

Kay Hamilton, “Body Blasters” member, said the team would lose weight no matter what it took.

“If we can't walk it off, we will laugh it off,” she said.

Not all participants making costumes and writing chants. Rusk resident Marylyn Benett said she is simply participating for her health.

“I had a stress test and it said I was 'intolerant to exercise,'” she said. “That's a medical term for 'I'm out of shape.'”

Residents have until Monday to signup, either by going online to www.walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu or through the county extension office. The office's number is 903-683-5416. Green said participants do not have to be a resident of Cherokee County to take part in the event.

The event is sponsored by: the Cherokee County AgriLife Extension Agency, ABC Auto Parts, Partners in HOPE, Cherokee County Health Department, Cherokee County Federal Credit Union, Southwest Dairy Farms, Jolly Time Popcorn and HRM USA Inc.

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The race is on: Residents compete to ‘Walk Acoss Texas’

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