Inspirational Stories

Serials Specialist - Mortensen Library

Wild Women Walkers

The Hawk Walk event really got me to notice just how little exercise I was getting each day -- especially on weekdays, where my job has me planted at my desk for most of the day.  Since I've started tracking my exercise, I've been able to set numerical goals for myself, and can confirm that I AM meeting those goals, where previously, I simply had a vague idea as to how much exercise I got, and hoped that I was getting enough.

Over the past couple years, I've slowly gained about 15 pounds.  Maybe it's because I've hit that age where metabolism slows down (I was warned this would happen!!); maybe it's because 2 years ago I began dating a wonderful man, which caused me to gain some "now I'm really happy!" weight.  (For me, the side effects of being really happy include getting less exercise and eating more food - go figure).  All I know is, I've been noticing my weight gain trend, and have wanted to stop it.  Since starting the Hawk Walk, I've lost 4 pounds.  I definitely plan to continue getting the same amount (or more!) of exercise after this event has ended.

The Women's Education and Leadership Fund, Inc.

Wild Woman Walkers

I have become obsessed with increasing the number of steps I take each day!  I reach for my pedometer first thing when I get out of bed and I wear until the last moment before returning to bed at night (heaven forbid I miss recording any steps…7 steps from my bureau to the bed!). January and February are usually my most sedate months and now I find myself finding excuses to get in extra steps – I park at the far end of parking lots, take the long way to my destination, and even take an extra spin around the mall after I am done with my shopping chores. I am even rejoicing in my daily walk from A Lot to Dana Hall – even when it was 5 degrees outside! I have found that the short extra walks throughout the day add up quickly and I have almost doubled the number of steps I take daily. 

The other bonus of this program is that fun I have had comparing steps with the other walkers around campus. I cannot think of anything in the past few years that have brought so many people together on campus for a common purpose.  It is hard to believe that the program is almost over – and that I have to accept that I’ll never catch up with Fred Jenoure…

Finance & Administration

Kick-A Team

My story actually starts back in May of 2008 when I started walking at lunch time and would try to do this every day. Also I was watching what I was eating and cutting out the junk food. So by the time the Hawk Walk started I had already lost 40 lbs. As of today I have lost a total of 60 lbs. and I continue doing the same routine. All of this has also motivated my husband to be more active and exercise and now he has started to lose weight as well so at night we exercise together.

Special Events Coordinator

UWalk Daily

Running had always been the one thing I was fairly good at. Algebra, geometry, chemistry ... Not so much. But running was something I really had a passion and drive for. Then sometime during college I lost that passion. I think it may have been a combination of not having anyone to run with, no major motivation to run, and just being lazy. 

Through the help of the University of Hartford and those employees who got me involved in the Hawk Walk I was able to see my full potential and strive to do something bigger than I'd ever done before. The Hawk Walk has kept me motivated to continue running every day for the 10K in Puerto Rico I am training for. It helped me to set goals and strive for higher numbers every week.

Finance & Administration

Kick-A Team

The Hawk Walk has benefited me beyond just the exercise. It has enabled me to know my 3rd floor colleagues better, as well as a few people from other areas.

ENHP

Educated, Nurturing and Happy Professionals

I choose to walk at 6:00 a.m. each morning and one dark morning a town employee stopped his truck and asked if he supplied me with a reflective vest to wear while walking would I consider wearing the vest. It is very important when walking to be aware of safety issues. His suggestion has given me an awareness of being safe while doing my daily walking.

Financial Affairs

Fred's Slippers

Since starting the Hawk Walk, I have increased my workouts from 3-4 a week to 6-7 a week and become more aware of watching what I eat. Also, instead of watching TV on the couch, I step, jump and dance to keep moving. My kids have taken up the art of pretending to be mom jumping around the house - it's fun!

