SparkPoints: (25,252)
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Posts: 2,438
3/28/09 6:41 A

iditarod Trail - 7393 steps yesterday.

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 197,291 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,307 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 4,596 steps per day.

At Kaltag -This checkpoint marks the final stretch on the Yukon River. Driving winds, cold temperatures, and constant threats from the river still abound. Kaltag was a Koyokon Athabascan area used as a cemetery for surrounding villages. Athabascan is the name of a large group of closely related Native American peoples. The word Athabaskan is a version of the Cree name for Lake Athabasca, which means "grass or reeds here and there."

A measles epidemic and food shortages during 1900 reduced the population of the area by one-third. The village of Kaltag was established after the epidemic, when survivors from three nearby villages moved to the area. Much of the economy around Kaltag is based on subsistence hunting and fishing. Salmon, whitefish, moose, bear, waterfowl, and berries are elements of the subsistence economy.

current weight: 136.8

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3/27/09 11:56 A

My Group's Progress

How is Spark Steppers progressing since the group was formed on 8/27/2007?

Spark Steppers currently has a total of 395 members enrolled.

Spark Steppers has currently taken a total of 161,212,070 steps or walked approximately 80606 miles since beginning their journey.

There are currently 51 participants that have started a new challenge within the last six weeks with an average daily step count of 8883 steps.

current weight: 136.8

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136

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Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/27/09 5:18 A

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 189,898 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,303 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 4,765 steps per day.

5669 steps yesterday. Hitch in my work held me back. I've finally reached Kaltag.

current weight: 136.8

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136

SparkPoints: (25,252)
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Posts: 2,438
3/26/09 7:36 A

9727 steps yesterday on the Iditarod Trail.

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 184,239 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,369 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 4,817 steps per day.

I'm a gnat's breath away from Kaltag.

Edited by: SANDRA-G at: 3/26/2009 (07:38)

current weight: 136.8

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3/26/09 7:36 A

I do the same thing. I'm an accountant but I work in an office at the top of the arena. . . so when I have to go upstairs or downstairs, I take some extra steps on the arena stairs up and down and back up between each transition from upstairs to downstairs. Also, even if I've been the the gym and walked on the treadmill, I still walk my aussie clan to the creek and back.

current weight: 136.8

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Posts: 530
3/25/09 6:09 P

During the day at my desk job, I don't move that much which is why I love walking Sadie. But I do take other measures while at work like taking the long way to the bathroom or around the offfice...or parking further from the entrance to get a few more.

You would be surprised how they add up!

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Posts: 528
3/25/09 3:43 P

You guys are SO inspirational - and also gave me insight as to what my "problem" (scale isn't budging) might be - I've been wearing my pedometer, and aside from exercising...I really don't move very much the rest of the day. I walk maybe a mile or so around the house and at work.

That's not very much :-( Gotta work on that.

Deb

Posts: 530
3/25/09 9:13 A

Since beginning your trail on March 7, you have taken a total of 140,575 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,398 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 18, you must take an average of 5,235 steps per day.

I am just about at the Iditarod checkpoint!

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SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/25/09 5:02 A

10211 steps yesterday on the Iditarod trail.

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 174,512 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,271 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 5,098 steps per day.

current weight: 136.8

141 139.75 138.5 137.25

136

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3/24/09 4:54 P

At a scenic stop between Grayling and Kaltag -

Alaska has always been a very active area for volcanoes. Alaska contains over 100 volcanoes and volcanic fields. There are many historically active volcanoes located on the so-called Ring of Fire. There are also 40 active volcanoes in the state, mostly in the Kodiak and Aleutian Islands. Alaskan volcano legends are primarily Eskimo in origin.

current weight: 136.8

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136

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Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/24/09 5:47 A

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 164,301 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,143 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 5,362 steps per day.

7742 steps yesterday. Looking at the Yukon River.

current weight: 136.8

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Posts: 530
3/23/09 3:31 P

Since beginning your trail on March 7, you have taken a total of 123,065 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,691 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 18, you must take an average of 5,502 steps per day.

Pounds lost: 0.0

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Posts: 530
3/23/09 3:30 P

BobbieSue - that is cute! Spring is definitely getting me going!

Deb - on your progress so far!

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3/23/09 10:47 A

Good going!

current weight: 136.8

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Posts: 528
3/23/09 10:29 A

OK - BobbieSue said I should log my miles here, even though I'm doing something slightly different:

I clocked 30.6 miles last week; so I've gone from my house, to the middle of Grand Rapids, MI. Actually, the ghetto (um, I grew up in Grand Rapids and know the area well). The "interesting sight" I virtually see is the trainyards. Whoopee.

