Willamette Valley Relay — Exclusively for Walkers
July 14-15, 2006
Champoeg State Park to Alton Baker Park, Eugene

If you think Lewis & Clark had an adventure. . . you, too, can twist and turn your way through the scenic Willamette Valley on a beautiful summer day with your own exploration party.

What better way to experience the beauty of the Willamette Valley and an opportunity to share in the fun and camaraderie of the Northwest’s longest walk-only relay, than participate in the Wonders of Walking (WOW) Willamette Valley Relay. Giving walkers events where they have a chance to shine is the motivation behind WOW.

“Looking forward to doing it again next year. We all had a great time. Thanks for organizing an event for just walkers. It ROCKS!” — John, 2005 WVR participant

“The Willamette Valley Relay was an awesome event for our new and experienced walkers. The team couldn't quit talking about how much fun we had and are looking forward to future Wonders of Walking events.” — Donna, 2004 WVR participant

“Thanks for the opportunity to experience the Willamette Valley Relay. It was wonderful. We had a ball and it was so well organized and safe. We thought it would be our last year as a group, but are now excited about next year and the fact that ALL of us should train and do it again.” — Margaret, 2005 WVR participant

Teams consist of 8 to 12 members made up of friends, family members, or colleagues from work, school, church, or social clubs. In 2005, participants ranged in ages from 16 to 78 years old, traveling from nine states and Canada.

Relay legs vary in length of 3.1 to 8.8 miles. WVR offers walkers a unique non-compete category, Walk Our Way, for walking their pace and distance. Competitive teams adhere to the rotational guidelines of the relay. WOW caters to walkers exclusively in each of its events: Willamette Valley Relay, Sisters Stride into Autumn, and Pumpkin Caper.

Want to Join a Team or Looking For Team Members?
Try their team matching. Two teams were created and several other individuals were placed on existing teams in 2005. We have a listing of people who are looking to be on a team. Send an email with your preferences for gender, age, pace, and any other requirement to wvrteammatching@wondersofwalking.com.

Want to Volunteer?
If you would like to volunteer, send an email to info@wondersofwalking.com. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Providence Brain Institute.

Wonders of Walking celebrates the health benefits, the competitive opportunities, and the recreational aspect of walking.

To register or for more information, visit
www.wondersofwalking.com

Southwest Washington Medical Center’s Passport to Wellness program has expanded with additional walks, classes, and health talks offering something for everyone. If you are committed to getting into shape but don’t know where to start or are just looking for that extra motivation come check out Passport to Wellness. Participate in community events, strengthen your health knowledge, have fun, make new friends, and get moving.

New events and classes include a self-guided Farmer’s Market Walk, the Multiple Sclerosis Walk, and Super Food! Super You! a nutrition class sponsored by Wild Oats Market that helps you incorporate power foods and healthy eating into a healthy lifestyle. And of course some of your favorite events are back including: the International Discovery Walk, March of Dimes Walkamerica, America’s Walk for Diabetes, American Heart Walk, River Walk, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and the Komen Race for the Cure.

Passport to Wellness is a series of partnerships and programs targeted at helping you improve overall health and wellness. Classes and lectures are offered to introduce you to a physical health program, improve your diet, identify risk factors for stroke, osteoporosis, share ways to minimize the common maladies of aging, and maintain an active lifestyle. Lectures also target women’s health, building a stronger body, understanding what diets work and which one’s don’t, and the importance of getting a good night’s sleep.

Participants can earn gifts and special discounts throughout the year. Complete all the walks and you are eligible for a grand prize.

It’s never too late to get on the path to wellness. To receive your Passport visit www.swmedicalcenter.com/passport or call 360-514-3105.

Lacamas Lake Road Race
On Monday, May 29 (Memorial Day), the 3rd Annual Lacamas Lake road race event takes place in Camas, WA. This year’s event, hosted by Fit Right Northwest and presented by Southwest Washington Medical Center, includes the traditional 10-mile walk and run, along with the addition of a 5-kilometer walk and run.

The Lacamas Lake 10-mile and 5k walk and run begins and ends on the track at Camas High School. The initial part of the course winds its way around the north shore of Lacamas Lake. This gradual downhill and then flat portion of the course is paved and offers participants breathtaking views of the lake. While walking along the tree-lined course, the natural surroundings will make you forget that you are in a race-like atmosphere. As you approach the halfway point, the paved surface turns into a well-groomed dirt surface that has excellent footing. There are a few gradual hills that take you alongside the lakeshore. The only major hill in this race is, of course, the last half mile, which takes you up to Camas High from the lake. Ask previous years’ participants and they will all agree that the course surroundings are worth it.

As always, this event is well organized and accommodating to walkers of all ability levels. Participants will find aid stations every two miles along this well-marked and volunteer-guided course. Benefits include live music, coffee, bagels, and more. This year’s event, like the last, will include a group warm-up presented by the owners of Northwest Personal Training & Fitness Education, which was a hit.

For more information, please visit www.fitrightnw.com/lacamas.php or call
Fit Right Northwest at
503-525-2122 or 360-885-4556.

Team Up for America’s Walk for Diabetes
America’s Walk for Diabetes is the American Diabetes Association’s annual national walking event. More than 200,000 people nationwide lace up their walking shoes and take a walk in their community to exercise, raise awareness and money in support of its mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Walks take place in neighborhoods and parks in nearly 300 locations across the country, and routes range from one mile to six miles. The post-event festivities include a variety of entertainment and fun for the whole family.

Since 1991, nationally, America’s Walk for Diabetes has raised more than $60 million to support ADA’s mission. Locally, Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA raise more than $200,000. This has been achieved through strong support from the business community (sponsorship and teams) and other registered participants who recruit friends or co-workers to walk and raise money.

The America's Walk for Diabetes is all about the message of a healthier lifestyle among families and employers to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, promote awareness of both type 1 and 2 diabetes and to address obesity.

Visit www.diabetes.org/walk to register your team. For more information call 503-736-2770, ext. 7295 or 888-342-2383.