Office of Communication

UWalk Daily

I too was once a sedimentary sufferer. Actually my competition didn't start this past January, but 4 years ago. My weight was out of control, I didn't know what a normal portion of food was, and I certainly didn't feel like exercising. After a bought of restless sleep and being a month out from the Manchester Road Race I decided I would challenge myself to run in one of the largest "Turkey Trots" in the country. Heck, I knew I could at least walk 5 miles, so what was so hard about adding a little bounce to my step. Boy, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Training in the morning was brutal and running outside in the Spring was worse. I eventually completed the Manchester and went on to run my first marathon the following May. That fall I started a running charity that called Team MAD (Making A Difference). During this time a few phrases stuck with me as I ran, "Slow and steady wins the race!" and "Everything is impossible until it is done." During this time I avoided keeping track of my weight and how long it took me to complete my distances. My sole objective was to feel good and not worry about my numbers. I figured my health would automatically improve with time, so no biggy keeping track. Well, 4 years later and I'm still running, but I'm now keeping track of my steps. I can't believe how much this walk has taught me about myself, my health, and the competitive spirit on this campus. I had no idea the average person was suppose to walk 10,000 steps, and that it was very hard to achieve. I also didn't know that one has to burn 3,500 calories a week to burn a pound of fat. Amazing! Since I have been running I thought this competition would be easy. I now see that I have room for improvement, especially when I match myself to Fred Jenoure :) I'm very happy that so many people have stepped out of their comfort zones to do this, and encourage everyone to continue to do so. You'll feel better, be more productive, and overall happier. Great work everyone!

Athletics

Kick-A Team

I am very happy that HRD decided to introduce this program to the campus community.  My hope that it will continue after these 5 or 6 weeks are over.  It is nice to see people walking around campus, and that you can tell they are walking because they have signed up for this program.  This program has done a lot for me as well.  I have lost 1/2 inch around my entire core area in the month of January.  I am looking forward to the end of Feb. to see if I have lost a bit more around my core.  I did have someone notice that I lost weight at the last basketball game.  It is always nice when someone notices because it verifies your hopes!  What I do to keep myself motivated is not by checking what others have done, I just try to walk more steps then I did each day in the pervious week even if it is just a few.  Since I am a part of a team, I have made time to do what has been asked of me and I am grateful for that.  I actually really enjoy walking the campus around noon time.  I have a chance to hear the campus chatter in between classes.  I have watched the snow piles melted down to almost nothing.  And I have said hello to fellow walkers.  All good.

I hope more people get out and walk.  It is enjoyable exercise.  It doesn't have to be competitive among others, like it isn't for me. But it is just a program to get you out there and start.

Financial Affairs

Fred's Slippers

Since the Hawk Walk started I have become addicted to my Wii Fit. Instead of reading magazines and eating bon-bons, I am dominating my household in yoga, bowling, and tennis. Thank you Hawk Walk!

Libraries

Morty Maniacs

I had begun to start walking and doing my best to reeducate myself about nutrition and exercising last November. My goal was to consume less fat, but increase fruits and grains, etc. and walk 30 minutes a day. But, as with all good intentions, I began to slack on the part of exercising due to the snow and ice storms. And then Alison recommended me to become involved with the Wellness Committee and the University’s Walking Competition. I became more diligent about exercising, and nutrition seemed to follow naturally once the weight loss started.

So, everyday I take my walk to the Sports Center, walk and run a mile on the treadmill as fast as I can. I increased my speed so that I can now walk/run a mile in 13.1 minutes; I started at 16.. I’m exhausted when I finish and take the walk back to work to recuperate. The afternoon then seems to fly by with lots of energy and new ideas.

Since November, I’ve lost nine pounds. I’m going through the ugly plateau now though. My biggest achievement is that I have decreased my blood pressure to 30 and 20 points and my pulse to 72. My doctor even took away one prescription.  I’m pretty sure the walking/running is the reason for the lower blood pressure. I can’t remember when or if I was ever this low.

Thanks Wellness Committee. It works!

Athletics

Howies Athletic Support Staff

The week before the beginning of the Hawk Walk started, I took my dog Cooper to the vet for his regular check up and he weighed in at 94 pounds. The vet told me that he was healthy, but a little over weight which could be caused by the Spring months and lack of outdoor exercise.

