I watched the TV clip and it was terrific. You guys are off and running! I think that the TV station did a good job of writing the story, or editing the story that you told.

When you walk around the mall, you'll get more than you bargained for: A leg up on fitness. Mall walking is a perfect way to make exercise feel less like a chore and more a part of daily life. Shopping centers are heated in winter, air-conditioned in summer, safe, well lit, and free of snapping dogs and pollen. Not only will you burn calories and tone your legs, if you maintain good posture when you walk, you'll give your abs a workout. Keep yourself straight up while holding in your ab muscles; every step becomes a mini sit-up. Most of us lean forward when we walk, but we can catch ourselves easily at the mall: Just check your posture in your reflection in the windows.

Thank you once again.

It's been a lot of help to get started with some type of program that doesn't involve running right away. I have had 3 stress fractures in about 13 months and can not do any running this year. This has been a help to watch the miles accumulate on this site as I am developing a base for marathon training (for a fall marathon-walking). I only log miles that I have walked as part of an exercise period. I walk about 2-3 miles at work but do not count this. I like the option of setting the goals of walking across each state. It makes it a bit more of a challenge and fun.

Thanks for the great site and keep up the good work.

Every goal is first recognized by a challenge. When we accept that challenge and strive to achieve that goal we will  be successful in our accomplishments ... walk on HEALTHWALKERS!

What a great "March Madness" special event. It was tough knowing that we had to work hard to compete Elle's team in the final round, but we pulled through. I sent my email address to my teammates (through Healthwalkers) which allowed us to email encouragement to each other. It really helped when we had to all pull our weight in the final round. In the future, it would be good when we sign up to indicate if our email address is sent to our teammates automatically. I am really glad this occurred.

Also, I have been wanting to have shirts, hats etc. available for purchase with the Healthwalkers logo on it. I submitted an email to a source of these types of items to see what is available and the costs. When I find out more information on them, I'll pass it along.

Go Healthwalkers. Thanks for a great contest and for all the encouragements that it created to walk more with diligence.

I like this March Madness walking challenge.  I just saw it today.  The weather here has been bad, plus I have had to work late.  I walked today and was logging my miles when I saw the competition.  It was a pleasant surprise.  This website has been an inspiration to keep me walking.  I am telling my friends about it also. To everyone who has reached their first 100 mile goal congratulations. I hope to be there soon.

I read about a program called "Exercise Across America" offered through another program. I checked on their website, but it looked to bureaucratic for me. I wanted something simple. Their program uses a logbook and you pick a state to walk across. A small state would be for beginners and a large state for an advanced walker. I then started browsing and found your website. Much more simpler and easier to use.  I like the way you have set up your "Walk Across America" program.

Ellie has been a great motivator for me. I read about her in our newspaper the first year of Healthwalkers and decided that I, too, could walk. She has motivated me by staying on top of the list and also by personally encouraging me by e-mail.

I have been going to Weight Watchers 2 years tomorrow. By walking, riding a bike, exercising and physical therapy I have needed to do I have become more athletic - at 56 years of age! Of course, diet also plays an important role. I have learned how to eat healthy and try to walk every day.

The total amount of weight I have lost because of all these factors is about 72 pounds as of yesterday. I still have at least 24 more pounds to go, but I KNOW I can reach my goal.

Healthwalkers has kept me accountable for recording activities and trying to maintain a status on the front page, even though I've had some surgeries and some medical problems during this time period. I also challenged one HW member to a goal to be higher on the first page by Dec. 10, 2005. I did win the challenge, but I actually think we both won because we are both more active because of this. By challenging her I have also gained a long-distance e-mailing friend.

Keep up the good work!

Thank you, Healthwalkers!