WalkQuestVol5

Hi Friends,

The vision for Wonders of Walking is to provide unique experiences that celebrate walking with family and friends, increase health awareness and embrace community.

As we approach the final two months of 2006, Wonders of Walking has successfully hosted three full years of walk-only events that celebrate the many benefits of walking, the community of those who love to walk, and the accomplishments of all our participants. New in 2006, the WOW Walk Club hosted by REI – Portland was launched in March, as was a bi-yearly 5K, 10K, Half Marathon Training program for walkers.

We thank our participants, volunteers, club members, supporters and sponsors for embracing Wonders of Walking, as we look forward to 2007.

WOW is proud to make donations to The Providence Brain Institute (WVR and Pumpkin Caper), Family Access Network (Sisters Stride), and Kevin Johnson Memorial Fund (Sisters Stride).

Happy Walking!

Judy

2007 WOW Events

Willamette Valley Relay

July 13 - 14, 2007

Sisters Stride Into Autumn

September 23, 2007

Pumpkin Caper

October 21, 2007

WVR REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Willamette Valley Relay will take place on July 13 and 14, 2007.

To download the registration form, click here.

Stay tuned to www.wondersofwalking.com for WVR 2007 updates!

Incentive!

Bring in a new team by January 15 and receive 20% off your team's registration!

Or, bring in a new team by March 15 and receive 10% off your team's registration!

New teams must have at least seven (10 - 12 member team) or five members

(8 - 9 member team) registered and never have participated in the relay before.

Don't worry if you register and your recruited team registers later,

WOW will issue you a 'rebate' check.

Inaugural teams

Reserve your team's number with a deposit of $100, postmarked by 12/31/2006.

Want to help spread the word?

Let us know, and we'll provide rack cards for distribution to you.

WALKING TIPS

Cold Weather Training Tips

On a windy, cold day, always start your walk headed into or against the wind. You will quickly determine if it is too cold or windy to walk.

Hydrate. It is as important to replace body fluids when exercising in the cold as it is in the heat. Although sweating is less marked in cold environments, fluid losses through breathing during exercise in the cold can be more pronounced than in warm air. Not only is water lost as vapor in exhaled air, but the kidneys increase urine production in the cold.

The best to way to dress for cold or wet weather walking is in layers, and be careful not to over-dress.

Torso. Clothing is best worn in several thin layers rather than a heavy coat or bulky sweater or both. Polypropylene and Coolmax are two fabrics which work well next to your skin. They keep you warm and release excess heat. Water, sweat, is ‘wicked’ to the outside and away from your skin, thereby keeping you warmer. Consider adding thermal long underwear, turtlenecks, and a nylon windbreaker to your Christmas list.

Head and Hands. Wear a hat and gloves, keeping your head and hands covered. Remember, a significant amount of heat can be lost through the scalp.

For more helpful walking tips, check out the Fitness Tips Section at www.erofit.com

SISTERS STRIDE INTO AUTUMN RECAP!

way on the Peterson bike trails through the beautiful and scenic Deschutes National Forest. We had walkers ranging from 10-67 years old who came from the north in Lake Forest Park, WA to communities in Oregon as far south as Klamath Falls and as far east as Richmond, VA. We also had many participants from the Central Oregon cities of Bend, Sisters, Camp Sherman, Madras, Redmond, and Prinville. We had five states represented in this year’s event – Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Virginia, and Tennessee! We’d like to extend a BIG thanks to the Sisters Athletic Club for hosting this event at their beautiful facilities and a HUGE thanks to Janet Brockway of Bedouin, Brad Smith of Paulina Springs Books, Nadean & Rick Murray of The Pony Express and Team Bookin Babes for their generous donations!

of walking which were reflected in this year’s walk – competitive, judged racewalking, Nordic pole walkers, Volkswalkers, casual walkers and families with kids were all represented. All finishers received a special Pumpkin Caper medallion medal and those that requested it received a cool, “glow in the dark” Pumpkin Caper t-shirt. Participants were treated to a wide variety of raffle gifts with a special grand prize raffle of a free overnight stay at the Marriott Courtyard. We want to thank all the supporters who helped make this event a success through their support or raffle items: REI, Marriott Courtyard, Jamba Juice, Atheleteslounge.com, and Walk About magazine. We had a wide variety of costumes this year with the grand prize going to Carol Reed, for her blow-up Turkey costume.

“Thank you so much for organizing the Pumpkin Caper. This is the first year that my mother-in-law and I participated and we had so much fun we are going to add it to our "to do list" for next year. We appreciate all of the hard work that you and your team put into organizing these healthy events! Keep up the great work.”

WOW and the participants all want to send a big THANK YOU to all our volunteers and supporters (REI, Marriott Courtyard, Jamba Juice, Atheleteslounge.com, Fit Right NW, NW Foot and Ankle Clinic and Walk About magazine) who, without them, an event like this can not happen!