Since the Hawk Walk began, I was looking for new ways for me to get in extra steps and one way was to take my dog on a morning and evening walk around my neighborhood. It has given him more energy around the house and last week I took him to a self-service dog grooming place, “Dirty Dog” to give him a bath. After I tortured him with the bath and hair dryer, there was a scale that I was able to use to check his weight. He weighed in at 87 pounds and had lost 7 Pounds in about four weeks, which amazed me!

It seemed like a lot for a dog and it looked like all of the walking was paying off. So not only am I getting fit during this process, but so is my three year old black lab!

Acquisitions Specialist

More Morty Maniacs

My inspirational story is really not that inspirational but about how the program has improved my life. I have issues with RLS (restless leg syndrome) and since I have been walking more I have been having less trouble sleeping through the night. I can actually make it through the night without waking up several times during the night.

Athletics

Howies Athletic Support Staff

When this program first started I was very motivated, especially by my teammates.  I realized how little I got up from my desk and how many times I took the shorter route to avoid walking.  Simply becoming aware of my habits and the support of my team helped me to make subtle changes in how I did things.

I began with little things, I stopped walking ten steps to utilize the restrooms and opted to go downstairs and then return with a walk around the building.  Not only did this help me add steps to my day, it helped me not be as sedentary during the day.  I have found that I no longer consider taking the car to do simple errands, I walk; I don’t look for the parking spot closest to the building and I opt for stairs as opposed to an elevator.

I think the program has helped people start conversations that might not have known each other, it has united the campus and I believe it has changed my attitude.  Though I haven’t lost any marked amount of weight, due to my current lifestyle, I do feel healthier then I felt when the program first began and I am grateful for it.

Office of Communication

Walkie Talkies

I already had been going to the gym, but the Hawk Walk gives me that extra little motivation I need to go more often and to work out for a longer period of time. I also now drive right by the closest parking spot, to find one that is far away so I can increase my steps.

Student Affairs

How Do You Feel About Walking?

I don't watch much TV...I love to read. However, since we started this program, I now move the entire time I watch TV...doing dance steps, toe raises, squats, whatever and then during the commercials, I chase the dog (with ball in mouth - the dog's mouth, not mine) around the house. Mind you, I only do this when I am alone with the blinds closed and the doors locked.

Warmest regards to all you "walkers" out there.

Office of Communications

Walkie-Talkies

Is anyone else out there suffering from "pedometer fall-off?" 

Those nifty little (free) United HealthCare pedometers are pretty good, but to some degree, you get what you pay for. My biggest challenge so far has been to find a way to keep the pedometer from detaching from my clothing and either crashing and smashing or simply vanishing. Since I found that the normal, intuitive method of fastening (clipping it to the waste band of my slacks) wasn't working, I have made several failed attempts, including 

• Putting it in my pocket (It lies on its side and goes to sleep without recording.)
• Clipping it onto my pocket (It still falls off, and some slacks don't have pockets.)
• Clipping it to a belt loop (It lies on its side--see a. above)
• Attaching it to a very small key ring and then to a small carabineer hooked to my waste-band (This seemed to be working until I realized the pedometer was getting a little too much "swing" and recording phantom foot steps.)
• Clipping the pedometer inside my waste band (Short of buying a better pedometer, this seems to work best, and, as it adds an extra inch or so to the waste, may provide an added incentive for doing those crunches.)

If you have found a better solution, please put it out there.

College of A&S

Team TBD

No weight loss here! In fact I managed to gain two pounds. The nice thing about that is that I’m not upset by the weight gain. I remain encouraged to maintain my personal goal of 12,000 steps per day, and hopefully by the end of this competition I will have increased my goal to 13,000 a day.

