I admit it.  Attempting to adopt a healthier lifestyle isn’t always fun.  I’d much rather pop a Lindor Truffle (preferably white chocolate) into my mouth than a carrot.  I want the red meat (rare) much more than the fish (and if I have to have the fish, I’d much rather have it fried than grilled or, heaven forbid, poached). 

Wearing a pedometer, however, can be fun, and, for people like me, pretty easy to get used to doing each day.  The pedometer acts as my conscience, prompting me to make choices that will increase the number of steps I’m taking which, in turn, leads to an increase in  my overall activity level.  It doesn’t require me to pay a gym membership and then carve an extra hour out of my day to exercise.  It doesn’t require me to change my eating habits…but, the funny thing is, when I’m actively adding steps to my day I’m less likely to reach for those truffles.

The Fifth Third River Bank Run is currently offering the 10,000 Steps Challenge — completely free of charge!   Simply sign up online at http://www.53riverbankrun.com/training/t1/10-000-steps.php or through a paper entry form (available at any Fifth Third Banking Center).  Upon receipt of your registration, we’ll mail you a pedometer (yes, your very own conscience to get and keep you stepping), a 12 week walking schedule, water bottle, chapstick and a $3 discount coupon for the Fifth Third 5K Community Walk on Saturday, May 8.

So, no excuses.  The 10,000 Steps Challenge isn’t too expensive — did I mention that it is free of charge?  It won’t take a lot of your time — simply clip the pedometer to your waist and go about your regular activity.  And it will provide you with an easy way to get just a little healthier — a step in the right direction for all of us.