I have set a goal for myself this year! I am going to try to participate in as many 'organized walking events' as possible. The annual MS Walk in Vancouver, WA is on April 22nd and I am going to sign up. If any local BuddySlim members would like to join me, post in! We can start a team or just walk individually. There are other walks coming up as well such as The March of Dimes WalkAmerica, the Stroke/Heart Walk, and a lot of others so if the 22nd doesn't work, there are others out there. Give me a 'buzz' and we'll get together.

Dana, What an outstanding suggestion! You've got the pressure of a "public" outing to keep you motivated and at the same time you know you're doing good for others. Great combination. I'd sign up in a heart beat but I've got some cronic back and ankle problems that make betting on my walking ability problematic at best. Good luck with this. John

If you want to do organized walking events, a great resource is the American Volksport Association. The website is American Volkssport Association Walking Clubs and Walking Volksmarch Events. If you are unfamiliar with Volksmarching/porting, it is a "sport" that originated in Germany, but quickly hit momentum in the US around the late '70s early '80s. The Volksport Association has clubs in every state in the U.S., and the clubs host Volksmarches, 10k (5.2 mile) walks all over the country. You can particpate in the walks for free, or you can join the association (membership fee) which allows you to earn metals, and other prizes for each walk, as well as receive a newletter, etc. I just moved from Washington state not too long ago, and I could find a walk to do just about every weekend of the year. It was alot of fun, and you get to see lots of great cities, parks, etc. Our whole family participated. You can go at your own pace, so there is no competion involved. Just thought I would pass along the info.!