I want to thank the Wellness Committee for coming up with this initiative. It has definitely helped get me through a long, cold Spring. I’m impressed with my team mates and their commitment to this walk. I will share some little things that I have done to make a difference in my daily steps:

• I park in the parking space farthest from my office
• When copying at the copy machine, instead of standing there waiting for the copies, I walk around the space until the copies are done
• I walk to the drug store as opposed to driving there
• When attending the basketball games I park in the same space I use for my daily office parking
• I dusted off my treadmill, although I admit I still do not use it on a regular basis – hopefully something to work toward

Manager of Student Services & Evaluation

CETA Walkers

This program makes me more conscious of the number of steps I take each day. If I haven't hit my target, I do additional steps on the elliptical machine when I get home at night.

Assistant Director of Annual Fund for Hillel

Wild Woman Walkers

Before the walking competition began, I thought that I got quite a bit of exercise, as I swim or walk on the elliptical 4-5 times a week. However, as I began wearing the pedometer, I saw just how few steps I take on a “normal” day. Even when I go on the elliptical for 25 minutes, and have it at a high degree of difficulty (level 10 or 12), it still adds only about 3000 steps to my total. And, without those visits to the gym, I was walking only 1-2 miles a day. So, this time is giving me much more awareness of how much more room there is in my life to get MORE exercise, and so stretching myself to walk in addition to those visits to the gym. I am beginning to go for walks at lunchtime, which I never did before, and to build in a long walk on the weekends.

Thank you – its been fun, and I really appreciate this incentive!

President's Office

Fred's Slippers

I can’t begin to tell you how amazing the past five weeks have been for me.  I am walking morning, noon, and night.  I am working out at the YMCA in Worcester every day of the week.  As a result of the tremendous competition I have stepped it up to two a days on Tuesday and Thursday. 

I begin my day at 5:15 AM at the YMCA prior to going to work.  I stop back at the YMCA on my way home from work.  I must say that this is no small accomplishment because most of you don’t know that I have a little less than 3 hours of a commute to and from work. 

Another small fact about me is many years ago I totally blew out my Achilles Tendon and was told that I would never walk properly again.  I overcame that major set-back and returned to playing competitive basketball.  I can’t tell you how proud I am of all of the walkers who have stuck to their goals.  This is the best things to happen to and for me in terms of working out in recent years. 

I have not tried to lose any weight but have lost over 20 pounds and now stay on the elliptical & tread mill for up to two and ½ hours at a time.  Thank you so much for this wonderful idea because I am a changed person.

Director of the Annual Fund

Wild Women Walkers

When my husband and I and our two dogs moved into our house in September- we were very excited! Once we had settled into new routines we realized how hilly it is around us. We had both stopped running (which we did every day in our apartment) and after a serious holiday season, we were seeing the physical effects. I joined the Hawk Walk and I have started walking soo much more, the dogs, walking meetings at work, I have met new people on my team, and new people to walk with at work. But I have also started running again, after walking around the hills so much the idea of running isn't as intimidating anymore. I ran three days last week and Sunday through Tuesday of this week. I feel better, the more I run, the more I want to run. It really has been a good experience.

Head Coach, X-Country and Track

Kick-A Team

The walkathon has been a lot of fun for me. I love to exercise outdoors (never on a treadmill or other ergometer- I'm very impressed with anyone that can handle that!!!). I have completed lots of marathon and ultra-marathon length races up to 120 miles. I have never had a problem motivating myself to exercise, and believe it or not, have even been called "obsessive". (smiles) I'll admit to being obsessive about what I eat, so I'm already following pretty healthy habits. However, last summer was a struggle- I tore the ligaments in my ankle while hiking and spent several weeks in a boot and then physical therapy. I was also experiencing a lot of fatigue and eventually was diagnosed with lyme disease. I finished the LONG antibiotic treatment in January, but getting back in shape was more challenging than I expected. The walkathon really motivated me, and now I'm excited to be training for another season of running and kayak racing. I've also met new people, and enjoy walking with them. I think the social part is equally important for health. Anything that makes you smile and laugh is good for you!

Coordinator of Student Services

Educated, Nurturing and Happy Professionals

I love to walk.  I've always loved to walk.  So this has been a fun challenge to set a goal of 10,000 steps a day and see how close I can get.  My 10-year-old loves to play sports and is in good shape, but isn't used to walking for walking's sake.  Well, we've been walking a half mile to school every day, walking to his basketball games at K-O, walking to playdates when we'd normally hop in the car, etc.

