HAWC issues walking challenge Published Jan. 20, 2011 By Nick Stubbs Thunderbolt Editor MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Walk your buns off. That's what the MacDill Health and Wellness Center is challenging the base population to do in its "New You" campaign, which is an invitation to base members to walk off excess flab and get fit. Participants will wear pedometers to measure their walking distance, with four levels of success and corresponding prizes for each level. The contest began Monday and will run through Feb. 28. Participants can sign up at the HAWC, located at the Short Fitness Center. Those taking the challenge will get a "New You" kit, including the pedometer, paper and electronic tracking resources and a diet plan. The kit allows participants to track their steps for six weeks. Once the total number of steps are collected and recorded, they can be turned in between March 1 and 15, complete a survey and collect prizes based on the level achieved. Level 1: Keep track of your steps at least five days a week for six weeks. Bring in your record and complete a short survey. Level 2: Level 1 plus walk at least 30,000 steps per week or 180,000 steps in six weeks. Level 3: Level 1 plus walk at least 50,000 steps per week or 300,000 steps in six weeks. Level 4: Level 1 plus walk at least 62,500 steps per week or 375,000 steps in six weeks Prizes for the four levels are as follows: Level 1: T-shirt Level 2: Level 1 plus a 64-ounce water bottle Level 3: Levels 1 and 2 plus a high-tech lunch tote with built-in freezer compartment Level 4: Levels 1, 2 and 3 plus a camouflage workout bag Call 828-4739 for more information.