Once I get a more comfortable seat on my new bicycle, I should be able to cover more ground!

Deb

SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/23/09 5:36 A

Acurachick - guess that means "Spring" is causing you to take steps. It's all good!

current weight: 136.8

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136

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Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/23/09 5:33 A

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 156,559 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,116 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 5,482 steps per day.

4929 steps

current weight: 136.8

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Posts: 530
3/22/09 9:41 A

BobbieSue! I did a ton of yardwork which helped increase mine...paying for it today though :-)

Pounds lost: 0.0

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Posts: 2,438
3/22/09 6:51 A

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 151,630 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,220 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 5,457 steps per day.

I took 10045 steps yesterday. Leaving the Iditarod check point and moving toward Grayling. Gee dogs!

current weight: 136.8

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136

Posts: 530
3/21/09 9:19 P

Since beginning your trail on March 7, you have taken a total of 117,305 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,820 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 18, you must take an average of 5,319 steps per day.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 28.75 57.5 86.25

115

SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/21/09 8:33 A

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 141,585 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,079 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 5,668 steps per day.

I took 9041 steps yesterday. Another couple of miles and I'll be in Iditarod.

current weight: 136.8

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3/20/09 12:37 P

That means you've doing great, too because we're taking about the same average number of steps per day!

current weight: 136.8

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Posts: 530
3/20/09 11:52 A

BobbieSue - you are doing great!!

Since beginning your trail on March 7, you have taken a total of 93,730 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,210 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 18, you must take an average of 5,947 steps per day.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 28.75 57.5 86.25

115

SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/20/09 7:37 A

Come on Aussiemommy - you can do it!

current weight: 136.8

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136

SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/20/09 7:36 A

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 132,544 steps. Your current daily average step count is 6,976 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 5,811 steps per day.

I took 8829 steps yesterday.

current weight: 136.8

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136

Posts: 2,150
3/19/09 9:08 P

This looks like a really great challenge! *IF* I ever manage to get back on track again, I think I will give it a shot!

SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/19/09 6:02 A

9464 steps yesterday.

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 123,715 steps. Your current daily average step count is 6,873 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 5,941 steps per day.

current weight: 136.8

141 139.75 138.5 137.25

136

SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/18/09 11:11 A

Looks like we're walking at about the same pace. Watch out for a dip in the trail ahead. I saw a skunk nearby a patch of rock.

current weight: 136.8

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136

Posts: 530
3/18/09 9:29 A

Since beginning your trail on March 7, you have taken a total of 79,735 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,248 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 18, you must take an average of 6,019 steps per day.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 28.75 57.5 86.25

115

SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/18/09 5:54 A

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 114,251 steps. Your current daily average step count is 6,720 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 6,080 steps per day.

The dogs have little booties on their feet for protection.

Edited by: SANDRA-G at: 3/18/2009 (05:56)

current weight: 136.8

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Posts: 528
3/17/09 12:33 P

Well, BobbiSue and Acurachick - you have inspired me, and now that I have downloaded Microsoft Streets and Trips, I'm off to Alaska! I'm simply going to count ANY miles I generate, whether at the gym on an elliptical; on my bicycle, walking, or kayaking. But I think I'll track it as a blog, since I can add pictures taken when we did this trip for real, in 2006 (that's how I know it's 9,065 miles from my house to Alaska and back...LOL!)

Best wishes on your hike!!!!

Deb

SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/17/09 5:50 A

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 105,066 steps. Your current daily average step count is 6,566 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 6,199 steps per day.

Falling behind on my steps. Hitting the treadmill this afternoon.

current weight: 136.8

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136

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Posts: 2,438
3/16/09 5:45 P

I love your imagination! Are you sure you're not my sister?

Also, would love to have one of your water bikes. Looks like a lot of fun!

current weight: 136.8

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Posts: 528
3/16/09 4:21 P

Thanks for the invite, BobbiSue!! But I'm going to steal this concept, and with the help of Google Earth and Microsoft Streets and Trips - I think I want to ride my bicycle (when I get it) to Alaska....LOL!! Virtually, of course

Deb

SparkPoints: (25,252)
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Posts: 2,438
3/16/09 5:22 A

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 99,582 steps. Your current daily average step count is 6,638 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 6,170 steps per day.

I pretty much took yesterday off.

current weight: 136.8

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136

Posts: 530
3/15/09 11:01 A

Since beginning your trail on March 7, you have taken a total of 67,379 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,486 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 18, you must take an average of 5,848 steps per day.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 28.75 57.5 86.25

115

SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/15/09 8:21 A

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 95,885 steps. Your current daily average step count is 6,848 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 6,084 steps per day.

current weight: 136.8

141 139.75 138.5 137.25

136

SparkPoints: (25,252)
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Posts: 2,438
3/14/09 12:15 P

Come on and walk it with me! It's not as cold up here on the Iditarod as long as you keep walking for warmth. But of course, you know that from living as far north as you do.

current weight: 136.8

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Posts: 528
3/14/09 10:23 A

Bobbisue - you ROCK!!!! Keep on hiking!!

