We’re excited to introduce Arlen and Dan, the two first-place winners in last year’s Sustainable Princeton Walk ‘n Roll Challenge! Arlen shares what she did to walk into first place and win a pair of shoes from Fleet Feet Princeton. Dan was the first winner of the newly added biking category and won a bike tune-up from Road Maestro. As we gear up for this year’s Walk n’ Roll Challenge, we’re sharing their stories and helpful tips with all those looking to increase their steps and pedals this year!
Both Arlen and Dan were already big walkers and bikers. Arlen shared with us that she “averaged about 6.4 miles, or roughly 17,000 steps/day over the past year. Before I retired in 2020, I walked about 3 miles each way to/from work every day. Now I do as many errands as possible on foot, so most of my walks are to the shopping center or around town, or sometimes to my daughter’s house a couple of miles from mine.”
Dan said he bikes on Saturdays and Sundays and also used to bike to work. “I bike mainly in Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer, and Monmouth Counties,” he said.
Arlen shared some tips for walking: “If you can get there by foot, and you have time, go for it! Invest in comfortable footwear for all weather conditions. A lightweight backpack is great for running errands. If it’s hot and you’re going any distance, carry water. Unless I’m exploring new territory, I’ll always be listening to an audiobook (shoutout to the Princeton Public Library for its bottomless collection), with a single earbud in one ear and the other ear open to the outside world.”
Dan shared words of encouragement for prospective bikers: “Go out and do it! Don’t create barriers for yourself, travel a little further to some places that might be just as bike-friendly, [like] go to the Shore during September, the month of the challenge. It will still be warm with way less traffic.”
Congratulations again to Arlen and Dan and all of our Walk ‘n Roll participants!
Do you want to participate in this year’s Walk ‘n Roll Challenge?
Register to participate in Sustainable Princeton’s Walk ‘n Roll Challenge by filling out this form. You will then receive an email with full challenge instructions. We’ll send leaderboard updates weekly on Fridays to the email you provide. The challenge is free to participate.
Walkers Grand Prize: Outfitting Experience with Complimentary Shoes and Insoles (up to $225 value)
2nd place: Walking Safety Kit
3rd place: 1 Pair of Goodr Sunglasses
All above prizes donated by Fleet Feet Princeton
Bikers Grand Prize: Full bike tune-up from Road Maestro (a $95 value)
2nd Place: Bike Accessory Kit from Sourland Cycles
3rd Place: Walk Bike Princeton Headlight set
Weekly raffle – Locomotion
Week 1: 1 Month of Unlimited Membership ($149 value)
Week 2: 1 Month of Family Unlimited Membership ($189 value)
Week 3: 10 Class Pass for Group Classes ($250 value)
Week 4: 3 Personal Training Sessions ($375 value)
You must participate during the week to be entered to win!
Winners will be chosen by cumulative steps (walkers) or miles (bikers) counted throughout the month of September (September 1-28). Winners must live and/or work in Princeton, NJ.
