Meet your Walk Director >> Roxanne Erickson

Why walk?

For heart health - yours, as well as the heart health of our community. Foot Lake 4 is a fundraiser with proceeds going to heart health education and services in our communities.

We were able to purchase and place nine automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the area with the proceeds of the 2007 and 2008 events.

AEDs increase the survival rate of heart attack victims.

15th Anniversary Contests just for Walkers

The walker wearing the best jersey with the number 15 on it

The walker wearing the best heart-themed costume

The oldest walker (provide driver's license)

The grandparent walking with the most grandkids (your grandkids need to vouch for you)

The walker wearing the oldest Foot Lake 4 T-shirt (be the first to check in to guarantee a prize)

Remember,
it's all about the fun!

Rules

To qualify, walkers must check in with the Walk Director on Race Day, no later than 7:45 am, and complete the course route. Allow enough time to be judged prior to the starting time of 8:00 am.

The Walk Director will award prizes after the runner awards presentation, at about 9:45 am. Must be present to win awards and prizes.

Bring the whole family

The Foot Lake 4 is an event for everyone, even kids in strollers. For the safety of all participants, however, headphones and pets are not allowed.

Make sure you've started your walking routine long before June 27 so that you can finish all four miles. Start gradually. For example, every day before or after supper, have everyone head out for a 10 or 15 minute walk. Each week, add 10 or 15 minutes to your daily walking time. After several weeks you'll be able to walk 4 miles in an hour to an hour and a half.

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded at the Walk Director's discretion. Not all prizes will be awarded if not warranted. Prizes will vary according to donations received by event sponsors prior to the race. Each prize will have a minimum value of $15. Prizes received to date:

• Movie passes for two, including snacks - donated by Outreach & Community Relations at Rice Hospital
• Twins lower deck baseball tickets for two - donated by Outreach & Community Relations at Rice Hospital

What are the health benefits to walking?

So many! Here are just a few:

• Burns calories
• Easy on your joints
• Strengthens bones
• Lowers blood pressure
• Cuts cholesterol
• Reduces the risk of heart disease & diabetes
• Reduces stress
• Helps you sleep better
• Improves your mood
• It's free!

Pre-walk tips

• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your walk.
• Warm up before you walk, perhaps with a few easy stretches.
• Start your walk slowly, then stop and do a few more stretches along the way.
• Walk for your determined length of time.
• Slow down your pace to wind down at the end of your walk.
• Stretch well after your walk to feel better and help prevent injuries.

For more tips and a 12-week walking schedule, visit www.thewalkingsite.com.