Deb

SparkPoints: (25,252)
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Posts: 2,438
3/14/09 8:00 A

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 89,553 steps. Your current daily average step count is 6,888 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 6,093 steps per day.

current weight: 136.8

141 139.75 138.5 137.25

136

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Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/13/09 4:58 A

I'm approaching McGrath on the Itidarod Trail.

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 82,917 steps. Your current daily average step count is 6,909 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 6,110 steps per day.

current weight: 136.8

141 139.75 138.5 137.25

136

SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/12/09 5:48 A

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 77,231 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,021 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 6,095 steps per day.

I will have to climb 3771 ft at the highest elevation at Rainy Pass.

current weight: 136.8

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136

Posts: 530
3/11/09 8:54 A

Since beginning your trail on March 7, you have taken a total of 35,769 steps. Your current daily average step count is 8,942 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 18, you must take an average of 6,062 steps per day.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 28.75 57.5 86.25

115

SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/11/09 5:16 A

Iditarod Trail 1131 miles

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 70,461 steps. Your current daily average step count is 7,046 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 6,118 steps per day.

current weight: 136.8

141 139.75 138.5 137.25

136

SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/10/09 5:08 A

Since beginning your trail on March 1, you have taken a total of 61,711 steps. Your current daily average step count is 6,856 per day. To complete your trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, you must take an average of 6,196 steps per day.

Mush, hike, let's go team!

current weight: 136.8

141 139.75 138.5 137.25

136

SparkPoints: (25,252)
Fitness Minutes: (28,522)
Posts: 2,438
3/9/09 7:59 A

My trail is the Iditarod

Since beginning my trail on March 1, I have taken a total of 56,510 steps. My current daily average step count is 7,063 per day. To complete the trail by the end of the Challenge on April 12, I must take an average of 6,166 steps per day.

Edited by: SANDRA-G at: 3/9/2009 (08:00)

current weight: 136.8

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136

Posts: 530
3/8/09 5:33 P

Kathie - I am right there with you! Things have been really busy and stressful and I haven't been putting my full attention to my exercise or eating habits.

I am doing the Ididarod trail to get into the swing of tracking my steps. I found a great pedometer at Target which wasn't too expensive and wear it all day!

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Posts: 109
3/8/09 3:44 P

Karyn - thanks for the great info - I have fallen of the wagon recently and I think this is just the kick I need!!
Kathie

Pounds lost: 15.5

0 14 28 42

56

Posts: 18,427
3/7/09 11:31 A

Thanks for sharing.

Pounds lost: 11.3

0 16.65 33.3 49.95

66.6

Posts: 530
3/7/09 11:05 A

Thank you to BobbieSue for the great idea and information for this thread!

As we approach Spring, let's focus on how many steps we can take and enjoy the improving weather. There are two options with the challenge:

1. The most fun! is to sign up for any one of the interactive trails at AOM:

aom2.americaonthemove.org/home.aspx

If you've never done this before, you'll need to register with the site and choose to register with a Group. PLEASE USE REGISTRATION CODE # RSP91812 WHEN YOU ARE ASKED IF YOU HAVE ONE. THIS WILL AUTOMATICALLY PUT YOU IN THE SPARK STEPPERS GROUP ON THAT SITE.

Click on the first link "Join Now" and follow the instructions. It's free and secure.

Choose a start date and pick a trail you'd like to try. Most trails are a 42 day trail and each trail offers a different challenge to the number of steps each day.

Posting from AOM is easy. Each day when you log in and enter your steps, you're shown your progress on the trail. Below the map is a summary of how many total steps & "miles" you've traveled. Just hold down your left mouse button to highlight this text, press CTRL+C (copy), log out of AOM, come here, and paste your day's progress in a post (CTRL+V on your keyboard).

2. set a goal for yourself ... how many steps or miles can you walk in a day, a week, or in the course of the 6 week challenge? Then simply keep track of your progress and record your stats daily.

It's easiest if you have a pedometer that you can wear all day to do this,

For those of you who prefer NOT to use the AOM site, just set up a template for yourself that will allow you an easy way to keep track of your accumulated steps.

So let's see this challenge through the 42 days from your starting point and get Stepping into Spring! Feel free to reply to the link with the trail you are doing and your progress :-)

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