He actually enjoys it and it gives us more time to catch up.  We'll continue through the end of the school year.

Lucky him!

A&S

Psycho-peds

I had been walking about 3 miles a day outside plus buzzing around all day. Since the fitness walk program began, we still do the outside walking and now I have been watching any TV from the treadmill and with all of the basketball games that have been on, including a double header yesterday with the Hawks going into overtime and UCONN doing its thing, my miles have just about doubled. Not bad since the alternative is sitting and watching.

TV Studio

Morty Maniacs Team 2

I have found that a brisk prolonged walk just before lunchtime actually decreases my appetite immediately after the walk.

Administrative Assistant

Fred's Slippers

My walking story:

My almost 91 year old father lives with me and my family.  After being home alone most of the day he looks forward to my arrival.  It was going to be difficult to spend more time out of the house to increase my walking.  I found the perfect solution.  I bring dad to the mall with a wheelchair. He enjoys going around the mall and taking in all the sights.  I get more steps in and he gets out of the house.  I'm also burning more calories since I'm pushing almost 200 pounds as I'm walking. 

So if anyone wants to join me on Saturday mornings or selected evenings at Enfield Square, let me know.

Assistant Provost for Financial Planning

Fred's Slippers

Since the beginning of the Hawk Walk I have not sat down to watch TV once! Instead of sitting on the couch, I will jog in place during a program (taking a water break during commercials). It is a great way to be active yet relax.

Costume Shop Manager, Instructor

Hartt Breakers

Since the beginning of the walk, I find myself looking for opportunities to add steps:

• When out shopping, I no longer look for the closest space, but park and the far end and walk.
• Walking across campus to deliver paperwork, instead of taking the elevator, I was excited to find three floors of steps.
• Clearing snow became an opportunity to increase my steps for the week and I actually looked forward to it.
• Instead of waiting for my husband to haul wood to the wood rack on the porch, I filled the rack myself.
• Where possible, I have been frequenting the gym more regularly, riding my horse longer with more purpose, and whenever I want a snack, thinking about how long I would need to be on the elliptical machine to walk off the calories.

I feel healthier and eat better.

Associate Vice President & Treasurer

Kick-A Team

My story………………

Immediately after being drafted by the Kick-A Team, I joined the Sports Center to workout in addition to my walks at noon. Last time I joined the Sports Center was more than 6 years ago. I find myself calculating each day’s activities to insure 10,000 + steps a day.

Prior to January 5, I rarely left the third floor of the CCtr. unless I had a meeting on or off-campus. Lunch was also out of the question. Now I look forward to my morning and noon walks. I start each day (weather permitting) walking at home or around the campus before the work hour begins. On weekends I am running one lap around campus with 1 hour on the treadmill.  In addition, I do moderate weigh training with light weights and high reps.

Walking and working out draws your attention to setting and achieving your daily goals. It also makes you aware of your calorie intake. I watch how many calories I burn on a treadmill to see within 1 hour how much calorie credits I earned to balance out my daily diet. If you run or walk on a treadmill for 1 hour at a rate of 5.7- to 6.7; you can burn 400-500 calories. Here are some food examples of calories which equal the workout. A large bagel (4.5”) 360 calories, (2) slices of cheese pizza 280 calories, (1) large cake muffin 280 calories. A 45 minute workout on a treadmill gives me calorie credits to eat one muffin or 2 pieces of pizza to maintain zero. I like to call my calories earned on the treadmill “credits” to offset the food I eat.

My goal is 10,000+ steps a day along with a moderate workout. I drink more water each day with organic tea in the afternoon. By working out and earning credits for calories, I can afford a glass or two of Merlot in the evening.

