Let’s Check In With Bruce

Every evening before I go to bed, I check my FitBit to see how many steps I was able to take on that day. I do the math and figure out my totals, since this year’s SparkPittsburgh Step Challenge began. Of course an easy way for me to check is to go to the step challenge website and find that I have taken more than 170,000 steps so far. My goal for average steps per day is higher, so I will have to find new ways to step up my game.

 

I cranked up my new FitBit on day one of the challenge and have been seeking ways to increase my activity level. I have always taken turns with my wife Anne to walk our dog Maizey. I try to do this more often, going for longer walks. I think Maizey likes that. When I go anywhere, I park further away than is necessary. Every extra step helps. I have been hampered by a hamstring injury, but I think I am now ready to get back on the tennis court.

 

Last week I attended the American Heart Association of Western PA board meeting in Pittsburgh. I called in from Vancouver, since my wife and I were taking a fun set of excursions (more about that later). The hour was early in Western Canada while I listened across three time zones. As usual, I was inspired by the passion and enthusiasm of the local board and of the AHA in general. They are a relentless force for the improvement of health, education and well-being in general. Taking action early to prevent hypertension and heart disease is critically important, and the link between the Step Challenge and the AHA Heart Walk is a great thing.

 

About Vancouver…….My wife Anne and I decided to go for a quick visit, since we had never seen the city before. We used the opportunity fully to get our steps in. We walked most places. We rented bikes. We combed the beaches, looking for sea glass. We took a float plane tour. Okay, we did not get any steps during the flight, but we sure did see some incredible scenery. The picture I chose for today is of me standing in front of the Lion’s Gate bridge during our day-long jaunt.

 

I hope that you are finding new and unique ways to get your steps in. I love checking on the leader boards to see how companies and individuals are doing. My company Covestro has moved up a spot with more than 4 million steps so far. I am proud to be a part of this challenge and know we can do more!

 

Stepping up,

 

Bruce