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Selected Walk2Work Competition Entries
There were too many competition entries to display them all here, but as they were of such a high standard we would like to share some of the inspirational walking messages received as part of the competition for you to enjoy.
Walking is refreshing and a good stress reliever
"Just before reaching the shops you turn down to the beach, grab a coffee and wander the rest of the way along the beach, sun on your back, crystal clear skys, and dead flat sea. How else would you choose to start you day?????”
“I have been walking for 2 months now, my stress levels are lower, I have more energy. There has also an improvement in my overall quality of life.”
“I start for work invigorated from the fresh chill of the early morning air. And I enjoy new scenes every day over the mangrove swamp, of tide or sun or clouds, and of heron or kingfisher on the footbridge. Early morning empty city streets, starting their day with aroma of bread, teas and coffees, have an air of a stage before the main play has started. Walking is a good way to start the day.”
“I start my morning with a deep breath of fresh air, a crisp breeze, and a lightening sky. It is the perfect start to my day! I spend the time thinking, planning for the day ahead, or listening to music. By the time I get to work I am ready to tackle anything! Walking home is my chance to de-stress, reflect on the day, and have some time to myself. I get home and am ready then to focus on the family and evening tasks. I love it! It makes exercise a treat and not a chore.”
Walking connects people to their communities
“Some cultures believe walking makes streets come alive - it will be nice to feel like a community walking our streets alive, not just being commuters.”
“There is camaraderie among walkers. As we pass on our regular routes whether to work or with a walking group or with pram and toddler to the kindy, with the dog, we become acquainted. And then there are the smiles and a hello or good morning to complete strangers never seen before, some speaking little English, some working on the footpath, all bonded by being together in the open air, on our feet, walking, acknowledging our humanity”
Walking is empowering
“As I begin my daily journey to work, I step outside my house and initially ponder how I am going to best enjoy my journey, again. I scan over the long queues of noisy grey mechanical vehicles as they disappear into the horizon, then I look down and see my two feet wriggling their toes in freedom and excitement holding their breath and hoping they would be chosen again as faithful stewards of the human lifestyle of "migration". They whisper, "trust me, I was made for this." I trust them. I walk. Upon my arrival, I am satisfied, once again.”
“Running past cars stuck in traffic jams, making my way home completely under my own power. Freedom and independence, reliant on nothing but my own mind and body to transport me from one place to another.”
“The sun is sneaking up over the horizon to nudge Rangitoto, and the air is cool and crisp. On Onewa the cars are already 'parked' in their queue and I'm so smug about the fact my walk is faster than their wait, I burst into a jog, trying to make it look easier than it feels. It does get easier, and soon the car fumes are replaced by crisp cut grass smells. It’s a beautiful morning, full of promise, and who knows what else the day holds –I’m set up and ready!”
“The top of my road, lungs sucking air,
Legs and feet crying despair.
G’day to others pacing the dawn,
Was that a reply a stifled yawn?
Then the shops and top of the rise,
Now downhill with audible sighs.
Few the cars this time of morn,
Cycles flash past in colourful swarm.
Now the view that warms me each day,
The sight of the harbour, boats in the bay.
Tree laden shores, grassy park,
Dogs off the lead, their joyous bark.
Soon at work with spirit high,
Mind full of the sights as I walked on by.”
Walking helps keep you fit and healthy
“While helping to minimise my carbon footprint walking to work also allows me to stay fit and healthy. So I know when at my desk that I have counteracted those 8 hours of sitting on my bum. It’s such an easy thing that benefits you and the world...I don’t know why everyone doesn’t do it!”
“February of 2008 I decided to get fit & challenge myself by walking to work everyday. I thought I would struggle as I was very unfit, but I was surprised by how easy and how enjoyable it was. I love my walks. I have been walking for just over a year now, even through the winter and in the rain. It really is the best way to start the day. I am a lot more relaxed now and I also feel younger. I would never have believed how amazing it makes you feel and I encourage everyone to do it.”
“I had a back pain and that was the moment I started to walk rather than driving my car. After few months, I rarely feel the back pain that hurts me so badly. How great! My happy life is back and will continue to walk till end of my life!”
Walking is fun
“The best fun I have had walking to work was last week when we had the storm warning. I walked to work that day and it wasn’t bad. Bit windy and no rain. Good. But the walk home! Yehaa! What fun. I had to fight to walk in a straight line and keep my footing as well. I think this is why people should get out more. You get to experience nature at its best. You feel alive and I had trouble stopping the smile on my face.”
Walking saves you money
“I was working in the city and spending $500/month on petrol and 7-8 hours a week driving to and from work. I quit and moved to a job closer to home and now I walk to and from work every day. My beer gut is gone AND I save $500 and 30 hours of sitting in traffic every month. Some weeks I don't even use the car any more and I don't miss it.”
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