Members of teams are talking about their steps and who leading each day. It’s great! Thanks…

WELFund

Wild Woman Walkers

After hearing since my arrival about the perils of parking at the University, I've noticed a relative lessening of complaints. When the walking challenge began in January, I began to park at the furthest spot from my office in my assigned lot. The return of students in late January didn't bring a change in my habits or any concern about finding a space because I was already accustomed to seeking out the "least convenient" space. More walking and less complaining is a potent combination for better over-all health! I love the enhanced feeling of community, too-we all whip out our pedometers and compare notes about our day's total!

Office of Communication

Walkie Talkies

I have to first say that joining this walking group has made me more aware of the little walking I was regularly doing. I began wearing the pedometer a week before the actual walking group started and was amazed how little steps I accumulated daily without pushing myself. The pedometer has help encourage me to reach the daily 10,000 steps goal.

It sometimes has been difficult reaching goal while working and other commitments after hours. I try to walk throughout the day whenever I can and even now park further away from my building so I can get those extra steps in. If my husband and I don’t reach goal by the evening, we sometimes stop at the mall to do a few laps and have even set up a short walking course in our house. We also have a recumbent bicycle that helps reach those needed steps.

I started with shin splints after week two. After learning from a friend what to do for them, I made sure to rest the leg for the rest of the week and then started each walk with a good stretch and ice the area when done. Shin splints aren’t fun.

I like seeing the commitment people have put into the program and often see Hawk Walkers around campus…..often taking a longer route than normal. We went to a Valentine’s Day dance on Saturday night and found how quickly those steps added up on the dance floor – fun and good for you.

The program has personally been good for me. It has made me aware of the importance to get up and move. I had bilateral knee replacement this last year and feel this extra walking has been great for my knees. Regardless, when pushing yourself a little, you feel better physically and better doing something good and positive for your health.

Assistant to Dean Fairfield-Sonn

Team Barney

Stella takes me for dog walks 4 times a day minimum. Her routine will not be denied. On those cold, cold nights and icy sidewalk days, I would have insisted we turn back early. Making my ped-o-meter reach new numbers became my reward for the long walks that Stella so enjoys. So, the dog is happy, and my jeans are more comfortable !

HRD

The Mod Squad

Life Changes...Taking Steps To Get There...

I have always been active but when I heard talk of the Hawk Walk Competition I started planning my next few months of exercise.  Before the Hawk Walk I would get up before work and work out, running about three miles every morning.  However, I knew I had to kick it up a notch in order to be among the top ten in the competition (my personal goal).  Therefore, I started getting up even earlier than before, running for longer as well as incorporating jump roping into my morning activity.  I was hoping this was a sure fire way to up my steps!  

As the weeks have progressed I have noticed that I pay attention to my steps.  When I run errands on campus I do not take the elevator, instead I take the stairs as well as the long route.  Not only do I take time out to walk some extra steps but I also try to take time to notice my surroundings, instead of rushing from one place to the next.  The past few weeks have allowed me time to reflect and really look at how passionate I am about exercise.  Not only have I continued to run everyday but I have also taken up skiing.  I have learned that I have a true passion for health and daily exercise.  Not only will I continue to work out but I plan on getting involved in marathons and making working out fun, exciting, and challenging. 

Overall I have enjoyed the Hawk Walk Competition.  It has enabled individuals from all departments on campus an opportunity to come together and interact.  The Hawk Walk made the long days of Spring more enjoyable and kept me motivated to continue to exercise and change things up!

Office of Communication

UWalk Daily

The Hawk Walk has been great and has made me more conscious how much I am getting up and moving. Whereas before I would park as close as I could to the grocery store, run in quickly and shop and if I forgot something oh well, I now park farther away - which is better for my car - less chance of getting banged by a grocery cart, and now if I am at one end of the store I think nothing of going back to the other end to get something I had forgotten. I am also when I have a meeting walking across campus instead of driving my car. At the same time that the Hawk Walk began I also started Physical Therapy for my leg, which I had injured in a bicycle accident many years before and had become very weak. The combination of the PT and walking more steps each day has made a tremendous difference, I now able to walk with my husband easily for 2 miles at a time and not having any pain. Even though the Hawk Walk ends soon I will be continue to wear my pedometer and keep track of my steps. The pedometer had now become a part of my wardrobe.