Margaret, Chris, Elsie & Ruth

Stephanie at top of Diamond Head, Hawaii

Emily of Surrey, B.C.

Lori of Victoria, B.C.

Virginia of Richfield, Utah (on left) walking with her sister on a visit to Alaska

These ladies all showed up shortly after New Years to get their winter walking in together at Mission Creek Regional Park, Kelowna BC. Here is what they said got them out for their walk: "Bored at home", "Love the Snow", "Like keeping fit all year", "Want to get rid of the Christmas pudding" and "Time to get back on a routine". Thanks for the inspiration, ladies!

"I was born in Victoria, BC and my family moved to Kelowna in 2000, as a result of my husband’s work transfer. I am the youngest of six kids (5 girls and 1 boy). We were fortunate to grow up in a happy, creative environment. With my own two kids (Becky and Jack), life keeps me busy. From running back and forth to school, hockey, swim club and piano lessons for my kids, there isn’t alot of moments of quiet. But I love it! My hobbies include walking, baking, volunteering, and reading. A dream that both my husband and I share is to travel more in the future. My family is my greatest motivation to walk regularly. To have the time to talk and get exercise is very special to us. An important rule I learnt as a child and that I have been passing on to my own kids is treat others as you would want to be treated – with love and respect."

"I was born in Victoria, BC, grew up in Richmond on the peat bog, and settled in Surrey where I worked and raised my family. I enjoy all outdoor activities, especially walking. Travelling in a van conversion and parking off road is my favourite way to see the country. My son and daughter are avid outdoor enthusiasts. When they were children, we spent our holidays camping, skiing and sailing. I have an aspiration to take walking and canal boat tours in Europe. I love forest walks. We are fortunate in Surrey to have parks such as Tynehead containing salmon streams and forest trails. Nearby Delta has the Nature Park and Watershed Park, which are fabulous. Walking with friends is what motivates me to keep up my walking. Recently, I discovered Nordic Walking, took some lessons and bought some poles. I'm hoping to meet others in Surrey who are interested in this sport."

"I was born in a small South Western New Brunswick town located on the Bay of Fundy, which was founded by my Ancestor in 1783. I am the middle child between two boys with parents who gave their children many wonderful adventurous outdoor experiences such as tobogganning, sledding, boating, canoeing, fishing, picnicking, blackberry and strawberry picking, exploration of the forests and seashores. I believe this is where my love of adventure first began. What I enjoy most about walking is that it is OUTDOORS and I love the outdoors. It can be done in the company of anyone of any age, of any fitness level, in any weather and it will always contribute to my overall health and wellbeing, no matter how leisurely or brisk. As a Fitness Instructor and Wellness Coach, I get to introduce people of all ages, fitness levels and walking and health conditions to a tailor-made, easy and health-inducing workout. It is such a joy! Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Eph. 4:1"

"I've been married to my husband, Rocky, for 32 years. We have 4 daughters and 4 1/2 grandkids. I like to walk, read, travel/cruise & sew. I use to jog in my 20's and 30's, but never liked it and never felt good after I ran. Started walking in my mid 30's with two friends. LOVED IT. Now my husband and I walk at 5:15 a.m., usually 3 miles. I also walk with a friend some afternoons for an hour. I live in a rural area so I love to walk on the dirt roads past the farms with crops and animals. The air is so clean and I always get such a feeling of gratitude for my life and health! The thing that motivates me the most is the way I feel when I've exercised versus the way I feel when I don't. First thing in the morning works best for me, because there is no interference and I have more energy. I also feel like I've done SOMETHING for myself that benefits me physically as well as emotionally, and if I don't do another productive thing all day - - - I did WALK. I try to "Live Well, Laugh Lots, Love Much".