Texas A&M AgriLife Offers Walking Programs
Looking for a fun way to stay active while exploring Texas’ rich history? Or maybe you simply want to get your kids moving while learning the value of teamwork? Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s walking programs offer just that — engaging and fun fitness challenges that are perfect for families, friends, and co-workers alike.
Walk Across Texas: This program invites teams of up to eight members to collectively “walk” the 832 miles across Texas over an eight-week period. Not to worry, though – you don’t have to lace up your sneakers every single day. The miles can be logged through various activities like gardening, cycling, or even the ever-popular pickleball.
Walk Across Texas Youth: Inspired by Walk Across Texas, this challenge is tailored to kids and teens who get to team up to log miles through activities like walking, biking, or running within their own communities. It’s a flexible, fun way for younger participants to stay active, build healthy habits, and experience the benefits of teamwork.
Walk Through Texas History: For history buffs and fitness lovers, Walk Through Texas History is the ultimate blend of education and exercise. Over a four-week period, teams embark on a virtual journey across historic monuments, with each mile logged contributing to an exploration of significant moments in Texas history, transforming your fitness routine into a historical adventure.
To learn more about these programs, visit howdyhealth.tamu.edu/programs.
Walking Across Williamson County
Walk Across Texas is a great way to stay active while motivating and connecting with your neighbors as well as building a little friendly competition, says Katie Sindac, a Williamson County Extension Agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. “It’s just really fun to do it with your family, coworkers, and friends. You’re not just getting exercise — you’re getting that moral support as well.”
The current challenge began in September and runs through November 21. Whether you’re walking, cycling, gardening, or playing the ever-popular pickleball, every mile counts. Last year, the county-wide event drew 22 teams and 148 participants who collectively logged a staggering 31,527 miles. Each team has a captain to help keep everyone on track and accountable, and there is even a midway event where participants can meet up in person, share stories, and swap tips for squeezing in those extra steps. An avid gardener, Katie was excited to see that gardening was a popular activity for several teams, including her own AgriLife Extension county office, during the previous challenge in the spring.
One of the things she loves hearing about is how the program gets people away from their desks. “They will tell me, ‘I was constantly at my desk but because of this program, I was able to push myself and get away from the desk and walk outside.’ Plus, it encourages the whole family — when kids see their parents walking or exercising, it pushes them to do that too.”
To register and learn more about Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Williamson County Extension Office’s next Walk Across Texas challenge in March, visit williamson.agrilife.org/walk-across-texas.