We’re excited to introduce Gina, the third-place finisher in last year’s Sustainable Princeton Step Up Challenge! Gina shares what she did to walk into third place and win a pair of Goodr sunglasses from Fleet Feet Princeton. Now, as we gear up for this year’s Walk n’ Roll Challenge, which includes biking, we’re sharing her story to motivate even more residents to take part.
How She Won
Gina first heard about the challenge through our Project Manager, Lisa and the Sustainable Princeton newsletter. Despite being in the middle of training for a marathon, she recognized the challenge wasn’t just about running and that she was going to have to change her daily habits to break into the top three. “To be honest, marathon training helped a lot,” Gina says. “But I knew I couldn’t win just by running. I needed to do more walking.” So she made a conscious effort to swap car rides for steps.
Gina shared the ways she fit in more steps and had to rethink the default option of hopping in a car:
- Walking to and from work
- Bringing lunch to take mid-day walking breaks
- Doing errands by foot whenever possible
Keeping Her Eyes on the Prize
Thanks to her efforts, Gina secured third place in the challenge and received a pair of Goodr sunglasses.
“I won a pair of Goodr glasses that are well know for being sports sunglasses and I’ve worn them in multiple races and they really help shield my eyes,” she says.
A special thanks to Fleet Feet for sponsoring the prizes, which included sneakers, gear, and more! This years Walk n’ Roll Challenge will feature even more prizes from Fleet Feet, Road Maestro, Sourland Cycles, and Walk Bike Princeton.
Tracking Progress Made Easy
Participants tracked their steps through an app called Step Up which connects to smart phones or watches. “It was easy to use and great that you could see who recently uploaded,” Gina says. “We’re actually using it at work now too!”
Gina accumulated 510,555 steps over the length of the challenge!
But you don’t have to use a smartphone or watch to participate steps can also be submitted every week through a Google Form that particpants will receive once they sign up.
What’s New This Year: Bikers Welcome!
We’re thrilled to announce that biking is now part of the challenge! Whether you’re a commuter cyclist or a weekend errand pedaler, there’s a place for you in this year’s competition.
“We had a couple people at work say, ‘But I like to bike a lot!’ So I’m glad it’s included this time,” Gina adds.
There will also be more prizes thanks to Fleet Feet Princeton, Road Maestro, Sourland Cyclcs, and Walk Bike Princeton. Don’t forget to support Sustainable Princeton by walking or biking to Jammin’ Crepes with us all September long where you can Dine to Donate from 4-6 PM every day!
How to Participate!
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
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.
