University News

Western Walks 2008

April 21, 2008

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MACOMB, IL -- It's that time of year again. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and your body -- and mind -- is in need of an energy boost after a long winter. Get that boost through Western Illinois University's "Western Walks," a program designed to help WIU employees incorporate physical fitness into their daily routine.

The Spring 2008 "Western Walks" campaign will begin Monday, April 28 and will run through Friday, May 2. Starting from the University mall, directly north of the University Union, WIU faculty, staff and administrators are encouraged to take a leisurely stroll -- or a brisk walk -- along one of Western's 12 designated walking trails between 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and/or at 4:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12:15-1 p.m. Friday. Students from Cathy McMillan's Senior Seminar (KIN 401) will lead the walking groups; participants can choose a slower, shorter walk or a longer, faster hike.

On Wednesday, April 30, Zonya Foco, a presenter from the Oprah Winfrey-Bob Greene "Best Life Challenge" 2008 Tour, will lead a walk from noon-1 p.m. following her 10:30 a.m. "Surefire Solutions for De-stressing and Balancing Your Life" presentation.

According to Vice President for Administrative Services Jackie Thompson, not only does the "Western Walks" program focus on the University's core value of personal growth, which encompasses individual health, wellness and personal responsibility, the Spring 2008 program is serving as a springboard to gain more awareness for the 2008-09 Universitywide theme of health and wellness.

During the "Western Walks" week, T-shirts will be given away, healthy snacks and refreshments will be served and employees will receive health information and walking-related accessories. There will also be daily drawings for an iPod shuffle and high-quality pedometers. WIU-Quad Cities staff will participate in "Western Walks" activities designed for that campus.

McMillan's senior students have created new podcasts for the wellness program. While last year's class created podcasts that discussed the trails and various fitness tips, this year's group has created podcasts focusing on healthy lifestyle and exercise guidelines.

Walking paths around campus include Rocky's Run (one-half mile); Horrabin Hike (one-half mile); North Side Trail (one mile); Thompson Triangle (one-quarter mile; accessible); Lake Ruth Circle (one-quarter mile); South Side Trail (one mile); Sallee-Tillman Trail (one-half mile); Western Way (one-half mile); Sherman Way (one-quarter mile); Lamoine Circuit (three-quarter mile); Campus Tour (two- and one-quarter miles); and Central Circle (three-quarter mile; accessible). Signage will be installed designating each route.

"We encourage campus departments to allow employees to participate, dress casually and wear or bring their walking shoes during the 'Western Walks' program. We invite all employees, regardless of their age or fitness levels, to participate," said Director of Human Resources Pam Bowman.

To download podcasts, go to www.wiu.edu/coehs/podcast/podcasting/KIN401.html

"Western Walks" is a part of Western Well, a wellness initiative for Western employees. For more information on "Western Walks" or the Employee Wellness Program, contact Human Resources at 309/298-1971.


Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing