Walking Wonder

A few weeks ago my husband and I joined a walking challenge sponsored by our local hospital that pits us against some of the most fabulous speed walkers you have ever met. You know who I’m talking about. Stylish sweat suits, visors, jewelry, a freshly made face…yes, those ladies. One group we’re competing against (closely; we’re in the same organization) is averaging over 20,000 steps per day and they are militant. A couple of them tried to draft me into their group, but I knew better. If I had joined they would have already drawn and quartered me by now because I’m doing good to meet our team’s goal of 10,000 steps per day.

It’s a great challenge. One that, literally, anyone can participate in (they even offer wheelchair pedometers for those who need them) and it’s served to motivate me and Kevin. Both of us think that by the time it’s done we will have developed a healthy habit of walking around the neighborhood. And just a 30-minute walk each day has shown to reduce risks of a number of health issues. You can never start too early.

There was only one thing that stood between me and the challenge when we first started. I had dealt with it in the past and had never really been able to overcome this obstacle.

What daunting thing stood in front of me? Well…finding the right pedometer.

If your experience has been anything like mine, finding one was no easy task. I have tried out a number of them and I know what my dilemma is. I refuse to pay over $20 for one. I know, I know. How can I expect to get a quality piece of plastic, pendulumy craftsmanship if I’m not going to shell out the dough? Well, as a college student I chose to spend my money on other things, like antique books on eBay (the purchase of which garnered a letter from the FBI inviting me to join the witness protection program…wait, I need to tell you that story, don’t I?), Rusty’s Frozen Custard, and kitchen gadgets from IKEA with names that I am incapable of doing the tongue gymnastics that are required for pronunciation.

This time I headed to our local Academy to peruse what they had to offer. Again, my goal is middle-of-the-road, not over $20, and quality. I made it out of the store with this:

It is the Sportline 340, Step and Distance pedometer. At $17.99 it comes in just under my spending limit. After setting my stride length (exactly 24 inches for those that may be curious; I’m a short-legged little thing) I was off and racking up the steps.

This is the best pedometer I have ever owned. I check it for accuracy a few times per day and so far it hasn’t failed. The battery is still alive (I’ve heard of different pedometers needing to be changed regularly) and the best thing of all? It’s durable. I have dropped this thing countless times. It’s what I do. If you are making a product that I am going to hold in my hands it needs to be able to withstand being dropped on concrete. Seriously, it happens a few times every day. The front cover has popped off a couple of times when I dropped it, but I pop it right back on and go on my merry way.

Thank you, Sportline, for making a pedometer that meets all my needs, doesn’t count a walk across the room as 100 steps, and seems to be strong enough to endure whatever I throw at it. Next time I may even upgrade to the 955 Women’s Pedometer Watch. You heard me right, I might actually spend over $20. I’m sold.

I don’t know Sportline. Sportline doesn’t know me. But I love this pedometer and want the world to know!

Related posts:

1. Taking care of myself
2. 23 Things That Happened in My 23rd Year
3. Might bypass the pudding.